The rerouting of my flight took me to Dubai for a 14 hour layover. So the airline put me up in a hotel for the day, with meals.
I landed at Dubai airport this morning. It was vast and quiet at 11am, but easy to navigate and the people there very helpful. I’ve heard a lot about the airport, but didn’t get to spend much time there. My original flight had me there for six hours and I was planning on spending that time in the Zen Garden.
Instead I took a shuttle bus to the hotel and took a much needed shower.
My 12 hour flight from Boston was as smooth as I imagine possible. I had no one sitting next to me, there were plenty of movies and TV to choose from and they gave us bag with the essentials. Earplugs, eyemask, toothbush, toothpaste and socks. The food was good and too much for me to eat considering I was just sitting there for all those hours.
I blogged through the turbulence, stared out the window, started reading Sarah Waters “The Little Stranger”, watched Florence Foster Jenkins and slept.
I dreamed about the pain in my lower back, (that came from sleeping in a strange position) something about cabinets painted different colors. (no idea what that’s about, sometimes a dream is just a dream).
With a few differences, (no outlets, and using my room key card inserted in a slot to turn on the electricity) my hotel room looks like any other I’ve been in.
I haven’t gotten to see much of the city. At the hotel, there’s grass trees, flowers. But where the hotel is located, which is just 10 minutes from the airport, it’s mostly building after building rising up from dry tan earth.
it felt strange landing here and not having anyone to talk to. No one to tell where I was. It took me a while to figure out the wifi and it was 2am back home, so even when a text got through to Jon it took him while to get back to me.
I was definitely feeling homesick. I’m so used to having Jon there to talk to. I had this feeling of not being sure if what I was experiencing was real. Like I needed a witness.
Talking to Jon is grounding. So is writing and drawing. I’m finding that these are the things I go to when I feel like I’m all alone.
After a three hour blissful nap, I’m wide awake and feeling pretty good. Tomorrow morning, if all goes as planned, (haha) I land in Kolkata. Finally.
Safe travels…thx for sharing!
You are writing your feelings. That’s the way Maria! You know how to pass through the tough periods. Jon is a gem and you know he’ll get to you asap. Try and enjoy being with yourself when necessary. You are great company. I have long visits with myself. The back pain and the different colored cabinets was probably a pain scale! You know the annoying nurses who make you rate your pain on a scale of 1-10? Well, in your dream it was rated by color. Red the worse,pink just bearable,blue dull and nagging, etc. etc. (I am losing it ). Excited and full of awe at your truth. xoxo Cindy
That’s interesting Cindy.
No snow!
Maria – you’re not alone! I had to say this – we are all with you on your journey via this thing called the internet! I can’t imagine what it’s like – would think somewhat surreal at first? – but we are with you in spirit! hugs from Cape Cod 🙂
Also it was actually an attempt at levity! (the pain scale thing ) Thanks for all this sharing. The gray dirt and striking poverty makes me think of Labrador.
Oh! well I must have lost me sense of humor. I was tired when I read your post I’m sure, that a good excuse, right?