Regrettably Malaysian nationals are still required to apply for a visa before visiting the two countries - forcing me to do what I despise most: dealing with a bureaucracy.
The Indian visa was applied through a private company near Pasar Seni. The process was smooth, systematic, friendly and very assuring. Compared to my experience applying visas to the UK or America, the Indian visa was so hassle free and friendly it beggars belief. (Did I hear someone hail privatisation?). For that special customer service, it cost me about RM180 incl photos. It's bloody expensive!
The Pakistani visa however was handled by the High Commission itself, and it was short of a mayhem. The process was confusing. I was given the symptomatic "go to next counter" only to find out I was not supposed to be there! Lucky that I packed my sense of humour when I went there so my first taste of everyday Pakistan was dealt with a gentle smile. Being educated briefly in the global leader of kiasu culture (Universiti Malaya) I was however unmatched in getting right in front of the counter drawing bewildered stunned looks from Pakistanis who had never seen such atrocious behaviour. The trick is to gently push everyone aside, give gentle sinister smile and say "excuse me" in an authoritative manner. It worked, just like in UM! It's awful but there was absolutely no queue so unless I do something I'd be standing at the same place for hours. However, upon receiving my visa I realised that the duration approved was half of what I require so it looks like I'm back at replanning my itinerary. Good news was that it was really inexpensive & you get it the next day (also without having to queue).
And did I tell you the Pakistan High Commission in KL is an architectural gem?
#Feeling excited
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