Friday, February 26, 2016

A Grand Adventure

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For those of you who’ve been following my weekly blog series you know that one of my big trips this year is to take Zach and Sami to Australia for their March Break holidays and visit family.  Well, no surprise that we are now only a week or so away from leaving for our grand adventure.

It certainly is a long trip, close to 30 hours door to door, and so not for those who don’t like long haul flights, and apart from the actual packing I think we’re now all pretty set in terms of our trip. 

Earlier this week I finally got Sami’s travel visa approved.  Strangely it wasn’t a straightforward process and quite different than for prior visits.  Its been 8 years since the kids were last in Australia and a lot has changed in that time, much more than I would ever have imagined and so the simple visitor visa process became quite the unexpected journey.

To really understand the full story you have to go back to before Sami was born.  In those days an Australian citizen couldn’t hold any other passport, no it’s, and’s or but’s... 

However, unbeknownst to me (guess I should have read the full statute and fine print), the day I applied for my Canadian citizenship was the day I lost my Australian citizenship and so becoming a stateless person for the duration of the application and approval process.  Goodness knows what would of happened if I hadn’t for some reason been able to acquire Canadian citizenship.

And it wasn’t until Sami was born and now a few months old that I applied to obtain her Australian Citizenship, thus giving her dual Canadian and Australian status like I had gotten for Zach after he was born. 

I diligently collected all of the requisite documentation, packaged it up along with the processing fee and sent it off to the Australian consulate expecting it to come back to me with her certificate of Citizenship with no problem.  Then I could apply for her Australian passport and then the kids would both have dual citizenships and passports, thus enabling them a broader set of possibilities in the future.

Instead, I received a call from an Immigration official asking very pointed questions about my citizenship.  My response was that I was Australian as per the documentation, however then there was a pause…”have you ever applied for Canadian citizenship?”  I had no choice but to say that I had applied.  “What was the date of your application? they asked brusquely. 

I provided them with the date…at which time they informed me that because I had applied to become a Canadian citizen prior to Samantha’s birth, that in effect, I had lost my Australian Citizenship and now stateless.

I was flabbergasted!   What?  I stammered on the other end of the phone, unable to believe what I’d just heard.  They then went on “And as such, she is ineligible to apply for citizenship as you, yourself are not Australian”.   

I was incredulous!   “What do you mean I’m not an Australian, all my family live in Australia, its where I was born, raised, went to school and worked there for goodness sake”.  

“If you believe you have a case for review with the Australian immigration department you can apply for Australian citizenship by going to our website and downloading the requisite documentation and apply”.   They then wished me good day and hung up.

I was too stunned for words…  All I could hear was “not an Australian citizen” ringing in my ears.  

And so began more than a year-long journey of me trying to regain my Australian citizenship.   This was both a costly and extremely time consuming effort as I had to get birth certificates, marriage certificates, grandparents marriage and birth certificates, secondary school transcripts, university transcripts, track down my old Australian tax filings etc…   It seemed a never ending process, with always another “gotcha” to go track down before they could consider my eligibility.

Once all of the paperwork had been filed and agreed they had everything, so began the waiting game.   Three months turned into six without a word and so finally I called them only to find that they were now waiting on yet another piece of evidence that they had neglected to tell me about.  The administrator said that because I hadn't responded (not that I received any notification) that they had assumed I had abandoned the application. 

And so we then started over again… 

A mere six months later I finally received a certificate of Australian citizenship.  Hallelujah I was Australian again!   With this news I re-apply for Sami’s citizenship.  Starting from scratch I gathered all of the information required along with the forms, certificates and processing fee (for a second time, with the first being non refundable) and began the waiting game all over again.

Some three months later I received an official letter stating that, after review she was ineligible to apply for Australian Citizenship… 

Oi vey – here we go again!  

I protested vigorously, and applied to the Immigration Board of Appeals in Australia for a hearing.   We duly received a day and date and we had a conference call so that the judge presiding could make a final judgment.

The judges decision came down "on the day you applied for my Canadian Citizenship, you lost your Australian citizenship, and it is irrelevant that you are now an Australian citizen".He pressed home the fact that "on that day the law stated".  I tried to reason with them that the law had now changed to allow for dual citizenship, but he continued his mantra "on that day..."   There were no more avenues or appeals and thus were denied Sami's application.  

Which brings us to our application for her to visit Australia this time around.  Now, because she has an Immigration file thicker than your arm, I had a special process to go through and had to pay another processing fee (five times the standard rate for a visitor visa to make an application to get her a visitor visa for the two week stay), complete the laundry list of online forms and provide evidence of her Canadian citizenship, etc. I had assumed, rather naively that because we were only going for two weeks there would be no further issue...  Not so fast mister!

They required additional information before they could decide to grant her a visa.  Next we had to get all of our passports and her birth certificate notarized by a lawyer plus an affidavit stating she would not be staying in Australia.  I guess they were afraid I was going to leave my 15 year old daughter in the country.

I keep checking to see if they will now allow her application or if the law has been relaxed to allow for her to apply, but no luck so far!  Ludicrous bureaucracy at its finest!   It makes no sense what’s so ever…but there you have it. 


Thank goodness we finally got her visa application granted for our visit, so now it’s just a matter packing our carryon!   


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“Hanoi Posting”

A series of fictional micro-stories by Terence Wallis

Episode 34: Tuesday 2:00 pm

Mai picked up the receiver and placed it to her ear "Chào buổi sáng" she said softly.  On hearing Mai's voice Bill's face immediately flushed and he awkwardly stammered "Ahhh hi...Mai, it's..its Bill".  The silence on the other end of the phone was deafening.

Bill started to explain why he hadn't contacted her since their last meeting, Mai smiled inwardly as he made his excuses but let him continue until he was done.  She could hear him breathing heavily on the other end of the phone, waiting momentarily before purring "Tuesday 2:00 pm, you know where I'll be", the receiver went dead in his hands.

He wasn't sure how he felt given the one way conversation between them.  He was thrilled to be seeing Mai again, but also felt anxious with the impending meeting.  He felt conflicted as to whether to tell Phuong, if nothing more than to know where he was and reasoning with himself that the more people that knew the more risk of Trung and his cronies finding out and showing up...that he knew he didn't want.

Bill was also nervous about seeing Mai again, generally he was so confident and always in control with few situations unnerving him, but Mai was different in so many ways and she always seemed keep him a little off balance and unsure of himself.

One thing was certain, Tuesday couldn't come fast enough...




Next week:  Episode 35:  One Spirit

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This week's selection of photos from last summers trip to Venezia nella mia bella Italia (in my beautiful Italy).  

Enjoy!  TW


Sunflowers in Venezia...who knew?

The local fruit and vegetable barge

Water reflections under the bridge on one of
the hundreds of canals

Unicorns do exist, but only in Venice!

Such a great window with so much character
and stuff going on...

The Polizia


The Accademia di Belle Arti adjacent to the bridge over the Grand Canal

The vine covered pergola on the terrace - what a great place to have a glass
of wine at sunset

Worms eye view of the Grand Canal in a moment
of quiet

The gondola plying his trade on the Grand Canal

One of the multitude of bridges over the Grand Canal

A most famous view of the Grand Canal and its throngs of water craft

Half renovated - amazing what a coat of paint will do  :-)

In summer every canal is choked with gondolas

Street view of Venice and the many tourists

Such ornate chiesa 

Taxi access point for the famous Hotel Cipriani on the Grand Canal

The Doges Palace on St Marco Square

You sometimes have to muscle your way through the crowds on the bridges
during the busiest time of the year

Gorgeous hanging baskets over the canal

The gondolas bracket

Nothing like a little help from the wall

Getting lost and then using your GPS to find your way...

The bride

The encrusted mooring pole



Afternoon sky

Postcards on the canal with a gondola in the background

The vibrant colors of the houses along the canals

Gondola and building reflections

Friday, February 19, 2016

California dreamin...San Francisco!

Welcome to Indelible Adventures!   If you enjoy what you read here please subscribe to my weekly distribution list via the Indelible Adventures website or browse my latest photos and upcoming adventures and travel tips. In addition, if you'd like to follow me on all my social media - see the links below. 
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This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of San Francisco as well as spend a day down the coast visiting Monterey and Big Sur.  I like to think of San Francisco as the girl next door, especially when you think about her in contrast to her sexy neighbour Los Angeles, but just as you’d imagine she is petite, naturally beautiful, gifted with eclectic interests and possesses an amazing spirit.  So very easy to fall in love with! 

Yes, I’m extremely fortunate to be able to travel to such great locations and then share them with you, and this trip I was blessed to have a local tour guide and friend (thanks Amelia!) to show me some of the lesser-known but extraordinarily beautiful places in this part of the world. 

Indelible Tip #1:  The city of Monterey is about a two-hour drive south from San Francisco, past the well known Silicon Valley and the tech corridor.  This delightful seaside town is as charming reminder of a bygone era with its gorgeous Victorian homes, which are juxtaposed with the rocky coastline that surrounds the Monterey peninsula.  Staying at the Seven Gables Inn which overlooked the coast was an absolute treat, as was the wonderful hospitality and unbelievably delicious breakfast, which was included.  If you go, you have to stay here!

As you know I love early morning photo shoots and this visit provided me with an opportunity to get out as the sun was rising over the Diablo mountain range directly to the east. You can see some of the photos from the pre-dawn shoot in last week’s blog.  However, if you wanted a more photos from my entire weekend, albeit not all 1600 photos :-) you can check them out in my ImageBrief portfolio.   

Following the coast a further hour south from Monterey will bring you to Big Sur.  The first thing you notice about the drive from Monterey is the rugged coastline and beautiful green coastal foothills, which makes the drive down the coast so stunning. 

On the drive down the coast definitely take you time to take in the views and especially the Bixby Bridge.  This architectural gem was completed in October 1932 for the princely sum of just under $200,000 and was the longest concrete arch span bridge on the California State Highway System – very cool!  There are some great photo opportunities all the way along the coast so don’t rush, but take your time to breathe them in.

Indelible Tip #2:  Finding myself back in San Francisco after a blissful day (although I must admit it felt longer) in Monterey and along the California coast, I made it back just in time for my first sunset in SF and no better place that to capture the moment was visiting the Palace of Fine Art.  This gorgeous structure was build for the Panama-Pacific Exposition, which San Francisco hosted in 1915.  Since then it’s been renovated twice, once in 1965 and again in 2009 and is a favorite spot for wedding photographers and locals alike to come and absorb the beauty of the magnificent vaulted ceilings and soaring columns.  Close by in the Marina district is Crissy Field, which at one time was an US army airfield that bordered San Francisco bay and part of the larger Presidio complex.  An amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge with a fiery red sky as its backdrop was just what I needed to end another great day exploring!

Indelible Tip #3:  It’s impossible to encapsulate my trip to San Francisco into just three tips, especially given the incredible days I spent at exploring the many wonders, which the city has to offer. I think the other reason I love California is because I’m constantly surrounded with groves of eucalyptus, which reminded me of being home in Australia.

No visit to San Francisco is complete without a stop at Vista Point and the Marin Headlands on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge.  We were fortunate as the tongue of fog that partly enveloped the bridge and bay when we arrived lifted to show both the enormity of the architecture and the innate beauty of San Francisco bay and the city skyline.  And my recommendation is if have time for lunch definitely stop by the Cavallo Point restaurant (Murray Circle) in old Fort Baker and enjoy their terrific fare.

There were a number of other high points over the course of the weekend including visiting the “Painted Ladies”, which are located on Alamo Square Park (Steiner Street).  These six, brightly painted Victorian homes have the good fortunate to have the city as their backdrop and so one of the most photographed places in San Francisco.  I even held an impromptu photo shoot for two lovely ladies from New York City (thanks Nicole and Lauren) hope you’re enjoying your photos!

We also hiked the trail at Lands End (access from El Camino Del Mar) and along the coastline to the ruins of the Sutro Baths.  On your hike you’ll see surfers catching some massive waves off this rocky and intimidating coastline from your cliff top perch.  As well, check out the views of China Beach, ship wrecks and the mighty Pacific Ocean as they all come together on this amazing trail.   

The other important part to San Francisco is the fantastic food scene in the city.  I had a couple of fabulous meals, including a lunch at Burma Superstar (309 Clement Street) after visiting the Farmers Market in the Inner Richmond neighborhood.  If you go, you have to try the Nan Gyi Dok.  This mild coconut chicken rice noodle curry is spectacular!

Another was SPQR in the Lower Pacific Height (1911 Filmore Street), this charming little Italian restaurant was amazing!  I had the Parsnip Ravioli…they melted in my mouth, and if it were a little more acceptable to lick the plates I likely would have - it was that good…just sayin!   

And for those of you that love street art as much as I do, check out Clarion Alley in the Mission District, I have a few photos on my portfolio at ImageBrief but clearly I'm unable to do them justice given the large number of murals and the stunning high quality work.

Have fun exploring San Francisco...she's one of my favorites cities in North America!


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“Hanoi Posting”

A series of fictional micro-stories by Terence Wallis

Episode 33: Hard Facts

Phuong was sitting in his normal spot at the Star Cafe chatting to Bin Dong when Bill entered the next morning.  Thank god he thought to himself, at least I hadn't totally pissed him off.  As Bill approached, Bin Dong turned, nodded and retreated behind the counter to make their morning coffee.  After sitting Bill started to apologize but Phuong held up his hands, we cannot speak of this he said firmly.

Bill was confused, he felt as though something had changed in their relationship and that a measure of distance now separated them...

For the remainder of their conversation that morning Bill practiced his Vietnamese under Phuong's tutelage, as if it were a normal day which confused Bill more than ever.  As they exited they strode into the oncoming traffic and crossed the busy thoroughfare for their daily walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake.  

Once out of the turbulence of the scooter traffic and cacophony of noise Phuong said in a low voice.  I warned you about Mai he said firmly, you could have been killed the other night.  So this is what this is all about, said Bill.  A couple of thugs beat me up and you think it was because of Mai.   Mate, you're dead wrong about that he said firmly...  

Am I? Phuong shot back staring firmly at Bill

They continued to walk in silence, however Phuong was at odds with himself and felt compelled to protect Bill from the dangers of Mai and Anh.  

Phuong explained that Anh, Mai's lover had most likely set Trung and his thugs upon Bill the other night, hoping that it would scare you enough to leave Hanoi.  "Why would I leave Hanoi?" Bill protested.  It feels like I just got here, and to be honest I'm starting to like it, although a little bit warm for my liking he said smiling trying to lighten the mood.  

Phuong decided to take another tack with Bill, he then went onto tell Bill the story of Hanoi Rose and her escort service.  He said that she had enforcers that accompanied her everywhere and that it was most likely they were responsible for the beating and subsequent head wound.  

Bill was feeling perplexed, "Are you sure we have the same Mai?"  After all, she certainly didn't have any bodyguards with her when I was with her last.  Now it was Phuong's turn to smile wryly. 



Next week:  Episode 34:  Tuesday 2:00 pm

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This week's selection of photos are from the series of photo shoots in San Francisco.  


Enjoy!


A gorgeous weekend in San Francisco - staying near the Presidio

The "Painted Ladies" with the cityscape in the background


Heading over the Golden Gate Bridge

The view of the Golden Gate from Vista Point

San Francisco from Vista Point


A tourist taking in the views from Vista Point - monochrome

Statue dedicated to all the military personnel that left for the Pacific
in WWII from San Francisco 

Stunning views from the Marin Headland

San Francisco as a backdrop for the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge taken from Horseshoe Bay

A friendly pelican who seemed to love the camera



Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay taken from Telegraph Hill

The Christopher Columbus statue at Coit Tower

Sunset over the city 

Surfers catching waves below the Lands End trail

Oil tanker coming into San Francisco bay weighed down with her cargo of crude oil

Eucalyptus groves on the Lands End hike

The Golden Gate Bridge from the Lands End trail

Ruins of the Sutro Baths and the Pacific Ocean at the end of the Lands End trail

The Inner Richmond neighborhood

Fresh organic vegetables at the Farmers Market - Inner Richmond

Awesome to visit the Farmers Market on such a gorgeous day

If you go - you have to eat at the Burma Superstar...so good!
The City of San Francisco seal on a garbage can

Roller skating enthusiasts at Golden Gate Park - quite the scene!

They were an eclectic bunch...

Check this guy out - he only used a couple of skateboard wheels
that he stood on independently...

Skaters in motion

Skating on one leg in a yoga pose - takes an enormous amount
of strength to do this move standing still....let alone on skates

Cool Keith Haring sculpture at the de Young Museum in the Golden Gate Park

The bike rake at Golden Gate Park

San Francisco City Hall building at sunset

Street Art in Clarion Alley - Mission District

TW in front of the camera for a change - Mission District street art

Clarion Alley is just one of the many laneways festooned
with amazing murals and street art

So cool!

Sunset over San Francisco from Dolores Park in the Mission District