Bureau-crazy, Part 2
(I am an American exchange student in Berlin. My wallet and passport were stolen, so I’m at the embassy to report the theft and order a new passport. This exchange takes place at security at the entrance. Note: I have a copy of the front page and my German visa.)
Security: “What is your purpose here?”
Me: “My passport was stolen, and I need to report the theft and apply for a new one.”
Security: “Do you have a valid passport?”
Me: “No, not on me; it was stolen. Here’s the copy, though.”
Security: “Sorry, you can’t get into without a valid passport.”
Me: “But that’s why I’m here. Mine was stolen.”
Security: “Well, do you have an appointment?”
Me: “No, my passport was stolen. This is not something I planned in advance.”
Security: “You can’t get in without an appointment.”
Me: “To report a stolen passport, which the website says to do immediately?”
Security: “Yes.”
Me: “Fine, how do I make an appointment?”
Security: “Well, you need a valid passport…”
(I finally get security to call and I am allowed inside. When I get there, the waiting room is empty, and the two workers are playing solitaire on their computers. So much for needing an appointment!)
