I called the consulate today to confirm all the info I had and ask a couple of things. I figured oh, no big deal, it's in Chicago, I'll be using all English, I know how to be professional and calm over the phone, it's just a quick info-gathering call, blah-blah-blah.
Dialed. Automated system picks up in Korean. Fast Korean. I understand it once I'm about halfway through the English spiel that followed, but it doesn't matter because FOR ENGLISH, PRESS 3.
Okay, 3.
A few more buttons later, I get FOR VISA, PRESS 1.
Awesome. 1.
A man picks up and starts talking in rapid Korean.
[omitted] [omitted] [omitted] I did not prepare for this what the hell did he even say aaaah what do I say ummm umm uhhh [omitted]...wait. It's in CHICAGO. He probably speaks fluent English, and even if he doesn't, he'll just transfer me to someone who does, so just start talking, idiot.
(Above paragraph of mental panic took place in about 2 seconds of probably very awkward silence.)
I started talking in English and everything was fine, but still. I 100% should have been ready for that and 100% was not.
It's funny now, but it was definitely not funny while I was still on the phone. Just like all my other language-related mishaps, actually...I can laugh later, but at the time I'm usually terrified.
[x] call consulate
[ ] get a return envelope from the post office
[ ] get a money order from the bank
[ ] throw things in a bag and call it packing
[ ] catch the bus to Chicago
Time to finish off the rest of today's checklist.
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