To A Screeching Halt

I’m not sure how to come to grips with the fact that after a few weeks—actually, just after 12 days—that I’m going to have to postpone #nsbb indefinitely.

Fuck this, I think I need a moment of silence.

There are a few factors coming into play about why I’ve decidedly done so.  The visa application process alone is discouraging enough as it is seeing that I’m not very comfortable discussing money to my friends much less showing my financial statements to strangers.  Plus the non-refundable S$183.40 for visa application just isn’t worth the risk; let me explain that in a bit.

According to the U.S. Embassy website, to qualify for a tourist visa I’d have to demonstrate that:

  • my situation here in Singapore is stable and attractive enough that I will return to it at the end of my stay
  • my visit will be for a definite, temporary period
  • I have sufficient funds to cover my expenses

To be very honest, my being granted a visa is kind of on a 50-50 scale.  We all know I’ve only been out of school for a year and with a less than sizable amount of savings; just paying for the trip is going to cost me an arm and a leg.  Add to that, the timing of my planned trip is two months before the end of my employment contract, which I’m sure they’d interpret as not “attractive” enough for me to return.

Humor me a little and say I’m able to go to Seattle.  Worst case scenario is I come back to Singapore broke and with my employment contract not getting extended (or something of similar effect).  I would have two months to “save up” before I’m unemployed and another month to look for work replacement before I’m finally deported.

I think I’ve tried all possible combinations on how to go around this dilemma.  So far, the only thing I could think of is that I win the lottery.

If it’s any consolation, I am still setting aside money.  You know, just in case.

Oh man, I can’t believe I’m going to miss out on all the cool places that Seattle’s been hiding.  Guess I’ll have to make do with other people’s photographs first until I’m able to take them myself.

Greenwood Collective Art Space

SoDo Legal Wall

U-District

Downtown

The Moore Theatre

All photos by Shawn McClung

———-

On a slightly related note, David reminded me (indirectly) why #nsbb isn’t over till it’s over.