My bags are already standing by the doorway, my clothes are up for drying and my tickets? Bought them two weeks ago. Up unitl today I still could not believe that I am really flying almost three quarters of the globe to get to Mexico and attend the XVII International AIDS Conference (IAC).
This travel almost did not happen as I have been denied entry and transit vi
sas twice to the United States and in Canada. To tell you frankly that was not a very good feeling. It depressed me to the bone when I was denied and accused of wanting to stay in their countries and not go back. How would you expect me to feel when I was judged mainly for how I look by people who pride themseleves to be good judges of charater only be asking questions lasting for no longer that five minutes? To think that I was able to get a visa to Mexico without much frill! AAARRRGGHHH!!!! That was a big blow to my self esteem and it still hurst just thinking about it. I told my wife that I have already developed a phobia going to embassies for visa applications.
Well enough about that. This is supposed to be my happy story to share. So I was denied a Visa. But, as my faith is strong and I know in my heart that it will happen, my organization (see sidebar) finally consented to let me fly through Europe! With the help of an angel named Jhass (my travel agent actually), I was able to get seats on a British Airways flight from London to Mexico City. At first the seats are all booked, but through prayers and I mean real praying to a REAL AND ALIVE GOD, I was able to get a seat. I will be in transit for an estimated 30 hours that will take me to Hongkong, London, and finally Mexico City.
So now, I am figuring out a way how to be my best when I arrive in Mexico. It is no mean feat to be going to Mexico to represent the Youth Coalition, an organization who has done much to make young activists, we prefer advocates, visible in important conferences such as the IAC. This means no time for jet lag and also regular bouts of travel related headaches.
Right now I am planning out my schedule carefully; which sessions to attend, how to get around and not get lost, learn a little Spanish (un poco only :)), and still be able to go back to the office after the day I get back. Not to mention the fact that I will be facilitating a meeting in the afternoon of the 14th in the office.
Actually, going back to the office is the least of my priorities right now. I just want to sit back and let my Mexico experience unfold. I plan to do some touring after the conference, just to see what makes Mexico mexico. Also, I just want to relish the fact that I can share this experience with my children. Especially that not many people from my country, yes!, a country where everyday hundreds of people are denied visas to enter developed nations, have this kind of experience.
Lastly, I praise God and Jesus Chirst, my personal Lord and Savior, for giving me this one of a kind experience!!!
