Visa — DavaoTraveler.com

Derived From A Forum (You might be interested):

I have been working on fitting-out my boat in Cebu and cruising the Phils for the past 3 yrs. I’m anchored at Samal Island (just off Davao City) right now, preparing to sail back to Australia. I’m looking for crew. Maybe one of the group members is interested in joining me?

The Yacht:

Crowther Design #226, Performance Cruising Catamaran (similar to the French production Catana Catamaran by the same designer). Built by the owner to professional standard in epoxy-foam sandwich construction. A very seaworthy, proven vessel. Sailed by the owner 5000+ miles up from Melbourne to Cebu in 2006 and cruised the Philippines. Fully functional but internal fit-out incomplete.

The Owner/Skipper:

Experienced sailor, retired Australian Engineer, 74 years ool, fit, healthy and competent. Easy to get along with and a good sense of humour.

The Crew:

I’m looking for 1 or 2 people (over 18yo, male or female), easy going but responsible, no hang-ups, smokers/non-smokers OK, moderate drinkers OK, but ABSOLUTELY NO DRUGS. Sailing experience would be great, but not necessary. I will teach you all you need to know in 1/2 day and all you want to know during the voyage south.

The Voyage:

I plan to depart Philippines from Davao in the 1st / 2nd week August. Sail through Indonesia to clear into Australia at Gove. Then work my way down the Australian East Coast to Melbourne, stopping off at a few ports along the way, as / when we feel like a break. Sail with me as far as you wish beyond Gove (assuming that we are getting along OK).

Visa Requirements:

Crew will check-in to Australia as visitors/tourists/friends, not as paid yacht crew. You must have an Australian or New Zealand Passport or a valid Australian Entry Visa.

Financial:

I don’t pay you as crew and you don’t pay me to sail on my yacht. We share the cost of food and I pay all yacht expenses. Buy your own cigs, alcohol, soft drinks, personal needs, etc.

Contact:

Owner/Skipper John Macey cellphone (63) 0915 7802 638 or e-mail ozjon69@yahoo.com.au.

Davao Traveler Notes: For inquiries, please get in touch with John Macey via his cellphone or email.

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Posted by Carlos Velasco.

Want some tips on getting a US Visa? Let Diana Velasco help you along the way by sharing her own personal experience in securing a US Visa. This article appeared on SunStar Davao last year and is reprinted here with permission from the author.

For the record, I would like to begin by stating that the United States is not in my list of the top ten countries I would like to visit before I die. One of the biggest reasons for that are the numerous stories from friends and colleagues about the horrors and near-impossibility of obtaining a visa. The alleged reasons range between insufferably arrogant consuls and the mass of documents one has to bring to the embassy. I said I wouldn’t even attempt to go there, as the stress would probably kill me.

Late last year, and with much disbelief, I found myself surfing the Net to secure an appointment at the US Embassy. I was selected by Rotary District 3860 as one of the delegates to the 2007 Group Study Exchange Program, and it was an opportunity I would be foolish to forego.

Some people would say that the first thing to do to secure a US visa is to book an interview. That is a common mistake and something that I would like to correct.

[Read more…] about How To Get A US Visa