You know when you are having a date or an important appointment you get these annoying cramps in your tummy...my gut was twitching every 2 minutes not to mention how many pimples popped out on my face prior the interview date! Grrr I hate that feeling I knew I was going to do well during the interview but still had that feeling of the flat refusal. I can't recall how many pieces of gum I've chewed that day to control my nerve, oh when marsho get nervous she loses her temper as well. I know that is a bad habit I should get rid off ; P.
My interview was set at 10:00 am so I called the escort to wait me at 8:30 am at the gate. My brother-in-law and I left the house at 7:30 to get earlier there just in case. But what a bad day as we drove we found out that all roads were blocked!! Oh my God! My interview! That bad feeling were about to become true! I won't get the VISA!!!! I was controlling myself but the time was passing and when I looked at my watch it was 9:10 ohhh nooo. Lots of students and workers left their vehicles and walked to their places...at that time we were stuck we couldn't go back or move either, we stuck in the middle. Ok, I couldn't take it anymore I told my bro I have to walk to the gate! Are you crazy? You don't know Baghdad and the roads, how come you want to walk? He said. I told him there is no other way, I will take this chance. He gave me the directions and what to do. I left the car.
Knowing that my interview will take place in the new American Embassy, hearing about the high class people who used to work there I decided to look fancy and stylish. I wore my fancy red shirt, black pants and a high heel shoes. Though I am not used to walk a far cry with a high heel but I had no choice. I was praying and praying, the good thing is that the streets were crowded and not empty, so I felt kind of safe. But I heard so many flirts that my ears couldn't bear. What ever, I ignored every thing around me but my eyes on the road and the suspension bridge. The time I got there I couldn't feel my legs and feet, I walked so fast just like the army, hehe... Thank God my escort was waiting, it was 9:30. He told me to take it easy and take a deep breath there is nothing to fear of! Long story short, I got there at the new embassy and was searched as usual. There were few families waiting their turn to be interviewed. I handed my passport and the medical tests result to the embassy employee, he told me to wait until I hear my voice through the microphone.
The malicious cramps came back especially when I saw the council and how he was investigating those families...the interview took each family 40 minutes to finish. I waited for about 1 hour and finally my name was called! The council was so gentle and polite, he welcomed me and took my finger prints after 5 minutes of chit-chats he thanked me and said: your passport will stay with us and you can get it after 4 days with the visa. I was speechless and happy...I thanked him and went out. Yes!!! At that moment the first person came on my mind was dad! I said oh no!! he will get sad because he will no for sure that I am leaving this time...oh Jesus.
The escort took me to the gate and left. I was kind of confused I looked around me all the way but: I realized that I am in different area and different way out not the one I came from...Oh I go lost. I was left at Al-Huriya square. There were no people only cars. Didn't want to scare my self I kept praying and then called my bro, he told me not to fear and gave me some directions that he can find me at.. Oh not again...walking?? I kept walking and walking...Until I got close to a hospital I stayed there and waited for my bro or my father-in-law to come and pick me up. The time was passing and the sun started to get vertically above my head. Not to mention how many vehicles beeped and how many words I heard!! I hate that, is it only Iraqis do that or any other men in the world?
While I was striving, three shaded-glasses SUV's stopped where I was standing; there were Turkish flags on each one. The first SUV, slowed down and the glass went down. One of the Turkish body guards smiled and waved. I kept silent and was looking at him behind my sun glasses. I thought to my self at first: oh no...Am I gonna get kidnapped? The SUV gone, but there was a monkey I mean parking lot guard was harassing from where he was standing which was not far from me. He kept agitating me with words, I couldn't tolerate I wanted to do something like throwing shoes at him or what ever just to keep his dirty mouth shut! He kept saying he you!! who were the red shirt look at me!! just turn your face. I want to see you...I felt that my blood was bubbling...mercy God mercy! The monkey kept blabbing and yelling but I ignored him. At that moment 4 US military Hummers stopped right where I was standing, Oh Jesus! This day seems it won't end. Three soldiers looked at me and smiled and as well they waved for me I barley smiled and nodded my head for their greeting, couldn't wave cuz I didn't want to be seen by that F** monkey...being a guard he might had a gun and would kill me if I react with the soldiers in return. I heard some one was yelling: I gottcha!! You looked at the army men but not at me! I said to me self: Oh my God!! My father in law called me; I told him about that monkey. Then I was told to change my place to avoid his blabbing mouth. I waited for about 75 minutes until my father showed up. As I was going inside I told him to stop at the park and kick that monkey's ass. OH GOD! the scene was marvelous, we got him and embarrassed him.. He started lying and mumbling but couldn't defend himself. As my father drove I look at him through the window and said: You scumbag and gave him a spit. Damn guard. After 4 days I received my VISA and every one was happy for me, especially my husband. I am still here in Iraq and haven't decided yet when should I leave. Be safe.
