Indonesia is kicking me out.
It comes as a shock and with a regretfully saddened heart that the day after tomorrow, (Thursday morning) I will have to leave my beloved home of 3 months, Bali, Indonesia.
"WHAT? Pleeeeease... NOOOOO!"
But Indonesia, why do I have to go? I just want to stay and live here peacefully and lovingly, I promise I won't be a problem... please don't break my heart!
I'm not allowed to stay... but it's not what it sounds like.
To me, it's the end of the world right now because for starters, I lost track of time and forgot that it was this week that I had to leave! I'm busy, I had plans... more than anything, I don't want to go and for that I'm heartbroken! But alas, countries all have these weird rules and regulations about how long you can stay in them (crazy right?) I am Canadian and therefore, I am not a passport holder of Indonesia. What does that mean for me?
Something we in the roaming citizens of the Earth (ex-pat) community call….
THE (dreaded) VISA RUN!
I am not the world’s biggest fan of the imaginary lines drawn in the sand all over the place that are attached to different rules, flags, laws and procedures BUT I do take them seriously and abide by them (I have friends who didn't feel the same and it didn't work out so well!) I am a peace-wanting, fun-loving, heart-opened traveler and I respect the rules of each country I visit and appreciate being able to be there in general but that unfortunately means that even if I play the game, and pay the money and wait the time and hire the right guys… I still have to leave the country after a certain amount of time... and I don't want to!
Right now, my two months I paid for is up and it’s a damn shame because I have to leave, and did I mention that Bali is an island... as in surrounded in water?
For over 3 years I have had to play this Visa Run game as I have traveled all over the world and lived and stayed in many countries that were not my own… but the problem is that (do you remember this?)
I HATE (a word I reserve for extreme circumstances only) flying!
I think I must have either:
- A) watched too many Final Destination movies as a kid (which is definitely true either way)
Or - B) had a bad experience with planes in a past life
Something has to be up because I am beyond consoling when I have to board one of those magical tin cans in the sky…
At one point in my life (actually it was right after my Dominican Republic experience- which I am currently posting about right now, check out the most recent chapter here: I had applied to be a flight attendant.
If you can believe this (and it really says something) I even got hired! I got hired for not only 1 airline but 2, and one of them was one of the biggest airlines in the world and took me multiple interviews to land. Obviously, I ended up having to back out because… oh… I don’t know… severe fear of being in the air!
Can you imagine?
I thought that if I faced my fear enough, flew enough, one day I would get used to it- I was WRONG! I have been on so many flights it got to be ridiculous to count. Some months I was flying up to 10 times... It was wreaking havoc on my heart from all of the panicking... gasping for air... sweating profusely... convincing myself that each bump we hit was the end of it all.
I am the chick on Bridesmaids who is losing her mind seeing strange things… thinking about the worst case scenario... staring out the window with gloom in her eyes... getting everyone else worked up ;) (Just kidding, that only happened once or maybe twice max!)
Did I tell you all about when I flew through A CYCLONE that was blowing through Australia from New Zealand into Bali? It might be why I decided I wasn’t leaving. It was the worst and most terrifying experience I have ever had- hands down. On a positive note there, I grabbed the woman beside me on instinct (thinking we were going down) and although her first language was Spanish and English was very limited, we ended up bonding immensely from that (perceived life/death experience!) So, I see it as a win in life despite it all.
Anyways, I am sure you get my point by now ;) I am going to be doing a little jaunt over to Kuala Lumpur for the later part of the week and aside from the flying part, I am excited to be in ‘KL’ again, I end up here quite frequently as it’s a main hub and I love their vegan options, I have a secret place I stock up on dates and Malaysia is a beautiful country.
After a couple of days I can fly back home, sorry to let my emotionally elevated outlook on this overwhelm you! When I fly back home, everything will be back to normal and I will be able to Steem normally again ;)
Don't you worry, I will tell you all about it- maybe even snap some selfies of my scared out of my mind face on the plane to share ;)
Hope you all have a great week!
If you see a plane up in the sky, I hope you think of me... wrists writhed around my armrest, screaming bloody murder inside my head ;)
I hope they invent teleportation soon!
There may be something and other things that happen with you, but you should be patient, and I understand you do not like the magic cans, he..he
I am sure the people of Indonesia like you, and if there is time, you also visit to aceh, I am ready to accompany you. Thank you.
Thank you :) That is so sweet! I will be ok, I would love to visit aceh one day soon!
Hope you have a beautiful day!
XO,
💜-2-💜
Home is always inside you. You're home wherever you are.
I love it! I'll bring home with me :)
Thank you :)
XO,
💜-2-💜
Hahahah this post had me giggling... love the GIF'S
I know what you mean with Flying too I guess all the most beautiful places are always hard to get too ;)
I was in Kuala lumpur this year kool place never been to Indonesia though thats next on my agenda :)
I love gifs ;) I think they helped tell this story :P It's true, I guess if they were easy to get to, everyone would go and then they would eventually no longer be as beautiful right?
Definitely suggest Indonesia, it's been my favorite country so far, I just love it here which is why I am so sad to go!
Let me know when you visit :)
XO,
💜-2-💜
I don't know which I would dread most, flying or teleportation. On the one hand falling out of the sky is frightening to say the least. But on the other hand, having your atoms ripped apart and spread across the Universe only to be smashed back together again really is not that reassuring either. Guess I have too much Dr. McCoy in me, so sign me up for flying!
Anyway, best wishes for a safe trip and good luck with all your Visa Runs! :-)
Hahaha wow, well now that is something I hadn't thought of! Put that way, I think I would have to agree with you! Bring on the plane in that case... jeepers!
Thanks so much, it's just another journey, it'll all be fine but I appreciate the support, it'll make me more brave out there!
XO,
💜-2-💜
Very entertaining post thank you! I am sorry you are so afraid of flying, I personally am 80% cool with it and 20% worried. I know you will be fine, just believe the universe has more in store for you!
Have a super week!
XO,
💜-2-💜Hi @tiandao thanks for the support :) I know it's silly to worry, it's more my crazy brain full of fantastic ideas that I have to worry about! I'll post to let you all know I landed when I get there :)
Your welcome! Also please do I want to know you are OK! Be well friend.
I am home safe and sound, thank you so much for the kind and comforting messages :)
I hope you have a fantastic week!
XO,
💜-to-💜
I am very glad to here that! I hope you have a wonderful week as well. Thank you for letting me know.
=D
💜
Go to India, reach a high mountain, lose your passport and live free forever.
Awwww best idea ever (except the flying to India part, on account of the flying) butttt, could do it here when I get back ;) thanks for the idea!
XO,
💜-2-💜
I thought you were coming to Mauritius! Hahaha! Maybe next time!
Just take little patience and all will be fine dear!
Looking forward to your pics in the plane though! That would be epic as there will be no more tequilas now!Hahaha!
Cheers
I hate flights too @heart-to-heart! Not only the afraid part of it but also sitting for hours like that just make me get annoyed! @progressivechef
If you don't like flying, and I don't like flying... what are we going to do about the cooking together part?
I already booked this flight, I had just forgotten about it! I got lost in Steemit and the days flew by ;)
I will be coming soon, those pictures have me sold on it!
NO MORE TEQUILA Chef... not even one :P
XO,
💜-2-💜
We'll find a way out don't worry! Just for the sake of that epic cooking session, I will take that damn flight!
Heart-to-heart and Progressivechef culinary masterclass!!
That could be a great one!
We could post about it on Steemit and have people fly from all over for us to teach them! ;)
I was living in Canada and had to leave as well, holding a Dutch Passport, dislike those visa games....
When you leave Bali and want to return dont they give you a new visa?
hope everything works out for you!! goodluck
Oh no, visa games are not fun at all! Hopefully it wasn't too bad!
Yes they do give a new one so it's OK, I am just sad to have to leave!
I will be fine :) Thank you so much though! Have a beautiful day!
XO,
💜-2-💜
Just relax, the fear of flying is irrational. Just take a look at how many planes are flying in the sky right now.
https://www.flightradar24.com
But I don't like flying too. Not for the fear of it, but because I see nothing, no background just clouds. That is why I prefer to travel by car. And by car I can even make stops along the way.
I know you're right, I just have to convince my anxiety ;)
I also like traveling by car for the same reason! I love taking pictures along the way!
Thanks for the support though, I'll get my big girl pants on and get on my flight ;)
Have a great week!
XO,
💜-2-💜
Good, nice post @heart-to-heart
I've always loved to fly. Being up above the clouds is just so freaking awesome to me!
Really? Wow, we should trade and you can fly for me! ;)
XO,
💜-2-💜
I would love too but they don't like big ugly dogs on planes 😣
Well, I don't know about that- I heard they openly accept guard dogs ;)
😊😙
Canada has strict rules too.....very strict in fact.
If your visa run is to Singapore make sure to spend at least a night in town. Border authorities at Changi don't approve of people flying in and out of Bali for obvious reasons on the same day. Some get turned away and denied entry.
meep
I'm not sure about them, being Canadian, I don't have very many restrictions :P
Yes, I am familiar but very much appreciate your heads up! I have heard many a horror stories about just that so I am avoiding any troubles!
Thanks again, I hope you have a good week :)
XO,
💜-2-💜
Does alcohol pre-flight help? or any sort of sedative?
I fly all the time, and while I have had many good experiences, I understand that the bad ones stick out for all of us. There was only one time where I was truly scared for my life, but on a positive note from that experience: the oxygen masks did not descend .. So it couldn't have been THAT bad!
I wish you safe travels! Flying is the SAFEST form of transportation IN THE WORLD after-all :D
Hahaha I love your attitude :) Yes, you're right and I know it to be true. I have flown seriously beyond times that I can count at this point so I know it's safe... it's just my anxiety about it doesn't understand that :P
I used to use alcohol but I've cut it out for the last couple of years along with any medications that probably would do the trick. I did find something natural in New Zealand that was wonderful but I went through it so quickly with all of my flying... sigh.. I'll just have to stop being such a chicken ;)
XO,
💜-2-💜
Does Indonesia let people keep doing quick visa runs or does there come a point when you must stay out of the country a bit longer?
I'm curious because I'm thinking of going to Bali to meet other entrepreneurs and I'd also like to stay longer than just two months!
That's a difficult question- most countries get 1 month free but you can apply for a 2 month visa where you have to pay and go through the extension process if you want which is what I did but after it ends you have to leave. There are other options, depending on how much you want to pay for it but to me, it's easier this way.
Check into it before you come with expectations though because they are not lenient!
Hope that helps a bit!
XO,
💜-2-💜
Thank you that does help a lot. I'm just surprised how short the visa is. I shall have to check for my passport. Thanks!
Hey no problem, best of luck to you! Let me know if you're in Bali :)
XO,
💜-2-💜
I'm sure Bali is sad to see you go to. Safe travels, and may the cyclones stay clear of your path.
Well thank you very much! I pray they hear you :) I'll be back, it's just a light leave :) I am just being a baby because I don't want to go!
It's just another experience :)
Have a wonderful day!
XO,
💜-2-💜
Good luck on your not panicking.
Hahah thank you, I will try my best not to :)
No promises though!
:)
XO,
💜-2-💜
It was my home for 16 years but the visa stories are endless and nerve wrecking. Sorry to hear about your situation. Kind of fun article 💃🙀
Awww so I have heard, don't scare me now :P 16 years is a long run! Why did you end up leaving?
It's OK, I just forgot I had to leave but it was all planned so it's really no problem except that I don't want to ;)
Hope you have a great week!
XO,
💜-2-💜
That is a huge bummer! I think one day we will be able to move freely around the world. I hope so anyway! Best of luck on the next chapter @heart-to-heart
I wish for that too... maybe one day it will come true, it sure would be wonderful if we could just all live together peacefully... sigh... ;)
Have a great week, thanks for the comment, it's just another journey!
XO,
💜-2-💜
Great Post!
Flight anxiety is real.
Safe travels & Steem on :)
Well, I am comforted to know it's not just me! Thanks for the support :)
:) Have a great week!
XO,
💜-2-💜
Hope you figure things out. Safe flight! I didn't know you were Canadian. Thought you had permanent Indonesian residence, but the more you know. Maybe I missed it, but where will you travel next?
Awww no :( No, no, no. It's sad but it's never that easy. I'm off to Malaysia for a couple of days, nothing major, I was just being a baby... I don't want to leave :(
Nah it looks amazing where you are, so I can understand :D
Awwww... well more places to go! Don't be scared ok, I'm thinking of you.
Aww thank you, now I will be OK ;)
Hope you have a wonderful day!
XO,
💜-2-💜
Awww!
I know :( it's the worst!
Then you should move to #Aceh province :)
I have heard wonderful things, maybe I will one day ;)
Have a great day!
XO,
💜-2-💜
You could always come visit me in Australia.... I wouldn't mind a friendly face :)
Australia is interesting as well... have to apply online out of country and pay for it beforehand :S
I still have an open one there, maybe a visit soon ;)
XO,
💜-2-💜
LOL You are a great entertainer for sure. Do you think you might get back to Bali when this is all over?
Haha in times of desperation and ultimate fear... humor comes full force!
Yes, I'll be back soon, I was just having a laugh at myself! It will be fine, it's just part of living in another country! :)
That's an epic pic at the end!
Regarding the visa run, I'm also a Canadian citizen (but a complete noob traveler who's about to go on a big trip) and I'm wondering how long you can stay in europe before being kicked out?
Are you able to just get another visa for each country, and move around, or do you have to leave the eu at some point?
Thanks
Hi @geomagna sorry I am late responding, I was traveling and got lost in the lights and photos of it all ;)
Every country has it's own rules, you'll have to check. When I was in Europe (5 years ago) I didn't need anything for anywhere I went but I also wasn't in a country more than a week at a time. Check the Canadian Embassy's website for visa requirements (you don't want to miss this step- my mom just had a bad experience trying to come visit me and didn't get let in because she didn't do her homework!) You'll also have to make sure you have substantial amount of time on your passport because countries want to see that you have 6 months remaining when entering. That's actually what happened to my mom.
It's all easy to find online, I'm not an expert on the EU but I hope this helps :) Have a great trip!
XO,
💜-to-💜
bali is amazing place to stay
I couldn't agree more! I just love it so much! Do you live in Bali or have you just visited before? :)
XO,
💜-to-💜
visit before i will do it again by the way im from sandakan where orang utan belong :) and working at dubai right now
I also experienced a long story about Indonesia, I used to fight against their government
And I was chased to be killed in 10 years, I finally hid in the forest and after peace I was able to bunch with my beloved kelaurga, and also a lot of my friend who was captured and broken by the Indonesian government troops, I conclude that Indonesia Not a legal state and not a strong state of the rule. Eat i hate that its name indonesia.
Today I acknowledge myself aceh people, not indonesian people
Hi @ades, I am sorry to hear about that experience! That sounds like you had a really crazy time, much crazier than mine! I am not sure what happened to you, but I am happy to hear you're OK now! Hope you are having a great day and I'm happy to hear you've found a place to call home! :)