Coyans in the Czech Republic

Illegal Alien...a lesson in begging

Yep, folks, that's me. I was having a great day yesterday. My classes went well. I was relaxed and having fun. Lunch in the school cafeteria was delicious. All was right with the world. Isn't it amazing how quickly things can turn?? After school I met Danny in the city so we could turn in our paperwork to get our visas renewed. I was prepared, so this should have been relatively simple. Very quickly though, things got ugly. First, the officer couldn't find me in the system. Then, I recall him saying to me as if in slow motion, "Your visa has expired." It took me a full minute to comprehend the meaning behind this. Apparently, and for some unknown reason, my family has year-long visas and mine only lasted for ten months. I am an illegal alien. Seriously, I felt like someone kicked me in the stomach and stole my joy. (Insert sad face here) I think the officer felt sad for me as he was trying to cheer me up and kind of joking around. I am in the position now of applying for a visa as if for the first time. This totally sucks...I can't even tell you. The officer said the most important thing is to avoid a "visit" from the immigration police. Ha ha ha ha (hysterical laughter). I am scrambling now, while trying to teach a full load of courses at the school, to put together the paperwork, crime report ($500 to get it on time), and calling the Czech Embassy and, as was advised by our officer, begging for them to help me out. Saying things like, "Please don't deport me, I have children here!" This feels like some strange movie. We must head to Vienna to the embassy as soon as possible. I must take time off work for this. Why is the Czech Embassy only open from 8:30-10:30 in the morning? WHY?? It is a thee hour drive there. Maybe we will have to spend the night there. First things first...begging. That is on my list of things to do today. Learn to beg in Czech.