Maybe It’s just me. Someone may have jinxed me.
Being out there alone is not as glamorous as people think it is. I know from all the posts it looks amazing. Well, Yes it is. It is so good I wish I could have started when I was little. Sell a kidney or two, not mine of course and travel the world. That’s all we dream of right?
But let’s skip that.
I’ve been getting the, “You are living the life, I wish I was you. How is it? ” Chats.
In my my head I’m like, but I just started.
My answer?
Well, there always two sides of the coin. I would love to tell people it’s fun (well it is) but there is the other side of the coin. It’s somehow how a nightmare. Maybe not for all. Let’s face it, we live in a world where we get judged by our skin.
The question I ended up asking anyone who we had this conversation with was, “What are you willing to put up with? How would you handle someone going all racist on you?”
Well, most people ended up flipping.
It’s easy when you’ve gotten an invite or if you are going to a visit a family member.
See, everything runs smooth from booking your plane to boarding it until your next in line at the immigration check.
Whoop whoop. It’s my turn. *Plays air guitar*
I hand in my passport,
Officer: Where to sir?
Me: Kuala lumpur
Officer: Purpose of visit
Me: Travel
Officer: Why?
……. moment of silence? In my head I’m like what do you mean why? I though I said travel.
Me: Travel. Sir
Officer: You are traveling alone?
Me: Yes?
Officer: Where are you staying?
I show him my Airbnb booking.
Officer: When are you going back?
I Show him flight bookings and other necessary documents.
Silence as he goes through my passport. At this point, 5 people have already gone through the other counters next to me.
I’m sure the people behind me where flipping tables.
Officer: *Writes a note, sticks it on my passport*
Okay sir, kindly go (points to some room) there and you’ll get assisted.
Me: BUT WHY?
Officer: Please go to that room.
NEXT.
Orrait. So I keep my calm and go.
In that room repeat the same process.
Should I have Caused havoc, ask what’s with the back and forth yet all my documents check? What would you do? Almost 1 hour wasted. Well trust me I really wanted to do that but these fellas have nothing to lose. You (me) on the other hand….
At Singapore, in the immigration line minding my own business, waiting for my turn, some guard comes and pulls me to the side.
Him: G’morning sir. How are you?
Me: I’m good thank you. What about you?
Him: *Pick passport from my hands*
Where are you from?
Me: Kenya
Him: So what brings you to Singapore?
Me: Travel
Him: When are you going back?
Where will you be staying?
Me: Show him return ticket plus Airbnb booking.
Him: Do you have enough money?
Me: How much is enough money?
Him: SIR YOU ARE BEING RUDE
Follow me please?
Inner me? Ask Him on twitter or on Instagram.
Me: Okay
Him: Open you bag sir.
Keep in mind I have 20 min to clear with them or it’s bye bye and book another ticket or cry myself back home
Him: Why do you have so many equipment?
Me: I’m a photographer traveling.
*Blaa Blaa Blaa*
He checks all docs and I’m good to go.
I mean, these are just but a few of the crazy moments. But for me this is what makes it all interesting. If you buy me coffee I’ll tell you all the others plus the awesome ones of course. At the end of the day, you’ll never miss a rotten tomato but there are nice humans out there. I met strangers in Singapore & Malaysia those that I can call friends. But maybe that’s just me. I guess we all tick different.
Will I keep traveling? The shutter bug must be tamed.
Hello,
Beautiful pictures.
I have a question: Do they ask for the yellow fever certificate when you land in Malaysia?
Thank you Ginger.
Yes you will need one.
Great piece and photography abt the travel…but sorry for the harrassment and all.
Thank you.
Haha for me it was all part of the adventure.
Sorry for the trouble you go through. At least you take it all in in good spirits.
Thanks Mwarv. I believe the trouble is only at customs. From there it was less stressful.
Hahaha……congrats!!!
Woi love this piece brother!! Good stuff and the captures wueeeh!!
Ayyy than you bruv. Much appreciated.
Aw, this was a truly good post. In notion I’d like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to create a very beneficial article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no indicates seem to get some thing done.
Thank you Asley, procrastination is a monster. I relate. But you got to get those pieces out.