Then – Year 2000. For Student Visa.

The visa tokens were given on first come first serve basis.

Me and my friend – Radhakrishnan – had a nice dinner in Anjappar I think – then around night 10 PM – dropped him in the line which started at the US consulate. The line had already reached Lloyds Road ( now called Avvai Shanmugham Road ). Lloyds Road is where my first project in TCS was – before we all moved to Sholinganallur.

There was a continuous supply of tea/coffee biscuits to the people in the queue. I then went back home after chatting for an hour. I would do the same waiting for him the next week.

Woke up at 4:00 AM and took an auto to the consulate. Relieved my friend around 5:00 AMish – and slowly saw the placeholder people being replaced with people like me.

Finally got my token and got my visa – now dont remember how much time it took – or who even interviewed me or what we spoke.

I did not carry any cell phone – oh wait I never had one that time – and just the folder with all my papers and some cash. Took an auto and went home.

Probably would have treated my friends that evening.

Now – Year 2022. Went for B1/B2 Visa

Had to book the appointment online. Got a confirmation for a Friday and Time – 8:30 AM slot.

This time I stayed in Ibis Chennai City Center – at 1000 Lights. I reached Wednesday night by train.

The interview was on Friday, but on Thursday had to go to a place in Nungambakkam for Biometrics and Photo – Chennai VAC center. It was well organised. They had multiple counters. The documents were checked and ten printed as they call – and took my photo.

While taking the finger print I had to use my right hand to put pressure on my left fingers – as I was not being able to give much force – thanks to my fall last week.

I had trouble when I had to put my 2 thumbs. My left thumb was not registering and the counter person asked me to put more force. I had to put some more force – to a point where it was hurting a bit – and it registered.

Close call. I dont know what would have happened if I had to put plaster etc. how would they have ten printed me.

It was all over within 10 minutes of me entering the premises.

Then got back to the hotel and worked on a very sloppy internet throughout the day.

Doze off by 10:00 PM reading Ponniyin Selvan Part 3. Friday morning, woke up at 5:00 AM. Do my morning meditation routine and even shaved – even though I will be wearing mask all the time – but being clean shaven makes me feel confident. I was ready by 7:50 AM.

I go to the lobby for the shuttle to the consulate – earlier the reception person said there is a shuttle every 30 minutes.

Till 8:10 AM the shuttle did not come. I considered walking – but walking in the Chennai weather would have made me all sweaty – or taking an auto. Did not want to haggle in the morning – since I cannot carry my phone ( or apple watch ) – I cannot book an Uber / Ola.

Finally the hotel shuttle arrived at 8:10 AM and dropped me by 8:13 AM. I got down in style. What a contrast – In 2000 I was sitting on the footpath on a newspaper on the same road. Few people were waiting – for the 9:00 AM slot.

They were allowing 8:30 AM slot candidates.

They checked my appointment letter and passport and let me in.

I didn’t carry my watch – so did not know how long it took. I had to stand in a meandering queue – before I was moved to the seats. There were 4 or 5 counters – and the ones who were seated were sent in round robin fashion.

I had my entertainment – could hear one side of the conversation – as they had speakers when the interviewer would ask questions. They spent a good amount of time with each interviewee. They were being thorough.

There were moms visiting their daughter in US, students going for their higher studies, a doctor, most were from the IT companies, and some one was going for a cultural program. Quite an interesting crowd.

I surveyed the crowd. Just one more guy and I were in Blazer.

We are the ambassadors of India and we should take extra care to present ourselves well. Of course there were some smartly dressed folks in regular formals – but wish the majority could have taken some extra effort to dress up well.

The Mom who was going to meet her daughter wore a nice Kanchipuram silk saree. That’s what I am talking about.

I was a bit disappointed on our crowd. Next time I will wear a dhoti and silk shirt.

One of the interviewers – was wearing jasmine flowers. She was such a sport. I decided if I go to her counter I will compliment her. But I was sent to another counter.

Finally my interview was done, the gentleman said my passport with visa will reach in a week.

I came out, avoided the auto guys offers, took the subway to the other side of the road and walked to Ibis. The time was around 9:50 AM after I reached the room.

The next adventure begins! Looking forward to reconnecting with US / LSU – and taking ADDA truly global.