Vexing visas

According to Folha de Sao Paulo on May 29, 1996, the French and the Brazilian foreign ministers met and agreed to no longer require visas for Brazilians to roam the ten European member countries of the Schengen agreement. I appreciate that.

Unfortunately mates from Perth will have to wait. I called the Australian Embassy and I do require a visa. They asked me to bring along my KIM-s and a letter from my sponsor. At least is free of charge. (The Canadians asked for 80 Deutsche Marks -- Rp.128,000 -- to issue a visa in Bonn).

I suggest Canadians and Australians study Germany's procedure. They don't require visas. They don't even require a disembarkation card. At passport control they just look at the page where the photo and date of expiring are located. (My wife's they just look the cover).

OSVALDO COELHO

Bandung, West Java