I join Dave in thanking you for reading and commenting. And I'm very glad you took the time to lay out your opinion on my piece.

I wrote this story for the purpose of illustrating an experience where I made many wrong moves, put myself into a difficult position, and had to work every angle in order to get myself out of it. The extreme lack of money, the hunger and sleep deprivation, the fast-approaching flight to a stressful country…these are all present to give you (the reader) an idea of how this visa issue was exacerbated and my mood turned grim. I wrote this during the occurrence, not after…which is why it's so accusative. I wanted you to be there with me and feel the pressures of the obstacle.

The USA certainly puts its tourists through the wringer, and every time I fly back into the States, I'm appreciative of my citizenship. And the main reason I've never been able to live out my dreams of a Florentine lifestyle is due to the visa rules. This story wasn't written to imply every other country makes it a breeze. If only we could be where we desired without all the hoops, but as lovely as global citizenship sounds, it doesn't seem like a plausible or fantastic solution to all these obstacles.

The high commissioner that issued the visa and the receptionist were the first to receive my showers of admiration. I think I may have told them I'd buy them a beer and name my babies after them…no one can be quite sure. Needless to say, this experience impressed the importance of working with the system and not trying to be “above it.” This was quite the travel and personal lesson.

So thanks again for commenting. I appreciate you laying it out, and I hope you keep reading!

Lindsay

After meeting so many travelers abroad in the last two years, I learned just how difficult and frustrating it can be to travel to my own country, the USA!

I know Lindsay's traveling once again, however hopefully she'll be able to reply herself to your comments.

Contrast this with the US embassies – It is ABSOLUTELY impossible to get a visa from a country other than one where you currently reside. In India this can take anywhere from 15 days up to 3 months (as of last year – personal experience).

The visa to European countries (Schengen) is only granted up to a maximum of 3 months before you intend to visit Europe. And this one too can only be taken from your own country of residence.

My point is – all countries have rules, though some are more accommodating than others. And what you need to understand is that the rules have been bent for you, but the very reason you should be thankful to Indian bureaucracy is the reason you hate them!?

Animesh