Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Philippines	It's Finally Done	Super Congrats!! don't forget to bring her a rose at the airport	calico1	Male	Philippines	2010-08-17 21:43:00
Philippines	Fiancee may have a different purpose! - Pls. advise	Unless your friend wants a life of complete hell and misery..I would seriously suggest to him to dump this woman as fast as he can. Alot of men think the gals in the philippines are something they simply are not..best of luck for your friend.	calico1	Male	Philippines	2010-08-15 08:10:00
Philippines	Xoom Coupon for the month of October	PHFIFTY 50% off Fee's, expires end of October. Haven't tried it yet, but it came in email right after I sent some $$ in late September. Sucks they are raising rates at the same time the exchange rate has been dropping too....... Yep..got the same "PHFIFTY" email..50% off till Oct.31 with a U.S. bank account, more is using visa, master charge or discover card. At least through Oct. a $4 charge isn't too bad...last rate in Phili 43.03p...lowest I have seen in 5 years..	calico1	Male	Philippines	2010-10-06 10:49:00
Philippines	Answered Prayers	Congratulations May you be blessed with a long and happy marriage.	calico1	Male	Philippines	2010-10-16 17:44:00
Philippines	visa approved!	Con grats!	calico1	Male	Philippines	2010-10-23 10:55:00
Philippines	Another foreigner killed.	Many members here have been to the Phils numerous times and no matter how many times I have been told that most of mindanao is safe, I never felt that way. Luckily my wife was from CDO and there it was somewhat possible to blend in, as most filipinos there are pretty used to tourists from everywhere. It was my belief years ago, as well as now, that anywhere in western or southern mindanao with maybe the exception of Davao was a matter of sure luck to come and go without any threat of danger. I know many would argue that parts of metro manila and surrounding areas are no better, but because there is big city chaos as opposed to the rural jungle chaos it just felt a little easier and safer. Understanding about 85% of phili is catholic and most of the 15% which isn't reside mostly in mindanao can be a good heads up. As sad as it always is to hear of any tourist being murdered in phili.. it still is an inherent risk when traveling in known muslim hotbeds. Tourism is a vital source of revenue for any country..and I am sure it helps the phils a lot too. I have pondered for a long time, like many of us, why the phili government doesn't go after the extreme muslim radicals, as well as other factions that make tourists visit other counties and take their monies there.. but I am sure politics and corruption hinder any real change. We sure must love our significant others, spouses and extended families one hell of a lot to risk our lives for them. Contrastingly, I lived in LA in the late 80's for a couple years..and if you drove into the wrong neighborhood in east LA you stood a chance of being shot...maybe living in guam makes more sense..at least there they are known for robbery and burglary more than murder. Condolences and prayers for those who have been tragically hurt or killed by terrorists, God Bless.	calico1	Male	Philippines	2010-09-27 14:32:00
Philippines	Can I be banned from the Philippines?	James, take a couple hours and read some other posts about guys who really married a "true" nightmare. You may come to find your new bride is a good one and needs to adjust and grow into this new place. As far as weight, it can surely be lost. My wife is alittle over weight and I love every pound of her.	calico1	Male	Philippines	2010-11-16 17:36:00
Philippines	Can I be banned from the Philippines?	It looks like you have been married just a short time James, and you and your wife look to be a younger couple. I don't think there is a married phil-am couple here that hasn't had a couple heated disagreements early on in their marriage, I know I have, and I will be celebrating my 2nd wedding anniversary in just a couple days. I am sure you have figured out by now that philippine culture is pretty different from ours in the U.S. and sometimes a guy has to bend alot to keep the peace...and that in itself can be way frustrating. As you also know, the philippines has many micro cultures within one culture...manilla folk are a little different from davao folk and so on. Everyone who has done K1, CR1, or the like has worked real hard to get through immigration so maybe you can salvage your marriage. It probably is true that no two filipina's are the same...but it has been my personal experience that they are alot alike in many ways. Are you sure you would go filipina again? As far as your wife's threats to ban you..she either loves you alot and won't give in, or she doesn't so I hope it all works out for you. My wife has 2 sisters who work with local city/government in Cagayan de Oro, and they seem to cut alot of corners if they want something done, and for the right amount of money I think they can make anything happen. If your wife lived close to manilla or the embassy there, she might be inclined to cause trouble if she really wants to spite you, but probably she is just blowing off steam. Best luck for you.	calico1	Male	Philippines	2010-11-15 15:44:00
Philippines	Question for those who have approved Visa's or greencards.	Hi Mike&Cherry...Just take alot of pics..if time/date stamped all the better but just writing on the backs time and date is good too. Get pics of your girls family with you in them, it worked for me lol and have a great trip! Congrats in advance for your soon to be unforgettable trip...happy vapor trails	calico1	Male	Philippines	2010-12-10 10:45:00
Philippines	Married Filipinos who send money to family back in Philippines	QUOTE (Hopp @ Nov 23 2009, 04:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (PhiLandShiR @ Nov 23 2009, 02:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Oh Oh.... its not all that bad. Just get used to it. -P QUOTE (calico1 @ Nov 23 2009, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Every situation is different..but money will always be some sort of issue for ANY FilAm relationship. I might be inclinded to help my wife's family a little more if she would stop stinking up the house with the damned garlic and dried fish.. Pinay likes the stinky fish morning, noon and night, and Balut for dessert! How true	calico1	Male	Philippines	2009-11-24 05:15:00
Philippines	Married Filipinos who send money to family back in Philippines	Every situation is different..but money will always be some sort of issue for ANY FilAm relationship. I might be inclinded to help my wife's family a little more if she would stop stinking up the house with the damned garlic and dried fish..	calico1	Male	Philippines	2009-11-23 16:38:00
Philippines	Which city and state are you?	Greetings from Spokane, Washington... best wishes for all VJ people.	calico1	Male	Philippines	2010-03-05 12:10:00
Philippines	Important Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries	Meg will be taking her physical at SLMCEC on Tuesday and will be bringing an x-ray that she had taken during a previous check up in 2009. The only problem is that her first name on the x-ray is spelled ?Meglicina?, and her name everywhere else is spelled ?Meglecina?, which is the correct way to spell her first name. Will this raise any red flags during the SLMCEC the next day, or US Embassy Interview process a week later? We don't want something so simple to derail all the effort that we put into this. Maybe we should not even use the existing x-ray. Comments please. Thanks for the advice. The embassy will most likely catch the difference in spelling and Meg will need a aka "also known as" issued from the NBI office. She will fill out paper work at a NBI office, typically wait 3 days for the new corrected paper work and submit it back to the embassy, probably best to do this in advance to avoid the "white slip" should she be successful in passing her interview. My wife had to do this because they added an extra letter to her maiden name. I still wonder to this day if these clerical mistakes are made on purpose or if they just have really dumb people typing up the names...but whatever the case the very best of luck to the both of you. Edited by calico1, 14 January 2011 - 11:30 AM.	calico1	Male	Philippines	2011-01-14 11:28:00
Philippines	I avoided girls from Mindanao	Thanks to rlogan for a very informative read. I am married to a woman from CDO and have traveled and lived there a number of times. It didn't take me long to understand there was 2 different worlds going on in Phili, one of history and political battle and corruption, and the other which most average Americans see... the modern tourist seeking love in paradise land. Many of us have successfully traveled to and met and married our wives from the Philippines, but now that I think about it, I don't think I would wander around Mindanao jungles or the back streets of Manila after dark like I used to... The Philippines is a wonderous place...and to the original OP, I don't think it really matters what part of the Philippines you choose to meet a girl...but one should do as much research as possible about the particular part of the Philippines you are interested in. Had I had done more research years ago I may have never gone to the Philippines, but I did and just celebrated 3 years of marriage to my wonderful asawa. Would I do it again? hmm..different post different time.. lol.. yeah I recommend research..start with "The History of The Philippines"	calico1	Male	Philippines	2011-12-06 14:07:00
Philippines	BISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!	hi ako si mabing taga cagayan de oro city and known as the city of golden friendship......naa karon nagpuyo sa washington usa.....happy new year to all....inviting to all visayan kabayan to PM me with your comments..daghang salamat sa tanan kabayan......	calico1	Male	Philippines	2009-12-29 12:07:00
Philippines	St. Luke’s Medical Exam Walkthrough	Most comprehensive details ever about ST. Lukes...definitly should be pinned..,very good job! Unfortunatly, my wife will arive this day @ 1pm at St. Lukes and she didn't get to see this...hang on wife..your in for an interesting day..of waiting.. Edited by calico1, 06 October 2009 - 07:59 PM.	calico1	Male	Philippines	2009-10-06 19:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	December filers....	Update on December progress (including transferred NSC & TSC cases) 76% (64 of 84) filers have received NOA2 50% within 81 days 84% within 97 days 98% within 112 days Good luck to all, PPFKL	ppfkl	Not Telling	China	2007-03-25 22:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	December filers....	Any % updates for December CSC filers (NOA2)? Last I heard, it was around 80% approval for NOA2. Hi, 73% (40 of 55) of CSC have their NOA2. 50% receive it within 82 days 84% receive it within 94 days 98% receive it within 107 days. Best of luck, PPFKL	ppfkl	Not Telling	China	2007-03-23 11:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	December filers....	Hi, Stats from today - 81% (66 of 81) October CSC NOA1s have received their NOA2. - 85% (53 of 62) November CSC NOA1s have received their NOA2. - 10% (5 of 48) December CSC NOA1s have received their NOA2. - 0% (0 of 27) January CSC NOA1s have received their NOA2. - 50% of CSC filers should receive their NOA2 within 81 days of their NOA1. - 84% of CSC filers should receive their NOA2 within 91 days of their NOA1. - 98% of CSC filers should receive their NOA2 within 100 days of their NOA1. - It takes about 30 days for approved petitions to reach the appropriate consulate. No December filers today. PPFKL	ppfkl	Not Telling	China	2007-02-24 03:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	December filers....	Okay, so I'm not fwa-guy (BTW, props to you man for the weblink). But here's the analysis I do every day Indeed there are 2 CSC December filers who got NOA2's today. Additionally, there's one more who doesn't track his timeline. 81% (66 of 81) October CSC NOA1s have received NOA2s. 84% (52 of 62) November CSC NOA1s have received NOA2s. 4% (2 of 46) December CSC NOA1s haver received NOA2s. 50% of CSC filers receive their NOA2 in 81 days or less. 84% of CSC filers receive their NOA2 in 91 days or less. 98% of CSC filers receive their NOA2 in 101 days or less. So, take your NOA1 date and add 81 to that and you'll have a 50% confidence date. Adding 91 days to that gives you an 84% confidence date & adding 101 gives you a 98% confidence date. Enjoy and good luck to all. PPFKL	ppfkl	Not Telling	China	2007-02-23 01:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	December filers....	Hi, Just took a look at the stats and it looks like we should start seeing December CSC filers getting approved next week. We're starting to get excited. To date: 80% of October CSC filers are approved (63 of 80). I suspect that not everyone is updating their timelines. 68% of November CSC filers are approved (40 of 59). 0% of December (0 of 41) and 0% of January (0 of 27) CSC filers are approved. For people receiving NOA1 on or after October 1, 2006: The average time to NOA2 is 81 days. 50% receive NOA2 in 81 days or less. 84% receive NOA2 in 91 days or less. 98% receive NOA2 in 101 days or less. The average time from approval to Consulate receipt is 21 days. 50% arrive at the consulate in 19 days. 84% arrive at the consulate in 22 days. 98% arrive at the consulate in 25 days. Best regards and good luck to all. PPFKL	ppfkl	Not Telling	China	2007-02-15 16:06:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Meant to post it in this thread :P	1. You know the meaning of the word "girt". 2. You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn. 3. You think it's normal to have a leader called Kevin. 4. You waddle when you walk due to the 53 expired petrol discount vouchers stuffed in your wallet or purse. 5. You've made a bong out of your garden hose rather than use it for something illegal such as watering the garden. 6. You believe it is appropriate to put a rubber in your son's pencil case when he first attends school. 7. When you hear that an American "roots for his team" you wonder how often and with whom. 8. You understand that the phrase "a group of women wearing black thongs" refers to footwear and may be less alluring than it sounds. 9. You pronounce Melbourne as "Mel-bin". 10. You pronounce Penrith as "Pen-riff". 11. You believe the "l" in the word "Australia" is optional. 12. You can translate: "Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas." 13. You believe it makes perfect sense for a nation to decorate its highways with large fibreglass bananas, prawns and sheep. 14. You call your best friend "a total #######" but someone you really, truly despise is just "a bit of a #######". 15. You think "Woolloomooloo" is a perfectly reasonable name for a place. 16. You're secretly proud of our killer wildlife. 17. You believe it makes sense for a country to have a $1 coin that's twice as big as its $2 coin. 18. You understand that "Wagga Wagga" can be abbreviated to "Wagga" but "Woy Woy" can't be called "Woy". 19. You believe that cooked-down axlegrease makes a good breakfast spread. (Mmm...Vegemite...) 20. You believe all famous Kiwis are actually Australian, until they stuff up, at which point they again become Kiwis. 21. Hamburger. Beetroot. Of course. Of course - you cannot eat a hamburger without beetroot! 22. You know that certain words must, by law, be shouted out during any rendition of the Angels' song Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again. 23. You believe, as an article of faith, that the confectionary known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year. 24. You still don't get why the "Labor" in "Australian Labor Party" is not spelt with a "u". 25. You wear ugh boots outside the house. 26. You believe, as an article of faith, that every important discovery in the world was made by an Australian but then sold off to the Yanks for a pittance. 27. You believe that the more you shorten someone's name the more you like them. 28. Whatever your linguistic skills, you find yourself able to order takeaway fluently in every Asian language. 29. You understand that "excuse me" can sound rude, while "scuse me" is always polite. 30. You know what it's like to swallow a fly, on occasion via your nose. 31. You understand that "you" has a plural and that it's "youse". 32. You know it's not summer until the steering wheel is too hot to handle. 33. Your biggest family argument over the summer concerned the rules for beach cricket. 34. You shake your head in horror when companies try to market what they call "Anzac cookies". 35. You still think of Kylie as "that girl off Neighbours". 36. When returning home from overseas, you expect to be brutally strip-searched by Customs - just in case you're trying to sneak in fruit. 37. You believe the phrase "smart casual" refers to a pair of black tracky-daks, suitably laundered. 38. You understand that all train timetables are works of fiction. 39. When working on a bar, you understand male customers will feel the need to offer an excuse whenever they order low-alcohol beer. 40. You get choked up with emotion by the first verse of the national anthem and then have trouble remembering the second. 41. You find yourself ignorant of nearly all the facts deemed essential in the government's new test for migrants. 42. You know, whatever the tourist books say, that no one says "cobber". 43. And you will immediately forward this list to other Australians, here and overseas, realising that only they will understand.	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2008-09-05 23:27:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Found this on a friend's page and thought you might get a kick out of it...	1. You know the meaning of the word "girt". 2. You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn. 3. You think it's normal to have a leader called Kevin. 4. You waddle when you walk due to the 53 expired petrol discount vouchers stuffed in your wallet or purse. 5. You've made a bong out of your garden hose rather than use it for something illegal such as watering the garden. 6. You believe it is appropriate to put a rubber in your son's pencil case when he first attends school. 7. When you hear that an American "roots for his team" you wonder how often and with whom. 8. You understand that the phrase "a group of women wearing black thongs" refers to footwear and may be less alluring than it sounds. 9. You pronounce Melbourne as "Mel-bin". 10. You pronounce Penrith as "Pen-riff". 11. You believe the "l" in the word "Australia" is optional. 12. You can translate: "Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas." 13. You believe it makes perfect sense for a nation to decorate its highways with large fibreglass bananas, prawns and sheep. 14. You call your best friend "a total #######" but someone you really, truly despise is just "a bit of a #######". 15. You think "Woolloomooloo" is a perfectly reasonable name for a place. 16. You're secretly proud of our killer wildlife. 17. You believe it makes sense for a country to have a $1 coin that's twice as big as its $2 coin. 18. You understand that "Wagga Wagga" can be abbreviated to "Wagga" but "Woy Woy" can't be called "Woy". 19. You believe that cooked-down axlegrease makes a good breakfast spread. (Mmm...Vegemite...) 20. You believe all famous Kiwis are actually Australian, until they stuff up, at which point they again become Kiwis. 21. Hamburger. Beetroot. Of course. Of course - you cannot eat a hamburger without beetroot! 22. You know that certain words must, by law, be shouted out during any rendition of the Angels' song Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again. 23. You believe, as an article of faith, that the confectionary known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year. 24. You still don't get why the "Labor" in "Australian Labor Party" is not spelt with a "u". 25. You wear ugh boots outside the house. 26. You believe, as an article of faith, that every important discovery in the world was made by an Australian but then sold off to the Yanks for a pittance. 27. You believe that the more you shorten someone's name the more you like them. 28. Whatever your linguistic skills, you find yourself able to order takeaway fluently in every Asian language. 29. You understand that "excuse me" can sound rude, while "scuse me" is always polite. 30. You know what it's like to swallow a fly, on occasion via your nose. 31. You understand that "you" has a plural and that it's "youse". 32. You know it's not summer until the steering wheel is too hot to handle. 33. Your biggest family argument over the summer concerned the rules for beach cricket. 34. You shake your head in horror when companies try to market what they call "Anzac cookies". 35. You still think of Kylie as "that girl off Neighbours". 36. When returning home from overseas, you expect to be brutally strip-searched by Customs - just in case you're trying to sneak in fruit. 37. You believe the phrase "smart casual" refers to a pair of black tracky-daks, suitably laundered. 38. You understand that all train timetables are works of fiction. 39. When working on a bar, you understand male customers will feel the need to offer an excuse whenever they order low-alcohol beer. 40. You get choked up with emotion by the first verse of the national anthem and then have trouble remembering the second. 41. You find yourself ignorant of nearly all the facts deemed essential in the government's new test for migrants. 42. You know, whatever the tourist books say, that no one says "cobber". 43. And you will immediately forward this list to other Australians, here and overseas, realising that only they will understand.	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2008-09-05 23:01:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Interview questions	QUOTE (JonasMichaels @ Oct 8 2008, 06:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I keep reading about interview questions asked to beneficiaries in VN that I don't understand how the consulate knows the answers to ... can anyone explain this to me? How is it that the HCMC consulate asks questions of the girl like: How many brothers and sisters does your Fiancee have and does his son live with him, etc etc .... how does HCMC have information like this about the petitioner in the first place? I have never seen any questions like that asked of the petitioner on any of the forms I have downloaded for myself. I know they have my parents name because of birth certificate but other than that, how can they know if you have children from previous marriages, brothers and sisters, etc?? Are these trick questions or do they ask for this information at some point I am not aware of? Thanks Jonas Part of it is probably what others have said above, but you do give some of that information to them as well. On the I-134, question 8 says..."The following persons are dependent upon me for support:"...so they would know about any kids you support, as well as any other family members you might be helping out. If someone else is doing an AoS for your case, like your parents, and they list children they're supporting, well, there's your answer on siblings. Maybe pictures were included that showed children/siblings in them....maybe your answer to how you met included other relations (being introduced by, meeting, whatever). If family members included letters stating they've seen you together and believe you have a bona fide relationship, well, not to hard to figure that out. There's possible clues all over the place for that kind of info.	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2008-10-09 18:48:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Green Sheet	QUOTE (JonasMichaels @ Oct 7 2008, 06:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> How on earth could the consulate know that you have a son and who is living with you? I that kind of information asked for at some point in this process?? I am so sorry to hear about your situation Jack but I have heard many people getting green and getting pink a few weeks later. Chin up! Jonas I-134, question 8... "The following persons are dependent upon me for support:" would probably tell them that.	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2008-10-09 18:40:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (AnnexoxShay @ Feb 10 2009, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I would think the selections of prepared food would be greater ... but unprepared products, although we dont have as many brands to choose from the staples are still the same ... flour is still flour, sugar is still sugar, milk is still milk ... rice, pasta etc .... its what you do with it that makes a difference ... The freshness of produce is determines by where it is purchased ... I havent bought meat, vegetables or fruit from a supermarket in years ... its to expensive and it sits in a storage room waiting for shipping way to long ... We have a farmers market up the street every Sunday and I usually buy the bulk of vegetables from there and I buy my meat from the wholesale butchers .... sure I have to lay out about $80 in one hit but that will last me 2.5 to 3 months ... with the same money what you buy at the supermarket would last you a month and I dont think the quality is as good... Personally I dont like rich food ... I dont like eating out much and when I do I dont like food with heavy sauces or dressing ... theyre the differences Shay noticed when he was here and has gone home and changed in his diet ... Woohoo I actually got him to stop using as much Mayo, nasty nasty unhealthy stuff that it is .. You would think the staples would be the same, but they aren't! Meat was the biggest noticeable difference, especially the beef. Aussie beef has a more gamier flavor to it that I do not like at all. Pasta tasted odd and I didn't like the way it cooked. Dairy products tasted different as well--sour cream was the only one I didn't notice anything strange about. I do agree with you on the sauces/dressings stuff though. I prefer light and simple dishes that are primarily flavored by the natural food and a few spices/herbs. That's probably why I noticed so many of the differences, since I don't tend to disguise my food here either.	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-02-11 06:14:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (Chris & Mara @ Feb 10 2009, 01:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (AnnexoxShay @ Feb 11 2009, 12:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Mara .. the biscuit recipe Shay uses is called Cloud Biscuits .. theyre really light and fluffy and really yummy ... I thought they tasted something between a light scone and a breadroll ... I didnt like them with the white gravy but they were lovely slightly warmed up with some butter and Jam .... Ohh yum, I like bagels ... and Im looking forward to trying more mexican food ... I rarely eat bread now, I have tortilla's instead, I use them for making rolls etc. Yeah the only thing that I had that chris called "biscults" was these weird things that came out of a cool exploding can.... they tasted terrible though, and Chris couldn't understand why I didnt like them.... I am making a collection of Aussie recipes to take with me to the states (Pavlova, pies and what not) along with a few things my mum cooks, so that I know if worst comes to worst I can simply cook something that reminds me of home and be all good. Plus I plan on tracking down a store that sells some Aussie confectionary, I found one in Texas when I was visiting Chris' family, I'm sure there has to be something in the greater DC area.... Hahaha! I don't mind those biscuits, but they aren't "true" biscuits For the good stuff, gotta go home made! QUOTE (kaffy @ Feb 10 2009, 06:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I like the food here better than in Australia I just find that there's better variety, fresher selection of produce, better quality meats, etc And the few things I do miss from home (meat pies, sausage rolls, etc) I can easily make Okie, see, I'm not the only crazy one!!	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-02-11 06:09:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (Chris & Mara @ Feb 10 2009, 02:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The things that are called biscults (im assuming the things you cook to have with dinner) i just can't get a taste for, or american white bread. Bagels on the other hand, well someone was onto something good there!!!!! That and Mexican food in the states is awesome, there is a mexican resturant not far from Chris' place that I absolutely love!!!! I love biscuits, but not much of a white bread fan either. I prefer Aussie wheat bread, but I don't like how fast it spoils! The only restaurant we went to while I was in Queensland was a Mexican place and it was sadly disappointing. I was glad to come home to my local place, nothing like real Mexicans cooking their best dishes I still miss my mum-in-laws rissoles though....one of the few things she did well!!	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-02-10 08:52:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (Chris & Mara @ Feb 9 2009, 11:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sounds like you missed all the good things about aussie food..... Pavlova, Lamingtons, Meat pies, Snags on the bbq, and just about any lamb dish under the sun. Basing your food choices on the fast food stores that are american trademarks is just a really really bad idea (though McD's is the same here and there as far as I can taste), remember they are just american companies working with Australian produce. Not basing them on the fast food, just commenting on that as well....didn't like much of anything there, home cooked or not.	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-02-10 02:19:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (AnnexoxShay @ Feb 9 2009, 06:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (myperfectflaw @ Feb 10 2009, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I had a strong dislike for most of the food while there in Oz, but I do have to give it to you guys when it comes to chocolate! Top deck and the hazelnut flavored, swirlie one are a tie. Oh, and Tim Tams. When I go back again, I plan on bringing an extra suit case for those and bottles of Bundy!! Seriously? ... My fiance is a chef and his still buzzing about the food .. The only thing he really didnt think much off was when we went to watch a movie we decided to get some KFC and he thought it wasnt anywhere near as good as the American Version ... Actually can we take tim tams with us ... I was thinking of taking some to give to Shays brothers and their wifes.. and vegimite eww now even I hate that stuff LOL.. He's right, KFC there is nothing like it is here! You don't even got biscuits!! I didn't like Aussie McD's either. Didn't like Hungry Jack's much either, but then I'm not fond of Burger King here, so that didn't surprise me Some of the home cooked stuff might have been not too bad had my mother-in-law been a good cook, lol, but what I did have was not impressive! I cooked a bit while I was there and was frustrated by the lack of choices and the quality of a lot of the stuff. His family all loved my cooking, but I didn't enjoy it like I would have here with our ingredients. I've been/lived all over the world, and to be honest, Aussie food is probably the lowest on my list! But then again, a lot of my Aussie friends that have been here feel the same way about our food To each his own I guess....but I'm sure glad he's the one moving here and not me moving there!! QUOTE (kaffy @ Feb 9 2009, 06:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You can get Tim Tams here at CostPlus WorldMarket stores oh and another tip about the medical.. don't wear daggy undies because you will have to strip down to your bra and undies for the physical exam bit- i wish i had known cos I would have shaved my legs Yeah, I tried em....they're okie, but not quite the same. I'll pay extra to have his family ship them over	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-02-10 01:13:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (AnnexoxShay @ Feb 9 2009, 06:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks for answering Kaffy ... It definately helps a lot!! at least I have a clear picture in my head now ... Im trying desperately to get everything to file by the end of the month ... Im really happy atm ...overall its been a rather productive day... postman just arrived I recieved 2 packages with a bunch of papers I need and 2 valentines from Shay ... Im just waiting for his affidavit of support and other odds and ends that go with it ... hoping to have medical within the next week or two .... I also need to redo the DS-156 because theyre not accepting hand written copies anymore ... And YUP Im doing the medical at Anzac Square ... Im a bit nervous ... LOL Im fairly confident I dont have any nasty contagious diseases but Im worried about being overweight ... Ive looked at all the medical thing related to visas and googled a bit and nothing is mentioned but Im still concerned ... --- Another thing that is worrying me is the evidence of an ongoing relationship ... We have daily contact via phone and have keep records ... Usually we talk about 1.5- 2hours a day when his working and 3-4 hours a day on his days off .... Because we spend so much time on the phone we've never really had a need to send each other emails or letters .... I have a stack of birthday, valantine and christmas cards ... Obviously we have a lot of picture from when he came to Oz for 5.5 weeks and Im planning to burn those to disc to take with me alone with half a dozen or so developed ones ... Is this going to be enough evidence? Can't answer most of this as I'm right behind you in the process, but I do know that they will not accept any discs so you're better off getting any printed that you want to take with you. Good luck!	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-02-09 21:23:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (Jayde @ Feb 7 2009, 10:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Kath @ Feb 7 2009, 11:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> hiya if the return ticket is cheaper than a one wayer go for the return...we bought return ticket..but with me my hubby was going to oz to fetch me so we informed the airline i wouldnt be flying out of lax but returning from melb..we got a lovely lady who said we can do that ...hey they got to resell my seat from lax didnt they..we didnt get a discount but hey we were on the same flight back to u.s. plus they allowed us to use our free flights within oz to go for our interview in sydney... ohhh jayde that is such a tease with that choccie pic you got up...although i have got use to the choccie here it still aint tasting right lol.. kath lol, it should be the top deck one I have but i havent changed it....yet I had a strong dislike for most of the food while there in Oz, but I do have to give it to you guys when it comes to chocolate! Top deck and the hazelnut flavored, swirlie one are a tie. Oh, and Tim Tams. When I go back again, I plan on bringing an extra suit case for those and bottles of Bundy!!	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-02-09 21:18:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (myperfectflaw @ Jan 26 2009, 01:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Okie, so literally, besides the fee receipt, passport, and the envelope, what else did you bring in hand to the interview? I pretty much got the gist of what needs to be mailed in to them, just not sure what's left to bring in to the interview with you, as it seems almost everything is mailed back? Let me clarify my confusion... The info for packet three says: *Applicant's Statement of Readiness to be Interviewed complete with all forms and supporting documents (i.e. birth certificate, military records, etc). Make sure to make copies of supporting documents. and then has the information to bring with you to the interview: ..... 3. Two completed aplications forms DS-156 4. One completed copy form DS-156k - supplement to form DS-156 5. Long form birth certificate showing both parents names (with engish translation if applicable) So, unless I'm reading this incorrectly, you're mailing forms into them, then also bringing the same forms along with you to the interview? Or is this info outdated? Edited by myperfectflaw, 26 January 2009 - 05:03 PM.	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-01-26 17:01:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (annax @ Jan 26 2009, 10:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (myperfectflaw @ Jan 23 2009, 12:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So some of the stuff you send in is also gonna be reproduced to be brought in at the interview? I.E. birth certificate, etc. Can anyone who just recently went through this please clarify this? Also, it mentions on the documents required checklist, Form I-864 & supporting documents, or Form I-134 for SB-1 applicants. Not sure what SB-1 is, but I was under the impression that we did the I-134, not the I-864. Am I wrong? We just recently went through this process (interview was Jan 6th), we sent all the information you listed except the fee directly the consulate as the packet 3. We then brought the fee with us on the day of the interview. All the stuff you see listed online is what you will receive as packet 3, well to be fair, they will send you a URL to type in that will point you to that page! As to what happens at the interview, you don't get anything reproduced, they just hand you back the originals of your police and birth certificates. I'm not sure what the I-864 is. We sent in the I-134 which is said to be needed for K/V applicants. We were a K-1 which would qualify as a K/V. If your very unsure, you can always write the consulate directly, they are pretty good about answering email and you will usually receive a reply within 1 - 3 days. Okie, so literally, besides the fee receipt, passport, and the envelope, what else did you bring in hand to the interview? I pretty much got the gist of what needs to be mailed in to them, just not sure what's left to bring in to the interview with you, as it seems almost everything is mailed back?	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-01-26 16:57:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (Chris & Mara @ Jan 23 2009, 03:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Chris has an appointment on Tuesday morning (us time) at 10am, 1am wednesday in Aussie land. Here is to hoping that one will actually let him through the door and hand him our NOA2. Hell in a perfect world our NOA2 will turn up in the mail before then so we dont have to deal with them again until after I arrive in the US.... I was really hoping to be home by March, and when I filed it was easily looking like Feb *sigh* Now I think Ill be lucky if it is April or May.... I really wish VSC would get their act together, how hard is it to process a bunch of forms really? You guys are definitely in our prayers and I hope things finally go well for you on Tuesday! ~hugs~ In other news, the consulate information page is really confusing me!! It has all the info required when you get packet three: *Form DS-230I Biographic Data Part 1 When all required documents are accumulated for interview (including medical) *Applicant's Statement of Readiness to be Interviewed complete with all forms and supporting documents (i.e. birth certificate, military records, etc). Make sure to make copies of supporting documents. and then has the information to bring with you to the interview: 1. processing fee receipt: AU$130 for each applicant. Go to any post office , pay the fee, and obtain one receipt for each applicant, attached to the outside cover of each passport. Valid passport (and any expired passports bearing United states visas) 2. Two Passport-U.S sized photograghs 3. Two completed aplications forms DS-156 4. One completed copy form DS-156k - supplement to form DS-156 5. Long form birth certificate showing both parents names (with engish translation if applicable) etc... So some of the stuff you send in is also gonna be reproduced to be brought in at the interview? I.E. birth certificate, etc. Can anyone who just recently went through this please clarify this? Also, it mentions on the documents required checklist, Form I-864 & supporting documents, or Form I-134 for SB-1 applicants. Not sure what SB-1 is, but I was under the impression that we did the I-134, not the I-864. Am I wrong?	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-01-23 15:33:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (Chris & Mara @ Jan 22 2009, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (myperfectflaw @ Jan 23 2009, 01:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> APPROVED!!! ~squeee~ Grats.... I now Offically really really hate USCIS... Chris had an appointment with them at 3 o'clock yesterday so he took work off early to head over, I got an email this morning explaining what happened when he got there: I left the office to go downtown to see the folks at USCIS. I got there and the security folks were closing the door at 2:45. I had my little apointment number and they said they were shutting up the building "fpor adminsitrative reasons" . At this point I had gotten a little hot around the collar. Made some rather rude comments etc and kept pointing out that I had an appointment. More security guards showed up and they threatened to charge me with interfering with a federal employee and disturbing the peace. Yep..... loving USCIS...... Oh no!! So, now what?	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-01-23 04:13:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	APPROVED!!! ~squeee~	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-01-22 10:49:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	Oh my gods, I am going completely insane with this waiting!! It's so disheartening to see all these October filers getting approved, yet nothing at all for us. I know we're still within the normal time frame, yada, yada, yada.... I just want Ben here already!! Tired of only being able to sleep at night because I've finally cried myself into exhaustion. Why did I have to fall in love with a foreigner?!	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2009-01-20 07:07:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (Cham @ Dec 7 2008, 12:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Oi mate...I love me vegemite on toast MMMM MMM GOOD!! PLUS it is filled with vitamins!!! More then the ones I was taking!! Since may 15th I have lost almost 100 lbs (my job makes me sweat like a pig and tons of walking and lifting!!) So vegemite gives me the added energy i really need. Vegemite is sexy food! I think I shall wear it as perfume!!! (I KNOW I KNOW you all think I am off my rocker!!!) HAHAHAHAHA That's putting it mildly One wiff of the stuff had me running the other direction! I wasn't keen on much of the food there, short of Tim Tams and rissoles. Oh, and real Cadbury chocolate. I would kill for a bar of Top Deck!	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2008-12-07 18:51:00
Asia: East and Pacific	LAND DOWNUNDER	QUOTE (Cham @ Dec 4 2008, 11:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Im in Lewiston about 3 hours from you all! SMALL WORLD MATE!!!! kaffy..THATS COOL! My daughter is in Yakima Washington and I am about two hours from Spokane Washington we so need to get together once Kai gets home! I would adore that! (PS I can bring vegemite!! Lord knows I have heaps! LOL) my perfect WOW 2 hours from me!! Haven't been down to Lewiston in a while...although, I guess that's understandable when you realize what little is down there Do you get up to Spokane often? Would be fun to get together at some point! I don't think we're too far off one another in this process, so our other halfs should be getting here at around the same time as each other Saw your posts on the co-sponsor stuff...I second e-mailing the consulate and checking with them, they have been very very helpful with answering questions and relieving worries for me. I hope you manage to slide through! Good luck! Char QUOTE (kaffy @ Dec 4 2008, 07:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Congratulations Chris!!! Told ya it would be easy They didn't question the genuine-ness (sp?) of our relationship either and we had only been married 1.5 yrs. I was totally expecting to be interrogated but o well If Idaho borders Washington (my geography sucks) then I'm your neighbour too.. but am out in western Washington. Good luck with your move It does border it, but over here on the eastern side You must be in the Seattle area?	myperfectflaw	Female	Australia	2008-12-04 18:39:00