Adventures at LTO

Today I officially became a licensed driver in the Philippines. But, like everything here, getting a license is an adventure ;) So here's a little play-by-play to let you in on all the fun...

1- Go to the local LTO (their version of the DMV) to find out some important info: if I can actually get my license here (or if I'll need to go to a bigger office in Legaspi or Manila) and what documents are required.

2- Go home to fill out application and gather needed documents.

3- Get an early start the next day... first stop: drug test. Fill out more paperwork (in triplicate). Pay for the drug test. Pee in a cup. Have your picture taken. Scan your fingerprints. Get the papers back with the "test results" and head on to your next stop.

4- Go back to LTO to show the guard your paperwork. Find out that yes, you really have to go to City Hall to get a "medical certificate."

5- Wander around the City Hall complex looking for the Treasury Office... easier said than done (pretty much have to walk through a construction site to get there).

6- Find the Treasury Office, but have no idea which window you're supposed to go to (no signs anywhere).

7- Finally find the right window and pay for your medical certificate.

8- Take receipt to the City Health Office. Have your blood pressure taken, read the eye chart, and step on the scale (as they announce your weight to everyone in the building). Go to another office down the hall where they take your papers, finish filling them out, and then send you on your way.

9- Get back to the LTO (in the rain), and show your completed paperwork to the guard. Take a number and sit down.

10- After much waiting, your number gets called at window 4. Take your papers to the Customer Service Representative, he gives them to someone else, and points you to the waiting area in front of window 2.

11- Your name is called to window 2b. Get your picture taken and sign your name. Then go back and sit down to wait.

12- Your name is called to window 2a. Get your picture taken (again) and sign your name (again)... I have no idea why.

13- Go to the other side of the building to wait by window 6.

14- After a while your name is called. Go to window 6 and pay the appropriate fees.

15- Go sit outside window 3 until your name is called.

16- Finally, you're called to window 3 and presented with your license and receipt :)

It was a long morning, but quite successful :)

Don't you wish you could have fun adventures like this?