Adventures in Wellington
Last week Damien and I went on a little trip to Wellington for a few days, as a chance to reboot the batteries, but also to sort out my passport application. The weather in Wellington was less than desirable, but that is to be expected with a combination of it being Wellington and being winter! So we checked into our hotel and then went for a little wander for the rest of the afternoon. The next day, we went to the Australian High Commission - and it was a rather fun-filled day! We decided to tempt fate and travel via the Wellington transport system, and suprisingly, we were able to not get lost and catch the right bus, which dropped us at the bottom of the hill. Walking up Hobson Street to the High Commission we were in abssolute hysterics...it was clearly recycling collection day, but it would have been more accurate to say that it was booze-bottle collection day! The only recycling that was out was wine and beer bottles gallore - not a single food jar, tin or milk bottle to be seen! It really was highly amusing at the time!
I know that the High Commision has to have a high level of security, but I have never been been through so much screening in my life! And that was after actually getting into the building! The most amusing part about the screening -the first check we went through we were greeted by an indian; the second point was a polynesian; and then another Indian. And when I finally got to the counter to lodge my application, I was greeted by a South African. Not a single Australian in sight - I know that it's not necessary for emplyees to be Australian, but it was amusing!
Long story short, the whole point of going to Wellington was because I was required to have a personal interview due to changing from a child's passport to an adult's passport. Rather annoyingly, no interview eventuated - I merely handed my application and my money to the nice South African lady, and that was it. The whole process from beginning to end lasted no longer than 5mins. I have to admit, I was a little annoyed that I didn't have the interview, seems I had spoken to numerous people who were adamant that I had to lodge my application in person, so had to book flights and accomodation. Adds up to a rather expensive 5mins!
Nevertheless the 'holiday' was lovely and it was nice to get away for a while. And, rather impressively, my new passport arrived in the mail only 3 days after lodging the application. Which means...mine and Damien's holiday to Mebourne in just over 6weeks is all go! YAY!!!
