Field trip to the Embassy

Ok, so that trip to the embassy I mentioned... you want to hear how that went?

Fair enough. :)

What? No, that's not the embassy. It's one of the buildings we passed on the way.

Well, as with any trip to a government office in any country, we went out of necessity. You think we'd want to go there just for fun? I thought I was the silly one here... :)

Why did we go? Well, when we were still in Colorado, you may remember (see: In the beginning... post) we had managed to take a 4 bedroom house and stuff it into a series of duffel bags, which we brought to Colorado from Florida. We weren't done though; We also had a car to sell. We were very blessed by Jess' sister Erika, who liked it enough to buy it.

That's awesome, but there's a small catch. We get all the way over here and the bank tells us we have to sign the title.

Yeah. We'll get right on that!

A little statue in a park. You can visit, but remember what I said about crime.

As an alternative, we could have some paperwork filled out and sent back to the States. This, of course, requires a U.S. Notary...

...which brings us to the Embassy. There's not exactly a local UPS store you can go to for these things.

We passed the Night Market on the way. Will I come here with you? Um... no, probably not. Good luck though!

We arrived to find just what you'd expect from a patch of US soil - mowed grass, high walls, boring looking building.

Sorry guys and gals, but the Cambodians have us beat on architecture.

Honestly, doesn't this look like a walk-up ATM?

So we went in, and paid 100$ to have 2 documents notarized. Yep. I overspent on a service more in this building than I have for all other purchases combined. Sure, the markets will slip in extra items and charge you for them, or a merchant will give you (read: me) a price and someone from the back will come running up and change it, but 100$ for a service you could get for 15$-30$ in the States?

Bleh.

See? Kind of utilitarian. Still, it had a nice lawn, and smelled like pizza. :)

What's that? you want to see the inside? Ok, I have one shot...

In the dark, no one can hear... oh wait, that's a different photo.

What? Oh, come on. Like they let you bring phones inside. No, really - they post a sign 'no cell phones' and another 'no cameras or electronic devices' and then ASK for your phone specifically "Do you also have a cell phone?" at BOTH metal detectors (you go through one to be allowed to walk across the lawn, another to get in the building), and I am pretty certain Officer Not-So-Friendly is watching to see if you pull one out of hiding.

The picture? This is the view of the inside of the box where they seal your phone away (mine is an artist's rendition, of course. I left my phone with Ginny). We did bring the printout of our appointment, however. If you don't have it, they won't let you in either. No exceptions.

Yes, it's a line! Why is that important? People don't stand in line here. Read the post about the airport in Denver. It's always first-standing-in-this-spot, first serve in Asia.

Well, we got the papers and headed home. Aidan didn't go, as their website details how they allow children on a case-by-case only. Plus, it was akin to sitting in the DMV with all the take-a-numbers and go-to-window-#33 1/2's. Not a pleasant place to bring children, though they make an attempt with a smattering of toys in the waiting room.

View of the park-thing across the street.

There is a nice architectural monument of some kind across the street. That's all well and good. Just don't park in front of it. That red and blue sign means parking people will be towed at owner's expense. Yes, that means you pay a "fine" (bribe) to not lose your car. For those who refuse to pay the fine, which means you aren't helping the corruption spread, you'll get impounded. Where? No idea. Just don't park here, ok? :)

Better view of the monument from the other side. If you ignore all the carvings of fake gods, it's rather quaint.

Thus concludes our journey. Did the bank take the documents we emailed? No, they wanted the originals.

.....

If it's ok with you, America can keep the red tape, and I'll go back to having fun adventures to share with you. Sound good? :)