India Visa Round 2

I went to the consulate this morning fully expecting to stand in line with a room-full of Indians.  To my surprise, there was no line outside the building when I arrived shortly before 9:00.  Security had my name on a list.  I went through the metal detector and upstairs to another security guard who had a copy of the same list.  He put a number 1 next to my name, indicating I was first to arrive, and shown to a sofa, where I watched a beautiful video on the Golden Temple for about 30 minutes before being called into the office of the vice-consul.  He offered me tea and we had a nice chat about my interests in India, photography, volunteer work, and religion (he had noted "Buddhist" on my application).  40 minutes later he signed my papers, wished me luck, and I was off.  No lines, no hassle.  Tomorrow I go back to the visa agent with signed papers and make formal application.

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