PRIVILEGE

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.