The Magic Letter.
At times of hassle or when looking for some kind of assistance or courtesy I will be using what around the world cyclist Alistair Humphrey’s calls his MAGIC LETTER.
My own experience of a Magic Letter (which deserves to be capitalized) of introduction from the Lord Mayor of Dublin on a previous bicycle trip around the world was extraordinary to say the least. I encountered many bureaucrats and illiterate border officials in developing world countries who were most impressed by the mayoral seal of office!
By far the biggest use I had of it was when I applied for my US visa in New Delhi. At first I was refused and had my passport stamped ‘ Visa Application Denied ‘This put my world bicycle trip in jepordary.
The very next day I returned to the US embassy armed with my letter of introduction from the then Dublin Lord Mayor Paddy Belton. The same official looked at the letter, smiled and marked his previous days stamp: ” VISA DENIAL CANCELLED WITHOUT PREDACIOUS. ” He then gave me a multiple-entry indefinite visitors visa.
Upon my arrival at the US border I produced my Magic Letter. The immigration officer asked me how much time I needed. As I planned to cycle up the west coast from LA to Canada I decided not to push my luck, I said 3 months. I will never forget his reply. ” Here’s 6 months in case you get a puncture! ”
If I had to choose a name for this letter of introduction I couldn’t have chosen a better one, and apologize to Alistair for ripping of it’s name!
My (laminated) Magic Letter.
TEXT
30th September 2010.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
As Lord Mayor of Dublin, I wish to commend to you Mr. Tony Mangan, a fellow Dubliner and Irishman and an extraordinary adventurer and fundraiser.
Tony will set out from Dublin on October 25th 2010 on his ” World Jog ” to raise funds for an Irish charity called ” AWARE ” whose mission is ” to create a society where people with depression and their families are understood ” and supported, are free from stigma and have access to a broad range of appropriate therapies to enable them to reach their full potential. ”
Tony’s run around the world, will take him through many villages, towns and cities and he invites any runner/observer to come, announced or unannounced to run alongside him or observe him at any time anywhere in the world.
Any support or courtesy you can offer Tony on his journey would be very much appreciated.
Gerry Breen,
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ireland.
October 18th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
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November 24th, 2010 at 8:39 am
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November 24th, 2010 at 8:39 am
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