Lots to do this week, though! Moving out of the Rosedale house, packing up everything I own (either to take with me or store at my parents' house while I'm away), make sure I have everything I need to take with me, soak up all the Austin I can, and enjoy every minute I have left with my family and friends by my side.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thai visas SUCK.
Those of you who know me know that I am what they call a "planner."
I like researching things to death, planning out the basics, and checking things off of lists. Now, that's not to say that I never get down to the wire on a deadline every once in a while, but when it came to my visas for my upcoming trip, I wasn't going to take any chances. I researched and asked undeniably inane and irritating questions of my travel advisors and friends and I got my materials in as far in advance as possible.
And then, there was Thailand. My research and questioning led to the conclusion that I could apply for a tourist visa upon arrival in the country that would cover my full stay. However, it recently came to my attention that I will be in Thailand two weeks longer than expected, pushing me over the 60-day limit. There IS, evidently, a 90-day tourist visa, but you must apply for that in advance with a Thai embassy or consulate. Ok, no problem.
PSYCH! Big problem.
Unfortunately for me, after the issue date of the visa, I would have only 3 months to get into the country. I leave the States in a week, it's July, and I won't be in Thailand until December. Neat.
Well, after a momentary panic, I contacted the fine British folks who helped me organize this trip. As always, they were very reassuring and helpful. Nothing is yet resolved, but I am expecting a call from a Thai visa expert first thing in the morning (my time) to help me sort things out!
Everyone cross your fingers for me, but it looks like Lil Janie may be applying for a Thai tourist visa in the embassy in Pretoria, South Africa whilst she's living and volunteering in Cape Town, South Africa during the month of September . . . Yea, surely NOTHING could possibly go wrong here!
*Sigh*
Deep breaths.
I like researching things to death, planning out the basics, and checking things off of lists. Now, that's not to say that I never get down to the wire on a deadline every once in a while, but when it came to my visas for my upcoming trip, I wasn't going to take any chances. I researched and asked undeniably inane and irritating questions of my travel advisors and friends and I got my materials in as far in advance as possible.
And then, there was Thailand. My research and questioning led to the conclusion that I could apply for a tourist visa upon arrival in the country that would cover my full stay. However, it recently came to my attention that I will be in Thailand two weeks longer than expected, pushing me over the 60-day limit. There IS, evidently, a 90-day tourist visa, but you must apply for that in advance with a Thai embassy or consulate. Ok, no problem.
PSYCH! Big problem.
Unfortunately for me, after the issue date of the visa, I would have only 3 months to get into the country. I leave the States in a week, it's July, and I won't be in Thailand until December. Neat.
Well, after a momentary panic, I contacted the fine British folks who helped me organize this trip. As always, they were very reassuring and helpful. Nothing is yet resolved, but I am expecting a call from a Thai visa expert first thing in the morning (my time) to help me sort things out!
Everyone cross your fingers for me, but it looks like Lil Janie may be applying for a Thai tourist visa in the embassy in Pretoria, South Africa whilst she's living and volunteering in Cape Town, South Africa during the month of September . . . Yea, surely NOTHING could possibly go wrong here!
*Sigh*
Deep breaths.
Monday, July 19, 2010
hooray, BLOG!
This will be my very first blog. Ever.
I've never been terribly good at this sort of thing, but many of you have asked about how to keep up with my trip while I'm away, so . . . here's my solution!
I'll tell some of my better stories and keep you up to date on location basics here on the blog and post photos to Facebook! If you don't have a Facebook account, I'm pretty sure I can post a link to the specific album straight onto here that anyone can view, so no worries!
So, come along, friends! Follow me via my blog to the far-reaches of the planet and join me on my adventure!
I've never been terribly good at this sort of thing, but many of you have asked about how to keep up with my trip while I'm away, so . . . here's my solution!
I'll tell some of my better stories and keep you up to date on location basics here on the blog and post photos to Facebook! If you don't have a Facebook account, I'm pretty sure I can post a link to the specific album straight onto here that anyone can view, so no worries!
So, come along, friends! Follow me via my blog to the far-reaches of the planet and join me on my adventure!
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