Had my US visa interview today...and I passed it and need to collect the visa and my passport tomorrow. (yey!!)
After delaying for weeks to settle my visa, finally I got it and I thought it was tough to get through the interview. I was prepared, alright..paid my visa fee (twice!!please don't ask me why...sob sob...), prepared all the necessary documents, which despite all the preparation, the guy at the counter didn't even bother to look at my very neat,organised clear holder file. It is even more organize than my fail meja, okay?
Woke up at 6.10am, got ready by 6.45am and off to the embassy. Thanks to Pame and her fiance, I reached the embassy before 8am. There weren't many people at the gate, I think it was less than 3. So, we all entered the security room for body and bag inspection process. The process was like the one we go through in the departure hall. I had to leave my handphone with the security guard because it is not allowed to be brought into the building. But, no need to worry, everyone was given a tag for the items they leave with the security guard. After that, I was allowed to enter the compound area of the embassy. I didn't really notice the compound because I was already nervous about what questions they will ask me later.
Are you thinking of bombing US once you get in the country?
-No..I don't know where to buy a bomb or make one-
Do you think you are smart enough to present a paper at the reknown university?
-A bit..is that enough to answer the question?-
Do you think you have enough money to buy a cup of Starbuck's coffee in US?
-My university will sponsor me that-
Do you think....
-yes?-
Okay, enough of the nonsense..Continue with my walk to the main building. Okay, once I enter, there's another security guard. This guard looked very garang. He instructed everyone to enter the door of the building one by one as he need to check again the contents inside our bags and each of us need to go through the body screen machine,again. Then, each of us were given a ticket. My number was 35.pheww...at least it's less than 50.
We all entered the waiting room. Aaahh...then, I saw a lot of people. But, still okay lah..maybe around 15 people in the room. I waited about 10 minutes or so, then I heard my number was called. Just like the one in the bank. Okay, I went to another room across the previous one. Aaaaaaaaaahhhh...more people. I think it was about 30 or so.I had to go to a counter (just like in the bank) and pass all the necessary documents : passport, appointment letter, fee receipt and application form (itu sahaja). Then, the lady behind the counter (and window glass) told me to sit down and wait for another call. There were 9 counters all together.
Everyone was with their documents, flipping through once in a while, checking their tickets, staring at the muted TV (not watching, staring) and waited for their turn. I, on the other hand, started to bite my nails. The interview was done in that room at counters 2, 3 and 4. So, I and the most of the people in the room, could here what kind of questions they ask. All the questions are different, and so, made it more difficult to predict what the interviewer will ask ME later. But, I observe that for those who plans to visit US in one family, the interview time was longer compared to those traveling alone. The interviewers could even speak Mandarin to the applicants. I was amazed because the interviewer is an ang moh. Boleh tahan...
After about 15 minutes, I heard my number was called. I proceed to counter 9 and had my fingers scanned. Finish that, the lady told me to sit down and wait again for my number to be called...belum abis gik.. Then, I sat down next to an old Indian lady. She greeted me and we started to chat for the next half an hour. She was traveling alone, too to the US to visit her son and attend a seminar. She asked me lots of questions and told stories about her life...hahaha..and she told me that I'm very young to travel alone to the US.HUH?young indeed...hey, lady...I'm old enough to get married and have 10 children. I didn't say that..I just smiled at her. :P
I lost track of time, and suddenly my number was called again. Ok, here goes the interview..at counter 4. An old guy..looked garang, too. When I got to his counter, he said this..
Old guy : You look excited...
Me : Yes...
Old guy : and nervous..
Me : hehe..yes...this is my first time applying..
Old guy : Well, don't be..Okay, what subject do you teach?
Me : erm, Mathematics.
Old guy : How much is your salary per month?
Me : -- -- -.
Old guy : Okay, do you have a boyfriend, a fiance?
Me: hahha..oh, I laughed out loud..
Old guy : It's okay..it's okay to laugh? So?
Me: Erm...fiance, no..boyfriend, yes..hahaha..
Old guy : You didnt expect this kind of question?
Me: No..hehe...
Old guy : Okay, so, what is it about your paper your presenting in San Francisco? It's a very nice place and a good university.
Me: It's on mathematical model of malaria....blablabla...
Old guy : okay... (I think he doesn't get what I said)...So how long have you been in UNIMAS?
Me : Five years (2004-2009)
Old guy: Okay, just a question.. Do you think, you are more of a Malaysian or a Sarawak (ian)?
Me: erm.. I would say, Sarawakian..
Old guy: yeah, I thought so, too. The people over there really get along very well..bla..bla..bla..So, the 1Malaysia concept doesn't get to you, yet?
Me: erm..No.hehehe..
Old guy : It's okay...just a general question. anyway, have a nice trip, I'm sure you'll love San Francisco.
Me: Oh, thank you...have a nice day!
Old guy : you, too.
So.......that was my conversation with the old guy. Less than 5 minutes. Didn't even look at my file..hayah...anyway, luckily I got through it.
Tomorrow have to go to Wisma MCA to get my passport and visa..hayah...
Next Sunday, 20 hours flight to US!arghhhhh.....Think positive, Sarah...think positive..
Adios :)