Visas

It's been a difficult few days.....or is it weeks? Cecy's dad cannot work (and has not been able to do so for some weeks) because he has a problem with his cédula (identity card), they have changed the cards to a new format and he hasn't updated his card yet and now it is no longer valid. He has applied for the new style card but the wheels of administration here turn slowly. That leaves me with the responsibility to support all of the family and I can't work yet. Consequently I have had to dip into the money for my trip to Bogotá for my conjugal visa which leaves me a little short but I am trying to work that out. However due to the delay my tourist visa has expired, so yesterday I had to visit the office of DAS (Departamento Administrivo de Seguridad) yesterday to try to extend my tourist visa. I have to pay a fine of 300,000COP and also a fee for the visa extension! I tried explaining that I am only seeking to get to Bogotá to solicit my visa conjuge and that the fine deducts from my money for the visa. I am only trying to support my family here which they rewarded by confining me to the city limits here in Valledupar. I am not allowed to travel to Bogotá until they issue my renewed tourist visa. The clock is ticking. I have until December 3rd to get my visa or it's "Get the hell out of here!" time. I feel like I'm running to stand still.
It is the rainy season here and when it rains, it pours...............kind of appropriate in the circumstances!