Sand, City, and Sea

Riots in Egypt left our hotel full of an Asian tour group with nowhere to go. We arrived late Saturday night and the lobby was packed, and now on Monday morning the few remaining are sprawled across the cushioned ottomans awaiting the clearance to move on to the next step of their journey. My mom is still asleep, but was awake between 3 and 4 am this morning not knowing that myself had only fallen into a nice REM cycle only a few minutes before. The next of leg of our own journey is daunting. We not only lack reservations at any guesthouse in Mcleodganj, nor do we have lodging set up for Delhi as we just decided to fly to the capital instead of Amritsar yesterday evening. As two women with large bags venturing into the wild streets of New Delhi I am strained and worried, but hide this from my mom. Hopefully my wits will form together before the end of the night and our instincts will push us in the right direction.

We are taking a tour of the city today, which will be a turn of events from our Desert Safari yesterday. Even though it was a bit of a tourist trap it provided some culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food. The safari started with a short drive to the desert just out of the city. Our party was directed to a white Landcruiser, there was only three of us on account that Mom sat out and said she would just meet us at the tents due what the strains of jumping sand dunes in the middle of nowhere would do to her back. Me, the Marine, and Silvi. Silvi was an Argentine Australian women who worked for the UN and was on leave for vacation for a few days. I found her quite interesting and we formed a fast bond, which was mostly caused by the first sand dune we took on face down wheels spinning dirt in the air and both of us grabbing onto each other for dear life. The Landcruiser took on the dunes with smoothness and finesse, and although the roller coaster of a SUV churned our stomachs from time to time, the scenery settled the senses. At one point of the dune bashing we passed a small farm were four gentlemen were playing cards and a large group of small goats scattered at our interruption. After the fun of tearing up the sand the Landcruiser took us back far into the desert where a carnival of attractions waited for us.

Arriving in Dubai

We descended into Dubai at eight in the evening and entered an airport that was reminiscent of scenes from Arabian nights. Elaborate torches, arched windows, and palm trees flocked sides of the walkways while men in long white robes patrolled the area. Smooth Arabic parted from the red lips of dark cloaked covered women and the sound of the slapping of sandals filled the corridor. Once we were in Dubai we realized we had not properly planned our two day layover. We were more focused on actually making our flights and getting in and out of Dubai than focus on the city itself. My mom gravitated to another American and within a minute we found a hotel, someone to help us with our bags, and a lunch date for the following day. I believe my mom holds high regards for the Marines in Afghanistan. So here I lie in my much awaited bed. I think sleep will find me tonight, as I hope to reload and set off for yet another unplanned adventure tomorrow. I’m much relaxed and comfortable in our room. Quite a luxurious budget hotel, but what else should I expect from Dubai?

Leaving Utah

The flight cancelled the morning we were to leave and left us in LA taking the red-eye to DC. The same night a monumental snowstorm decided to hit the east coast. Flying into Dulles as the dawn broke on Thursday morning, our plane was the lone of the United fleet with clearance to land. The runways lined with ice, our pilots sung praises as we landed safely and ventured to our awaiting gate. After much needed rest in DC we headed out on yet another late night flight to Dubai. So now somewhere over the Atlantic ocean between the isles of Iceland and the UK I am the few who remain awake on this 13 hour flight to the middle east. The journey seems surreal what we are to embark upon. For one, we don’t know where we’re staying, but I do believe my mom has a master plan in the works that involves following the flight attendants working this flight and staying where they stay. It seems a good enough plan, and the women on this flight seem pleasant enough that we could pal around with them in Dubai. My mom has been a retired flight attendant, but still the airplane is her domain and she is somehow able to still command the attention of the entire staff of a 777. That’s just the kind of person she is. Tonight is the realization that this trip thus far has set the bar that sleep will not be offered on the menu for the duration of our travels. I believe looking over at my mom and the others in the cabin who have their heads back and eyes closed that they are simply appearing restful, because these seats lead nothing close to aiding the comforts needed to actually sleep.