Livin la VISA

Ok so I have saved you from the drivel for a while, at least until anything of any remote interest in regards to my Shanghai trip cropped up. To which it did, on "Good" Friday thanks to my good friend James. Now I'd be the first to admit that my Parish Walk training schedule hasn't been as measured as I'd have liked since January although I'm still praying for my car to break down, but on this particularly glorious and sunny Good Friday, James and myself set off for a few miles walk. Coming back into the smog of Douglas town, James casually raised in conversation how my chinese visa application had gone. Cue blood drain from face and high pitched "what the...?" It was obvious my lack of physical exursions of late was having some effect on my mental abilities too. Visa? What? I had done NOTHING. With 4 days to stew this over, I got on the case immediately and did what any other right minded person would do. I hit the beer. Big time. When I woke up Tuesday morning, my organisational skills kicked into overdrive, I compiled the necessary and sent them all off to the agency to the Chinese Embassy. Then came a snag. I required a letter from the IOM Court (due to a slight misdemeanor with the law a few years back) - so this was duly forwarded to the agency. Communications with said people is a bit like trying to contact Elvis at a Fast Food Restaraunt -You know they're there but they just won't friggin answer. Then joy! I spoke to someone who vagually sounded like they worked there and wasn't just a cleaner passing a phone deciding to have a laugh. I was informed that "my visa would be sent on 28th April and I will receive it the next day" - Hmm. I am still a bit suspicious. Though with time marching on, I have to hold out hope. Watch this space.....