Today the most incredible thing happened, I finally got my long-term visa, and I still cannot believe it.

It has been a burden for 12 long long years, and honestly, I gave up on the idea of ever getting one in the first place, especially in this current climate of hatred towards migrants in Europe.

I really don’t know how to feel about it, on the one hand, I’m super happy that I finally got it, on the other I’m mad that I was supposed to get it 12 years ago, but due to the ever-changing laws, I fell into a gray area of the law and the government has been treating me as a first arrived migrant ever since.

This wrack havoc on my finances, spending thousands of euros in renewals, and annual leave to prepare documents, but most of all to friendships and romantic relationships.

It is hard to explain to Europeans that you can’t go on that amazing adventure in Noway, because your visa isn’t valid, or there are severe delays in issuing the documents and you can’t travel without one.
After a while, it starts to sound like the excuse of someone who doesn’t know how to say no, and I get that.

It’s hard to explain to your girlfriend that you can’t go to Ireland or the UK because they have weird requirements and the visa process takes more time and money than the actual holiday.
You just end up looking lazy and selfish.

In the current state of general hate towards migrants of the Western world, no one talks about people like me, who came legally and paid taxes, take part in the community, and speak the language.

But guess what, every time there is a new law punishing migrants, it’s always targeted at us. Because let’s be honest, what are you taking away from someone who came illegally with nothing to lose?

Every time a politician comes up with a new scheme to solve the illegal migrant problem, we end up paying the price, one way or another.

I saw the requirements and prices to renew my documents rise every couple of years, my fingerprints and photos taken every year, just like some fellon.

I like where I live and have lots of local friends, but things like this take you back.

And this is what gets me, normal folks don’t understand this and quite frankly they probably don’t care because it doesn’t affect them, they just enjoy the “safety theater” that’s going on.

This is why I feel for the poor Brits with foreign spouses, I just saw the story of a guy having to pay up to 38.000£ to bring his Korean wife to the UK, due to the new immigration laws.
They say love is priceless, but it seems like the UK government didn’t get the memo ay?

Jokes aside, luckily there are a few who do go beyond appearances and have empathy.

Last year, during my “lost” phase, I met up with a few very good friends Marek, Katharina, and Christy.
it was so refreshing to talk to someone that just listens to you and you can share thoughts and concerns without the worry that they are gonna be used against you later on.

I haven’t seen them in years up to that point, that’s what sucks about living in different countries and a busy adult life. But when we met we picked up right from where we left, like it was yesterday.

They had more confidence in me than I had for myself, in that moment. They did not doubt for a moment that I would achieve what I was after and that lit something inside of me.

When I came back from my travels I felt recharged and doubled down my efforts, letting go of the outcome.

I did all that was possible, and if it doesn’t work so be it, I thought.

Today when I walked out of the building with that piece of plastic in my hand, I truly felt like I could fly for a moment.

This moment is not only the coronation of 12 years of struggle, but it’s a symbol of resilience.

I feel I’m back to my former best self.

I’m back baby!

I’m back!