Monday, July 7, 2008

They refuse me a visa

Hi again
I am still in Hanoi and looks like I am stuck here for a few more days. I went to the embassy this morning and they need a firm hotel booking and return ticket before they issue a visa. I'll have to try and use other methods and try again tomorrow but the chances are 50-50. My two brothers -in-law are leaving tomorrow, so I'll be left alone again to fend for myself, and I'll have to give up all the luxuries I have been enjoying the last 4 days. I'll check into a one 'star' -(me) hotel and wait and hope for the visa.
I am itching to get started again as I am getting fat - with the good food and luxuries..I just can't imagine what to do if I fail to get the visa. Any suggestions?
I don't want to end the journey this way .Wish me luck,everybody. and take care.
Adnan
PS. Thank you sook ying and Jason for your comments, will tell you stories when I get back. And also to you Choon in BG. Regards to Auntie.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Adnan,
"What will be will be", Don't worry be happy man. So what you can't go to China? Please ask our Embassy to help you and maybe book you a hotel in Yunan or whatever and get a return ticket from Shanghai or Wuhan. Think man all is not lost. I'm behind you buddy.
Please don't worry if you can't go on as you've shown your determinations.
God blessrzxgknhq

vessabhu said...

Hi Adnan,
Try the M'sain Embassy and tell them your Goals. Its God Will what ever happen, Happens for a reason.
Enjoy what even one can and stay focus. I'm with you all the way.
Everyone in B.G is well. Auntie is well and she wonders how you are getting on.
I shall be back in B.G on the 1st of Sept just a short leave.
Will keep in touch again.
God Bless.
Hoy.( Melbourne )

Bandit said...

Sir,

apologies for the loooogggg silence... was out of the country..

anyway, KL to Hanoi!! Awesome!! a 63 year old man, peddling one stroke/sweep after another, left and right, left and right... one km became 10km,then three digits, the four digits... by now, you would've at least covered 2500km!!

I really hope that they'd approve your visa.. I mean, if they could let Bush in for the Olympic opening, why could they let you in? let's face it, you're a much better person then Bush (well, who isn't??) hahahahhhh

Bandit

Anonymous said...

adnan:

aiya...hope to see u beijing..me still waiting for visa too.

I need to provide more documents than u,hotel room and flight is basic..hope u can settle it.

Tey

Syed Rizal said...

Pak Nan,

Well I guess it wasn't really a surprise that they refused your Visa!

One suggestion I can think of is to try your luck at the Lao Cai border. This town is where travellers stop over enroute to Sa Pa mountains. Maybe pedalling there would be tough though! Anyway I remembered meeting some Malaysian travellers in Ha Long Bay who did went to Sa Pa and they said visa can be obtained at Lao Cai itself. They didn't actually enter China though due to time constraints and the fact that their travel approval stated only Vietnam. Well they were teachers and didn't want to risk breaching their approval for fear of something bad happening in China. Maybe there's restrictions on the Visa but I believe all you need is permission to enter and the rest can be arranged later kan.
Getting help from our embassy may be helpful as well. Your return tickets can be bought online or from travel agents in Ha Noi (MAS is located at Ha Noi Towers) while hotel can also be booked online or surely through agents in Ha Noi as well.

Anyway maybe you need not disclose the fact you plan to go to Beijing as maybe the government is more stringent if you mentioned that!
Whatever happens please don't give up at least until you make it to the Chinese border whether Lao Cai or elsewhere. Who know maybe with your perseverance there'll be some divine intervention and your wish for a Visa somehow somewhere will be granted. You have done so well up to this stage and everyone is rooting for you to complete your journey!

So take care and the best of luck at the embassy or border crossing. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you.

Love & Salam...Rizal

Kama At-Tarawis said...

Salaam Pak Adnan

Here's hoping your slight 'hitch' will be solved soon, Insyaallah. From the Abu family.

Anonymous said...

Ello you!

Glad to know u guys had a blast in Hanoi. Mak called to say Abah enjoyed his time with u & P.Syed. The boat trip sounded like a lot of fun. Shukry was being cheeky & he asked me how safe the seafood was in your part of the world!!! Don't mind him... he's just jealous!! hahaha!

He'll be back in M'sia soon so Mak & Abah will be coming to stay with me & the kids. Yay! However, the flite cost is so expensive, bummer! Reading about your visa predicament... we did wonder about how u were going back home! So now we know! looks like u'll have to fly back, eh?

Now that we know how u can get a visa into China, hurry up & get yourself a ticket home!! I'm sure getting a hotel booking won't be too difficult. Anyway, here's hoping for the best & good luck with the visa. Perseverance will pay off, have faith!!

May god be with you & take care!

BTW, Chipah... if u're reading this.. come over to NZ with Mak Ain & Pak Shah lah!

Cheers!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Adnan,

You probably may have problems getting the China visa through the usaual channel.
Use the 'personal approach' through the respective ambassadors or first secretaries.
Dr Lee