It is a challenge around the world. Most of my career, I needed at least two passports and sometimes three because Country A wouldn’t allow you entry because you had a stamp in you passport from Country B, who might not let you in because you visited Country C, but were okay if you had been to Country A.
Examples: Before Mandela was voted into office, a South Africa visa in your passport wasn’t a problem in the countries that bordered South Africa (“the Frontline States”) or Malawi, but would keep you out of most other countries in Africa. (South Africa sometimes offered loose leaf visas to avoid problems!) A Sudanese visa would keep you from entering South Sudan before its independence and vice versa. And of course, an Israeli visa keeps you from entering many Middle East countries.
My stories are OLD but yours resonate because when I lived in Spain, Barcelona in particular, for 4 years under the last gasps of Franco- many of the same, or worse things happened to me and sometimes were not resolved all that easily!
Switter, I feel as though I just walked through the scene of a film in another world in another time. Your story-telling is enchanting, your life-world nothing less than a bold adventure, your cunning a lesson in bravery.
Your stories! I am such a coward in comparison to you. I don't have what it takes to go up against immigration authorities (not any more ... though to be fair, I traveled internationally when I was in my 20s and I traveled with boldness and curiosity. I wish I could do more now but the large crowds and the big expense make me think twice. Back in the day, my expenses were minimum when I was hitchiking in Europe and sleeping in train stations. 🤣
I'm always so impressed by your clear thinking under pressure. Much as it wore you down, it suggests to me that you were, in fact, in the right line of work. And now you are again.
I just knew you didn’t commit a grave crime. Clever that you used wipes for the chalk marks.
Thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated a taste of your travel adventures! Thank you for bringing us along!
That east Africa country now has posted signs USE A MOIST TOWELETTE, GO TO JAIL! Proceed with caution.
Also, DON’T INSULT THE CROCODILES UNTIL YOU CROSS THE RIVER.
At your absolute peril.
I lived in Malaysia, and after my first six months there I was required to go to Singapore to extend my visa. Every six months.
There are worse places than Singapore to go to get a visa extended. I know, because those were the places I went.
I have a story about needing a Syrian visa to travel from Sudan > Cairo > Damascus > Cyprus for a week, then home via Amsterdam. What a mess.
Singapore’s office was very worldly, I loved it. Curious about travels, etc. I look forward to reading more! That!
You've awakened me again to the complexities of immigration!
It is a challenge around the world. Most of my career, I needed at least two passports and sometimes three because Country A wouldn’t allow you entry because you had a stamp in you passport from Country B, who might not let you in because you visited Country C, but were okay if you had been to Country A.
Examples: Before Mandela was voted into office, a South Africa visa in your passport wasn’t a problem in the countries that bordered South Africa (“the Frontline States”) or Malawi, but would keep you out of most other countries in Africa. (South Africa sometimes offered loose leaf visas to avoid problems!) A Sudanese visa would keep you from entering South Sudan before its independence and vice versa. And of course, an Israeli visa keeps you from entering many Middle East countries.
The world is complicated.
My stories are OLD but yours resonate because when I lived in Spain, Barcelona in particular, for 4 years under the last gasps of Franco- many of the same, or worse things happened to me and sometimes were not resolved all that easily!
Wondrous. Gracias.
Switter, I feel as though I just walked through the scene of a film in another world in another time. Your story-telling is enchanting, your life-world nothing less than a bold adventure, your cunning a lesson in bravery.
You are very kind. Thank you.
"When elephants dance, the grass gets trampled." So true in so many ways. Loved this.
Your stories! I am such a coward in comparison to you. I don't have what it takes to go up against immigration authorities (not any more ... though to be fair, I traveled internationally when I was in my 20s and I traveled with boldness and curiosity. I wish I could do more now but the large crowds and the big expense make me think twice. Back in the day, my expenses were minimum when I was hitchiking in Europe and sleeping in train stations. 🤣
I'm looking forward to part 2.
Go to the places with wars, famines and pestilence. They have almost no tourists and the hotels and restaurants ante really glad for your business.
I don’t have much experience with the other kind of countries, except Canada, England , and Germany.
Good point!
I'm always so impressed by your clear thinking under pressure. Much as it wore you down, it suggests to me that you were, in fact, in the right line of work. And now you are again.
I’m slow witted. It helps keep me calm because I don’t realize what was happening until after it happens.
Everything is easier and funnier in retrospect...
We always said it was a great way of life, if you didn’t weaken.
But when I think about it, I must admit I’ve had a good life. I can’t ask for better.
What an entertaining post. I have a friend who works in international aid and she has two passports. I look forward to part 2.