I had Friday off and thought I’d get my visa for Syria. In the three other counties I’ll be visiting, I can get a visa at the border. But not Syria. Nope. They want you to send in your password, pictures, and not just one application, but two. Since I live in the DC area, I thought I’d make a day of it.
The day started off less than spectacular when I discovered I lived in a geological black hole where ALL passport cameras are on the fritz. Okay, maybe not ALL, but the three I tried were broken. A frustrating hour later, I had my passport-sized pictures in my hand and was heading into DC...
...Where I found the Syrian Embassy. I don’t know what I expected--Okay, that’s a lie. I know what I expected, or rather, wanted. I’ve seen embassies in movies and they are always glittery and shiny and are populated by glittery, shiny people. There are parties and shadowy men with accents. Woman who would sell themselves for secrets.
I wanted Mr. and Mrs. Smith. But was it like that? At all?
For anyone who wants to know, the part of the Syrian Embassy I say (the office area) was anything but glittery. or shiny. It looked like any office in anywhere USA. There was a counter with a glass front. The bored receptionist. And people standing outside and smoking.
To be fair, my BF told me it would be like this. That it wasn’t that exciting. But dammit, I wanted to be right. I wanted the gild and the gold.
Despite the disappointment, I got the visa. And soon, I’ll be in Syria where I’ve done enough research to know that what’s in my head is real. Maybe not glitter. But also not Hollywood.
And probably better than I can even imagine.
21 days and counting.
The world through the eyes of action-adventure novelist and vagabond, Sharron McClellan.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
How Travel Will Help Me Survive in a Post-Apocalyptic World
My sister sent this to me the other day:
Are Violent Video Games Adequately Preparing Children For The Apocalypse?
and it made me think...hmmmm....how will I survive in the Post Apocalyptic World (PAW)? I am not a gamer and don't plan to start because hey, I already have enough things sucking up my rime. However, I *think* that my travel experiences might help. Well, I hope they help because I am TOAST otherwise
How travel will help me survive in a post-apocalyptic world
One: Learn to Blend. When I travel to Mexico or the Middle East, I wear longer skirts and make sure my shirts cover my shoulders. If needed, I cover my head or wear a hat. The point is, blending keeps me out of trouble and locals appreciate my attempt to belong.
As far as a post-apocalyptic world, learning to blend is a huge asset! If a zombie hoard is shuffling through town, it is not the best time to be all, "look at me, I don't have to conform". Sure, you can stay clean and keep your pride...in your GRAVE! Your best bet of survival is to smear your face with blood and dirt, shuffle, moan and try to look as if you belong. Zombies are not the brightest of the monsters and with a little effort, are easily duped.
Are Violent Video Games Adequately Preparing Children For The Apocalypse?
and it made me think...hmmmm....how will I survive in the Post Apocalyptic World (PAW)? I am not a gamer and don't plan to start because hey, I already have enough things sucking up my rime. However, I *think* that my travel experiences might help. Well, I hope they help because I am TOAST otherwise
How travel will help me survive in a post-apocalyptic world
One: Learn to Blend. When I travel to Mexico or the Middle East, I wear longer skirts and make sure my shirts cover my shoulders. If needed, I cover my head or wear a hat. The point is, blending keeps me out of trouble and locals appreciate my attempt to belong.
As far as a post-apocalyptic world, learning to blend is a huge asset! If a zombie hoard is shuffling through town, it is not the best time to be all, "look at me, I don't have to conform". Sure, you can stay clean and keep your pride...in your GRAVE! Your best bet of survival is to smear your face with blood and dirt, shuffle, moan and try to look as if you belong. Zombies are not the brightest of the monsters and with a little effort, are easily duped.
Two: Pick good travel companions. During my current travels, I like to be with people who are adventurous and can handle staying in a "low end" hotel. If I am traveling to a more "sketchy" location, I don't hesitate to hire an armed guard. The point is, to plan ahead and align yourself with someone(s) who can help you survive in a PAW. I plan to team up with a group (safety in numbers) and if I can, here's what I want: survival expert (Les from Survivor man would be great!), soldier, farmer, and the best video gamer I could find!
Three: Be open to Cultural Differences. There is nothing worse than traveling abroad and being labeled an "ugly America". You know those people. They whine that the food tastes funny and people drive on the wrong side of the road and why can't they find someone who speaks English and blah blah blah. You know what I say to those people-Wah! Part of travel is to learn about other cultures. To soak them in and if not to celebrate the differences, then to respect them.
The same will have to be done in the PAW. Customs are going to change based on the fact that groups will shift and move. Mere survival will mean buddying up to whoever is left alive at the end of the day-no matter what country they are from. There might even be an influx of demons that end up integrating into human society. Granted, there are some cultural differences that would have to be nixed (human sacrifice comes to mind), but otherwise, we stand to learn a lot. And if we pay attention we might be able to use that knowledge to defeat the creatures that want us dead.
Three: Be open to Cultural Differences. There is nothing worse than traveling abroad and being labeled an "ugly America". You know those people. They whine that the food tastes funny and people drive on the wrong side of the road and why can't they find someone who speaks English and blah blah blah. You know what I say to those people-Wah! Part of travel is to learn about other cultures. To soak them in and if not to celebrate the differences, then to respect them.
The same will have to be done in the PAW. Customs are going to change based on the fact that groups will shift and move. Mere survival will mean buddying up to whoever is left alive at the end of the day-no matter what country they are from. There might even be an influx of demons that end up integrating into human society. Granted, there are some cultural differences that would have to be nixed (human sacrifice comes to mind), but otherwise, we stand to learn a lot. And if we pay attention we might be able to use that knowledge to defeat the creatures that want us dead.