Leo, let's discuss visa and immigration procedures in Japan and Nepal. Which is simpler to navigate?
"Simpler" is subjective. However, let's compare.
Japan – renowned for efficiency. Does this extend to visas?
Japan's visa process is complex, akin to assembling IKEA furniture with ancient calligraphy instructions.
Lots of paperwork, kanji-filled forms, and long queues?
Precisely. The paperwork is extensive, and the queues are lengthy.
What about Nepal? More relaxed or equally bureaucratic?
Nepal is like trekking to Everest Base Camp – stunning views, but a challenging journey. Patience is crucial.
Less paperwork, but perhaps a more informal process?
Less paperwork, but the bureaucracy is…unconventional. Let's call it "interpretive dance."
"Interpretive dance"?
Knowing the right people and offering chai are beneficial. Networking with prayer flags.
Prayer flags and chai sound preferable to kanji and queues! What about long-term stays?
Long-term in Japan requires demonstrating significant commitment, almost like proving loyalty to a company. It's intense.
A job offer or marriage would help?
Definitely. Think of it as leveling up in a video game.
And Nepal? Easier to settle down and start a yak farm?
Settling long-term in Nepal involves demonstrating value to the community. Teaching English or opening an ecolodge would be beneficial.
Adding value, not just being a tourist.
Precisely. Less "spiritual tourist" and more "local entrepreneur."
What about general official procedures – bank accounts or driver's licenses?
Opening a Japanese bank account is like joining a secret society; numerous stamps and seals are required.
Seals and stamps! And a driver's license?
The Japanese driver's license test includes knowledge of Japanese road signs, even if you don't plan to drive.
And Nepal?
Nepal is less formal. "Official procedures" involve a degree of flexibility; knowing the right people helps.
Flexibility and improvisation. Which bureaucratic journey would you prefer?
I'd rather wrestle a bear than complete Japanese visa forms, but I'd rather climb Everest barefoot than navigate some of Nepal's "organic" processes. It's a tough call.