Going to Disneyland

That's what it was like today as I got to go to the main consulate building for the first time. Oh boy!

The FCS (Foreign Commercial Service) division has two drivers for official use, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. One of them took my boss and I over to the main building, where after a security check we were let on post.

There's only one word that can describe the consulate grounds: palacial. After driving past a big lawn, our driver dropped us off in front of the COB building (no one knows what that stands for), and we walked up the stairs.

We passed through the marine guard and walked into the main reception room. A big blue carpet with the Great Seal of the United States was the first thing you notice, followed by pictures of all the ambassadors on the left and the chief executive on the right.

And then there was a problem. We were announced to the RSO (regional security officer), who responded with a slow "oooh." He then informed us that the person who normally works the security badge machine was out. Although she had emailed us only yesterday, that had been from home, and she was not yet recovered from an illness. And having only been at post for a month, the RSO didn't know how to work it the machine.

He asked us to come back tomorrow when she might be in. Frustrating, but that's State, I was told later.

It was also a bit humiliating to have to explain to him all the benefits that I'm denied because I'm under the Commerce Department rather than the State Department. I don't get housed with consulate staff (in fact, no one in FCS is provided housing), I don't get a diplomatic visa (and not even cultural exchange, just tourist), and I don't get health insurance (covered only by my school's program). All of this was news to him, especially the part about the visa issue.

So the good news is: I might get to come back to Disneyland again tomorrow, but since my first day of fun was ruined, I'm not really looking forward to it as much.