There
were times in my life that I was really aggressive as a traveler. I fought for
my rights even I knew it would bring bad consequences. I didn’t want to make enemies–not
my intention for such a defiance–it was more of defining my position and
others.
I had
regrets for showing such behaviors. I acquired wisdom on the other hand. Not to
lift my own chair, but happy to say I’m no longer the same–not anymore. After three
decades of endless journey including short voyages, I have come to perceive the
differences between rights and privileges.
Doing
the visa run was always my great stressor for many years. It caused a lot of
troubles, endless dilemma to resolve, physically and mentally draining, and so financially
challenging. It is a protocol that every non-national has to embrace. It’s a
must which took me years to comprehend. Now I know it is a privilege.
It
is a privilege that I don’t have the right to contest any instituted policies–neither
defy them. And for as long as doing the visa run will not put me in shambles, I
will remain an obedient and peaceful outsider then.
Soon
I will pick up my new passport from the embassy. From there I will start
counting stamp after stamp after stamp–again a privilege that I will have to
enjoy or if not endure. Let us see what lies ahead.
And
for every stamp tells a different story, but I am certain that it will not only
stop circumscribing a privilege itself–like each situation I had to face in the
past–good or not had turned in a blessing–when and where angels were at work to
lend me a hand.
Just
last month, I expressed my thoughts on Facebook about my proposition on visa
runs. My intention was to remind foreign friends including myself to slowdown
about being aggressive and demanding in getting visa stamps. At the end of the
day, we’re no citizens–it is a privilege.
To
travel and go out of our domicile are obvious rights given by our respective
countries, but for every entrance or door opening is up to the insider’s prerogative.
That is why it is called privilege. We should value that opportunity with joy
and not arrogance.
Whether
it was a two-week stamp or a twenty-one-day visa, I learned not to care
anymore. I just had to make sure that I don’t stay beyond what was permitted of
me. This time I was so surprise to get a one month visa for free. The joy I
felt was a jackpot because I could stay longer than planned. It was out-and-out
a privilege to enjoy.
My
perspective in cross-cultural immersion or excursion is different now–everything
is defined by privilege–not something to bicker. Trust me it will never be the
same again.
