When China Called: Antecedent Part 3
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This was one of seldom presented opportunities to push my feet beyond what others would've allowed themselves to on most days, myself included. So, I cleared the coffee table, stacked a few scrap papers, and, as if my life counted on it, charted a walking path around National Mall, not leaving a single monument unattended to. I even, strategically, planned a lunch stop!
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| Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Photo Credit: Mohamed Hakim |
couldn't possibly go to D.C. and not at least pass by a money progenitor, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. It took time, especially because I attempted, successfully, to navigate ongoing construction, two zones to be precise. I did eventually make it around the Tidal Basin. At the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, I was surprised by a massive group of visitors, supposedly Chinese, counting on the few classes I took through verbling here.
If you're ever at the Roosevelt Memorial, by the way, take note of the words on the walls. They're intriguing.
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| Lincoln Memorial, Photo Credit: Mohamed Hakim |
I can't say the trip was exactly perfect. I wasn't able to enter the Library of Congress that day. Jokingly, I blame National Treasure, the movie series, for feeling that way. The library was closed for Sundays.
The highlight? Definitely the Capitol building. All the other sightseeing spots, including the Einstein Statue (who knew, right!?), did not quite measure up to this one. The building was so shiny! Almost breathtaking that one.
After, roughly, six hours of, mostly, continuous treading I retired to a three star hotel, forever, positively, changing my opinion on Hyatt Place hotels. Though to be fair, not all their hotels are this nice. Check-in was straight forward, layout was intuitive, and the room was clean with a welcoming, slightly, chill temperature. The location was convenient since it is close to the national mall, but there aren't many restaurants open in the evening hours within walking distance, I went to McDonald's. The, LEED certified, office building across the street from the hotel looked cool when the windows changed angles, at least until I realized it's the Department of Forensic Sciences!
The following day, bright and early, I headed to the embassy. I thought I was early... I was not. Hordes of people were there ahead of me. Wait in line, check, go through security check point, check, get a number for visa applications, check, and then I waited close to three hours... non-Chinese you ask? Some, not many. The most interesting part of the application is the photo size. I say interesting because instant photo providers in my area were unable to produce a photo that meets the application requirements. As far as I know, 48x33mm size photos are not commonly available in the U.S.. I cannot recommend a workaround to the 51x51mm photo size conundrum, but I can say that my proxy, agent, was able to push the application through.
It is important to closely follow the instructions provided on the embassy's website, including for example having a typed-up application form.
A few days later I get an email from the agency. A sigh of relief makes its way out my mouth. I needn't make another trip to D.C., and I was benevolently granted access to the People's Republic of China.
