How I got my Jordan Tourist Visa

I will tell you the story of how I got a Jordanian Tourist Visa.

Short and simple, I just followed what is written here and here. Because these are the guidelines in applying a Jordan Tourist Visa for Pinoys.

Thought that was easy? Yes of course! But then after a week of submitting my requirements, I received an email stating that my visa application was denied. I got sad. I mean, how will I be able to see Petra without a Visa? How will I be able to float in the Dead Sea? 

My sadness turned into rage, and just like everyone else, I expressed it on Twitter and tagged Jordan Tourism Board(JTB)! Ha! It could be my destiny. Really something carved out for me to experience. Because after that tweet, came a series of emails and direct messages exchanged between me and the JTB. And voila! I got a confirmation that I can travel to Jordan sponsored by the Tourism Board! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! I still couldn't believe it!

All throughout my flight, and you imagine it wasn't a short 2-3 hours flight but a long 8 hour journey, I was feeling anxious as I was still not very confident that I can really set foot in this country. What if the email was a joke? What if someone just hacked my account and played trick on me. 

When the plane landed, I gathered all my confidence and presented to the immigration a printed copy of the email I received from JTB. And yes, they stamped my passport and welcomed me to Jordan. I think I smiled the sweetest smile of my life.


Sharing a couple of photos of my first glimpse of this amazing country.

PS. I have long been wanting to write about my experience in Amman, Dead Sea and Petra. They were spectacular and something I wouldn't want to forget for the rest of my life. I'm hoping I can mix and match the right ideas and words for that in the future. Because Jordan is beautiful. Until then...  

Eiffel

One of the most beautiful things on earth
Ride to the top
See it from Seine
Look at it from Arc de Triomphe
Any angle you wish
It's a sight to feast
An experience to behold

Of Dusk and Sunset

From light blue-to-golden yellow-to-orange-to-total darkness.

I always find it amazing to see the transformation of the sky and the structures around during dusk.

How buildings turn into amber colored bricks giving an illusion of an old polaroid photo. I love the contrast of establishments turning on their lights against the still bright outdoors. And the sea, oh yes the sea! How it mirrors the magnificent change of colors above it onto its own body.

It also tells us our geographic location in the world. We all know that the sun rises in the East, and sets in the West. So if you're watching the sun set, the direction to your right is North, and to your left is South. Now where is that 'It' place they say I must go to and dine?

Here are some of the most beautiful sunsets I have seem so far. In no particular order.

Iloilo, Philippines

This photo was taken while inside a moving vehicle. The effect of the rays looks like it's giving light to the only house under it.

New York, USA

.

Best to see the sunset from Rockefeller Center. You will have the historical Empire State Building a part of your picture.

Siquijor, Philippines

I was lucky to see this spectacular sunset during Christmas Day. One of the best Christmas presents ever!

Boracay, Philippines

You've got to be there to experience it!

Dead Sea, Jordan

It will make you feel alive. It makes the Dead Sea alive!

Dubai, UAE

I love how the backdrop of sunset is seen amidst the skyscrapers in this city. It's like the sun saying, "no matter how great, tall and magnificent you buildings are, I am still the most beautiful sight at this time of the day."

Bataan, Philippines

Head to Montemar beach resort if you want to experience it sans the noise of the City. Very peaceful and quiet place.

Capiz, Philippines

Watch this spectacular view, then head to the Baybay restaurant for dinner and feast with the freshest seafood on earth. Nothing beats!

Venice, Italy

It’s worth it. You’ve got to experience Venice at least once in your lifetime.

Feedshark

dreamhost mango

Because to travel is to experience

Indeed I travel to see the world. I flew thousand miles to see The Eiffel Tower. I went through the hassles of applying a Jordan Visa and braved myself to trave alonel to the Middle East to see Petra. But more than seeing, I travel to experience. To, for a few days, immerse myself to cultures I know I will never experience at the heart of my home. 

 Here are some funny, or maybe not, experiences I've had during my journeys:

 1. Rode a boat from Caticlan to Boracay for free in the company of Korean tourists, because the tour guide thought I was Korean. 

 2. Pretended that I am a Chinese national in Jordan, then ran away after a local showed me a Chinese coin and asked its history.

 3. Watched a 'criticically acclaimed' film in NY alone, with just 3 other moviegoers inside the cinema.

 4. Heard a gun shot while camping in Cagbalete, then slept holding a fork as a defensive weapon in case something happens.

 5. Practiced French, and used it to asked direction from a local police. Then gave him the funniest face when he answered me, of course, in French!

 6. Hurriedly queued in line for a wrong flight because I couldn't understand what the announcer is announcing. Hey, Spanish & Italian are still different!

 7. Beaches in Panglao are so stunningly beautiful that it made us almost missed our flight. What we did so not to miss it? We went straight to the airport wearing what we wore while swimming! 

 8. Literally carried by my tour guide (like how a groom carries his bride after the wedding) on the way back to the city after hiking the mountains of Petra because my foot was swelling. I was in crutches the week before my travel.

 9. Missed to have a picture together with Mickey Mouse because we prioritized our hungry stomach. "He's sleeping" said the Disneyland crew when we asked where's Mickey after we had our meal. Happy tummy, sad lesson learned.

10. Ran to the airport like it's the end of the world the moment the plane touched the ground, bumping everyone, and heard someone say: "Natatae Yun." Thank you for understanding. 

How about you, any funny, unforgettable experience to share? 

I dare you to

When in a foreign land and you don't understand what's on the menu, can barely read the characters written there, why not have some fun! 

Recent: Olotayan Island, Capiz

I've been regularly visiting Capiz since I was a kid, Roxas City in particular. During these visits, either we swim at the pool of the National College, or go to Baybay Beach and have a picnic. I never thought that there's a white sand beach, just 40 minutes boat ride away from the City! Isolated, and deserted!

I didn't bring my camera when we went there, so I'm just posting pictures found on web:

Credits to the photo owners: Gino & J.Barza

Throwback: Sunset and the Dead Sea

Before heading to the Dead Sea, I stayed a couple of days in Amman. This was around fall, the temperature was starting to dip and sky is getting really cloudy. So imagine my happiness when I arrived to my hotel in the Dead Sea with this spectacular view!