Chinese Visa

'You only need to get one visa' said Belle at the travel centre where we booked our flights, 'just the Chinese one or you wont be let in'. No problemo we thought as we skipped out of the door, itineraries in hands. 'Go one lunch break innit' suggested Ric.

It's no coincidence that after two months and with less than a fortnight to go, we've got our travel insurance, rail passes, hostels, Aussie passports/visas, storage, jabs and just about everything else sorted but have yet to go to the Chinese Embassy.

A friend warned me the queues could be long and that it's best to get there early. Doors shut at midday too. Another said that as a hard-up student, they were once paid to queue for a friend, but never would again, it took so long. Then my Aunt told me there is just one single hatch for all at the end of a long carpeted Edwardian room (how very eclectic). Then there are the couriers working on behalf of agents who each hand in about 30 passports at a time! THEN of course there are the Beijing Olympics coming up in the Summer resulting in uncharacteristic numbers of applicants - we could be queuing for hours and then again to pick the wretched things up if we don't opt for the same day service! I can't take time off work as it's a one woman show at the agency and Ric is reluctant because he loses the most cash.

The Australians know how to do it. Fill out an online form - bam - job done!

Tomorrow however, we must try, else we ain't going to China. The plan is for me to cycle in at 6am and queue until 8.30 when Ric will take over. You never know, it could be quite jolly especially if I take a book, listen to some music or find some other form of distraction. If only there was a 360 degree twisting roller coaster at the end of the line.

Here's a funny Weekly Gripe about the British and queuing.

To be continued....