Whilst talking with some fellow ex-pats here in England, I learned that non-U.S. citizens (like me) need to have a re-entry permit to go back to the US someday. Leaving the US without one means trouble. The law firm that took care of our UK visas, etc. failed to mention anything of the sort. So I had Matt check into it.
Turns out that I do need a re-entry permit and I have to be in the United States for a minimum of 7 days in order to file it. Then I need to return about 3 weeks later in order to have some biometrics done. Such a grand irony that the moment you think you've got Europe at your doorstep you get forced into 2 trips to America.
But lets look at the bright side: Caterpillar is going to finance the airfare and probably some of the other associated costs. It also looks as though I can go to ANY location in the United States (so long as the second location has a biometrics facility).
So, my friends, pitch it to me... If you could go anywhere in the United States, where would it be and why?
Washington DC is a great place to start. I'm sure that you could find everything that you need here, and see us while you're at it!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to the States, where ever you decide to go.
I highly recommend New Mexico. And Boston. And Chicago (obviously, I'm biased on that point).
ReplyDeleteNew Mexico is great though - so beautiful... Albuquerque, Santa Fe, skiing in Taos, beautiful beautiful White Sands... I was out there a couple years ago with Oliver, Lisette, and Dani, and we had a great time.
:o)
Where do they have all the biometric places? Is it just where they can do fingerprinting, etc?
ReplyDeleteI did mine in Salt Lake for my citizenship - so maybe you could come here.
Yes, biometrics is digital fingerprinting... I think almost every major US city has a biometrics facility.
ReplyDeleteYou've already heard my vote. I'm working on Amity. A girls reunion would be sooooo much fun!! I doubt we will have this chance again ... at least for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Heather on this one - I just won't mention what the weather's like. To tell you the truth, MN is not where I'd go, but I'm being selfish... It's where I want you to come! It would be so much fun!!
ReplyDeleteLife is funny like that, in more ways than one. Have fun wherever you hit the ground at. (But if you like skiing, Ogden Valley has the best of the best - and friends with lots of room!)
ReplyDeleteAnnapolis is perfect - pretty town, lots of historic places, close to Baltimore (biometrics center) and DC (Matthias visit could give you a two-for-one, site of Obama-mania [and some other famous stuff]) but without the troubles of actually living there.
ReplyDeleteOnly trouble is sleeping arrangements, but I'm sure we could find some takers for the hide-a-bed (and you're OK with a toddler bed, right?). Send an email if you're interested.
NEW ORLEANS!!! C'mon! You know you want to. I promise all rodents will be gone by then! :)
ReplyDeleteHow about Forks? :-)
ReplyDeleteJust kidding. Right about now, I think I'd go L.A. Some sun sounds great...
If you can arrange for me to spend a week with a vampire in Forks, Emily, then that will be my first-place pick.
ReplyDeleteI have to put in my vote for Cali...even though I know you have been here! You are always welcome to stay with us. I would love for you to meet my wonderful husband and catch up.
ReplyDeleteCould you really go anywhere in the US that can compare to the amazing things you are seeing in Europe? So even though it's not very exotic ... just come see all of us. We were talking about you at girls night this week, but we would rather be talking WITH you!
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