Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
It’s not just social media trends that are bizarre and ridiculously funny. Travelling can be too. At least, if you visit this micronation. This place sprawls across 11-acre of land (read: desert). And it’s got some weirdly funny rules too.
There’s this whole offbeat travel thing, and then there’s The Republic of Slowjamastan in San Diego, California. It is one of the youngest micronations. Most countries have history, culture, and governance; Slowjamastan has a Sultan and a sense of humour. Currently, ironically, it has over 31,000 citizens from around the world. Just digitally. There are no homes, no residents living there in real time.
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In case you’re wondering, a micronation is essentially a self-declared “country”—one that claims independence but isn’t officially recognised by bodies like the United Nations. It’s often owned by individuals who mimic sovereign states. To name a few, there is Principality of Sealand (UK), Republic of Molossia (US), and Principality of Hutt River (Australia). Kailasa in India, is also a rather infamous one.
While not officially recognised, these “countries” have carved out their own identities, turning imagination into oddly fascinating travel curiosities.
Their supreme leader? Randy Williams, a.k.a. “Sultan of Slowjamastan”, a.k.a. “R Dub.”
Welcome to Slowjamastan
It all started with Williams and his wanderlust to cover every country in the world, at least the ones recognised by the United Nations. However, when the pandemic happened, his quest had to be put on hold as the world went into lockdown. During that wait, it occurred to him: “If I can’t visit another country, why not create one?” he mentioned in an interview with BBC.
A few months later, his visit to Molossia—another micronation in Nevada—inspired him to build such a place of his own. The rest is history.
Slowjamastan was founded on December 1, 2021, when Williams purchased 11 acres of Imperial County desert for around $19,000 (Rs 17,58,545 approx) and declared it an independent nation. The nation sits off California State Route 78, about 100 miles east of San Diego, landlocked entirely within the United States.
It has a flag, currency, a government, a national anthem, and it’s titled, “Slowjamastan (I Think It’s Gonna Be an Awesome Place)”. You bet it is!
You can easily become a citizen and also apply to be a member of Parliament. Just fill a form. And for a passport, all you need to do is pay $59.99 (approx Rs 5,570). That’s it. Oh, did we mention you don’t have to pay taxes here!
The laws, because there are laws
Crocs are legally banned.
Probably the only turn-off. Because everyone is wearing those Crocs, and flaunting their charms these days. The website maintains a live Croc Threat Level (currently Periwinkle, not sure what that’s about). Our guess is that it’s better to wear shoes when visiting a desert with several insects and the risk of snakes hissing all around.
Next, mumble rap is illegal. Using the reply-all function on emails is prohibited. Eating string cheese by biting directly into it is an offence. Speeding is only permitted if you are rushing home with tacos. The Sultan hates people who put their feet on car dashboards. These are the things that keep him up at night—and honestly, same.
Now for your travel plans
Here is the thing: you need a visa. Slowjamastan does have an official visa application form on its website, and approval is instant, which is more than you can say for most actual countries.
However – and this is where it gets geographically awkward – Slowjamastan is completely surrounded by the United States. There is no Slowjamastan international airport. There is no Slowjamastan airline. Well, there are no roads. Just sand as far as you can see. Don’t expect hotels or homestays, it’s just good for a drive or ‘I visited that viral micronation I saw on social media’ list. You cannot stay there overnight.
So, before you worry about the Slowjamastan visa, you need a US visa, which is a whole other enterprise involving interview appointments, bank statements, and a government that is not run by a slow jams enthusiast.
Get to California first. Then get your Slowjamastan visa. Then drive into the desert. Simple, right?
What to expect?
Once you arrive, you will find: a large border sign, a border control post, a desk under a tarp, and a lot of sand, plus the occasional curious traveller trying to figure out if this is all real or an elaborate joke. It’s an elaborate joke turned reality. Creativity peaking.
Best time to visit: When there’s an event there, as it’s flocked with several people and you might just spot the Sultan himself, in full uniform. But if you are in the neighbourhood, you may just drop in and click a selfie.
To be clear
It’s more like you’ve accidentally walked into an episode of Just for Laughs Gags.
Slowjamastan is not a real country; it’s a nation that’s going viral with a very real sense of humour. If you’re in and around San Diego, you can drop by, buy their passport, and maybe even walk away with a cabinet title. Might look good on your resume.
The Sultan wants everyone to enjoy themselves when at this micronation and leave behind all the stress. Apart from Slowjamastan’s politics, it’s forbidden to discuss any politics at all.
Did you think of anything stressful while reading about this quirky place? We did not. And that’s the point.
Reminder: Don’t pack your crocs.
– Ends
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
