My Journey to Scotland started long before I step foot to the United Kingdom.  It begins when I accepted the offer for the project for Northern Europe.  I was very excited, because it will be my first time to reach that part of the globe.

Though it costs me numerous family and personal affairs, My grandmother’s burial in Hong Kong, be with my family in Negros, high school batch reunion (after 10 years), thankfully my ever understanding Family keeps on supporting me.

UK VISA application

Filling up the UK Visa form wasn’t an easy task.  Instructions should be read carefully and I must say they have done a pretty good job in making those instructions very understandable.  Documents and other requirements must be prepared and comply with the UK’s standard.  I was provided with a checklist of the necessary documents for my type of visa which is business trip.  Some documents must be provided by my company while some must be provided by me personally.  And in each passing day I see more checks in the list until finally I am ready to apply for a UK VISA.

My appointment was 10:15 in the morning.  I arrived at the office early and double check the documents I’ll be presenting later.  Every one in the office noticed me since I am wearing a semiformal attire which is not very common in the workplace.  We are only required to wear casual attire in the office.  Some would ask me if I have an interview with the rival company.  I just ‘cause I know how it works, I’ve been asking that same question too to my other colleagues whenever I saw anyone in a business attire.

Map of Makati and nearby cities. It's not really precise though...

The time has come for me to depart from the office in Makati and walk more than 500 meters to VFS office at Phil AXA building.  The UK embassy is in Taguig City, it’s a little bit far from the office, that’s why I’ll just be submitting my documents to VFS and they are gonna be the one sending it to the embassy.  I was early but the officer called out many names and mine was one of them.  I was lucky that day, cause the process went smoothly my documents are complete and organized.  So, after just a few minutes I’m done and headed back to the office.  It was funny that travelling from office to VFS and back to the office took more time than the process of submitting my documents to VFS.

In less than 2 weeks I already received my Visa.  And it was approved now the only thing i need is the airline ticket and I’m good to go.  Scotland here i come!