Foreign Travel?

[newbury]

<snip>Airline did nothing wrong and had I proceeded they would have delivered me somewhere... not sure what recourse I really have for my $920 airfare?
<snip>

That's really to bad.
Can you get them to deliver you (or someone you sell the ticket to) somewhere else?

 

[ultrarunner]

Wow, that is terrible. It looks like you have one man to blame.

https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/human-trafficking/apollo-carreon-quiboloy

This guy is a fugitive from the law and his church refuses to hand him over.

It reminds me of the Branch Davidians in Texas.

Two westerners I have been in contact with said it’s just like you describe… problem is the fortified 65 acre compound is adjacent to the International airport and the number of supporters and law enforcement simply shut the system down.

I relied on a report from a local police officer who told me to avoid coming at this time due to massive unrest…

 

[cdaigle430]

It’s been decades since I had a real vacation as every trip is always work related in some way.

My coworker invited me to go with her and her family to the Philippines and anyone working in a hospital knows nurses with ties to the Philippines are a huge presence in the workforce.

She thought it was admirable that I was learning one Tagalog word each workday as many of our elderly patients are from the Philippines…

Thought about it and said why not… was able to get the time off and book the same flight at a great fare and in the same row.

It was not until a few weeks after I booked friends and coworkers started expressing fears about my safety and since booking the US, Canadian and GB State Departments have all increased their advisories against Philippine travel up to Avoid All Travel and Avoid All Non-Essential Travel due to risk of kidnapping, etc. for my general destination.

I asked and she said there has been an uptick of activity but her family is very well connected with siblings in military and government and they would not let anything happen… but it’s not like I would be able to blend in…

For something set up to be a fun get away and cultural exchange it’s becoming anything but.

Maybe Oakland really is my safe place and the world isn’t my oyster in 2024?

Last I checked kidnapping is not a concern in and around the SF Bay Area… smash and grab property crimes are off the hook though.

A few say go… you will be fine with the majority saying no way…

Thats what they said to me 12 years ago before I went to Brazil. They said I would get kidnapped, robbed, poisoned and even die of the heat. I even had a special kidnap fun waiting just in case lol. 12 Years later with 8 trips, one for more than 3 months and I am happy to say everytime I went was the happiest time of my life. Its okay to take calculated risks.

 

[ultrarunner]

Thats what they said to me 12 years ago before I went to Brazil. They said I would get kidnapped, robbed, poisoned and even die of the heat. I even had a special kidnap fun waiting just in case lol. 12 Years later with 8 trips, one for more than 3 months and I am happy to say everytime I went was the happiest time of my life. Its okay to take calculated risks.

Traveling for pleasure or with purpose?

I remember driving to Slovenia while neighboring countries warring and situation in Slovenia uncertain.

It was a great trip and I basically had the country to myself…

 

[2manyrocks]

I knew a lady who flew to ****** to visit the holy land. Her plane landed just as the Six day war was starting. They didn't let her off the plane.

 

[EddieWalker]

I think you made the right decision. Trust your gut and enjoy living another day.

For me, I always wonder how close I've been to something really bad happening, just from the timing of when I leave my house. I can't count how many accidents I've seen that I might of been in if I had left the house a minute earlier.

Nothing might of happened, but there is no way to know for sure, and the risk was there for something to have happened.

 

[gsganzer]

I think you made the right decision. Trust your gut and enjoy living another day.

For me, I always wonder how close I've been to something really bad happening, just from the timing of when I leave my house. I can't count how many accidents I've seen that I might of been in if I had left the house a minute earlier.

Nothing might of happened, but there is no way to know for sure, and the risk was there for something to have happened.

The unexpected loss of one of my friends back in 2008 was probably one of the deaths that affected me the most. We had gone to the last Monday night football game at the old Dallas Cowboys stadium and were supposed to meet on Friday at his family ranch near Victoria to dove hunt. He was going to ride down on his motorcycle, and I'd meet him at the ranch. At the last minute, I had to back out due to some reason. On Saturday morning, I received a phone call that he'd been killed on his motorcycle on Friday.

The suddenness and the finality of someone my own age, who had a wife and kids like me, leaving his house for the weekend, only to be taken away tragically has always haunted me.

 

[cdaigle430]

Traveling for pleasure or with purpose?

I remember driving to Slovenia while neighboring countries warring and situation in Slovenia uncertain.

It was a great trip and I basically had the country to myself…

My wifes family is from Brazil so I guess it could be both. I have three good friends that moved from the US to Brazil and they dont ever want to come back. I traveled to South Brazil-Rio Grand Du Sul and Santa Catarina several times-no USA folks around except me. Most foreigners were from Argentina.

 

[ultrarunner]

I'm not on Facebook but it was posted that I was not able to go so word went out quickly.

Thursday work called saying a major problem asking if I could help and I did with follow-up Tuesday...

Just not in my nature to avoid helping if I can... especially after 33 years and being part of the build team...

Administrator said people don't know just how much I do behind the scenes starting at 4 am each work day to make the day go smoothly... but they are learning fast with me only being away 4 days...

 

[ultrarunner]

My wifes family is from Brazil so I guess it could be both. I have three good friends that moved from the US to Brazil and they dont ever want to come back. I traveled to South Brazil-Rio Grand Du Sul and Santa Catarina several times-no USA folks around except me. Most foreigners were from Argentina.

I have several retired military friends and also know one Austrian police officer retired in the Philippines... none on Mindanao but all are very happy...

Foreign currency goes far and maybe their happiness is because they all have a much younger wife or girlfriend...

Built beautiful Western style homes with off grid water and power systems... 2 are ocean front and 2 at elevation...

Not trouble free but none have plans of returning to country of origin and Tricare does provide some services for the military guys...

60 and a new father and now 65 with daughter starting school...

He said he has a new lease on life seeing the world through the eyes of his child... maybe it's because he now has the time to be a father where before military came first..

 

[dmccarty]

Was ticketed to fly out 12 hours ago SFO destination Davao.

Received a text relaying information from a friend in the Philippine National Police force saying not a good time to come as 2000 police mobilized and clashing with protestors at my destination with injuries.

Press release PAL and Cebu Pacific offering rebooking and refunds but I’m not holding my breath.

It’s a corner of the world I was looking forward to visiting but it’s no longer a pleasure trip if there is civil unrest…

Worst case is I made a contribution to the Philippine economy.

Best case I dodged a bullet metaphorically.

On a side note just about everyone in my circle flying is coming home sick… 2 were hospitalized in country… one Costa Rica and the other Greece.

Sorry to hear you had to cancel your trip but it was going to be a risk. All it takes is a run in with the wrong people who see you as a lottery ticket. Look at what happened to the US Marines in Turkey this weekend. That could have gotten very bad, very fast. We were lucky to visit China and Hong Kong a decade ago. We did not have much time in Hong Kong, which we regret even more so today, because I don't think it is safe for US citizens to travel to there and I don't see us going back until there is regime change.

We traveled to Europe last spring, and knock on wood, nobody got sick. But we know several people who have traveled overseas recently who have gotten sick.

 

[ultrarunner]

The saga continues…

Just received urgent text message from Philippine Airlines my booked flight home cancelled due to an Airline problem with the offering to book another airline, accommodations, refund etc…

From the day after I booked the universe has been telling me don’t go… or so it seems.

Excerpt

Dear Valued Passenger,

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation of your flight PR104 from MNL to SFO, originally scheduled for September 08, 2024, at 2250H. This change is necessary due to maintenance issues. We understand that this may have a negative impact on your travel plans, and we regret any inconvenience caused

 

[Caballywh]

I love foreign travel! It’s like stepping into a new world every time. They can be a game-changer for long flights. If you’re looking for a bit of luxury without breaking the bank, I’d suggest checking out cheap business class tickets. It’s way more comfortable and you can enjoy some pampering. I recently found some great deals, and the trip was much better. Plus, it’s an excellent way to treat yourself. Let me know if you have any destinations in mind or need tips on finding good deals.

 

[ultrarunner]

I'm spoiled flying Lufthansa to Germany.

On time is the rule and never had airport issues at either end... maybe just luck?

 

[tradosaurus]

I'm spoiled flying Lufthansa to Germany.

On time is the rule and never had airport issues at either end... maybe just luck?

My wife and I are probably going to Germany in late December and in the process of completing our passport application.
We have the choice of American or Lufthansa. What did you like about Lufthansa?

 

[tradosaurus]

I have several retired military friends and also know one Austrian police officer retired in the Philippines... none on Mindanao but all are very happy...
Foreign currency goes far and maybe their happiness is because they all have a much younger wife or girlfriend...
Built beautiful Western style homes with off grid water and power systems... 2 are ocean front and 2 at elevation...
Not trouble free but none have plans of returning to country of origin and Tricare does provide some services for the military guys...
60 and a new father and now 65 with daughter starting school...
He said he has a new lease on life seeing the world through the eyes of his child... maybe it's because he now has the time to be a father where before military came first..

I've heard it's best to visit the country you want to relocate for a few weeks to make sure it's something you want.
I've watched utube videos discussing Philippines. The experience is great if you have the money but marrying and starting a family at 60 would not be what I would consider idyllic. Also heard that if you marry a Philippine woman you are also will be supporting her family.

 

[ultrarunner]

My wife and I are probably going to Germany in late December and in the process of completing our passport application.
We have the choice of American or Lufthansa. What did you like about Lufthansa?

Lufthansa has nonstop SF to Munich which is 10-11 hours and I'm there.

I find Lufthansa is very punctual on time... it didn't hurt that they upgraded me to business once either but that is unusual or so I have been told.

American would require change of plane for same destination.

My best flights ever were Swiss and PanAm...

 

[ultrarunner]

I've heard it's best to visit the country you want to relocate for a few weeks to make sure it's something you want.
I've watched utube videos discussing Philippines. The experience is great if you have the money but marrying and starting a family at 60 would not be what I would consider idyllic. Also heard that if you marry a Philippine woman you are also will be supporting her family.

Pretty much my understanding...

I was just going because if my coworkers... About half the hospital staff has connection to the Philippines... 33 years ago when I started not a single one...

 

[kenmbz]

It's a shame this is becoming such a chore to get flights.
I have flown Singapore Air many times and they are fantastic.
Do they have any flights going your way?

 

[ultrarunner]

Didn’t check since I was tagging along with coworkers .

Never say never but not likely heading that way again…

What I need to do is get to Austria… it’s 9 years already as I was keeping busy here caring for Mom…

I did use my 2 weeks productively… turned over a 2 bedroom apartment and nearly finished a 3 bedroom 2 bath home with rent start date Oct 1.

Apartments are easy… clean and paint and maybe some faucet stems and rekey locks.

Single family homes much more involved by square footage plus landscape, etc…