Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / New
Stats: 3,165,627 members, 7,861,942 topics. Date: Sunday, 16 June 2024 at 12:13 AM

Kenevision's Posts

Nairaland Forum / Kenevision's Profile / Kenevision's Posts

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (of 12 pages)

Travel / Re: Traveling To AUSTRIA – My Experience On A Virgin Passport! by kenevision(m): 3:23pm On Aug 10, 2018
1miccza:


Is it the thread for Canada Visa Enquiries??

Yes sir

Here is the link https://www.nairaland.com/2103860/canada-visit-tourist-visa-discussion
Travel / Re: Traveling To AUSTRIA – My Experience On A Virgin Passport! by kenevision(m): 3:16pm On Aug 10, 2018
Pictures of the train station at Linz

8 Likes

Travel / Re: Traveling To AUSTRIA – My Experience On A Virgin Passport! by kenevision(m): 3:06pm On Aug 10, 2018
1miccza:



For visits for events to Canada , are these interviews also required??Or is it just like what you experienced??

I believe every country has its own procedure. I don't know much about Canada, but You may visit the Canada travel thread for more enlightenment sir. More grace!
Travel / Re: Traveling To AUSTRIA – My Experience On A Virgin Passport! by kenevision(m): 12:34pm On Aug 10, 2018
WELCOME TO VIENNA

After about an hour thirty minutes of flight from Amsterdam, we landed in Vienna, Austria. It was smooth, it was enjoyable. The airport in Vienna is as massive as that in Holland. We disembarked from the plane and I moved to the baggage area. There were no security checks this time, since we were already checked and stamped in at Amsterdam. At the baggage area, I saw bags coming out through some dark holes and waited for mine. I carried my bags and was ready for the exit.

I needed a trolley from a line up of trolleys chained together. I tried to pull one out but they were firmly chained to each other. On inquiry, I was meant to understand that I need one euro coin to unlock it. Ok, I quickly changed my 5 euro note to coins. I pushed the one euro coin into the slot and it unlocked.

I carried my luggage down to the train station for my onward journey to Linz by train. The train station is like a tunnel under the airport. Most travelers arriving Vienna often take the train to their final destinations. Thankfully I arrived early at the station and waited for my train scheduled for 11:05am. I was dead tired by now, but not too tired to park the trolley well and take back my 1 euro grin

By 11am, our train pulled up at the entrance gate and we boarded. The journey from Vienna to Linz by this train is one hour fifty minutes. The train was very scanty, much to my pleasure. I brought out my camera and ------- changed the battery tongue

Then I took pictures grin

18 Likes 2 Shares

Travel / Re: Traveling To AUSTRIA – My Experience On A Virgin Passport! by kenevision(m): 6:06pm On Aug 09, 2018
The time was 5:30am and we were about to land in Holland. I was so exhausted from fear and worry. I worried about every thing that went on on board.

I worried about the sharp sshhshhh sound coming from behind us, if it was the engine failing. The lady by me explained it was the toilet being flushed.

But why is the plane dancing shaku shaku in the air nah, she said is nothing to worry about.

I don't like the way the flight attendants are walking up and down with speed, is anything the matter? She said they are just trying to be nice by hastily meeting with the needs of the passengers.

I slept and woke, then slept again and woke. I watched The Black Panthers, barely paying attention to it. I read my Bible at intervals, reminding GOD that am still here oooo embarassed , 38000 feet above sea level. These pilots don't know how to play sha.

I felt relief when the pilot announced, cabin crew prepare for landing . Finally am getting off the plane to catch some fresh natural air. before boarding another one to Vienna sad . If only they will give me my change, let me trek the remaining embarassed shebi Vienna is not far again cheesy

We landed at 5:30am and the sun was already up and hammering. By 5:30am? Nawao shocked Longer days and shorter nights, that's what they call it. We disembarked from the plane and moved towards the security check points. It was smooth, except for the fact that we had to remove our belts to cross one security gate. As I pulled off my belt, my trouser rushed towards gravity. I was quick to catch it before any damage was done. I didn't come to Holland to show my over-sized dic lipsrsealed

Done with security, I headed to find my boarding gate for my onward trip to Vienna. The airport was so massive and everywhere looked similar. How do I start finding my gate? I asked an airport official, he pointed towards a direction where almost everyone went. I followed them and even overtook them. I kept walking until it was clear to me that I was just walking round the airport. I asked a very harsh airport security guy, off handedly he replied, the signs will tell you. The signs tell me na im I come still dey ask you?

Finally, I met a good guy who directed me well. I passed through the immigration check point and there I was stamped into the Schengen area. At this point I need to remind you that there is a separate queue for US Passport holders, separate queue for EU passport holder, and then a queue for the rest passport holders. Well, sorry to disappoint you. I joined the queue for US passport holders tongue until an official spotted me and calmly explained you do understand that this queue id for US passport holders. I apologised and asked to be directed to the right queue. Sincerely I didn't know sad 10 minutes wasted like that.

By the time I got to the flight entrance, the attendant exclaimed, oh there you are They were actually waiting for me, the only black man on board. Luckily I sat by the window and was ready to see the action from land to air.

As usual,the plane taxied and took off, into the sky -then apparently started falling backwards, or so I felt. I was looking out through the window as the land and its inhabitants disappeared beneath us. We were tearing through layers of clouds.

No time to fear, no time to worry, after all, I now have a flying experience. All the way from Naija to Holland, can you beat that? Confidently, I brought out my camera and smiled to the clouds far away wink

84 Likes 9 Shares

Travel / Re: Traveling To AUSTRIA – My Experience On A Virgin Passport! by kenevision(m): 6:06pm On Aug 09, 2018
Sorry for the delay guys sad

So I was able to locate my boarding gate and queued up for boarding when it was time. We passed through the necessary checks and lined up to enter the plane. We were directed through a narrow tube that kept winding left and right and would bounce you up with every step. It felt good, I felt good too.

Then we came to a door where two white female KLM crew stood smiling at every one and muttering some word I could not hear from afar. But by the movement of their hands, I could tell they were directing people somewhere. But where? Perhaps the final stop and search point. But I thought we have done all the necessary checks? These oyibo people too dey suspect blacks sha. Little did I know sad

It was now my turn, standing right on the door that seemed to be vibrating from underneath, I could not make out the nature of the cozy environment I just found myself in. Perhaps this is a scanning machine about to scan us for weapons shocked I was still lost in my world of imaginations when the lady demanded for my boarding pass. She looked at it and motioned me to the next door. Two steps through the door and the reality hit me. This is an airplane shocked I mean AIR GODAMN PLANE! The first couch (if that is the right word) was almost filled up, as my seat number falls in the second.

Then that claustrophobic feeling started setting in on me. And with each step I took, I felt as if I was going into a tunnel of no return. I wanted to turn back and leave, at least to set my eyes on the starry sky one more time, if not the last time. But the long queue of passengers pushing through behind me only forced me to go forward. I have been desiring this moment all my life and the moment is right here. Guess I wasn't prepared psychologically.

I located my seat and sat, and immediately went into the mood of prayer. A second later a woman touches me and with an American accent said am seating on her seat. She was gentle. She was calm. Short of words, I handed her my boarding pass, she then told me that the next seat in the middle is where I should sit. Right next to her. I adjusted. And so the frenetic movements of passengers continued until everyone was settled on his/her seat.

A female crew passed by my side and perhaps noticed me handling with my phone camera. She offered to take a picture of me and I obliged. She asked if could help me with anything else. Fly the damn plane to Holland and set me free , I muttered under my breath.

Moments later, a voice from the cockpit started speaking and I could barely pick out few words. Perhaps, Pilots are trained to fly and not to talk. Same way doctors are trained to cure and not to write. Good luck trying to decode a prescription written by a doctor angry Then I heard something like drop in air pressure, oxygen, in case of emergency evacuation, emergency exit , I prayed even more, hoping it will not be my portion sad At least none of my village people is aware of my travel grin

We were all set for take-off. The cabin crew did their job and prepared everyone for take off. The pilot fired up the engine, sped on the run way and up we went into the sky. Few seconds after take off, I felt the plane falling backwards, a feeling I would get in my subsequent flights. I am yet to understand why that happens. Up and up into the sky we went, on our way to Holland.

Explorers
justwise
Ugosample

150 Likes 9 Shares

Travel / Re: Traveling To AUSTRIA – My Experience On A Virgin Passport! by kenevision(m): 5:33pm On Aug 09, 2018
Flying To Austria

The first thing I did was to book my flight. My travel date was already close, barely 3 weeks away, so I needed to get my ticket urgently as the prices were soaring high. I still got KLM at 328K, return ticket. I also went for the Yellow Fever immunization, did mine at Port Health Lagos. I made payment of about N1000, took the injection and got the Yellow Fever card. It was a very fast and smooth process.

On the appointed day, I arrived early at International Airport Lagos. I got to the airport around 1pm for a 10pm flight. I heard people are not allowed to take edibles into the plane, so I branched to the buka and ate enough fufu and draw soup. I was ready for the long night ahead of me. cool

On entering the arrivals part of the airport, one woman who claimed to be from Quarantine dept rushed me and ordered me to park my Ghana must go bag one corner. She asked if I have foodstuffs inside and I answered in affirmative. She said I will bring 5K for searching, processing and quarantining my bag shocked . Aha aha, aunty I no carry dead body nah, small food stuff you want quarantine angry . All the grammar na for make I drop something. We started bargaining and arrived at 2k. I gave her the money and carried off my bags. I know my village people must looking for ways to ruin my trip or even cancel it entirely, but GOD pass them. grin

I queued up at the KLM check-in area. It was time for checking in and the queue was growing speedily. All my bags passed the allotted kg checks. I was checked in and directed towards the Entry gate.

Now I brought out my camera and the party started grin

161 Likes 6 Shares

Travel / Re: Traveling To AUSTRIA – My Experience On A Virgin Passport! by kenevision(m): 5:28pm On Aug 09, 2018
Documents Submission And Collection

Well in case you don’t know yet, Austria, and indeed most Shenghen countries don’t conduct interviews for those applying for short term visas. You only need to submit the required documents to the VFS either at Abuja or Lagos and then go home and pray. When they take a decision on your application (normally 3 weeks), they will invite you to come for your passport, whether the decision is positive or negative.

In my case, I submitted my documents at VFS Abuja.

The following were the documents I submitted:
- Invitation Letter (sent by the inviting organization)
- Medical Insurance Letter ( sent by the organization) ,but you can use a Nigerian Insurance company if you want.
- Bank Statement of Account (in my case, the organization agreed to take care of my living expenses in Austria, so they sent in their bank statement to back it up). If you are self sponsored, you will attach your statement of account, and make sure it’s fat.
- Flight Reservation – you need to show your flight reservation showing the day you enter and leave the Schenghen area. Just meet a trusted flight booking agent, they will make a reservation for you for a small fee. You don’t need to pay the flight fare till you get your visa.
- Schenghen Application Form – to be downloaded online from their website. Fill it carefully
- Letter Of Identification from your workplace (if you are a worker) or from your school (if you are a student)

Infact the whole documents needed are well listed here http://www.vfsglobal.com/Austria/Nigeria/Short_Stay.html

I submitted mine and after three weeks, I got a mail from them saying I should come and pick up my passport. I traveled to Abuja, got to the VFS, collected my passport and gently lifted it up to the Great Ruler Of All Things. I prayed fervently “ In case they didn’t give me the visa, Lord this is the time to do it. As I open my passport, I want to see my visa smiling back at me”. grin

Gently I opened my passport, the first page was blank, next page blank. I checked next, it was blank. Next, next, next – blank, blank, blank. I too went blank embarassed . Thank GOD for one fan ID guy (I just hope he didn't stay back in Russia as he said ) who I had been gisting with. He took my passport and gently scanned the pages, looked up with a big smile and said “guy GOD don do am for you, never come back to this country again”. Beholding my visa brought a big smile to my face. My heart started beating again. Austria Here I come. cool


UPDATE! I guess this is the best place to add this.

For those advising me not to disappear in Austria, I never planned on disappearing in Austria. My visa was for a month, but I spent two weeks and back to Naija. I still love my passport and the many open doors that will flow from it. Am sharing this experience from Nigeria.

85 Likes 7 Shares

Travel / Traveling To AUSTRIA – My Experience On A Virgin Passport! by kenevision(m): 5:13pm On Aug 09, 2018
A Little Introduction

Hello guys, I have been a member of this forum for quite a while now, and I believe I should give back to this platform by way of sharing my ideas. Perhaps someone might find it beneficial.

As a way of introduction, and as you may have rightly guessed from the title of my thread; I GOT A SHENGHEN VISA ON A VIRGIN PASSPORT. I had never traveled out of Nigeria before, but I have always wanted to. I had never entered a plane before, or even came to entering one, well apart from the AIR PLANE MODE OF MY ANDROID PHONE. In my 30s, and I was yet to dis-virgin my international travel life.

I would spend days reading about travel stories from around the world. I would spend hours on Nairaland travel section digesting the countless travel stories and experiences members shared. And when I felt down and depressed about how low we have fallen as a nation; how irredeemably bad living standard has become, and how lives are lost in droves fueled by the silence of the political elites; I would go to Explorers profile and read about the interesting developments around the world. Then I say to myself, “This world is a beautiful place, all hope is not lost!”

I wanted to see the beautiful world out there. I wanted to cross the boundaries of our country and see people of other races. I wanted to see how they live, how they work, what they eat, how they dress, how they love or un-love, their approach to certain issues of life and so on. If I could, I would have done a trip to Ghana, just to satisfy my curiosity, but my bank account strictly advised me not to cross River Niger cry . Oh, I live at the East.

So I kept waiting and believing GOD.

Then opportunity presented itself for a trip to Austria, Europe. I was to attend a particular event in Austria. My friend over there sent me invitation letters from the organization organizing the event.

And then the visa processing started; schengen visa on a virgin passport undecided.

NB : What I will be sharing here are my personal experiences during the course of my travel. Should you not entirely agree with the information I put forward here, just understand that I am writing from my view and experience as a virgin traveler.

119 Likes 8 Shares

Travel / Re: The Tour Of Russia By Zuby77 by kenevision(m): 4:00pm On Jun 19, 2018
Keep the updates coming sir - really following!
Travel / Re: Why We Regret Going To Canada by kenevision(m): 3:22pm On Jun 07, 2018
I stopped reading when he said he was born in the states, Dad from Canada, Mum from Europe!

Our backgrounds are different, so I can't feel what he feels.

When I eventually get to Canada, no matter the challenges I face, I'm sure I will be happy and better off because where I come from is a write off!

13 Likes

Travel / Re: Wreckage Of Missing Plane In Kenya Carrying 10 Found 2 Days After by kenevision(m): 1:25pm On Jun 07, 2018
Hmmm
Travel / Re: Amazing Facts About Airlines And Travels. .. by kenevision(m): 1:24pm On Jun 07, 2018
Wow, now am flying KLM this month.
Travel / Re: Survived Another Crash Today. God Is Merciful. by kenevision(m): 11:09am On Jun 06, 2018
Quick recovery brother.

Just be strong!
Travel / Re: My Venture On Europe Route(my Journey To Europe By Road) by kenevision(m): 9:43am On May 27, 2018
Ride on bro! Interesting story you have there.

1 Like

Nairaland / General / Re: Mother Leaves Her 2-Year-Old Son Alone In A Car In Lagos,Then This Happens.Photo by kenevision(m): 5:11pm On May 25, 2018
MrCork:



....did the son have driver licence? angry

Travel / Re: Man Who Left For Canada Calls His Friend And Was Weeping by kenevision(m): 5:51pm On May 24, 2018
IamaNigerianGuy:


Soludo had all of his education in Nigeria but I see your larger point.
My argument is that relocating permanently is not a solution for society even if it is a solution for a few individuals ( Harsh as it may sound, most Nigerian graduates are functionally illiterate. Is this their fault ? No. Can they do something about it ? Yes.
In many disciplines, one can get an excellent education online through moocs at a fraction of the cost). The focus on the individual rather than the greater good is the reason why we are in this quagmire.

You speak of 'blind patriotism'. I see some people taking their place in the world and not volunteering themselves as a second wave of slaves and second class citizens.

Every generation in every nation is called upon to solve a problem. It's that simple. In Europe and America a generation battled Hitler and his allies, in Asia Mao and Ho Chi Min battled foreign invaders, in South Africa ANC and Mandela's​ group overthrew apartheid, in the 40s and 50s Nigerian nationalists fought for Independence. In the 60s our fathers fought (and lost) the civil war but they did not lose their pride. In the 90s we battled the military.
The task​ before this generation is to institute good governance, kill corruption and eradicate poverty.

Do you realize that ONE wave of sustained national rioting is capable of resetting Nigeria ? Why does this generation not see that as an option ?

Talk about the parable of the cave.

You have spoken so well sir. The battle ahead of us is a stiff one. We must play our part in nation building.

But for now, I pledge to Nigeria my country, to be loyal from Canada or the United States. grin grin

1 Like

Travel / Re: Man Who Left For Canada Calls His Friend And Was Weeping by kenevision(m): 2:11pm On May 24, 2018
IamaNigerianGuy:


You are the only race that cannot fix your continent because you have refused to take responsibility.
If Jim Ovia, Wole Soyinka, Ambode, Soludo, Elumelu etc had run away where would we be.
Take responsibility and lead. Human beings developed Europe and America.
At an age when young men should be planning how to become a governors or CEOs, they are content to be refugees.

All of those you mentioned traveled abroad for their undergraduate or post graduate studies. Because they understand that there is better than here. Why didn't they spend their entire lives in Nigeria under the guise of blind patriotism. I bet they would have been lost in oblivion just like millions of Nigerian graduates trying to find their footing in life.
Celebrities / Re: Linda Ikeji Ordered For Bentley Mulsanne For Herself & Her Unborn Son: A Review by kenevision(m): 4:04pm On May 21, 2018
Chai unborn child don dey own better ride. grin

I was 5 years old when I got my first bicycle tyre embarassed sad

23 Likes 3 Shares

Travel / Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by kenevision(m): 9:16pm On May 17, 2018
theamerican:


I know you said good credit score and I don't know what that is in this case. What I know is... If your family member is financially stable with an excellent credit score, it's possible that they can apply for a loan. I don't know the relationship between you and this person so I don't know what kind of loan it would be (for example, I know a parent can take a loan for their kids' education and would be liable for its payment, not the kids), but yes I would assume a financially stable person with an excellent credit score has access to loans. Best thing is to discuss it with this relative, like @lagosismyhome said.

The catch is that this relative is the one who would be held responsible for the repayment of that loan. Plus no one can predict if it'd be worth it in the end. A loan is just like capital for an investment. There are risks involved. It all depends on how far your relative is willing to go. No one knows for sure how it's going to turn out. I would take a student loan for myself, debts don't scare me. I take too many risks haha.

This is an opinion, please don't construe as legal advice


Wow, thanks a lot. That was very insightful. I will discuss with him (my brother) and see how it goes.

For the bolded above, I think US has a nice loan repayment system. Am not sure about the realities over there, but online sources say that a loan of say $40,000 can be re-payed over a period of 10 years, on a monthly plan of $300plus, from the time of your graduation. That for me is not a bad deal.

I just want to arm myself with enough info, before presenting my request to him grin grin , so he won't tell me is against their law cheesy cheesy .

Thanks once again for your contribution!
Travel / Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by kenevision(m): 6:31pm On May 17, 2018
LagosismyHome:


He is the best person to ask.... he in the system and should be able to answer all this questions

Ok great. Thanks for your replies.
Travel / Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by kenevision(m): 5:31pm On May 17, 2018
LagosismyHome:


[s]it seems international students can demand for loans with their admission letter[/s]

smiley cheesy grin.....demand . lol . It not a birthright , so demand is not the right word . Also a lot of US citizen dont like been a cosigner either

grin cheesy

Thanks ma'am, don't mind my choice of words grin.

The thing is, I have a family member who has naturalized in US and doing fine financially, with a good credit score. Can he help me apply/access Student Loans with my admission? Is there any hidden catch anywhere why taking a student loan will not be a good idea.

Hope to hear from you!

Thanks.
Nairaland / General / Re: Apology For Unnecessary Downtime by kenevision(m): 5:26pm On May 17, 2018
Seun:
Fellow Nairalanders,

The forum was totally down for about 23 minutes this afternoon. I apologize for allowing this to happen. There’s no excuse for it.

Regards,
Seun.

Just 23 minutes and you are apologising. My website has been down for the past 3 months and ayam not even perturbed. sad

3 Likes

Travel / Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by kenevision(m): 4:52pm On May 17, 2018
[quote author=Dahyur119 post=67639328][/quote]

Thanks for your response bro, but it seems international students can demand for loans with their admission letter, then any of their relatives based in US as citizen or PR will cosign the loan as a guarantor.

Why do you think is a bad idea to take student loan? I actually see it as an opportunity, since neither I nor anyone close to me can fund my MS in US embarassed. And moreover, the repayment plan is not usually a burden.

Please let me know your thoughts.
Travel / Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by kenevision(m): 11:52am On May 17, 2018
Hello house, please has anyone here ever gone through the process of applying for Students Loans from Nigeria for MSc in US.

I would like to find out if a US co-signer is needed, can a US based relative apply on my behalf and what are the requirements?

Thanks all.
Travel / Re: Scholarships To Study In The US by kenevision(m): 9:34pm On May 16, 2018
Do you know of any Students' Loan Offers available to Nigerians
Travel / Re: ₦8.5B World's Largest Spokeless Ferris Wheel Opened To The Public In China(Pics) by kenevision(m): 9:30pm On May 16, 2018
China, a clear example of a nation determined to set the standards...

That could have been Nigeria, but . . .

3 Likes

Travel / Re: TASUED Student Crushed To Death On Her Way To School (Graphic Photos) by kenevision(m): 8:22pm On May 16, 2018
That's how I saw a well dressed woman on my street just walking and mumbling some incoherent words. At first I thought she was going insane, until I saw some ladies pursuing her from afar, beckoning on people to help hold her.

She just lost her sister and is in terrible pains

Is a painful world, be grateful to GOD for each new day you have. Show love to your neighbour and live everyday as if is gonna be your last.

Is already a painful world, let's not make it more painful than it already is. embarassed

To the dead, GOD rest your soul!
Travel / Re: 10 Nights in Dubai by kenevision(m): 1:09pm On May 15, 2018
NONNYG:
welcome onboardgrin

Guy why grin grin

1 Like

Travel / Re: I Would Like To Hook Up With A French Speaker by kenevision(m): 6:24pm On May 13, 2018
LOSKYXANDER:
For those of us who have learnt french successfully, let's suggest materials (eg audio and apps) for those still catching up. I'm currently learning with Duolingo. I hope this thread will be a success cool

My French teacher in secondary school was so good I could discuss in French for hours, back in those days. I left it since then and didn't grow my language strength.

Now I want to go back to it and other foreign languages.


Voçe fala Portuguese? Eu falo!
Travel / Re: I Would Like To Hook Up With A French Speaker by kenevision(m): 6:19pm On May 13, 2018
LOSKYXANDER:

Ca va bien merci, je viens de vous envoyer un message privé. veuillez vérifier votre e-mail
How are you learning by the way?

Preferéz vous mon e-mail ou mon numero du telephone?

J'aime les langues étrangers. J'apprends le français et la Portuguese petit-a-petit.
Travel / Re: I Would Like To Hook Up With A French Speaker by kenevision(m): 1:19pm On May 13, 2018
Je parle petite de la langue français shocked

Ça va?

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (of 12 pages)

(Go Up)

Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health
religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket

Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 89
Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.