Asia Pacific Telecommunity is going to hold its 2010 Forum of “The Policy and Regulation” in Honiara, Solomon Islands. I have been nominated to attend as the representative of my employer, however it is very unlikely that I could make it to the conference on time for some reasons.
In the beginning it took a while to locate the place on google earth, it is a very tiny island in Pacific Ocean. Then I started looking for a proper flight to get me there on time and I am yet to find one. The reaction of travelling agencies is sort of funny. To some of them, I look like a lonely explorer seeking adventure in a voyage to the middle of nowhere. I think I am their first traveler to such place, as they will most probably fail to arrange flight for such an unknown place.
But arranging ticket is not my main problem, Visa is. I talked to many of conveners of the meeting and none of them had any idea how one should apply for visa. When I checked Solomon Islands Immigration Office website, I found citizens of many countries are allowed to travel there without Visa, or they are able to get it at arrival time. I am one of the few ones who need to get visa before arrival.
I was wondering why I should be the exception, what they think about me and my country? I figured it out when I downloaded the Visa Application Form and saw the title: “Visa Application Form for Aliens Holding Passport”.
They believe I am an alien, maybe because none of my compatriots have ever travelled there. Are they expecting me on a flying saucer rather than an air craft? If I get there I will explain them that people of my country are humans not aliens, and then I try to figure out what the hell Solomon was doing there? I need to report this to my freaky boss :)
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1 comment:
well there are a few points I need to mention:
1- Solomon islands are not so unknown. If you had National Geographic you would have been more familiar with it. Another reason to get paid-for TV.
2- They were hit by a 7.1 Richter earthquake just a few days ago and they were hit by sunami a few years ago. So maybe it's not a great idea to go there right now anyway.
3- Aliens in English means foreigners. It's still very common to use the word today. So don't be so surprised by the word.
4- Definitely buy your tickets online. I don't understand why you even approached stupid travel agents.
5- The main reason for visa requirement from countries like Iran is the large number of illegal immigrants from Iran not the political situation. So the best way to ensure that Iranians will be more respected is to avoid immigration!
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