We had been told it was usually a 3 day process to get the Mozambique visa, we didn’t want to spend 3 days in Lusaka but if it meant Christmas on the beach it would be worth it.

So with multiple copies of every document I could think of we headed off to the embassy.  First problem was finding the place. When I respond to Husbands query’s with “Google says it’s in the middle of this block?” I get the look. You know the ‘I frustrated but trying to keep calm’ look’. We had been round the same block 3 times already. Thankfully on the 4th time a guard with a gun steps out a little Hut near some high gates. Surly that must be it, I put down the windows and ask. Apparently we need to go through the  door he had just come out of.  No signs…hmmm I have flash backs to our first African encounter as a family to immigration policy and procedures.

Inside the place is deserted.  Good news hopefully they have time to do it quickly. My hope was short lived however.

The man behind the desk looked up at us as though we were destroying his day. I try to remember smile be polite. “Good day, we would like to get some visas please”. The guy started listing all the documents, letters, official copies and stamped pieces of papers we would need. My smile dropped further as it turned to disbelief, the list was never ending.  We definitely didn’t have them all and some I didn’t even know what they were!  But I dutifully noted down what he said and took form after form off him. When he was finally done I asked and how long does it take? “3 days” “Ok so its first thing  Monday so we can collect on Wednesday?”  “No you can collect on Friday.” “What that is 5 days?” “We don’t count the day you drop off and you cant pick up till after the 3 days.” What? There is no way we can get it done faster?” I get that look which means asking for world peace would be simpler!  I look at husband… “this is ridiculous we cant hang around till Friday” behind me the man says “you have till 10 today to submit the full application otherwise we will count it as being submitted on Tues and collection will be on Monday.  I am slightly ashamed to say I lost it at this point. My smile vanished as did my ability to remain polite.

My dreams of a family beach holiday came crushing down around me. As did my hope of seeing whale sharks (an 15 year ambition since we missed them travelling round Australia). I knew there was a chance to see them this time of year of the coast of Mozambique. But there was no way we could wait a week for visas, by the time we got to Mozambique it would be time to turn back.  I was gutted and broken… I looked at the uncaring and unhelpful behind the counter and all my attempts to stay calm left me.”Does Mozambique not want visitors? ” I turn and leave. What now? Coffee and wifi.