Honorary Consul Visit: Fresno

Finally, after the crazy-making stacks of paperwork had finally been completed, we got to drive down to Fresno to submit the paperwork to an honorary consul. Fresno. I know. Luckily we had an early morning appointment in Fresno so we didn't bake to death in the heat....when we told the barista at the coffee shop that we visited that morning that we were from really northern California---where it was cooler---he said "Ohhhh, that's why you guys are so chill. Everyone here has been going crazy from the heat!" We definitely struggled to suppress a laugh with that one. Anyway, I have to admit that I was a teensy bit nervous going into the appointment---we had spent over a month getting ready, and I was really hoping that we had everything that we needed. Plus, the appointment was in one of those really fancy law offices, with gold vases and marble countertops and such...a little intimidating. So, it was much to our relief and surprise when the honorary consul stepped out of his office in shorts and bare feet, apologizing for his "casual Saturday" attire. The appointment went without a hitch, and I am proud to say that if everything goes well, the paperwork that we submitted should have already been mailed to the San Francisco Italian Consulate, and if my application is approved, my passport with an Italian visa should arrive back to me in several weeks! Every step that gets checked off of the list just gets me closer and closer to Italy, and I am getting more excited with every little milestone!