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My Europe Experience Thread
First of all, I would like to say YES it is possible for a black man (Kenyan) to be precise to visit Europe.
I grew up in Mombasa and the only way I knew how to get to Europe was:
1. Be a beach boy
2. Get an Old Granny and go to the land of opportunities
I also don't remember having any family holiday and I have had to have a change in mindset to achieve my journey.
1. Be a beach boy
2. Get an Old Granny and go to the land of opportunities
I also don't remember having any family holiday and I have had to have a change in mindset to achieve my journey.
So fast forward and years later after visiting this beautiful country with #Tembekenya I decided it's time I try visiting Europe we can't always be the one receiving tourists. I set up a plan and want to share it with everyone who wants to try this.
Step one is to find a country in Europe you want to visit so as to get a schengen visa. This visa will help you get to any country in Europe where it's valid. Will not get into details let me provide a link https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/
I decided to go with Germany as my entry point. I will not lie to you statistics from the German embassy in Kenya say most people who travel with a tourist visa don't come back ( This was disappointing to find out but I somehow get it)
After some research, a simple hack that most tourist would use is to get Schengen Visa through Greece and then travel around Europe. But I decided to take the bull by the horn and go through the German embassy.
The @GermanyinKenya have a very detailed website that highlights all the requirements you need to apply for a visa. There are several types of visa but I went for the tourist visa which is under the short stay category. More details on the link provided https://nairobi.diplo.de/ke-en/service/visa-entry/schengen-visa/1671552
Preparing for your Visa Application
1. Fill in an online form on the link ( https://videx.diplo.de/videx/desktop/index.html#start )
2. Book an appointment ( Guys you have to do this at least 2 weeks in advance, Kenyan timing doesn't work )
3. Compile Documents required ( Nest tweet will show documents req)
1. Fill in an online form on the link ( https://videx.diplo.de/videx/desktop/index.html#start )
2. Book an appointment ( Guys you have to do this at least 2 weeks in advance, Kenyan timing doesn't work )
3. Compile Documents required ( Nest tweet will show documents req)
Documents Required:
1. European health insurance covering the entire amount you´re planning to stay
List of insurance provider ( https://nairobi.diplo.de/blob/2164358/839930c21b872afdedafb314d176acb0/schengen-approved-insurances-data.pdf ) * Had major problems with this
2. Bank statements of at least the past 3 months
3. Letter from employer stating
1. European health insurance covering the entire amount you´re planning to stay
List of insurance provider ( https://nairobi.diplo.de/blob/2164358/839930c21b872afdedafb314d176acb0/schengen-approved-insurances-data.pdf ) * Had major problems with this
2. Bank statements of at least the past 3 months
3. Letter from employer stating
4. Assets, e.g. car, land title deed, etc. Anything that tells them that you have reasons to return to Kenya ( Which millennial has this haki 
)
5. Original birth certificate and a copy.
6. invitation letter ( if you have someone you know living there)
)5. Original birth certificate and a copy.
6. invitation letter ( if you have someone you know living there)
Ok so first I did my online application then I selected health insurance since you can't apply for the visa without valid health insurance. I opted for First Assurance which provides insurance for 35.56 USD met them online and had this lady called Tracy who was very kind.
So during the embassy appointment day, I compiled all my documents and took a @SafeBoda_Kenya to the Embassy at a cost of Ksh 120 and arrived 30 minutes before time. I first had to pay G4S Ksh 240 for delivery of passport if it gets approved or not.
The comprehensive G4S list is provided on the link if you are far from Nairobi
G4S price list link: https://nairobi.diplo.de/blob/1517310/a378540bdb964562afda9488f2413956/g4s-fees-data.pdf
G4S price list link: https://nairobi.diplo.de/blob/1517310/a378540bdb964562afda9488f2413956/g4s-fees-data.pdf
Went through security check and that's where I lost it. The guys took my phone and bag later to find out its normal embassy procedure. I felt as is I came to beg for something and couldn't shake that feeling. How is it that the same guys visit our country and get visa on arrival
And I had to walk in with papers as if am applying for a government post job. I walked in feeling bitter and angry but knew the system was broken and there was nothing I could do about it ( *ps being stoic )
At the counter I first had to pay Ksh 7,000 and visa application fee, This is non- refundable if you don't get the visa. I was asked several questions which I answered confidently and walked away. I had the wakanda spirit in me and was like Kenya isn't so bad at all.
The whole interview probably took 15 minutes. Went back to security check and took my bag and phone took a matatu to town and paid Ksh 50.
Two days later and i get a G4S message that my package has arrived and a courier service brings me a package in the office. To my surprise a brother got a visa approved.
Wavyele wanomanya Muamba hawakukosea walipoamba safari njema huanza asubui na safari ya bamba ni machero. I just wanted to show off my swahili skills this tweet is irrelevant so next....
So the next part was to get a ticket, I went to my favourite site to look for a deal. https://www.kayak.com/
A good trip is one where you plan in advance and tickets would be cheap. But if you know me well planning for a trip is not in my vocabulary. Am Mr Last minute
A good trip is one where you plan in advance and tickets would be cheap. But if you know me well planning for a trip is not in my vocabulary. Am Mr Last minute
A quick search and this was the best deal I could get. Will share flight prices on the next tweet. I wish I had done this earlier I would probably have saved more but shit happens and still bet I will not learn from my mistakes. Maybe @nasnasieku will teach me planning.
The plane ticket which was Nairobi to Addis then Frankfurt and a direct flight from Switzerland to Nairobi cost me USD 526.96.
Ok so guess I have finished the process of travelling and how to get a visa and tickets. I have been as transparent as possible in case you have any questions feel free to ask next I will be talking about accommodation.
My basic ideology in travel is to always travel cheap I don't do luxury travels mostly because I can't afford and also a place to sleep is not a priority for me I want experiences in the area. Holla at me if you are interested in camping or any broke travel am open.
So for accomodation, I relied on Couchsurfing, I don't know if you guys know about this but in summary, it's basically a site/app that helps you get free accommodation at members home. https://www.couchsurfing.com/ .
My first time using Couchsurfing was when I was doing my epic trip from Nairobi, Arusha, Moshi, Irente, Tanga, Bagamoyo, Dar. I met very cool TZ peeps through the app who showed me so much hospitality and shared meals with me.
Up to date I still keep in touch with my host and Danny one guy who we are now closed just invited me to his wedding in Arusha can't wait to attend. Anyway i can talk a lot about it but you can find really cool people who will offer help
So using Couchsurfing I setup the days I wanted to travel and waited for people to respond. Just share an interesting message and people will most likely respond and offer to help. Met David who was a cool data scientist who was ready to start his own startup.
Another cheap accommodation method is staying in hostels. They are usually cheap like $10 on average. I still remember the hostel I stayed in Moshi where I met this Japanese lady who was travelling around the world we basically talked the whole night.
Last but not least @Airbnb is the ultimate solution for your travel. There are so many options anywhere you go and you can book in advance
Depending on reaction of the thread I will share my experience travelling in EUROPE. How I travelled to 4 countries and my experience and take home. Also give feedback or questions this is my first thread.
