Time Passes at the Ecuadorian Consulate

My visits to the Ecuadorian consulate are few and far between, but eventful in a plethora of ways. The first time I visited the consulate I did not have the appropriate paperwork to get a visa. I was turned away and told I need to get all of these documents- which were impossible to get in NYC! The most arduous task was obtaining my "record of good conduct" from One Police Plaza downtown.
First of all, I showed up at a large and daunting building surrounded by menacing armed police guards. I was quickly frisked and asked to state the reason why I was there. Judging from the crackheads babbling to the guys that guard the metal detectors- I realized that I was probably the most unusual customer of the day. Finally, after walking miles down large dark hallways, I was fingerprinted and given access to my records. However, I had to return and pick the records up about 15 days later.
After all the "appropriate" documents had been gathered, I went again to the Ecuadorian Consulate. The second time I was successful with my visa, but not with Josh's visa. There was a language barrier and the little ladies told me that Josh's visa would be 2030 dollars. I was shocked and dismayed by this price, but soon I found out that they meant only 230.00 dollars. Finally, after all of the turmoil and disorganization had ended I walked out with two visas and an empty wallet.
Hopefully, I can find my visa before I leave!