Wednesday, May 30, 2007

And we're off...

Our big trip for Memorial Day weekend was a 1-day trek down to Houston. Why Houston you ask? Well, the Italian Consulate is located there and I needed to submit my application for Italian Citizenship. Yep, that's right folks. I am hoping to be a dual citizen in the next years. I am applying as a spouse of an Italian citizen (no Italian blood in me at all!) as you can do after you've been married 3 yrs. I wish we had known earlier you could file while living in the USA since we've been married almost 6!

Aside from the 2-hr wait to speak with our lady, the process was painless. That place was BUSY! It is the 2nd time we've been there and both times, it was packed. Who knew people had so much business with the Italian Consulate?

For citizenship, you have to do some legwork beforehand and gather documents, but mostly it's straightforward. Or as straightforward as Italian bureaucracy can be. Basic stuff is required like proof that your marriage was recorded in Italy, long form of your birth certificate (with apostille - had anyone ever heard of this before dealing with immigration?? not me), local criminal checks and an FBI fingerprint clearance thingy. That thing took me forever to get. And so, everything is filed and I was properly informed approval can take up to 3 yrs. Yep, you read that right - 3 yrs. See why I wish we had know about this 3 yrs ago? With my luck right now (ie, FBI thing) it will probably take all of those 3 yrs to get it.lol oh well, if it's not approved by the time I move, it's back to the Consolate for me.

Which brings me back to why I wouldn't mind going back to the Consulate. yumminess thy name is Lupe Tortilla!! Lucky for me Cherrye emailed me some suggestions for restaurants in the area (which I had requested from her). I have been to Houston several times but am not at all familiar with the town. Can I just tell you?? that food was DELICIOUS. Stef and I split some mixed fajita's and had queso for our chips. Gosh it was so good. Their tortillas were scrumptious! no margaritas this time but next - oh yeah. If you ever get the chance, go. I sure wish they would put one here in Dallas. Thanks Cherrye - we loved it!

And so that was our big trip. It was a quick trip, we got back yesterday . Hopefully, my citizenship won't take too long. Don't worry, I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize my American one, but once it's done, both Stef and I will hold dual citizenship. I think thats cool =)

More later...

3 comments :

Thistlemoon said...

Well Stacy, I hope it happens for you a lot sooner than 3 years! I am glad you and Stef are re-united once again! :)

Anonymous said...

Best of luck! We know first-hand the long process of consulates and Italian bureaucracy. Buona fortuna!

Cherrye said...

Hey! I am glad you LOVED Lupe's. If I close my eyes and tilt my head I can almost smell them. (No, I can't - but taco seasoning is on its way from Texas as we speak!)