The Visa

So I have been in the US for the past month. I received a call after sending numerous emails to the consulate regarding the 6 month wait for my appointment at the consulate in New York. I was running out of time. I only had 46 days left on my passport to stay in Italy. I received a call back on Thursday that the consulate was adding a link to their website strictly for Elective Resident Visas. I went on the site and received an appointment on Friday morning for Monday (so I thought) at 9:40 am. Panicked, I quickly booked an airline ticket and arranged for a car to pick me up at 3:00am to get me to Milan for my flight. I arrived Saturday afternoon and immediately head to Ah Pizz for a drink! There was not a hotel to be had as the UN was in session. Luckily I stayed on a friends sofa. I get to New York Monday am only to find that the trains are running an hour late because of the UN. I finally arrive on 58th street and run 10 New York blocks to the consulate...My appointment was for Tuesday. Beyond frustrated and exhausted, I head to the closest diner to have a grilled cheese, fries and a screwdriver. $53.00! Gotta love New York. I returned on the correct day, Tuesday, with all my paperwork. The process was fairly simple. It was a little unnerving to hand over my passport. I was told I would receive the passport back in 1-2 weeks and the visa could take up to 90 days. I received my passport with my Visa in 10 days. YAY! One step closer to being a legal Italian resident. Upon my return to Lucca I have 8 days to get to the post office and secure the final document necessary.

After spending a week in Manhattan Beach, it's off to Thousand Oaks to spend time with the Kaplans. After a great day in their amazing pool, we had dinner at the Landing in Westlake. Great food and great company. Next day Simi Valley to see the Fam.

After a couple of days in Harrison, it's off to Manhattan Beach to stay with my brother and his family. We drove down to Baja and stayed overnight. Pete and Nikki surfed and I read, very relaxing. Back in Manhattan the weather was gloomy almost every day but one. However the sunsets are beautiful. Starting to miss Italy.

While is in the South Bay, I was able to spend time with great friends, Sheryl and Mel.