Leaving

So here I am, sitting in CHO waiting for my plane to board. I'll fly from here to Dulles, than on to La Guardia for a week of orientation in New York. I've had a great weekend, and so many thanks to those of you who showed up Saturday night, and to the people who held it down last night as well. I hope all of your years are well, and I'll remain very accessible to all of you through electronic means. It's crazy to think that I will be getting on a plane to Belfast next week. Crazy that I'm finally leaving UVa after 6 years, and Charlottesville after 24. I'll miss you all so much that it can't be put in words.

Of course, I suppose there is the chance that my trip could be abbreviated. I still don't have my visa, but hopefully something can be worked out to get it to me there. Clearly though, WorldBridge, the company that runs some of the visa process, does not want to be helpful.

"Dear Applicant,

Thank you for contacting WorldBridge Service, The UK Border Agency's Commercial Partner. We appreciate your patience regarding the response to your enquiry as WorldBridge strives to provide the most accurate responses to all enquiries. Below you will find the response to that enquiry.

You should submit a fresh entry clearance application. This means new form, new photograph, new biometrics and new fee.

Please note that you will not be able to respond to this email. If you have additional questions submit a new enquiry via email free of charge by visiting the WorldBridge website at www.worldbridgeservice.com.

When submitting a new enquiry, please reference the case number from this particular email to ensure thorough processing. Note the case number can be found in the subject line of this email, EX: Reply from WorldBridge Service for CaseNumber :00000123.

Thank you again for contacting WorldBridge.

Very sincerely yours,

WorldBridge Service

WorldBridge Service is happy to provide you with this information. Please note, however, that the decision to issue or refuse an entry clearance is made solely by Entry Clearance Officers at the British embassy. WorldBridge staff has no power or influence over the success of applications. WorldBridge staff may offer application information but may not offer immigration advice."

That is the email I received just a few minutes ago. I am feeling some slightly un-christian feelings toward them right now. Seriously, I leave in a week. It took three weeks for my first application just to get there. So now they want me to pay them ANOTHER $212? I say thee NAY Worldbridge, there has to be a better way. Like having the people renting my parents house overnight it for me if I have to, it's expensive, but it's a lot cheaper than the WorldBridge bombing bridges out from under their customers method, and doesn't involve restarting what was a multi-week process.

I'm tired, it's early, and I didn't sleep last night, so I feel like that email has gotten more attention than I meant to pay it. This was supposed to be a nice, touching goodbye post from the terminal, but they took that away from me.