How to apply for Italy Visa in Dubai

Traveling to Europe is one of my greatest plan in life but I was hesitant. My fiancee has show enough guts, he applied, got the visa for France and is plan to go by December.

Schengen Visa is a document issued by the appropriate authorities to the interested party for visiting/travelling in and within the schengen areas example to the countries below.

• Austria                     
• Belgium
• Czech republic              
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Liechtenstein

I was desperate to go with my fiancée so I completed  immediately the required documents:

1. The application form must be fully completed and signed in the corresponding blanks.
2. One photo is to be attached; the photo must have a passport format, full-face capture, and a light background. The photo must be recently taken.
3. The passport as well as all the copies of your previous visas, valid for at least 3 months prior to your departure is required. The passport must have at least two blank pages.
4. One must have a copy of the reservation of the return ticket for the time intended to be travelling. It is not recommendable to buy the ticket before getting the visa, if not necessary.
5. The travel medical insurance policy is to be secured, covering any medical emergency with hospital care and travel back to ones native country due to medical motives
6. The current bank statement (preferably for the last 6 months)
7. A reference letter from the employer

At first my fiancee has told me to plan everything before applying so I will not be denied but I tend to be hardheaded and I finished everything as fast it could.

I booked a cheap dummy airline ticket from a travel agent, arranged a hotel in booking.com, purchased the travel insurance online and arranged an appointment with CKGS website.

The Cox and Kings Global Services (CKGS ) is  an Italy Visa application centre is adjacent to dubai mall metro station. The first tall building you will see after getting out of the metro station, another  hint is the pappa roti cafe at the ground floor of the building.

I had choosen Italy for it is known as the easiest country to get a travel visa amoung the schengen countries for filipinos. The initial plan is to meet in Paris since his visa is for France & we will go around Europe together. 

Before you will proceed to their  office on the second floor the security personnel  in the ground floor will ask you to sign the registration book. Promptly I went up, waited for my number to be called, after 15 minutes they've announced my number ,they took my finger prints and my papers. I paid the processing fee 343 dirhams +5 AED for the sms. They advised me to wait for the sms of the result. 

After 3 days I received a sms to get my passport back and me who is so super excited went there hurriedly. They are about to close when I reached the centre at 7 p.m. When they handed over to me the envelop without any second ,I opened and found out that I was  denied for some reasons that I didn't proved enough that I am coming back and my bank statement does not state an enough balance. The embassy has put a rejection stamp in my passport.My dream to go with my boyfriend was gone.

I've learned my lesson" good things happens to the people who knows how to " listen to the experience people"

INFO & Insights:

*Don't be ashamed to ask for suggestion from the people who has a schengen visa, as much as possible get every single info that you need to know before you will apply. 

*Always make sure to have a sufficient amount in your bank before asking for the bank statement.

*Be positive & don't lose hope , there is always another time & another chance.

Centro Sharjah by Rotana: Simple & Cozy

It's almost been a year since we first stepped in Centro Sharjah by Rotana. Looking back, sharjah was not in our bucket list because of some restrictions that the city of has implemented, and it is also known for alcohol free so for us as an expat, we wouldn't enjoy. 

While searching on the web I found Centro Sharjah, describe as modern, stylish and affordable lifestyle business hotel with 306 rooms and suites. The picture looks very well considering it is categorized as 3 star. So out of my curiosity I asked my partner to try only for a night.

Taking a snap of the  hotel entrance is my usual habit . We were amused as we didn't expect that the hotel structure would be huge. It's nature friendly, a lots of trees and plants around and from the entrance itself you will find the parking area. It is widely designed and the good news is,  you can park your car by yourself.  

Most of the time, we come to check in the afternoon but what I like most coming to this hotel are the staff. They are all prepared to welcome you at any time, the reception area is well manned with the professional receptionist and the smile in their faces is immeasurable. They never fail to assure us that our room is well allocated and will have a memorable stay .

small leaflets displayed in the lobby 

Usually we book for a 22 sqm. meter classic room with a queen size bed which is one of their basic room. If you are looking for a bigger ones like the suites,then you can ask the reception for upgrade with the additional cost.This room is not too big but it doesn't matter for us, we love the softness of the bed and not only that, it is also very comfortable in the back. The room is equipped with a 32 inches television with different interesting channels. You can easily reach the iron & iron board inside the cabinets.

The amenities in the bathroom are complete and nicely placed as the hotel standard except the slippers and the Dental kit. I think each item cost 10 AED, you can ask the room service to deliver to your room or either you can go down to the gift shop. Located at  the ground floor near to the reception,and just opposite side is the ATM machine.

My partner and I are  food enthusiast and we usually order from room service while watching movies. The room service is open 24 hours however they charge 5 AED extra for every delivery.

C Deli

                                                                                                     

As the time passes and number of our stay becomes more, we found out that we can also order from C.Deli Restaurant for a take away. Sometimes if we want to smell the fresh air will seat and  have a freshly brewed cup of coffee which we just recently did it yesterday at 04:00 o' clock in the morning. By the way I forgot to mention that they are also open 24 hrs. The restaurant staff are very proactive and friendly. They knew very well our favorite Nasing Goreng and our never ending favorite pepperoni pizza .You can't blame us , it is exquisitely delicious especially the pepperoni pizza.

                                                                                                  

They also have the C. Taste Restaurant where you can dine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can order an ala carte if you don't like to go for buffet.  The smiling Chef in the restaurant  has familiarizes our faces, he knows our favorite fried egg with vegetable on the top. 

Restaurant staff  are accommodating and quick. They always ensure that you enjoy your  and food.The restaurant has plenty of comfortable seats inside however if you want to smoke, you can sit  outside while enjoying the breeze of the swimming pool.

Speaking of swimming pool , as far as I remember we only swim twice, as we always forget to bring our swimming attire and we are not that outdoor couple but we love to sit here after having our food.

The swimming pool area is big and well attended by the life  guard and if you are not in mode to swim, you can play the table tennis at the end side of the pool. Every weekend the pool is  full for families and couples so better go early, or else while waiting you can enjoy the small Jacuzzi tub beside the swimming pool.

Centro Sharjah by Rotana is equipped  with a gym which is just opposite side of the meetings rooms. The hotel is very is traveler's friendly , airport is a walking distance from the hotel and just 10 minutes outside the airport you will find a big supermarket. Being been to this hotel several times, it guided us to discover the wonders of Sharjah  like the Al Qasba , museums,parks and as well as the other hotels . Sharjah defies the simpleness of life that some restrictions is not a hindrance to enjoy life.

INFO and INsights:
*The hotel entrance is inside the airport at the left hand side direction
*Bring your own Dental Kit & Slippers if you don't want to buy.
*Ask for swimming pool view

*Don't forget your passport/ national ID