A couple of months back as I entered South Africa, I started sharing my experience of sufferings. I have been using South Africa as a base to return to and from after visiting the sorrounding countries. I entered the country second time after my visit to 87th country Swaziland. And now on my third entrance to South Africa, I am again facing challenges which I normally try to avoid sharing with my readers. I do not like to dwell on these negative events that are out of one’s control but I figured it needs to be told as many people around the world has to deal with an inefficient government bureaucracy on daily basis.

The capital of Lesotho, Maseru was only 5 KM away from South Africa and I left to Maseru early on 20th September. I was all prepared for a week stay in Lesotho as I had planned to visit the beautiful mountains. Preparation included backpacker selection and advance payment, some phone cards and an internet card. I was energetic to complete all my works quickly so that I could feel the peculiarity of Lesotho slowly. Applying for visa to South Africa was on my first priority so without delay, I went to High Commission in Maseru to fetch some information and application form. On the front desk, I explained about myself and my requirements. Then, I was suggested not to apply from Maseru but as soon as possible return to Bloemfontein to apply for visa (as I had some more days my visa to South Africa expired).

All my preparation in vain, on the same day, I had to rush back to South Africa and this time it would not have been possible for me to use my bicycle. Rather, I needed to travel by train or bus to Bloemfontein. After a very hard try, I was unable to find any vehicle. Puzzled, I was seeking for assistance and sought it from some policemen. They courteously treated me and stopped a vehicle in which I was able to reach Bloemfontein where I had six days of additional visa. I am highly pleased and thankful by the benevolence of the policemen. Again, with no delay, I headed straight to Johannesburg put my bicycle in Alexandra and went to Pretoria. On 21st of September I applied for visa during which Nepalese embassy have been very helpful. I am thankful to Embassy of Nepal for the assistance.

Since then, I am staying in Alexandra, Johannesburg with Baikuntha Thapa, Ram thapa and Bigyan Bhandari. Alex is among the most insecure and dangerous place in South Africa and I witnessed it on 13 of October. Around 5 in the evening I heard some gunshots very near and some people running away in front of my place. When I was there to see what happened, all I saw was bullets on the wall and had the information that a security guard was killed in loot in nearby shop. The entire incident happened within three minutes and the place was annoyingly calm.

I was upset by the incident only and during the time I have been to the immigration office to get feedback on my visa process seven times. Every time I was asked my number to inform the update and I didn’t get any call. And on 27th I was seventh time to the immigration and on inquiry, I was told that my document was lost and I needed to talk to individual whom I have left the documents. I have never found anything like this anytime before on my tour till now when I have completed my tour to 88th country.

And, on 29th of September, I have dropped my application for the second time on my eighth visit. And because of this I am suffering having nothing to do and no way to get to. I only have option to either stay in here or leave for Nepal discontinuing my tour. Neither of which I want to.

Peace and Harmony,
Furtemba Sherpa