My empire for an ipod

Can't get enough of Sol y Sombra by the Cat Empire. Currently don't know how I will get through the next 18 hours of flight related activities without listening to it once. I am trying to flood my system by listening to it a many times as possible in a row. In fact I'm having major withdrawal symptoms for the whole two-shoes album. Must buy an ipod-like device.....

The world revolves around America #2

Let me see. I have an expense. I want to claim it. I go to the expenses system and enter the details. EXPENSE NOT ALLOWED.
Why?
Well apparently today's date is not valid. Because the sun has not risen yet in the good ole Land of the Free, apparently today does not exist yet. So I guess the whole world waits until that continent (which happens to be the last land mass before the date line) gets around to it. hmmmm

The world revolves around America #1

When you claim $800 AUD via internet expenses system and you declare the de-imbursement currency as AUD you would think they would re-imburse you $800 AUD. But no. You get $791.50 AUD. Apparently they are doing some kind of currency exchange OUT OF AND BACK INTO Australian dollars at what is probably slightly different rates. Nice chance to write a subtly angry and sarcastic email and see if they detect said sarcasm and anger.

Alcohol worship?

I am dealing with two chicks who are my destination services consultants for my relocation. One is called Sherri (with an 'i') and the other is Brandi (also with an 'i). They sure love naming their females after alcoholic drinks. Resolve to meet at least one chardonnay, whiski, ginni or rummi while I am here.

Have Visa will travel

The lovely people at the US Consulate got my Visa to me in one working day. Wow. For that i'll even forgive them for sticking the visa on a random page in the middle of the passport (what's wrong with the first blank page???)

Booked tix today for the 18th May. Now I am panicking. Spent all day attempting to claim for all the money that they owe me...

Can't even bring a pen. (My Trip to the US Consulate)

Last Friday. Got up at 6:00. Yes 6:00 to make it on the train to the US consulate on lovely St Kilda Road at 8:30 am. My fault for booking so early but I like to be first off the bat with any kind of appointment - there's less chance of being delayed by people in front of you if there is no-one in front of you. Same goes for doctors appointments etc...

Anyway- despite joking that I probably shouldn't wear a belt or anything, I didn't follow my own advice and wore one. Guess what happened? Had to take off my watch, belt, jacket (zipper) change, wallet before I could get through the bloody detector. And then I had my pen confiscated. I was sure for things like this they would appreciate it if you bring your own pen. Makes it look like you're organised or something.

Sat for 20 mins in the waiting room while they played an hillarious video about all the new entry policies fingerprinting/documents etc. I figure that their aim is that by waying you down with so much paperwork, you won't be able to fit a bomb in your luggage without violating your airline weight allowance. Amongst the golden moments of hypocrisy were:
1. "This is part of our new safe-borders / open door policy"
2. After explaining all the documents and photos and fingerscanning, we were told it was to "enhance our privacy" I kid you not.

Actual "Interview" was easy not one question. Just watched while the dude stapled my documents together and then proceded to inform me as to why I couldn't have the visa today.
Despite phoning the consulate the week before to confirm the fees I have to pay, it turns out I had to pay another $650 anti-fraud fee (the whole other fees only totalled $260). My only consolation was that he got nicely ruffled when I related that I had been told I didn't need to pay.

I'm not paying for this but if I wanted the visa ASAP I had to pay it that day. SO-it was off to the Austin Hospital (nearest PO) to get a money order which was the only payment they would accept. EPTPOS apparently is unknown.
Got to the Austin, there is a queue 12 people long at the PO counter. When I get to third in the queue, the little printer breaks down at the console and I have wait a further 10 mins while the dude tries to fix it. Finally get MO back to the consulate. Exhausted.

Things that are sucky about America #1

Letter size paper and Legal size paper. Legal is shorter and wider than A4 (which happens to be an international standard) so it doesn't fit into folders etc. Pain in the ***.