Today is a first, the first time that I will ever go to any embassy; and the first time that we are renewing passports while living overseas. We’ve lived abroad for so long but have always been able to deal with passports while at home. But now we cannot, both girls have their passports expiring very soon (and honestly, ours are too.) So we needed to get that taken care of right away. Because they are minors we have to renew at the US Embassy in Managua, it’s the only option. We are scheduled for 1:30PM for Luciana and 2:00 PM for Liesl. But the embassy knows that they are sisters and already addressed that so we just show up and do them together at 1:30.
Liesl had an appointment at her toe doctor in Altamira in the morning. So we got up and drove to Managua early. Dominica doesn’t trust how fast I drive and things I’m ridiculously slow so even with her being ready late, we were an hour early for the appointment. We found a new cafe called Cha Cha Matcha that is right next to her doctor and quite fancy. So we went there and hung out for two hours. It’s a great find. We really like the place. They have Dubai Chocolate Croissants, too. Very recommended.
Luciana and I stayed in the cafe while Dominica took Liesl to the doctor. Then we drove across town to Molino at Plaza La Fe and we had a quick lunch there. I love their cæser salad and basil hummus.
The secret to going to the embassy is parking at Plaza La Fe and taking an InDrive from there. Just C$220 for the whole family to zip down there at peak hours. There is no parking whatsoever at the embassy so having a driver is a necessity. This process made it so easy.
The entire experience at the embassy itself was great, too. All of the staff was very friendly, efficient, and helpful. Things were easy and moved quickly. Of course we were well prepared, but that wasn’t what did it. The staff there were just really good and it was all handled really well. I was so impressed.
After the passport paperwork was filed we went outside, grabbed an InDrive, and returned to Plaza La Fe. We were going to head straight back home, but Luciana wanted to use the bathroom and we stumbled on another cafe there called Latte Latte and so popped in and checked it out, too.
We were headed home at a very reasonable time. So I was able to get home and work all evening. Customers were, of course, looking for me all day. So it was a busy night for me. Plus I had to do an emergency run to Palí because we were out of toilet paper in the house.
Dominica and Liesl are going back to Managua tomorrow for blood work and to stop at PriceSmart. Luciana and I will stay home with the dogs and cats.