www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I just completed an expedited passport renewal by mail, and got my new passport back in less than three weeks. So no issues here - just make sure you fill out the paperwork properly and completely, and get photos taken that specifically meet the guidelines.

And thank God I don't have to look at that pic on my previous one anymore when I was wearing the rug!

Oh no-o-o-o-o! G.R., you wore a toupee'!? Too funny; I've been told you're a great-looking guy with or without hair on the dome...why mess with a great face?

Passports: When I renewed, normal handling w/o special fees, it took 27 days from the time I sent in the application/photos/check until I received my new passport. And like G.R., I'm much happier with my current photo sans eyeglasses and 20 pounds lighter...

G.R. in a rug.... holy Shiite.... What's next, a chest toupee'? A pubic merkin? Can't imagine it.

_________________
Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

GR,
That's great to hear.

You're the 1st person that I've heard of (over the past few months) who's gotten their passport back in a timely manner. I just had passport pics taken at Walgreens, and I'm set to renew mine as soon as I get back from the LD weekend in CR. I've only got 5 weeks until the next trip after that, so I hope I'm lucky enough to get mine back within 3 weeks.

Mucho Gusto

_________________
You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

CJ good luck with passport and I hope you get one but i would not keep my hopes up depending on when you applied.. I just read this on CNN.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/17/passport.mess.ap/index.html

I'm using an outside agency to expedite my passport, they have reassured me that I will have it back well in time for my trip as they walk all the applications through. It cost a lot more to do but it will be worth it to get it back in 1-2 weeks rather than taking the chance of maybe having it in 3-4 weeks by going through normal channels. It will be a $250 lesson but luckily it only comes around every 10 years I will just have to pay more attention next time.

OK -- I don't believe it but just got my passport back.... and in under 1 week from sending it in for renewal --- SO it will be wheels up in 3 weeks!! I'm really looking forward to my first tour and hope I can meet up w/ some of the veterans who don't mind showing a newbie some of the ropes. In the meantime I'll just continue to read, read, read to try and hone some skills.

CJ