"A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step"

千里之行，始於足下 -- So goes the proverb attributed to philosopher Laozi, from the Tao Te Ching; and in that spirit, I got in line at the Chicago branch of the Chinese Consulate, to apply for my travel Visa to the People's Republic.

As it turned out, the "take-a-number" machine was busted (or maybe we were being social-engineered by the Consulate Staff), so rather than sitting comfortably, everyone was forced to stand in line; which on this particularly busy day became something akin to the long serpentine conga-line type parade of Mardi Gras; or the Lion Dance which parades through the main streets of Chinatowns the world over during Lunar New Year celebrations.

All this waiting in line, with the potential that at High Noon, the Consulate Staff Clerks' bulletproof glass windows would close for their midday siesta; and believe me, these civil servants are serious about their lunch break.

But I made it with just a couple of minutes to spare; and to ensure I don't have to go through this anytime soon again, availed myself of the newly initiated 10-year multiple-entry Visa; at the same price of your typical 1-year permit.  Let's see how long that deal lasts before new pricing kicks-in.

So I'm good to go; a Barbarian at the gate!