After a long hiatus from writing, I figured I start back up from out of the country. Yes, I am once again in lovely Tijuana, Mexico. This place has definitely grown on me; I wish I spoke Spanish because it would make it even better.
Each visit to TJ has brought some incredible adventures (see blog posts from September). I was hoping for a much smoother trip since I am better prepared from my last visit, however, it was not to be. I walked across the border like I did the last time. Surprisingly this time, the armed guards didn’t stop me and look through my bags; might have been my cool shades, I don’t know. I did, however, get stopped by two young people, who were looking through some other guy’s bag. Apparently I am supposed to press a button on a contraption that looked like a traffic light so it would go from red to green before they let me walk by. Quite strange; oh well, at least they didn’t open my bags.
Having done this the last time, I walked confidently to the taxi stand and got into a cab. So far so good. Along the way to the hotel, my two cell phones got text updates informing me that I was now roaming and what my charges were going to be. I checked the messages and I put my personal phone back into my pocket and decided to put my work phone into my backpack. When I got to my room at the hotel and started unpacking, I realized I didn’t have my work cell phone anywhere. This was not how I planned to start the trip but my adventures in TJ kicked in.
After spending a few minutes getting settled in (unpacking, checking emails, voicemails), I went down to the lobby and asked if they could help me call the cab company to find out if the driver might have found my phone. A few calls were made and some time past and still nothing. I decided to call my co-worker Rick and ask for him to initiate a cancellation on my number so no one could use the line. Then a little while after I was informed that they had managed to find my phone.
A few hours later, I got a call on my personal cell from the cab company saying a driver had brought the phone by the hotel and no one knew how to get a hold of me. Long story short, I paid to have the driver bring it back one more time and I was personally at the lobby to meet him. The strangest part about it was my phone was powered down; not sure who “found” the phone or why they powered it down. I am thankful to get it back nonetheless.
That’s was enough fun for one day; I worked a little from my room and then chilled in the evening before hitting the sack. I had a morning appointment at the US Consulate here to renew my visa.
The guys at the Marriott are really nice and this morning I got a free shuttle to the consulate which saved me trying to communicate in Spanish to a cab driver and having to pay as well.
I was quite excited albeit a little concerned still about how quick things were moving along at the consulate. On my last visit, the first part of my renewal process took place within an hour and then I had to wait 4 hours for my next interview in which they told me I had to extend my stay. This time it was clicking away and the wait wasn’t too long. I got to my visa interview slightly after 2 hours of being there and it sounded like it was going to be a breeze. Then the officer asked me to sit and wait for 30-40 minutes while they verified some details on my renewal. That wait turned out to be about an hour. My name was called over the loud speaker and I went over to the counter. I was then told they were still needing more time to research some details and I was going to get temporary pass to leave the consulate to grab lunch and return after 2 hours.
I left and walked a couple of blocks to the mall and grab some lunch, then I started my trek back to the consulate. Went through security again and then found a place to sit where I was highly visible to my officer. After an hour of waiting, one of the lobby attendants, who obviously had seen me wait all day, came over to ask me what I was waiting on. I told him about it and he went into the office to inform the officer I was still waiting patiently.
Another hour went by and my name is called again. I go over to the counter and this time they had a “quiz” for me. They wanted to know in detail what I did and then who my customers were. It was definitely a strange question and one I never in 10 years had to answer. I rattled off some our major customers but I missed one that was a big client but based in SF. So I was given some hints and I provided the detail. All day long, this is what they have been researching, our customers info. I am not sure how they got all these details but that was an interesting twist. I was then told I passed the test and my visa was approved. Thank the Lord!
Hopefully, tomorrow will be smooth and I will be able to cross the border in a timely fashion and in time to catch the last flight out of San Diego so I can make it home. It is incredible how each visit here (my 3rd now) has very unique adventures of its own. I can never predict and fully prepare for but I am grateful that I am not having to extend my stay over the weekend.
Side note, on my way to the hotel yesterday, I saw something that moved me. There was a young mother, baby swaddled in arm, out on a hot afternoon, at an intersection waiting on cars to stop so she can try and sell them flowers. I wished I knew her back story and what I could have done to help (besides buy flowers). I was reminded about how blessed I am.
Until my next adventure…peace!
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