That's a bit different from not being allowed to speak to anyone. Sounds like you were in the lineup of Dominicans applying for US visas. And of course you don't apply for Dominican residency at the US Embassy :cheeky: so the screener was right.
Yes thanks again, he was right looking back at it now, that is probably exactly the line I was in, and if I had known a little bit more Spanish, I am sure I wouldn't have gotten into that line. The only strange thing about it was that before I got in any line, I tried to go in the front door, was stopped by the same gentleman, I explained what I was looking to do in my best Spanish at the time, and he basically just told me to get in the back of the line. When my spot got near the front he again came to me, once again I explained as best I could, and he told me to wait and handed my forms and sent me on my way.
Not being critical of the US consulate office down in Santo Domingo, and seeing as you have indicated that the majority of people there were Dominicans looking for US visas, so speaking Spanish would definitely be an asset, but wouldn't it make some sense to have a person near the entrance that could speak English?
Just in case a confused gringo like myself, had a question, and needed some advice. I found it at the time very disheartening to go to the US consulate, stand in line for over an hour in the hot sun, and then not even be allowed to speak to someone in English. Mind you before going to the consulate, I was directed by somebody else to go to the Embassy (a few blocks away), which I did and of course that was a waste, as they wouldn't let me in there and just directed me to the Consulate. That experience in and of itself, showed me the need to learn the language. Which I already knew, but again it was further crystallized in that instance.
Before anyone asks yes I am much better in the language and basically can say whatever I want to say, for the most part even in the proper tenses. However I am still finding difficulty in comprehending when others speak to me. Don't know if it is because I find it to rapid to follow at my current level, or if the words and phrases often are colloquialism's and therefore confusing. But I am working at it and I am improving everyday. I have taken courses sponsored by the University and I am currently enrolled, but to speed up the process, I am contemplating taking some private lessons; all the instructors tell me all I have to do is practice, because I am not that far away.
Hopefully they are right.