The reason I pick 'movie style' is because it seems exaggerated even in movies, but when you experience it in real life, you realize that if flexible, boundaries do keep stretching.
This was in context of Dhruva's 'visa' experience for a trip to Europe, a trip planned to align with the Euro Cup. Amit and he are crazy football buffs, and over a casual conversation starts this plan of a visit to Europe, a visit to the countries 'when they are playing'...not to watch the matches themselves, but to just be in that country as it's playing, experience it from the street kinds.
And the countries picked were Germany, Amsterdam, Spain, and Belgium. But with no specific itinerary. Just the in and out dates and countries fixed.
Sounded so in the clouds that I very casually said, yes, okay, but only if you can get everything done on your own. I never thought he could pull it off, but to my total joy, he proved me wrong. And I guess it showed me that, when something really matters to you, you are capable of being a different level of resourceful. Amazing stuff.
The Visa process was a drama of inefficiencies. Between the travel agent, the VHS and the Consulate, there seemed no one rule. He first applied in Bangalore. It came back. They said Chennai ( because his passport and all other addresses are Hyderabad), and he decided to go to Chennai and try, and then they said Mumbai (because he studies at Pune) and the drama went on. All in all, the ticket was booked for Monday late night and he gets the visa at 5 pm on Monday and needs to get back to Bangalore to catch his flight.
It's full on drama. I actually meet him at the airport with a suitcase....that's why movie style. And off they flew.
I can imagine what kind of a trip it will be....the first thing they did, even before ticket and visa in place, was to book a music concert of a favorite rock band Red Hot Chilli Peppers, which was being opened by Tame Impala, another favorite, who happened to be playing at Belgium :)
Hats off to your perseverance and effort Dhruva, and both you guys.......have a blast !!
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