I think I might give myself an ulcer...

The worst thing about coming back from vacation... REALITY.

Why is it that there is always a heap of terrible, complicated, icky stuff waiting for you when you get home? I come home from Italy and get my wisdom teeth out two days later. If that's not bad enough, I find out that maybe my fun summer plans aren't going to work out so well after all. I had planned to fly to India on the 30th of June for an awesome internship with Infosys that would last until the 25th of August. Then, on the 31st of August, I would head to Paris. Dream on...

First, I need a Student Visa for France, which doesn't sound so bad, especially since I am a U.S. citizen. I mean, sure, Americans and French make fun of each other all the time, but we're friends, right?? Think American Revolution, Statue of Liberty, WWI/WWII... ?? But nooo, apparently when it comes to immigration France has no friends, and everyone outside the EU is a potential threat. First, I had to register online with CampusFrance, then send the application materials to the French Embassy in D.C. Then wait until CampusFrance processes my application. Only then can I actually begin to apply for the Visa at the consulate. And for that, I have to do a face-to-face interview, probably in French, which wouldn't be a problem if I wasn't so stressed out about everything and didn't have to leave for India at the end of the month (which, obviously, I would need a passport for). It's kind of ridiculous that getting a Work Visa to India is a one-day thing while getting a Student Visa to France is like being sucked into a black hole, with no chance of escape.

And on top of that, my school is being less than helpful. I sent them an e-mail just to keep them updated on my situation, and their reply was, more or less, "Don't even think about coming to France later because of a delayed Visa. That's unacceptable." What's more, I've just learned from another friend that the $60 application fee is actually $120! Our school told us $60, so I sent $60.

Oh, and one more thing: assuming I actually get to Paris by some miracle or another, once there I will have to present an original copy [note: wtf is an "original copy"? isn't that an oxymoron??] of my birth certificate, despite the fact that China doesn't really issue birth certificates. Otherwise I get deported! great...

I should have just stayed in Italy.