We started for the airport at noon and got there with my standard 3 hours before flight and were the first ones in the line, I just like it this way. In security check, I was the lucky one to be full body scanned, hand patted down and then some chemical swipe test on my hands. I guess my new pink shoes and coordinated pink outfit did not help the image.
The flight ( 15 hours non stop ) to Dubai by Emirates was full of Desis ( it is the term we Indians use for all inclusive Indian , Pakistani, Bangla Desh and Sri Lanka) almost 99.9%. This meant there were lots of kids running around and crying. But, the plane was great, service wonderful but the 15 hour flight , 400 people and four bathrooms is just something no service can compensate for. But, with the help of their wonderful communication services ( over 500 movies and numerous other TV shows, games etc) four movies, two Big Bang Theory and two Offices later we landed in Dubai one hour ahead of time.
Dubai airport is sparkling and just amazingly modern literally glittering with oil money. It was empty and we breezed through the security ( there was none) in ten minutes and got all five checked in stuff ( true five checked in suitcases with NO charge…thanks Emirates) We were out by 7:30 pm. Pankaj picked us up right on time and we ate home made Indian dinner at his place and relaxed for a while. They have two daughters ( 10 and 4) . Played and talked for a while and then went out for a sight seeing at night.
It is amazing what the oil money can buy. Dubai is just like America or better and newer in terms of buildings and shopping centers. We saw world;s largest tower ( Burj Khalifa) amd the biggest shopping center with all the necessary brand names. Even at midnight the place was teaming with people , young and old. The city glitters at night and people in traditional outfits were buzzing around all over.
The standard outfit of a young upper middle class ( there are most of them) women seemed to be , black burkha, high heels. Blackberry and a designer purse…..
It is 1 am and I will try to sleep and post this first thing in the morning.
Oh, one more thing…it is raining here. It never rains here ( average rain fall is ZERO) I take the rain as a welcome Saroj sign.
I have to say first day of the Yatra was very educational, fun and long…………
Shukran for reading and traveling along with me…Good morning???
Good Morning Saroj!I missed calling you before you left. You write so well, good observations! I sometimes wonder what all these burkha women buy designer brand name things for?? I heard to only impress other women in privacy of their homes? Or they are truly spiritual and buy things to please themselves and not others. Designer purse makes sense since you can show them in public. Have fun in rest of your yatra, rain is a good shagun indeed.
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