My Visa Journey: Family Reunion Visa Germany

Just few weeks after our wedding I looked up for an available appointment schedule in the German Embassy's website just so I wouldn't be shocked on how far the next appointments will be. Since the prior year when we were only planning to get the same visa for marriage in Germany, the available schedules was too hard to catch, so that served as a lesson to me.

Three months after our wedding, I finally got the most important requirements for my visa application which are the Marriage Certificate and the Cenomar. Don't confuse this with the document that was required for the marriage license because they're completely different.

For complete list of the requirements please refer to the website as sometimes it changes which I noticed from last December to February. (Requirements for marriage in Germany)   (Requirements for married applicants)

I'll also state the documents that I've presented. Those are the following:

• Application form
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Cenomar
• A1 Certificate
• Passport 
• Declaration forms according to AufenthG
• A letter stating that he's inviting me to reunite with him (Informal and in Deutsch)
• His Passport photocopies
• His Federal Identity card
• photocopies of those
• and make sure it's organized well

If you were not informed that having the visa alone can get you smoothly through the immigration, you're mistakin', a certain certificate and a sticker are needed to present to them just so you won't experience being offloaded during your flight. This happened to a co Filipina who attended the same seminar schedule for the CFO sticker. This certificate is actually needed for changing your surname in your passport.

Having that said, I managed to find a schedule that is close to my visa appointment together with a colleague of mine who was planning to get married in Germany. When I gathered all of my documents, it was already a week before the appointment, so I then booked our flights and the hotel.

My friend who's getting married this June 23 only waited for less than a month to get her visa.

So when we arrived in Manila on the day f my scheduled appointment the hotel almost ruined my day, but I'm not gonna talk about it. My schedule was 1:30 - 2:00 pm. I was already prepared one hour before that, since our hotel was just walking distance from the hotel, it didn't bother me with the time being spent reaching the embassy.

When I got there, of course they're all not the ''smile type'' of employees but don't let that ruin your momentum, give them a big smile rather. Hahaha. At last I was called from the 1st window, without wasting any body movements, I immediately unload all of my documents from my folder and gave it to the consul. There'll be a lot of questions to be asked, like how did you meet, how many times he had visited you, yada yada. It's not solving algebraic expressions so, no sweat. It didn't take long, she said my documents were all complete. I only get to sign a waiver and was informed to wait for a month or three to be called by them. I went back to the hotel and called it a day.

By the next day, it was the schedule of our seminar for the certificate in the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. It wasn't that far from Makati but it'll be far when it's morning and rush hour!

Gosh, our schedule was 9:00 am and we gotta get ourselves there two hours before that at least.

When we got there, we weren't late. What'll usually be the intro of everything like this is filling up a form, then you'd be photographed, one on one interview for about 50seconds but it took me 2 minutes, lol,then wait until it starts. Bring your own pen, for real. 

So we were kinda a lot during that time, almost 15 if I'm not mistaking, and the funny thing was that the most numbers of wives are married to Germans, so the woman who conducted the seminar thought we were all friends and that we planned to marry Germans so we can all meet there.

It really took four hours, and I we were all kinda hungry. Good thing I brought my skyflakes. After that, you'd get the certificate only and not the sticker yet. That's only until when your visa is already attached to your passport. My friend and I made friends with those Filipinas that were married to the Germans, since my friend's return flight was on the same day of the seminar, she was accompanied by those ladies that are bound for Davao on that day. Meanwhile I was accompanied by the two wives too that are from Bicol. At least we didn't get to be alone, and they tour me around Pasay and Paranaque since I had to wait until the sun goes down because I'll crash at my old friend's place in Taguig.

Newly found friends from CFO seminar. Both of them got married in Hong Kong

So after waiting for almost two months, I finally received a call from the embassy! Yes it kinda took awhile but it still happen.

Zipline @Camp Sabros Mountain Resort

Another first time. ^_^ So I was riding this female horse

 because they said that females

are easier to managed. She

was pretty docile.

So the journey continues and this was the last activity that I have stated in our list. The way to Camp Sabros Mountain resort was 700 meters or was it 750, from the main road (Sorry I'm a bit forgetful now). I was supposed to do a horseback riding in the area which was close to where the Virgin Falls was located but unfortunately it was closed during weekdays. That was actually in a stable, where in you can ride the horse around the said area.

But our guide told me that I can still do horseback riding on our way to Camp Sabros which I bravely did! ^_^

So here's like half of the way, the climate was pretty different, There are fogs everywhere that covers the view below.

So the owner of the horse was assisting me. I know I was a little

inconsiderate for making him walk but I'm scared of the horse.

But during that time there was only one horse available.

This is where they're going to hang you and push you ^_^

 

Add caption

It was cold, in spite of having a little bit of sunlight

One of the cabins for those who wanted to stay overnight.

Another cabin suitable for 6-8 persons.

Prices ranges from 2k-8k depending on

the numbers of the guests.

Mountain view

We took the longest zip line as what this dude demanded. It was the 44 seconds one, measuring 820 meters. Damn, even before paying for the ticket I feel like fainting already. I was even telling him " can we get the 320 meters?" Hahaha.
So I was dared. Good thing I am not a coffee drinker.

So in the picture, you can see that the staff were setting up the gears and the suits and everything.

I really can't describe how I felt that time. But I wasn't that so scared since I'm gonna do it with him but our way back is more challenging for my part as we have to go back one by one.

I was covering my mouth and asking myself

"am I gonna do this?" hahaha

 So this was the point of no return, I can no longer back out nor get a refund for my ticket because I fear heights and I might puke while I'm efinly flying from this side to the next mountain.

Our guide took this picture and we actually had a video. The fun part was that I closed my eyes. Hahaha. Then I opened one, then he held my hand so it made me open the other eye of mine. LOL. I was in the air, and I was just stoned. I wasn't moving nor doing a superman position because I'm scared that I might fall!!!

It was fun, that I even forgot, was I screaming??

Over all, our visit in Kapatagan was a combination of a wild, relaxing and thrilling adventure which I won't dare to do alone.

You gotta try and see for yourself. If you're into nature tripping, this place is perfect for you..



Before heading back to our room to rest in Lake Mirror, we dropped by at Highland resort again for our late Lunch, almost luncher though.(+Dinner) and ordered something for a take out. But anyway, Lake Mirror doesn't have it's own restaurant since they said that guests that usually go there bring their own food. It was raining when we got back. And we were so tired.

We left early by the next day since we needed to have enough rest in the city because we're set to go to Surigao the next day.

His first marang!!

 On our way out of the mountain, we passed by this fruit stand along the high way that sells Marang, it's a fruit that has an extraordinary taste. Hahaha for me it is.
So I've had this one for only 25 pesos. The seeds of this can be eaten after roasting it or just boiling it with salt. It taste like peanuts.

So we stopped by for a sight seeing in the nearby sea in Digos. Then headed back to Davao City to
prepare for our things for our next trip.
The Enchanted River.

Crazy Adventure: Hof Gorei getaway!

Three days and two nights after my boyfriend arrived from Germany to visit me, we opted to escape  the busy city life of Davao City. But before we headed to Hof Gorei, the name of the beach resort we planned to visit which is situated in Adecor, Kaputian District Island Garden City of Samal, we already booked a room to make sure everything is hassle free by the time we get there.So we chose the round hut which costs 3,850php but it includes the round trip boat ride and breakfast.

Take note: For over night guests, you really have to pay upon reserving since I have done this before I tried calling them just to make reservations but they said they needed assurance from the guest which is why you have to pay by the time you're gonna make reservations. Booking can be found in there website. www.hofgorei-resortdavao.com/?page=home#

Also the resort is not accessible by land transportation except single motor cycle. I asked about this since I was hoping that my boyfriend and I could go there by car through the barge in Sasa wharf but unfortunately it ain't possible.

So we left the hotel that we were staying by 11:00 am to make sure we'll be at the port before the boat leaves by 2:00 pm which is the last trip. But before heading to Sta. Ana Wharf where the boat docks, we thought of buying some snacks for the long boat ride.

I tried my very best to stand properly even though the boat was rocking furtively

(well you wouldn't know if it does 'cause it's a pic) LOL. Though it made me sick already.

So the boat left before 2:00pm actually, there were two more guests (couple also) that took the last trip along with us. The boat was pretty fast, waters were splattering on my face giving me  hard time to take selfies.

While on the boat heading there, I fell asleep in the arms of my love, haha  it's actually nice to sleep in there with the cool breeze blowing your hair, a comfy chest to lean on ya know. ^_^ Hahahaha

So to set the "hoity toity" thingy aside we never had the chance to eat what we bought. But it's okay. Actually I forgot what time we docked in in Hof Gorei, I think past three, hmmm maybe almost 4:00pm. Pretty not sure.

Still splattered seawater won't stop me from taking selfie ;) ayee

But when we arrived, our personal assistant/ butler was expecting for us in their almost done floating restaurant where our boat docked in with a complimentary fresh water melon juice and some cold wet towels.

The first word that came from our mouths when we walked in the area was just "WOW".

It was really amazing, how it was arranged, the plants, the pathways, everything! It's really close to nature. Sooooo breathtaking! We were really glad we booked for this resort.

That's me, exposing my armpits with joy, looking forward of having fun in this cool place together with my prince. ;)

 Before heading to our hut, our personal assistant, (whom we forgot the name) immediately asked us about what food we're gonna order for our supper. Since I'm with a vegetarian dude, I went vegetarian for the night as well, also he already took our orders for our breakfast and also asked what time we prefer it to be arranged.

 Foods aren't that expensive, it's at its decent price, I have no complaints with the food, everything was satisfying. What we had for the night was vegetables saute'd in butter, potato salad, a cup of garlic rice since we're kinda hesitant to order more rice (just to avoid waste) and I had my fresh buko juice and he had his four seasons (boring). Then we were also asked as to where we would want to have our dinner. So we just said just at the balcony of our room. But there are plenty of choices actually, you can have your dinner along the seashore, or to that specific cottage, I forgot what it was but it is made out of stone and the sea is overlooking. But you really gotta roam around the area to discover more! ;)

This is how the room looks like.

To be honest, the way to our room made the two of us ran out of breath. Just the long walks all the way to the higher elevation drains me. But it was pretty fun, a surprising exercising to be precised.

Voila! Here's how the sand looks like. :3

my boyfriend in action -_- while me just taking photos.. oh well.



So we decided to spend the rest of the daylight on the beach, then we were invited by the staff to play volleyball with them. But I ended up sitting there alone while watching at him playing . :(

I wasn't wearing the proper getup. I don't wanna end up having wardrobe malfunction by too much jumping. But anyway, yeah I did enjoy watching him having fun. ^_^

So we ordered two more cups of garlic rice 'cause we were so famished. haha. Actually, we were  hungry but the real deal is that we enjoyed the food so much. I even got a bloated gut after finishing my meal. We had a great night so far. Everything was perfect, until the next morning..

This bird frightened the two of us. Like for real! It wasn't my first time actually to see Kalaw, but the one that I saw before like 16 years ago was caged, so this one terrifies us. It stares at us like how pterodactyl's stares at it's prey. Jeez, if I'm being exag, I don't know. But the gardener told be it would peck you! So be aware.

To continue the fun with our remaining hours of stay, we headed back to the beach, actually I really don't know how to swim -_- I don't know until when I'd be able to do so. Oh well, let's just hope I'd have the determination to learn how to! Haha..

They have geese. They were actually up for Ben. Told him not to run. ^_^ They really look like in a hurry to catch him

It was such a nice morning. The weather is not moody and it wasn't low tide. Yet

This was the cottage that I was talking about where in you can have you meal. We just found it later that morning

This is how the view looks like from the top

So we decided to check on the Jacuzzi which was located on the top of the highest hill. How many steps? I didn't count,
we just had a fun time running. Until he saw a goat. -_-

 Austrian type of Architecture.

Jacuzzi baby :*

So yeah this was how our trip here stopped. We checked out ahead of time since we have to go to our next trip. Over all, the experience was terrific. Service is great! Perfect for couples because of it's privacy. We highly recommend this resort!

Hof Gorei Resort Contact number:

286-0238

website: www.hofgorei-resortdavao.com

Additional Information: The internet connection of the hotel wasn't that fast during the night. But perhaps you can try in the morning. They have two locations for their wifi hot spot. Which is in the bar and in the floating restaurant. No corkage for beverages or snacks.

Ciao baby! :* We had a great time!!