Getting a visa is such a pain in the butt. Let me illustrate.
First, you have to register with the local courthouse and inform them that you are now living in the town. That's not too bad, as long as you manage to go to the office sometime during the 6 hours in the week that it's actually open, and have a passport and all official paperwork. I did this on Thursday. It took about a half an hour.
Next, if you are me and you live in Neuenhagen, you have to go to a small town named Seelow that is about as obscure and out-of-the-way as possible and takes up the entire day to get there, do your thing, and come back. Why? Because that's where the alien registration office is for this region. You wouldn't want to be deported after only 90 days, would you?
So, you have to catch a train to the Berlin East Train Station. 30 minutes. Then, you have to take another train to Frankfurt Oder. One hour. Then, you have to change trains and go to Seelow. 20 minutes.
Ok, you're in Seelow. Now what? A mile and a half walk until you find the right street, but not the building number. 30 minutes. Now you have to find a friendly-looking person to ask for help. Not always so easy, since people don't smile at strangers here. I always target the elderly first. Somehow, they are less intimidating.
Alright, so you've found the right office. Now you have to take a number and wait an hour behind a group of fighting Russian people. Oh look, finally your number is called!
Now you walk into the office and introduce yourself as the next foreigner wanting a visa, trying to ignore the rudeness of the jerk behind the counter that you have to talk to. Present him with your passport, residential permit, official paperwork, and insurance card. Oh, make sure you understand all of his official jargon EXACTLY, otherwise he will roll his eyes and sarcastically repeat things LOUDLY and SLOWLY until you just nod and smile akwardly. After he gives you your stuff back, plus additional paperwork to fill out, he says you have to come back again in 2 weeks. Ugh.
Don't forget, the office is only open on Tuesdays and Fridays! If you try this on Wednesday, you're screwed. Oh, and did I mention that this all has to happen before noon? Smile!
