[ShellyA]

Hi, I am probably doing the pick-up trip alone and was wondering if someone could share their experience with me?

Thanks,
Shelly

[Tiggysgirl]

Shelly, I'll be picking up alone too. Are you married or single? All I know is that if you're married you need a PoA to pick up on your hubby's behalf. I'm interested to hear the stories too about those who picked up alone.

[ShellyA]

I am married. This is our first so I am a little worried to go down alone, but it is only for a few days! I think I can make it

[doghouse]

I went on the pickup trip all alone. Your agency should tell you the proper documents you will need. Don't ask me because I can't remember.

I had a wonderful time on my trip. My agency had an english speeking driver meet me at the airport. He had a huge van and in the back was his entire family. Parents, wife and child. I was was scared to get into a van with a strager but when I saw his entire family I knew everything would be OK.

I was immediately taken to the hotel where I met up with our in country coordinator and other families using agency.

Our baby arrived the next day and then the following day a group of us was escorted to the Embassy to process the visa.

The following day another group went to the Embassy to pick up the visas. That night we all went out to dinner at a local restaurant.

When it was time for me to be taken back to the airport with the baby, my driver took me out through the basement of the hotel for security reasons. The police were harassing other families in the area.

I arrived at the airport very early, went through priority check-in because of having the baby and traveling alone and went upstairs to wait for my flight.

The three scariest time during my trip were:
1. The time from getting my bags and getting into the van that was waiting for me to take me to the hotel.
2. The whole Embassy experience.
3. Going from the safety of my driver's van to the securty area of the airport.

I would be happy to answer questions or give you more deails if you would like.