It would be funnier if wasn't taking so loooong. My visa was approved 11 Jan. Wonda is stiiiill waiting. The root of the problem is our non-married status... apparently the Swiss authorities have no concept of "common law marriage" and the fact that Wonda and I have been together for 13 (13!!!) years doesn't convince them that we're "together." We really, really should have had that wedding in SL on the back of an elephant!
So, extra time and extra paperwork necessary: such as a form that assures the Swiss that I will cover all financial obligations for Wonda. I asked my Swiss colleague to make calls to the cantonal (provincial) authorities who are holding up the process and also asked the Swiss consulate in Canada to make calls. The best the authorities can say is "we're working on it." With any luck, Wonda will have the visa on Wed, 20th and 1-2 weeks later she'll be on a plane here. with any luck...
I've been working medium hard since arriving on 6 Feb. Most of my work effort has been diverted by practical matters such as registering at the cantonal office, shopping for health insurance, setting up bank accounts and (most stressful) looking for an apartment. Also just getting on a friendly basis with the students, admin and faculty here is important.
Ok - it's gorgeous here and it isn't even summer yet. there's a strong feeling of spring and I even noticed a few magnolia trees with flower buds about to burst open. In SL I had to pay attention when I walked for fear of falling in a sewer or getting whacked by a rogue trishaw... here, the risk comes from letting my attention wander across the lake to the morning sun kissing the peaks of the French Alps, or onto the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva, or a wonder of architecture, or a beautiful, classy lady... that's about the time i'll walk in front of a bus.
enjoy a few photos of the area as well... a bientot
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2 comments:
Yes Ken, you should have married Wonda on the back of the elephant in SL. Now you've got to wear your common-law status like an elephant - not easy and hard to explain. I suggest once Wonda arrives and establishes a cozy nest, you two take off to somewhere like Venice or Santorini and tie the knot.
Spring is in the air here too - the snowdrops are out, buds are bursting, daffodils are mere weeks(3?)away, and the grass is growing. Since we've been snow deprived most of the winter, and received a tobogan from my sister for Christmas, we're all heading up to Mount Washington on Vanc. Island for ~5 days in mid-march once I'm back from Peru.
Say, send me a postal address and I'll send you a postcard.
Watch out for the buses.
D
Hey Ken,Found your blog ok.Glad u have arrived ok.Too bad they won't accept your vows made in Heavenly Chaswood.All is well here at my home& Karren has had her trip to Brussels.She loved every minute.Carol
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