See you in the Netherlands!
Netherlands, the land below sea level, was not only the home of art, crafts and talented artists like Van Gogh but it was my home as well. Living in the Netherlands (otherwise known as Holland) for about a year has been a great experience. The place was not difficult to adapt, live and love!
It was sometime in the middle of February that the thought of going back to the place I once called home came to existence. My friend-Fhinge invited me to go for a visit. Initially, it was a pretty good idea but the timing seemed bad. It was about the same time when Travis and I planned to move back to Minnesota (of which details I will put in my next blog). When I talked to Travis about the invitation, he did not hesitate and said that it is okay. He thinks I needed such trip to get away from here for awhile and that it’s going to be a good chance for me to spend time with my friends and my sister Rema’s family too.
Since I am a national from the Philippines and only holds Permanent Residency here in the US, I need to apply for a visa. And it will take about 21 days for processing. So Fhinge sent the invitation and all the documents that I need so I can start the application. For Visa Information and requirements, click here. I was lucky that there is a Consular Office here in Jacksonville. I don’t need to drive to Atlanta, GA or Miami, FL for the application since they need a personal appearance. I organized my documents well enough for the convenience of the one handling it. I have them labeled with Post-its since most documents are in Dutch Language. Cindy Collins, the Honorary Consul Assistant was the one who accepted my application and she made sure that everything they needed from me is there. My application was sent to Miami Consular Office overnight and it will be shipped back to me in the address I have provided.
Friday, March 21, I received the Visa. As I was examining it, I noticed that there is a slight error. My duration of stay is 13 days when it was suppose to be 45 days. It was definitely a clerical error as the validity of my visa was in fact 45 days. So, I called the 1-888-DUTCH HELP and informed them of such mistake. I was then transferred to the Miami Consular Office since they are the issuing agency. The assistant was very kind to help me out. She told me that I can leave on my scheduled flight and apply for an extension at the Foreign or Alien Police (Vreemdelingendienst in Dutch). I informed Fhinge and since she had a bad experience with the Vreemdelingendienst back then, she told me that while I’m still here, it’s best to have the error corrected. So, I called the Miami again and the assistant was very kind enough to help me find a way for me to travel as scheduled without the need of going to the Alien Police. She then issued and faxed me a letter from the Consul himself stating the correction of the said error and that they could not correct the error due to time constraint.
When all was done, I only have 48 hours to get my stuff ready and fly to the Netherlands. Everything happened so fast and while I am writing this blog, the thought of leaving my husband is starting to sink in. I have never been away from him since I arrived here a year ago and I’m starting to miss him. I will also miss watching the television series – 24 Hours with him. I will miss the free-style daily routine that I have… maintaining website, making themes and updating Multiply in my own pace. I might be missing a lot of things but I’m sure I will enjoy my trip to the Netherlands. I’m schedule to fly tomororw. So, on my next blog, I’ll see you in the Netherlands…
Hello Jacy,
Wishes and prayers for a safe
journey and an ejoyable trip.
Lots of hugz for you.
All my best.
Deb
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thank you Deb!
I will be sending my gift for your birthday before I leave.
take care, dearest friend!
i will be here…
JACY
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this is good news mami! i know you’ve been waiting for this too long and finally it has arrived…your flight seems too fast and hope you have a safe journey mami…i’ll see you when i see you ok. tc!
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wwaittttt… goodness gracious! meaning ur in netherlands till april ra mami? ohh..i dont know if this is a good thing:(. anyways..too selfish of me and my eagerness to be with u and mami chris. still..if i cant make it, i know ull have a blast meeting ur friends there and of course manang rema and family and graham and mami chris.
but..i will try my best jud mami…i hope He will allow us to be together…me, you and mami chris( of course with papa G)
i love u j’s and have a really safe flight.
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have a safe trip! matinuod najud.. me hapi for u
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as in ari naka ? i am surprise…..have a safe trip guy, hug TS for as too, he’s been very generous to share his wife to us…..i will not tell to the kids that your coming, it would be a surprise for them then……and you will arrived on pap’s big day? wow that would be great! i will see you then! YOU take care and i love you!
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thanks for your comments. i was away doing my last minute shopping when you guys message me. i really appreciate it. i must admit i’m anxious for this trip.
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Bon Voyage, Ate Jacy!
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thank you, Nicky!
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happy trip jacy! and hope you have a wonderful vacation with ur frens and sister Rema =).. take care always jacy! and we will miss you here! but i’ll always look at ur site and read ur blog. mwahhh…
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thanks Rose… i know you will always be there for me. i’ll post pictures to keep you updated. wish you could come with me though. hehehe!
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I still say that you are very good at writing, even if you disagree.
Have a safe trip!
I love you!
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ohh.. how i wish i could come.. i never been to that country… i guess for now i’ll just dream that im with you in this vacation hehehehhe… take care always.. mwahhh..
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wow its gonna be a different experience for u. u take care jace and update us with pictures.
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thank you Hubby!
you are the very reason why I’m blogging because you inspire me a lot.
i love you!
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Rose,
i will take more pictures… so that you will be encouraged to visit Europe.
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hello Jenn!
i think of it more as refreshing experience. i just arrived here and i’m already enjoying it.
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Hey J! wa am suur ur already in netheralands now.. enjoy ur vacation and be safe always! muwahh
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yeah! that would be good ehhehehe.. i guess right now your still tired from the trip.. take some rest girl and tfor sure tomorrow will be lots of fun for you there! ingat always.. wmahh
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thanks Roses!
i have no jet lag so it’s a good thing. i miss you girls!
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wow!!! ;- ) hope you are now having fun.. Ü
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hello gea!
so far i’m having fun. will post more details soon.
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Wow! you did a good job in applying a visa alone… I hope you did enjoy your trip…
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hello Haze!
thanks for visiting my site. Sorr it took me awhile to reply to it. i have not been able to get online for some time. it wasn’t that bad in applying for a visa. maybe because it wasn’t my first time either. i did enjoy my trip!
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