Me, Sophia Loren, and the Italian Consulate
August 4th, 2006
I arrived in San Francisco late last night, tasted pinot noir at a wine bar, went to bed nervous, woke up this morning and channelled my “Inner Sophia.” Sophia Loren is my immaginary alter ego and she is going to help me through all of life’s adventures.
“Sophia” and I presented ourselves at the Italian Consulate this morning so I could submit my papers for the student visa (as if they don’t already have enough paper from me for the Italian citizenship that will still take a couple more years.). I was extremely nervous and had to take a walk before I went in. There was only one other person there, a girl about my age.
A rather handsome man appeared behind the window. “Sophia” took over my legs and walked me up to the window where I explained that I want to apply for a student visa. His face fell a little bit and he said, “I’m sorry Miss, but the visa desk is only open on Mondays and Thursdays, in the afternoon.” Oh.
That was a little embarrassing – I should have checked the schedule! 
“But I thought it was open every morning…” “No, miss, I’m sorry – the schedule is on our website.”
Okay, well, desperate times call for desperate measures. So, “Sophia” flipped my hair and I said, “Oh….I guess I didn’t understand the website… hmmmm.” I then gave him my best “Sophia” smile, and said, “That’s too bad for me I guess, because I don’t live in San Francisco, so it’s … hard. Could I possibly…leave it with you anyway?” (batting eyelashes for added effect)…
He looked at me, his face softened into a kind expression, and said, “You know what? It’s a slow day…you don’t live here…Let me see what I can do for you.” He disappeared and I sat down again. I nervously crossed my legs but Sophia reminded me to at least point my toes to make it look classy and graceful – intentional. Plus it would show off my nice Spanish shoes.
A few minutes later, a woman appeared behind the window and she motioned me over. I began to apologize for misunderstanding the schedule, but she said, “oh no no no, it’s okay, just give me what you’ve brought and we’ll see what we can do.” She was very kind and had a very pleasant demeanor. “Sophia” and I smiled as brightly as possible while I handed over my stack of papers, plus my self-addressed pre-paid express envelope so they could send me my visa. She went through everything, had me sign my application, took my passport from me and looked up and said, “Great, looks like we have everything. We’ll send it to you when it’s ready.” I thanked her about a thousand times after that.
I walked out of the consulate on a cloud, and celebrated with a piece of dark chocolate. This was a relief since the other girl was not getting anywhere with the guy behind the window, he was being really grouchy with her. I guess it was my lucky day! Hopefully everything comes together smoothly for me.
Later I had lunch in North Beach, the Italian district of San Francisco. I wanted to walk around a bit to choose a restaurant, and OF COURSE the notoriously flirtateous and slightly over-confident waiters at Steps of Rome, a fun caffe on Columbus (aka Corso Cristoforo Colombo), dragged me inside, sat me down, and fed me before I could say, “but I haven’t decided where to eat yet!” Not that I was complaining (nor was Sophia). The risotto was yummy, and I enjoyed complimentary tiramisu and coffee.
Entry Filed under: Bureaucracy, Sophia
6 Comments Add your own
1. Annika | August 5th, 2006 at 12:16 am
okay, I obviously read this AFTER responding to your email. WAY TO GO GIRL!! I’m so proud of you!!!
2. miss tango in her eyes | August 5th, 2006 at 11:42 am
I worship at Sophia’s altar as well!
3. katerinafiore | August 7th, 2006 at 6:47 am
Good work sweetie!!! Fabulous approach Sophia!!
4. Carole B. | August 7th, 2006 at 11:16 pm
Couldn’t let me have your Sofia’s address could you…?
Tina – a wonderful account of that ‘meeting’ – It was like standing next to you while it happened!
5. Bellissima Tina’s P&hellip | February 6th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
[...] For me it’s all about perspective. Yes, I had a brief period of homesickness sometime in November, and it you’ve followed my experiences of turning in the Italian citizenship application, or applying for my visa and permit to stay (since I do not have citizenship yet), you know that it wasn’t the easiest thing in the world. But you know? It wasn’t so bad either. I had my frustrations and impatience (waiting in line for two hours to get almost nothing done, explaining Italian laws to an employee of the Questura, to name a few…), but I chose to process it with a sense of humor (see this post and this post). I understood very well from the beginning that I can’t change Italy, but I can choose not to let minor setbacks or major piles of paper bother me. I came here to understand Italy – not to expect it to work for me just because I’m from (insert 1st-world country here). When life gives me lemons, I make limoncello. [...]
6. Girls afternoon out &laqu&hellip | March 9th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
[...] This was also my first opportunity to utilize the cabaceo here in Buenos Aires, which was fun. I discreetly scanned the room for someone I thought would be nice to dance with, and made eye contact with an older man in a red shirt. Once eye contact was established, he sort of nodded his head in the direction of the dance floor (to invite me to dance). I, the Princess of Perugia, nodded (in what I hope was an elegant and graceful way) as though to say, “Why yes, I’d love to.” I didn’t want to look desperate so I made sure I had channeled my inner Sophia Loren for this occasion. He rose and walked toward me. When he was close enough, I stood up and waited for him. (Sophia Loren would never get up and walk towards the man. Then again, I don’t think Sophia Loren dances Tango, but that’s alright. I still channeled her.) I enjoyed that. [...]
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