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Applying for a visa: Aaargh!!!

Brand Jamaica!!
Brand Jamaica!!

I am PROUD to be Jamaican. It’s a non-detachable part of my psyche and my socialization. My national pride is reflected in my distinctive accent, my “we-can-do-all-things-we-set-out-to-do” confidence, and a hearty appreciation of our indigenous delicacies like patties, jerked meats and the national dish – ackee and saltfish. Regardless of where I go, and the pleasure I derive from exploring far-flung destinations, there’s just no substitute for our food, our culture, the landscapes, our people and that irreplaceable island swag.

But sometimes, just sometimes…I wish I carried a second passport.

The evolution of the Jamaican passport
The evolution of the Jamaican passport

The challenges and inconveniences some passport holders like myself face when planning trips can be disheartening and downright annoying. Not only does the need to apply for a visa limit spontaneity in vacation trips, it also can impede our ability to work as well. What’s more, the process is costly and quite invasive. Depending on the country and category of visa needed, application requirements may include all or some of the following:

  • a job letter
  • a bank statement
  • police background checks
  • biometrics (i.e. fingerprinting)
  • proof of itinerary (airline and hotel reservations)
  • an invitation letter, conference attendance documentation etc.

And, let’s not even talk about the fees!

Passpot rank varies by country (PHoto courtesy of grcity.com)

It gets on my nerves occasionally, because sometimes I just can’t be bothered with the hassle. Thankfully, I’ve never been denied a visa but the hoops I have had to jump through to travel to Egypt, London, Brazil, China, Europe, and the Cayman Islands are noteworthy. The easiest process I ever had was with Dubai. It wasn’t even a stamp in my passport; the entry visa was delivered via email.

In former roles, I also missed two opportunities to go on work-related trips to Anguilla because it is a British Overseas Territory, and I needed a UK visa to get in. Yet, I was able to travel to the Turks and Caicos (another UK Overseas Territory) multiple times with my Jamaican passport and US resident card. So, clearly the rules are not consistent.

In a recent study, Jamaica ranked 98 in the Global Passport Power Rank 2016 index, with a visa-free score of 77. That means Jamaican passport holders have visa-free access to 46 countries and can obtain a visa on arrival at an additional 31. Other Caribbean neighbors rank much higher:  Barbados (132), Bahamas (129), Antigua & Barbuda (124), St Kitts and Nevis (124), and Trinidad and Tobago (12). See the link with a full country listing here.

Where does your passport rank, and have you had any challenges getting to where you need to go?

 

Brazilian Futebol & Steak

My short stay in São Paulo passed in a blur of business meetings, conference sessions and networking events. Granted, I went there to work and achieved what I set out to do. But after a nearly eight hour flight, I couldn’t help being disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to squeeze in more sightseeing time.

There I was, in the largest city in South America and by many accounts the world’s seventh largest city overall, and all I got to do was skim the surface of the place. AAArgh!

Still, the trip remains memorable for three things.

  • The unusual architecture of the conference venue (Hotel Unique)
  • Getting to experience a high-energy “partida de futebol” in one of the greatest football-loving nations of the world
  • My first meal at an authentic Brazilian steakhouse

Here are a few pictures that show what I mean.

Hotel Unique Exterior Shot
Hotel Unique Exterior Shot
IMG_1716
Another outside angle

Hotel Unique was designed by Ruy Ohtake, a prominent Brazilian architect. It defines luxury and boutique in the city’s dense landscape. Part of its unique features include a huge inverted arch supported by concrete columns with round porthole like windows.

The interior decor was done by another Brazilian, designer Joao Armentano, and is a mixture of spacious and ultra contemporary elements.

Lobby area
Lobby area
Library
Library
Lobby Bar
Lobby Bar – Isn’t this something else?

Futebol

According to the country’s most famous player, Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pelé), “Brazil eats, sleeps and drinks football.” I got to see a much anticipated Corinthians vs Ponte Preta quarter final match while I was in town . It aired live on ESPN. Did your see me? lol

These are scenes from what Brazilians call the beautiful game…

Game in progress
Game in progress
Nation of more than 30 million crazy people…
Fans are fans; rain or shine
Fans are fans; rain or shine

Meat, meat…and more MEAT!!!!!!

I always knew about South Americans’ love of red meat. I got a glimpse of it in Buenos Aires but I didn’t truly partake in the true Churrascaria dining experience until I got to São Paulo. At the famous Fogo De Chão, I ate my fill of a variety of rotisserie meats carved table side by Brazilian gauchos.

Steakhouse
Steakhouse
Through the glass
Through the glass
Choose your cut
Choose your cut
Not a morsel more, please!
Not a morsel more, please!

What are your most memorable tidbits from Brazil?