Experience is based on their attestation services
Have you ever strolled on Massachusetts Avenue, NW aka "Embassy Street" in DC? I needed my US passport attested by Indian embassy for some paperwork in India. This was my first time taking a Metro from VA to DC and also first time walking on this beautiful street showcasing world's architecture, history & even culture - in a mini way.
I am dividing rest of my "first" blog post after almost 8 years.. into 2 parts: Attestation Services Experience at Indian Embassy and Embassy Street world experience.
Attestation Experience @ Indian Embassy DC Consular Wing
2536 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 200008
Few pointers: 1. Although submission time for attestation services paperwork is 10-12:30, they keep the office open from 9:30 AM. Strongly suggest you go early say at 9:30 or before there. Once they let you enter signup, get your token and wait. This was especially nice, because I had my mind prepared to wait outside in freezing temperatures but YAY could sit and wait inside. For Handicapped or elderly - please get your stick or someone who can help - as you will have to walk down the stairs to get to office (and climb up when you are exiting approx 15 stairs i think..). Bathroom - Yes there is 1, not very clean but decent TV - Yes Drinking Water - No Copier - No Photo Machine - No Seating - Yes Elevator - No
2. Waiting time can vary but in my experience they were pretty quick. Lady at the desk although started working on the counter at 10:30 AM ( to give them benefit of the doubt - perhaps they work inside setting up everything around 10ish hence the delay). Anyhow, I got my attested documents within a span of 50-60 minutes after submission. Mind you I was number 2 by the token that morning. I was there at 9:33 AM. Luckily I got my attested copies before their long lunch break from 12:30-2:00 pm.
3. VERY IMPORTANT: They don't have any copy machine or photograph machine. They won't make an extra copy for you if you need one for submission. The closest place to get copies / photographs will be a 15-18 minute walk to CVS Pharmacy (see address below). But once I called them their photo machine was broken - so call them BEOFRE if you are in dire need else come back another day. Remember NO SUBMISSIONS after 12:30 - again am only talking about attestations. So keep TIME in mind.
Take an additional copy - note they keep 1 copy of all attested documents for their records. Many people faced this problem where they didn't have a copy after waiting for 50 minutes :(
Hence be prepared its better to have more copies, more pictures more everything than you have to come back.
Riding the Metro from Reston to Dupont Circle, DC
I have ridden metros Suggestions: --- Carry always 2 or more copies PLUS whatever they mention on their website. --- Take 3 pictures (depending on what you are getting attested, they might ask for more hence better take more) --- If you realize you need an additional copy or a photograph - call CVS pharmacy at 202-785-1466 and check if their photo machine is working or have a copier before you head down there. Here is a LINK for walking directions to CVS at Dupont Circle I am not sure if they make copies so call before!
--- Another option is 20 minutes walk to THE UPS STORE for copies. Here is a LINK to walking directions from Indian Embassy's consular wing.
--- If you are driving, American University near by and other UPS stores too. GOOGLE :)
Stroll On Embassy Street
I took a metro from Reston (Silver Line) to Dupont Circle (Red Line) and walked from there to 2536 Massachusetts Ave NW.
It was cold (freeeeeeeezing for me at 37 degrees lol) but I still enjoyed my walk. There was this huge statue of Gandhiji right across Indian Embassy (NOTE this is not where you have to go for your attestation business). I did go there thinking that must be it ;) but a nice gentleman who opened the door gave the correct address and directions.
You'll come across beautiful statue of Saraswati Devi (Hindu goddess of wisdom and learning - look at that peaceful expression of hers - hats off to sculptors). Initially I assumed that's where the Indian embassy must be but then was shocked & confused to see the sign "Embassy of Indonesia". One of the largest Muslim populated country in the world gifted this to US....isn't that amazing?
What better way to show their respect for religious freedom to the world!
In front of Turkish Embassy you'll find revolutionary president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who is solely responsible for modernizing Turkey. Did you know Turkey was one of the first country's to give voting rights to women in 1934? Way before any of the western world either and way ahead of his times! I had first heard about him when my close Turkish friends (Cafer & Burcu) spoke of him with such respect and awe very similar to how Indians feel for Mahatma Gandhi.
We all need leaders like him in today's world - Salute!
If you want to know more about history of more such sculptures on Embassy row or more history about who resided in these buildings - they r more than just an office ;) - check out this awesome history piece on Embassy Row Self Tour: https://freetoursbyfoot.com/embassy-row-tour-self/
Comments