US Embassy

So today I had my appointment at the US embassy in London. It was a very early start! I was up at 6am so I was able to make it to the embassy for around 7.30am for my 8am appointment. The queue was already quite long when I arrived. I had all my paperwork checked and then had to wait in another line to have my bag x-rayed & walk through the metal detectors. After that I walked around to the side of the embassy & to a desk where I had to present my paperwork once again & I was given a number. I walked into what I can only describe as an airport lounge and kept checking the big television screens to see when my number was called. Once it was called I went to the assigned window & had my fingerprints scanned & presented my paperwork. I was then told to go and sit back down while my visa was processed & to wait to be called to my interview. After around 25 minutes I was called to another window. I was asked why I was going to the US & told the officer it was so I could participate in the Cultural Representative Programme in Walt Disney World. She asked what that was & I explained. I still can’t believe how lucky I am to be representing the United Kingdom! She got rather excited. She then asked how long I was planning to stay in the United States, typed into the computer, told me it was all complete & that she hoped I had a great time.

I then went and paid the £14.80 for my passport to be sent back to me once the visa has been stamped & then exited the embassy.

& that was it! I couldn’t believe it, all that stress & worrying for nothing. Sure, the officers standing with guns outside the embassy were a little intimidating, and the Americans can be a little picky about the way they want everything - but all in all it was pretty simple - shocking right???

So I’m now sat on the train on my way home as I have work later tonight. I’ve had a fun two days in London with mum. We spent most of yesterday shopping - I didn’t spend a penny in Roxy - can you believe that??? & browsing Covent Garden - & most of today actually. It was nice to be out in the sun - but especially nice to be out with my mum. :)