It also means you cannot carry most things you want to – a shoulder bag containing all your documents and other stuff neatly, a cell phone etc.,

Now, it seems that the US Govt has finally woken up to this hardship and is doing something to address it.

They’re calling it – surprise, surprise – the Stars and Stripes Lounge.

For a list of Amenities and facilities there, I quote (link) :

* A comfortable air-conditioned waiting room protected from the weather.
* A Café Coffee Day counter which offers you a cup of tea or coffee and a sandwich at no extra charge.
* Free storage area for your baggage and items that cannot be taken inside the Consulate.
* Free use of changing rooms.
* Free use of clean restroom facilities.
* Free return coach transfers between the Lounge and the U.S. Consulate. Coaches leave the lounge every 30 minutes.
* Privacy and safety: The Lounge is protected by security staff, with access restricted only to visa applicants and accompanying persons
* Snack Bar for refreshments and light meal priced most reasonably

So if you wanna talk to your sweetie, or loved ones, you can do that and leave your cellphone in the storage area.

Entry charge is 200Rs/- per person – including food and drink coupon, but considering that I once had to shell out the same just for the darned security person to gimme back my cellphone, I think its worth it!

(I havent yet had a chance to review the arrangements, but it seemed worthy enough of publishing)