The Long, Dreary Wait

Wow. So. Here I am. Still in good old Sydney. What a shame.

So I mailed my application to the Slovenian embassy in Canberra the same day that I had posted my last blog. Sure enough, they received it the next day (Good old express post). From here, matters were out of my own hands.

First, my documents needed to be translated. Not a problem. One week rolls by and I ask how the process is going. Well, they assured me that they had finished translating the documents and slipped me the bill. Wonderful, we have progress! Now, how much longer until I get my permit?

Soon. Another week rolls by and no answer. So I call again and ask what's the story. No need to worry, it will take a little longer but the documents have been sent. Alrighty then.

Three weeks after mailing my application I ring again asking. Oops, the woman in charge of my process is not in today! She's on holidays. Well, what can you do? Wait another week of course..

And round rolls by another week before I get a call back. Splendid. Let's hear the good news..

"Sorry it has taken so long Aleks. I've been keeping in touch with my correspondents over there. I'm going to need you to come to Canberra for me so we can get fingerprints taken and that I can sight your passport."

Of course. Whatever is needed. After this, how much sooner until my permit arrives?

"Very soon. Can we schedule you in for next week?"

Oh my. We're biding time now. And sure enough, next week I was on my way to Canberra. Thank you dad for giving me a lift down there. Until I had yet another phone call from the embassy. And what a disappointing phone call it was..

"I'm sorry Aleks but our computers are not working at the moment, so we cannot take your fingerprints at this time. We will have to call you back."

What could I do? Nothing. Might as well continue on to Canberra where we were already half-way there.

And could you believe we have now passed the six weeks mark and I've still not gotten my permit?

Yes. I'm letting off some steam right now and I'm very frustrated and impatient right now. Partly due to not having my permit at the moment but mostly because of the uncertainty about it. It's incredible how long it's taken and I'm very disappointed right now since I've wasted at least half my holiday time here in Sydney. With nothing to do.

All I can say at the moment is I'm only waiting for yet another phone call (I visited this Tuesday to have my fingerprints taken and yes, I asked when I would be getting my permit with no direct answer). This process is one of the slowest I've ever experienced. My hat goes off to those with the patience and dedication to travel. It really is a stressful process.


It's not hit me yet. I'm not excited. The thought hasn't come to me yet. I'm going to be in Europe. "Soon". It just hasn't settled in yet. Being completely on my own, separated from my support network, family and friends. And it's not that I have mixed feelings about it. I just have none for now.

I'd say its the uncertainty though. There's no countdown. There's nothing to throw it into perspective. Maybe I'm putting too much thought into the matter of getting my permit. Too much stressing. But I'm pretty sure I'll have a different take on things once the paperwork is sorted. In fact, I know I will.

All in good time..