Germany

This morning I stopped at my local big bank, hoping to either wire 13 euro to Germany or get an international money order/draft. I discovered that it would cost about US$50 for the wire transfer and about US$25 for the money order/draft. Then, knowing that - while I know this isn't a great idea - they would also accept cash, I asked if they sold euro. Oh, they can get euro in two days, for about US$18 in fees. Um, I can go to the airport and get the same lousy exchange rate without that fee, thank you.

Suddenly, I remember my pal who often has euros lying around. Yes, she says, go to her office and have her assistant let me in. I can scrounge 13 euro from her desk. Then, I visualize my bedroom dresser- is that bill in my drawer Canadian dollars or euro? Hmmm. So, I tell the bank, no thanks and stop by the house. Sure enough, I had 20 euro sitting in my own drawer. After a stop at my friendly notary, I put the application for the Police Certificate of Good Conduct in the mail. Yes, with the cash.

Keep your fingers crossed for me! Will I have crossed the "i"s and dotted the "t"s? Will the cash make it there? But, mostly, will the Germans freak out at receiving more than the exact 13 euro? Inquiring minds want to know, or not.

On to the fingerprinting tomorrow...