2) Consulate is a busier place, but I managed to get all the questions answered in an hour. The vouchers (copies I got by email) were accepted. One can also get a multiple "three-year" visa even if passport expires in 2.5 years. They simply issue a visa valid up to the expiration of the passport minus six months. Fair enough.
Did they require that you show them your health ins policy? I take it since you were there that sufficed for the mandatory interview? To get the 3yr Visa did you have to provide anything extra besides the extra $$
SPB was nice but as I figured I didnt get everything I wanted in, some due to misinfo given to me at my 1st hotel, what was closed when so I changed my plans only to find out had I kept to it I would have gotten it all in