May 19, 2010

Mug shots

I envy countries whose citizens don't need visas to travel to other countries as tourists. Very few countries don't require them from Filipinos and most of them are in Asia. To visit the U.S., Canada, Australia or any European country, we need a visa (not that I blame them, but that's a story for another day). The documents that accompany the application form basically have to prove that, one, we have the means to support ourselves while we're in their country and, two, we will go back to the Philippines after the trip. That means bank statements and a return ticket. Visa applications cost too, hence the check, and the photo requirements are so strict (no smiling!), they always end up looking like mug shots. The Canadian embassy has one over the others though: it doesn't require a personal appearance, so there is no likelihood of a consul's personal prejudices affecting the application negatively.

Canadian visa application documents


Today, my husband and I are off to Toronto for the wedding of my eldest nephew, the son of one of my brothers. This will be our farthest and longest trip yet, and we're both very excited. And since my other brother and my aunt (my mom's only sister) will be flying in with their families too, this will be a truly special occasion for me. I scheduled posts for the three weeks that we will be away and I'm hoping that my brother has an extra computer that I can use while we're there, but if I don't get to visit your blogs in the next few weeks, you know why. Be good, be safe, be happy.

27 comments:

Stefan Jansson said...

Have fun in Canada. It would be a better world if we all could travel around the world without so much trouble.

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Bon voyage, Hilda. Canada is beautiful. I am sure you will have a wonderful trip.

Clueless in Boston said...

Have a great trip. Toronto is a great city to visit.

Mike Rose said...

Hi Hilda, lucky you, enjoy the trip.

Lowell said...

I think I can promise to "be happy." But I'm not sure about "safe," and I know I won't be "good."

Meanwhile, you're going to have a great time! It will be a fantastic occasion with your family. Enjoy! And, please, don't worry about blogging. You be good, safe and happy!

But if you can't be good, I will understand.

arabesque said...

i've huge problem when it comes to acquiring visa also.
always a hassle, pain in the butt and time consuming. ^0^
i wonder when our country be visa free?
safe travels hilds! enjoy canada and have a gr8 reunion! ^0^
don;t 4get to bring us pasalubongs! hehe! kiddin.
enjoy your trip! ^-^

mia said...

Have a great trip Ma'am Hilda!!! And Sir Exie! You're so lucky you get to travel -and escape this heat! I've never been to Canada before even if we have relatives there also. I'm sure it's a great place. My cousin loves that city, Toronto. Take loads of pics! :) Have fun! :)

brattcat said...

May your travels be safe and packed with pleasures. Best wishes to the wedding couple. Toronto is a wonderful city with plenty of great people and great food. Don't worry about blogging while you're away.

Verna Luga said...

Have a safe trip Hilds... enjoy! dropping by here...

Philip G. said...

Have a fun and safe trip Ms. Hilda:D

Don and Krise said...

In some ways I wish there wasn't so much red tape to everything we do. On the other hand I do understand that a few make it necessary for us all to abide by these rules and laws. Have a wonderful trip, a wonderful time at the wedding, and most importantly........DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!

Olivier said...

bon voyage et tu souhaiteras un Joyeux Mariage a ton frere

Rob Siemann said...

Well, enjoy Canada! We have a big part of our family in Toronto, and we actually would like to move there asap. I am french, so I can just go there, and get a stamp in my passport on arrival. But Mandy is Indian, so the formalities for her are the same as for you. The fact of having family in Canada helps a bit, but not much.
Please take many pictures!

Cezar and Léia said...

Girl...I really know what you mean about visa, papers and so on...
Sometimes I'm tired about all of these stuffs....but , if we need to travel, so, it's necessery!
Dear Hilda,
I wish you a safe blessed trip.Also all love for your family in this happy moment, a wedding is wonderful!
Enjoy your time there, take lots of pictures to show Toronto for us okay!
And...don't worry about blog, it's time to enjoy the family!
God bless you
Léia

AB said...

Have a good trip. Don't forget the camera!

dianasfaria.com said...

have fun & take lots of photos. Canada is a beautiful place.
& don't worry about blogging, just enjoy yourself!

Halcyon said...

Good luck with the journey. I hope it's all smooth sailing. We'll miss you while you're gone, but I'm sure you'll have a great time! Congrats to your nephew as well!!

SFBakstad said...

Have a wonderful trip! You are going to love Toronto! I've been there once during the Film Festival and it was a blast! And, Canadians are so kind, fun, and hospitable!

Priyanka Khot said...

Have a fantastic trip. Best wishes to the couple all set to get married.

Louis la Vache said...

We hope for a safe and enjoyable trip for you and your family, Hilda! We'll keep an eye on things while you are gone!

Ken Mac said...

have fun in Toronto !

Ursel said...

Hilda, have a safe trip and fun in Toronto.

Ebie said...

I missed this post and maybe by this time you have already landed.

Enjoy your vacation and I hope you can meet fellow bloggers in the East!

Posting from my new blog.

Ebie.

Dina said...

Oh wow, you're in Canada! Worth all the paperwork, eh?
Have a great time!

Lois said...

Have a great trip Hilda and take lots and lots of pictures!

Hilda said...

Thank you for the well wishes, everyone! We arrived last night, slept well, got a short tour around the neighborhood (a suburb of Toronto), and are now getting ready to get lost in Toronto city proper. I'm looking forward to taking lots of pictures!

Unknown said...

Have a safe trip!!

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