Passports--How to renew or apply for new

You will need a valid passport for international travel that is good for 6 MONTHS after the trip returns to the U.S.  Six months means…6 MONTHS.  New travel regulations are getting more strict and require this extra leeway time in case of emergencies.

If you have never had a passport, then you need to start the process to apply for one.  If you already have a passport, check the expiration date carefully.  If it does not extend through December of 2017, then you need to apply to renew.

We recommend you start the process now.  It was ten years ago that the new passport law was passed that required everyone to have a passport book or card, even for Canada and Mexico travel.  Remember that nightmare?  All those people will be again renewing their passports this coming year.  In an attempt to avoid that hassle, again…start now.

First you need to take two passport quality photos.   Places like CVS, Walmart, or Office Depot can take passport photos. Walgreens can do this for $13.99 plus tax.  New regulations require that you do not wear glasses, do not smile, and pull your hair behind your ears.  Some photos and applications have been returned to applicants who did not comply.

Many post offices can accept passport applications for first time applicants on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.  You need to check this PO Locator to find a post office that offers these services.  Keep in mind that some post offices offer limited passport acceptance hours or require an appointment.

Applications can also be accepted at a district clerk’s office.  Here is the link to my home county with information on what is needed.  Check online for your home county’s district clerk.  Our district clerk charges a $25 execution fee (paid separately in cash in many places) plus the application fees of $110 for an adult.

If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to complete Form DS-11.  If you have a name change, data correction, or need limited passport replacement, complete Form DS-5504.  Do NOT sign your forms until you are in the presence of an official, which means that everyone must apply in person.  Use your name exactly as it is spelled on your birth certificate (even if it is misspelled like mine is!)

You must renew a passport by mail using Form DS-82 as you must submit your most recent passport with your application.   By mail, submit your passport, 2 photos, application, and fee by check or money order payable to U.S. Department of State.  Write your full name and date of birth on the front of the check, and mail it all in an envelope large enough not to bend the application.  Do not send cash.  The state department recommends a trackable delivery method.

Mail to: 

National Passport Processing Center

Post Office Box 90155

Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

Routine passport processing time is 4-8 weeks.  Expedited service (with an extra fee of $60) is 2-4 weeks turnaround.

Here’s a video that explains it…again!

Get Ready to Samba in Rio!

The samba is a Brazilian music and dance style that actually originated in Africa and was brought to Latin America in the 16^th century.  It has become a symbol around the world for Brazil and its Carnival.

If you are a fan of Dancing with the Stars and think there is just one style of samba…then think again!  There are a wide variety of styles of the music genre and just as wide a variety of dances.  And the ballroom samba is significantly different from all the others.

No partner is needed to dance the samba.  The Samba no pé is a common solo dance whenever samba music is played.  The basic movement involves a straight body and bending one knee at a time.  Another solo dance, Samba Axé, originated at the 1992 Brazilian Carnival and is designed to follow lyrics, so there is no set routine or steps.

One partner dance, Samba de Gafieira, appeared in the 1940s in urban nightclubs.  Another partner dance, Samba Pagode, has less acrobatic movements and tends to be more intimate. 

The most traditional Afro-Brazilian dance is the Samba de Roda brought to Latin America in the 17^th century by Bantu slaves (also called Semba).  In the indigenous language, "samba" means roda de dança, or a circle to dance as the indigenous people danced in celebration on many occasions.

But it is the samba developed in the late 19^th century and early 20^th century that has become the musical expression of modern day urban Rio.  Portuguese Brazilian actress Carmen Miranda helped popularize the samba internationally.

Samba school performing in Rio Carnival

In Rio, samba schools are widely popular.  They are actually more like a dancing club or guild in a neighborhood or community, and they rehearse all year long to perform in the Carnival parade.

Rio is home to over 100 samba schools, with only 12 making it to the Elite or Special Group, a place of pride for many. These groups are what has made the Rio Carnival the biggest event on the planet with their incredible parades and lavish costumes. Many of the top samba schools have over four thousand participants with each one having a specific role to play in the samba parade.

Want to spend some time practicing?  Here are a series of samba dance steps for beginners.  Happy feet!