I wish I was a bird...

Then I could fly on my own. I won't need a plane or a boarding pass. I could certainly bypass the visa requirements and security checks.

I would not have to deal with unnecessary and cumbersome regulations. Stifling laws and changing policies would not ground me. 

Too chunky?

Alas I am not a bird. And we are in the middle of a pandemic...which is not going away anywhere for a long time. So here I am, in spite of doing all the things I thought I had to do, still grounded.

On Sunday, December 19, 2021, after Paul dropped me at the airport and I had been in the check-your-bags line for an hour, some official checked my passport/visa only to tell me that my visa is no longer valid. I could not fly home to see my mom.

Me: I have a multiple entry visa that is valid till 2026.

Official: All those visas have been suspended.

Me: What can I do?
Official: You have to apply for an e-visa. You could get it in two days if you hurry and fly out on Wednesday. Of course there will be charges.
Me: I understand there will be visa application fees.
Official: Yes, but also flight rescheduling charges.

Fighting tears and suppressing rising sobs, I called Paul to pick me up.  Then I called mom to cancel the taxi she had ordered to pick me up from the New Delhi airport. 

Once home, I called the airline to reschedule the flight for the following Sunday, adding few days to be on the safe side.  While on hold I navigated to the e-visa application site and began filling out the online form. While I heard Covid safety guidelines on the phone in a loop, the e-visa site rejected my application because my passport validity was less than six months.

Forget the visa and the flight, I must apply for Passport renewal first. Of course rapid services are available by telephone appointments only - Monday to Friday, 8:00AM to who the hell cares by now!!!

Even if I got a rapid passport renewal, followed by a rapid e-visa, and a rescheduled flight (with charges of course), will all those things come together magically by Sunday?  Further, I would have to adjust my return date too, which had its own ramifications for work. 

It was still mid-morning and Paul was taking a necessary nap after two unnecessary airport trips. 

In that moment, I felt alone and wept. If only I was a bird...

Too flat?

Adding insult to injury, the airline kept me on hold so long that the call timed out. THRICE!!!  Finally, Expedia called confirming the cancellation and refund minus cancellation charges. It may take 8-12 weeks, she added. But I bought Travel Protection, I insisted. I should not have to pay cancellation charges. The Expedia representative was kind and supportive. She suggested that I reach out to the Travel Protection agency to file a claim against cancellation charges.  

That was Sundaze. Welcome to Mondoom.

On Monday, I tried to make an appointment for an expedited passport renewal. 

Agent: When are you traveling?

Me: As soon as I can after my passport is renewed and I can get a visa.

Agent: I need an itinerary number, confirmation number or ticket number.

Me: But how can I book my flight if I don't have a valid passport or a visa.

Agent: Those are the rules ma'am. Please call us back once you have a booking.

So I make a booking, buy travel protection, cross my fingers (and toes) and call back, all in the next 20 minutes.

Agent: When are you traveling?

Me: December 28, 2021

Agent: I need an itinerary number, confirmation number or ticket number.

I do as asked.

Agent: The next available appointment is January 3, 2021.

DAFUQ!!!

It took me two hours to cancel the just-booked December 28, 2021 flight.  

Eventually I accepted the fact that the universe did not want me to travel to India at this time.  

Why could I not be a bird?

I like this color

Paul: You should unpack, babe.

Me: That is difficult - like taking apart my dreams

Paul: Then just take out the cake and cookies.

Tuesdough!!! 

I eat too many cookies.

Wednesduh :-(

I go to CVS for a new passport picture.  

The first one was horrible - I looked murderous. 

I tried to barely smile in the second one. It was barely acceptable. 

I showed it to Paul. He laughed. 

Paul: You look pissed but trying to hide it.

Me: You know me so well.

Paul: So what is next?

Me: I apply for passport renewal tomorrow.

Paul: Perfect. That's my girl.

Me: I love you.

Paul: I love you too.

Fly home, little birds

And here I am Thursday morning... writing this blogpost.   Thank you to everyone who wished me safe travels and a fun trip. I wish you an "uneventful" holiday season and a happy new year.