Stopping in the Middle East

So I woke up at 6am yesterday to a knocking on our hotel door in Chennai. It was our taxi driver, frantic, "we must leave right away!!". That is always a great way to start the day. At first I thought maybe I overslept, but he then explained that it is Republic Day in India (sort of like our Fourth of July), and the streets would soon close for preparations for a parade and making it to the airport would be difficult. I through on the worst outfit because I only wanted to open the suitcase just from the side since it had been carefully packed - so I just grabbed whatever came out which was a stretchy gray shirt. I had to cover up, it is India and stretchy shirts are a nono, so I threw on this black cotton thingy. It was hilarious, but we got in the van and sped to the airport. I kind of felt like I was being rescued from India in th middle of the night or something. Once we arrived, 45 minutes to drive about 4 miles, the lines were long. I was glad we had gotten there so early because by the time we got to the gate (through customs, passport control, multiple security lines) we only had about 30 min before boarding.

I always forget this part of traveling is so traumatic, from the traffic, the lines, being labeled "economy class", the frisking, and the tension filled waiting time for boarding as everyone wants to be first to avoid having to check their carry-on. But it is an adventure nonetheless.

We had a nice flight to Dubai, around four hours. I noticed when booking our hotel that the whole city was near capacity for rooms. Come to find out I have conveniently masterminded our stop in Dubai at the start of the International Shopping Festival, people come here from all over the world for great shopping "deals". I think the cost of the plane ticket would easily negate the savings and this is all a marketing gimmick, but nonetheless we are here.

Today Paul, Rachel and I will go on a camel safari and be the ultimate tourists. It includes a bbq and hand painting, along with pictures in traditional style clothing. It is quite cliche but we can't pass it up. More pictures soon!

Rebecca