For my next step (visa), I need a police check. One of those reports confirming that I am not a criminal . And I totally understand why they want it. I am not sure that I understand why a government-issued document then needs to have an “Apostille” – another stamp to confirm that it is what it is. But that is another rant … 😤

So today I had an appointment at the local consulate to get my signature on the application certified. Being German, I will apply twice (back-up) and needed two documents / signatures certified. It cost an arm and a leg 💸. And that is fair: The consulate provided a service and I am not a tax resident of Germany, so they charged.

I could have done the same procedure online – but I forgot the PIN to confirm my identity. 🙈 -> Loser!

And overall the complete process so far is poorly planned . I should have done all this in Moscow, Russia, and then waited it out there. But I booked before doing the research 🥺 -> Loser!

At least, I could have used the day to take some pictures of Kraków 📷 (one of my 2026 goals is to take pictures daily). I have not taken any last week and could have made up for that. But no – I forgot -> Loser!

On top of that, in the last week I have neither done my morning gymnastics nor my daily Russian learning, and I have eaten a lot and might have gained weight 🐖 -> Loser!

Anyway, that’s life: Sometimes you win – sometimes you lose.