Nov 17, 2010
Rabat, Morocco
While in Essaouira the issue of an Indian visa was brought to my attention by fellow travelers. Why did I think that I didn’t need an Indian visa?! Silly me thinking that the US-India trade relation prevented me from needing a visa. So I headed up to Rabat on the bus as there is an Indian embassy here. After 10 minutes in the Embassy on Monday, it was clear that a visa was out of the question. Now I need to cancel flights and make new plans.
There are times when one fantasizes about being blind folded and picking a spot on the globe at random, then go there. Or head to the airport and take the next international flight out. That is great in the realm of fantasy. However, when you are sitting at an internet cafe in Rabat with some very specific parameters to work with, the need to suddenly come up w a new location and travel plans can induce panic!
Here are my limitations:
1) I need to continue to travel east. I need to end up in Taipie by mid-Dec to spent sometime w my mom and also my return to JFK is from there as well.
2) I need countries that I can obtain visa on entry or don’t need a visa at all.
3) It needs to relatively inexpensive as I budged for India.
4) It needs to be somewhere I have not been before in order for me to keep on working on WOK THE DOG.
5) Countries where I can potentially get by without a guide book. I am flying blind here.
After 5 hours at the internet cafe, staring at a world map, calling a friend or two to calm down, googling options, I’ve got a new plan. Tomorrow I leave from Casablanca to Cairo. I will have 2 weeks in Egypt and Jordon. From Jordon I will head to Malaysia, another 2 weeks and then onward to Taipei.
CMN-CAI // AMM-BAH-KUL-TPE
Or something like that…
Miracles upon miracles, cancellation of two of my existing flight only incurred $100 or so in fees and the rest refunded. The three new flights that I booked are coming in at about $1000 or so. I am still somewhat on budget and not too far off the mark.
At moments like these, I like to thank the Universe for taking care of me. If not India this time then next and I trust that this new trip and new plan will be much better and exactly what I need!
*if any of you have advice or suggestions for any of the new destinations, please let me know. No guide books so all help is welcome!
** Current tally on bus / trains is 27 hrs. Boat rides will be added now to the final tally as well!
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I must admit – I was wondering how you were going to get an India visa quickly…there is no such thing unless you are willing to 'grease palms' heavily!! I had to do a version of that in Rome to get my India visa!
Very excited you are going to Jordan. I've never been but am heading there for a month in January! Tell me where all the great photography places are!!
I will be sure to location scout Jordon for you! I just send you a message to see if you've been! Ha! Should be in Jorodn in about 10 days or so!