Bureaucracy in Cerebon

Today's adventure was to go to the immigration office in Cirebon. It seems that each major city has their own immigration office, and I needed to register with them. Prior to me going today one of the office staff, a lovely young lady by the name of Uley, took all the paper. So today was to be a quick visit.........oh, but it was not to be.

After sitting in an area that reminded me of the Department of Motor Vehicle waiting room, I was called back to have my photo and finger prints taken for my immigration card. I don't think they have encountered anyone as tall as me - so it took three people to rearrange the camera. The camera was connected to the computer - and for some reason my eyes were not coming up on the screen. They rearranged me, the chair, the camera, and tried again. This went on for twenty minutes. Finally they were satified and my next task was to get fingerprinted. This little device was also connected to the computer. Low and behold, some fingers just wouldn't cooperate, so they grabbed them and dipped them in water...finally I was to sign the electronic plate. Whatever I pushed, touched, or prodded, caused the photo and all the fingerprints to vanish! I'm not sure what they were saying - but I could only imagine....We did it again, and again,- five times total because there was an error in the computer and it wouldn't process my information. The fifth time was a charm, and then it was off to sign documents- not one word did I understand. After that we were finished - and informed that we could come back on Monday to get all my documentation. I also found out that when I leave for Christmas holiday (I'm going to Australia and meet up with my daughter), that I need an exit visa. Regina suggested I go three weeks before I'm leaving so I can get the exit visa.



The teachers are now officially on holiday - they have off until July 1st- that's it. I am at the school, since I can't get internet access at my house, and for a change of scenery. Since my American teacher, Anna, left to visit her fiance (he is a musician, and is practicing in a rice paddy about five hours from here) I braved the street vendor by myself. He smiled as he saw me coming (which I took as a good thing) I pointed and he put in the large leaf, my choices. Then he already knew to add to spoonfuls of spicy chilis- apparently most foreigners don't enjoy the spicy food - so they are tickled to see me eat it.

Having just finished lunch I headed back to the classroom and the principal called me to see if I wanted to go to lunch with her and her family. I went to enjoy their company since I had already eaten. We went to a pizza place where they put hot sauce on the cheese pizza. Along with the pizza the children had pasta. Tasha, their lovely daughter said that she loves pizza the best!

Thank you for all who are sending me posts, and emails. I really appreciate the contact from home.