A VISA bungle has seen trailblazing Tiger Bachar Houli miss out on a planned pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca.
The devout Muslim had been due to take part in the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, but a last-minute hitch meant he couldn't make the journey.
"I got told at 2.30am that my visa wasn't going to come through," Houli told AFL.com.au.
"I was packed up and ready to go to do my first pilgrimage.
"We have to do it once in a lifetime ... it's basically following what our prophet Mohammed did 1400 years ago.
"Three or four million people get to do this every year; unfortunately I didn't get my opportunity this year.
"A lot of the travelling is by foot … you go visit what's called the black rock ... apparently when you get to this place the heart just feels attached."
Houli plans to reschedule for next year, determined to fulfill his commitment to his faith.
But he didn't waste the opportunity, travelling instead to Turkey, Dubai and Malaysia on his own journey of discovery.
"We got up, we planned a trip in one hour, and off we went and had the best experience of our life.
"There's a lot of history behind the country of Turkey.
"It was a great opportunity to go visit these important places."
In Istanbul, Houli stayed near the historic Blue Mosque.
"It's like the mini Mecca, they call it, it was a great experience and to pray there and to visit."
Matt Thompson is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @MattThompsonAFL
