Great service by the States

My American passport expires at the end of April and in order to extend my Danish visa until the first of May, I knew it would be a good idea to renew my passport as soon as possible. While I was in Copenhagen a week and a half ago, I made a trip out to the U.S. Embassy in Østerbro to get that taken care of.

I actually went to the embassy twice. The first day I went, the train was so slow, I got there just before 12, right when they closed, so there was no time to go in...I also still needed to get the postage for my return envelope. The second day, I had everything prepared and ready to apply for my passport. It was actually an exciting experience to go to the embassy. Due to todays political situations, it is a very protected building. I had to show my passport and explain the reason for my visit. I then had to turn off my mobile phone and let them keep it along with my digital camera. Then, of course, I had to empty all my pockets and go through the metal detector and scan my bag through the security x-ray machine. I didn't mind the security check, but it's interesting that some embassies have to do it (probably just the U.S embassy) and others don't...like when I went into the Finnish embassy with my friend Varpu when she went to fill out her EU election ballot. There was absolutely no kind of security check. We just walked right in the door. Anyway, the security guys at the American embassy were really cute Danish guys, so I would go back anytime!

Once cleared to enter the embassy, I found the tiny room which deals with consular issues. Maybe the room wasn't that small, but it was packed with people. Danish and Americans... maybe other nationalities, too. I got in the line for the cashier/passporty agency. The line went pretty fast once the first customer stopped asking so many questions and complaining about things. Being there reminded me of the Foreign Service exam I took...and failed. I had once wanted to work in such a place. I guess it could still be possible. People flunk and retake the exam all the time.

I got to the cashier and handed her all my stuff for the passport renewal: my old passport, new pictures (which I took and printed myself), the application, and the postage paid return envelope. I handed her my card and I paid $67 with my Visa (I didn't pay with kroner, because I could save about $5 to pay in USD). I was done in no time and she said I should expect my passport in 14 to 16 days. I was totally impressed with that and looked forward to seeing how my new passport would turn out.

Well, today, I heard the pounding of the mail lady at the door and I had to sign for a piece of mail...and it was my new passport! It took 9 days, including weekends, for me to receive it! I am just totally amazed with that kind of service. I can imagine that they go a little faster for U.S. citizens living abroad, because it is critical to have your passport in case of emergencies, but it took 5 days less than what they said! Now...why can't the Danish government be as timely when it comes to renewing documents?!?!?! That is probably why I am so amazed and impressed with the quick service in my passport renewal, because I have suffered through the poor service and untimely manner in which the Danish foreign immigrants authorities handle their applications. I have waited 5 months for a visa renewal. When I called after 3 months, they hadn't even looked at my application! Now, how hard could it be to check my background (anyone could probably Google-it today) and send me a sticker for my passport?!! Aaaaahhh!! This country can be so wonderful at times and at other times....I just want to bonk so many people on the head and say WAKE UP!!!

You know, sometimes it's not so bad being American. I felt so proud, patriotic, and safe when I read inside my passport: The Secretary of State of the United States of America hereby requests all whom it may concern to permit the citizen/national of the United States named herein to pass without delay or hindrance and in case of need to give all lawful aid and protection.

"...one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."