Papa Smurf's Big Adventure

I have been having my local national friend working on getting me a new Visa. He had his father working the process at the Ministry of Interior -- passport office today. His father called and said that the MOI official wanted to see me to make sure I was who I said I was. So off I went to the MOI with my interpretor. We got there and there was a line way out the door -- probably 20 people waiting. I was told to go to the front of the line. I could tell the people in line didn't like that idea, but worked my way through the line in full battle rattle. Got inside and the guy said my request was for a 1 month Visa not 6 months. He said I had to go to the Ministry of Finance and have it corrected. So off we went in a taxi and walking the last part because taxis can go down some streets. You should have seen the people look at me. You don't normally see Americans walking down the street without security. Anyway when we got to the MOF they said I had to start the paperwork all over again since the first request said I wanted a one month Visa and they couldn't change it even though it was theri error. So I will start the process all over agian. So we walked back to the Camp Eggers. Boy was I tired after walking around in 60 lb battle rattle in 70 degree heat. But arrived safe and sound no worse for the wear. Needless to say I don't plan on doing that again.