Monday after the game started what is easily the low point of my trip so far. Getting my visa for India. My planning so far has been, to be honest PERFECT! No hitches, no major issues. I planned on getting my visa in Berlin based on the information posted on the website for the Embassy of India in Berlin, which clearly states that American citizens can receive a tourist visa on the same day for an additional charge.

I show up with 4 days to spare before my trip to Delhi, and was SHOCKED to hear that the Berlin Embassy would need to request permission from the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, and that it would take 5 DAYS!!!!


I spent 2 full days at the embassy arguing with the un-sympathetic SOB behind the counter, and demanding to speak with his boss. It is the procedure sir?c.I fully understand the procedure, but had I known, I would have planned differently.

I sent flame mails, I spent three hours on the phone with the Embassy in DC to no avail. My departure date came, and I was forced to cancel my trip to India. I am still in the middle of my crisis trying to figure out if I can actually get home!

At the end of the day, I got my passport back, handed the guy behind the counter a print out from his website, and asked to take a good look at me and try to remember my name, and that when he goes to sleep at night, think about the fact that he COULD have helped me, but chose not to. All he had to do was pick up the phone and call his counter part in DC.

My belief that all people are inherently good has been seriously challenged.

Then I saw the news about the bombings in India. Someone has sent me a sign, and I will listen. I am a huge believer in Karma, which is a big part of the Hindu religion and states that everything happens for a reason, with a cause and effect for everything be it an act, thought or event. My visa did not get granted for some reason that I will not dwell on, but I look forward to the next adventure!

I will remain in Europe trying to plan my trip and figure out where to go for the next month.

I know that no one will feel sympathy for my situation, and I agree, this is not a bad problem to have. And hey, I said it before, and I will say it again, I COULD BE WORKING!!!!

Stay tuned!