Subaqua Sternal Rubs

After class today I decided to undertake obtaining a permanent Grenadian driver's license. It will save me money in the long run, and theoretically be easier than going to the police station every 90 days to get another temporary one. My current temporary license is good for another 3 weeks, but I figured I would do it now, because I didn't know how long it would take to process. I collected the things that I read in my Freshman Orientation Handbook that I would need:

• 2 Temporary Licenses, to show experience driving in Grenada (I actually brought 3 for good measure.)
• 2 passport-sized photos
• Passport
• Currently valid home license
• 100EC (about $37)

Before I left to make the 30-minute journey to the main police station in the capital, I called ahead to make sure I had everything and was going to the right place. First I called the local police station, who referred me to the main police station. I called the main police station, who referred me to the Traffic Division. I called the traffic division, who referred me to the Inland Revenue Department. I called the IRD, who referred me to the Licensing Division. I called the Licensing Division, who referred me back to the Traffic Division. After all these calls, I really didn't get a clear answer from anyone - it was like the right hand didn't know what the left hand was doing. (Hence the title of this post.)

So with some trepidation, I decided to head up and see what I could do in person. I got a hold of the RA van for the journey, partly because it was an official job-related function (I am required to have a DL for my RA job), and because I am actually kind of starting to enjoy driving standard. Gives me something to do, as if driving in Grenada wasn't enough to grab my full attention. (I can't tell you how many times I have had just inches to spare on either side because either the road was small, or there was unregulated traffic flow around construction, or just people walking in the street, right in front of you…) Anyways, I made it back and forth safely.

When I got to the main police station, I was directed to the Traffic Division. After doing a little searching, I finally found the unmarked door in the side of the building. When I presented my request (with supporting documents) for a permanent driver's license to the two Officers present, they both looked at each other with a dumbfounded expression, as if I were the first person ever to make such a request. Then one of them said, "I think you need a work permit." Wtf? A) You think? You better well know - I just drove 30 minutes to get here. B) I called prior to coming just to avoid this type of situation. C) I can't get a work permit - I am not a Grenadian citizen, rather I am a student. When I mentioned I was a student, she said, "I think a letter from your school stating that you are a student will work." A) Think? Again? B) I had a student ID from my school, complete with endorsement sticker for the current term, but that wasn't good enough. Wow, do I love it when people just make up rules.

Well, I requested a letter from the school, and I will have to try again in a few days… Though if it ends up being more of a pain that it's worth, I'll just stick with the temporary licenses.

Alright, back to studying…

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