Getting Ready

Wow.....getting into Brazil wasn't as easy as I thought it would be.  All travellers to that country require an entrance VISA and let me tell you they want to know everything about you!!!!

  Who you are, why you're going, where you work, where are you staying, why are you staying there, what's your shoe size, your dog's name, your favourite colour (answer green and yellow), your favourite sport, (answer soccer), your favourite country, (don't say Argentina....that brings on an instant rejection)

  Ok, perhaps not that bad but they do want to make sure you are who you are. Be prepared to shell out $85 and fill out a whole lotta paper work and if you want your application done fast then you are advised to hand it in personally at the Brazilian consulate which is in the heart of Vancouver on the 450th floor of a skyscraper. I took the stairs....it's good for me.

  However....they only take applications from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., which I was not aware of. I arrived at 11:07 and was greeted by two large glass doors and a sign that I think said "GET LOST" in Portuguese. The small black haired lady on the other side behind the counter looked very angry, probably not amused at the person on the other side banging his fists on the door to be let in.  She finally opened the door and spat out "You go away....we not here".  After pleading my case she finally said to come back at 2:00, which I did, only to find the waiting lounge packed with 50 other people......sigh.....

  I nervously waited my turn......the small lady and I made eye contact a few times and she had a scowl on her face. I was very scared of this woman. Not only was she my only chance to get into Brazil, but she could probably take me down in under 5 seconds if I was missing information.  I had all in order but don't remember the trip back home.....I still dream about her.

2 weeks later my travel Visa arrived!