Vacation Apart

I finally built up the courage to post about something bad that happened to me yesterday.

Have you ever planned for an expensive vacation and not have it go as planned? I can officially say that I have.

My wife and I don't travel often but when we do, we go out west (California/Nevada) or out east (Florida/Georgia) so we have never left the United States before. Let me tell you a secret about me... I am not a US Citizen. I was actually born in a Thailand refugee camp back in 1981 post-Vietnam War so I'm technically living in the US in asylum. I'll reserve the story for a future date.

Back to the story. Three months ago, my wife and a few of her friends decided to plan a vacation to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. This year marks the 10 year wedding anniversary for my wife and I so why not? We booked our vacation for a non-stop flight and at an all-inclusive hotel for close to $3,000. (The hotel is the one in the picture.) Shortly thereafter, I found out that to travel outside the US, one would need a US passport. I did my research by visiting government sites and speaking with US Immigrations officers. I had a meltdown when I was told I cannot get a passport because it's only reserved for US Citizens. "What do you mean?!?! I already paid for the trip!" However, they assured me with 100% confidence that I should be fine to leave and enter the US with my Permanent Resident card (aka green card). I called and spoke with two other US Immigration Officers and they told me the same thing. Great! Then I'm all set (or so I thought).

So yesterday morning, my wife and I met up with the group of friends at the airport. Going through check-in and the security checkpoint was a breeze. All was well until boarding time. When I handed the authorities my boarding pass with my green card, they pulled me aside and told me I needed a travel visa to enter Mexico because a green card will only allow me to leave and get back into the US but not to step on Mexican soil. 20 minutes later, they pulled my checked bag from the airplane and gave my wife the decision to board the plane or else they will be closing the gate. With her eyes red and teary from shock, I told her to go without me and that she would still be able to enjoy the vacation since her friends would be with her.

As of this moment, my wife is in Mexico for our anniversary vacation. She won't be home for another 3 days and has been calling me every chance she got. I keep telling her to do her best to enjoy the vacation with her friends because we already paid for the trip, but I know her heart wants to come home. Time ticks so slow when you're waiting for something/someone.