I am very sorry for the late blog update but , because Blogging is not allowed here we had some problems (father in jail and mom at Police station,haha). Everything sorted out again and Monday you will have our normal update again.
- First time we had to get the forms & ask questions
- Second time we had it finished, but there was a mistake and had to make copies of papers and could not find a copy machine.
- Handed it in (ready and complete)
- Wanted to pick up the Visa, but because of the introduction of electronic passports it was closed.
- FINALLY on the 15 of May it was open, but there was a celebration in the building because of the electronic passports. We all had to wait till 10.30 with a lot of people. Around us were many Chinese red decorations, camera's and reporters from the radio and TV. Dad was interviewed for Global News. Note from my father : "Interesting to see that foreign & Chinese reporters working for foreign Media companies were asking different questions than the local journalist. The last category was asking question how did we find the efficiency linked with customs, visa extensions ect in China (we give it a high score because after arrival at the airport we were within 15 minutes outside and also the initial visa application in Cape Town was very efficient and professional. Australia was more than 1.5 hour waiting in lines at the airport. Foreign journalist came with questions like do you think the Chinese will be controlling the local Citizen even more. I answered that there is overall control any way (See picture with Camera) in China but the passport will lead to more efficiency on arrival at airports"
So this was Global News reporter, but where were the Dutch and South African journalists???? Luckily I had my Presscard with me so I think this is my task to report about this important event for China:
BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
China is catching up....and celebrated the introduction of their new Digital Passport system on the 15th May 2012.
It looked impressive with special books printed for the Chinese and foreign people who want a passport or visa for China. Here is a short paragraph of the Handbook :
"Beijing is a world-renowned historical city and also a modern metropolis. This handbook is specially designed for the foreign people in Beijing. It aims to protect foreign people's legal rights and provide a safe and convenient environment."
A lot of international reporters and TV were invited and the passport and the system with automatic filing systems was shown to them. Speeches and Chinese red balloons were flying through the building and everyone was happy!
So, at the 5th visit we finally rushed through the doors, up the stairs and to the empty ticket office. Within 1/2 hour we were outside again with all our passports and visa extentions. YAAAAAAY.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well if you think we are done now.......wrong!!!
Now we had to go to the Russian Embassy to get our visa for the Transsiberian Express (it is the longest train ride in the world and during 6 days the train passes many different views and you can eat & sleep on the train).
We also had troubles with the Russian Visa (visit 6 TIMES).
Now we had to go to the Russian Embassy to get our visa for the Transsiberian Express (it is the longest train ride in the world and during 6 days the train passes many different views and you can eat & sleep on the train).
We also had troubles with the Russian Visa (visit 6 TIMES).
- First day. It was only open in the morning form 9:00 - 12:00
- We came in the morning (missed school)but it was Public Holiday due to the election of the Russian President
- We came to ask questions, but had to wait for a long time in the line baking in the sun
- Handed in our passport's and forms and pay
- Because we are going to the Xian(Terracotta Army) we needed our passports back to travel in China
- Got our passports
