I am trying not to think too much about missing my son having his shoulder operation on Wednesday. It doesn’t look like we’ll be back in time. It feels completely wrong not to be there with him as he goes under a general anaesthetic and then needs looking after post op. Also, yesterday my brother texted to let me know that my father was readmitted to hospital yesterday with more vomiting. So I am worried about him too and feeling helpless all round.
For the moment there is nothing I can do about any of it. I could try and get us on a plane to Athens or Madrid, but from there it could take us just as long to get back. Might as well sit tight here for a few more days. Emirates are being very good to us and covering out hotel costs so far and the hotel staff are really looking after us well. So. Yesterday I decided to put all my concerns and fears aside and take a more positive view of our situation. Many people pay a FORTUNE to come to Dubai for a holiday and suddenly, here we were, on an unexpected enforced holiday. “Isn’t there a film called “Stuck in Transition’ like we are?” asked my daughter, but I think she probably means “Lost In Translation”.
So with massively conflicting news about when we will be able to leave, ranging from months to the next few days (after I had heard that tests are being conducted by the major airlines into the effect of the ash on their engines), I decided that we had to get out. On a day trip. There were many options that we looked at but one thing tipped the balance for me. My daughter showed me some photos on Facebook of her friend’s recent holiday here and pleaded with me to do the same thing. Her friend was swimming with dolphins…..it happens to be something that I’ve always wanted to do, so I decided just put the whole thing on my “*OFI” card because I can’t frankly see when we are going to get an opportunity like this again.
We had SUCH a good day. It was most definitely our silver lining moment. We spent a long time in the water with one specific dolphin – swimming and stroking it and learning all about it. The kids adored it. They both said it was the best day of their lives. The trainer used a dog whistle to tell the dolphin what to do next and it was a very hands on, interactive experience. Both my children now want to be trainers.
I did have a bit of a nightmare moment at the end. It was a scene right out of “Outnumbered”. Everybody had gone and my two children were standing by the edge of the water watching the dolphins cavorting about and my nine year old suddenly wanted to borrow my Iphone. I thought he wanted to take a picture but in fact he was downloading the dog whistle app in order to call the dolphins to the edge….which would have been interesting, when he had no fish to give them or no experience in what to do when they swim right up to you. Especially because I can’t hear the whistle (being over 40) and wouldn’t have known what was going on when he was suddenly surrounded by dolphins for no apparent reason.
We were in Atlantis an extraordinarily ostentatious development – it’s the one that has a palm tree shaped beach. It has an amazing water park, shops, many restaurants and a private beach so we had no difficulty spending the whole day there. We clung on to huge rubber rings and went down rapids – it’s all very similar to Disney World in Florida but much better because it’s not themed to the same degree. It has great facilities for small kids (I’ll show you some pictures tomorrow) and again my two children were in heaven.
*OFI card = “Oh F*ck It” card
April 19th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Oh wow! Dolphins! How fabulous. I hope the ash cloud dissipates soon but, in the meantime, enjoy your enforced holiday x
April 19th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Sounds like hell out there.
Never mind, just lie back and think of Eng.. No, yourself!!
April 19th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
ah shame lulu man! god…but think you’re coping marvelously…how frustrating for you all round…next go buy gold on your OFI card….lots love and thinking of you. fly to nairobi!!! come visit! x j
April 19th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Not a bad idea – either the buying gold or flying to Nairobi options – would love to do both!! Lx
April 19th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
The long trip home can be done, but you need to feel strong. My brother, wife and 3 children left Morocco on Saturday morning (after 2 cancelled flights at end of their holiday) to Barcelona. No hire cars available anywhere. Train to Spanish border (but French trains on internittent strike) Lift over border in Spanish red van (!!!), then persuaded his brother-in-law to drive down to South of France to collect them. Currently in Channel tunnel queue, hoping to get home to midlands by tonight. 3 days travelling but at least children can get back for exam classes (AS levels and GCSEs).
You could also cobble something together – flying somewhere in EUrope and then accepting BB’s offer…..or then again you could just enjoy the extra few days holiday. Until Gordon B sorts something out. Quickly before it kills any chance he might have in the election.
Very envious of the dolphin experience.
Good luck with it all. And all the best to your son, and to your Dad
April 19th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Thanks. Yes, just what I thought. Will be immensely stressful to join the merry throng in Europe….I think we’re definitely better off hanging out here. Lx
April 19th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Glad you’re having a nice time now!
Might as well make the most of it, you’ll remember the trip for ever!
April 19th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Sorry about missing your son’s operation and your dad being ill. :0(
The dolphins sound fantastic though. I’ve wanted to go to the Atlantis just to experience it as it does look fun but in a tasteful way! ;0)
April 20th, 2010 at 4:36 am
Yes. I think that is the point. It’s all quite tastefully done in a completely over the top sort of way. Lx
April 19th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Fantastic – that makes it worthwhile and will give fantastic memories for ever! They are opening some Northern Airports up at 7am and the government are now involved – you will come home eventually! x
April 19th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Heard on Sky News today some people stuck in Moscow..visas ran out so the ‘authorities’ took them from the airport, without teling them where they were going, stuck them in a hotel. Together with about 50 other people they are restricted to one corridor with guards at both ends and taken down to meals in relays in service lifts!!! I wonder what makes the Russians think they would WANT to stay???
Sooooooo swimming with dolphins is a reasonable option I think!! hopefully going to end soon
April 20th, 2010 at 4:35 am
OMG that sounds horrendous. We have only got 30 day visas so fingers crossed we get back before then! Lx
April 19th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
If you fancy a few more things to do Arabian Adventures (its part of Emirates so you may get good rates) do a fab afternoon / evening out in the desert, wadi bashing in 4x4s, see sunset over the dunes and then camel riding and a feast under the night sky – lovely
Also go to the Mall of the Emirates to the snow dome (nuts but has to be done!), walk around the old town and sit in one of the shops drinking coffee or mint tea, go to the Boardwalk at the golf course and have burgers on the edge of the creek, find out where the best all you can eat (and often all you can drink) buffet lunch is – there used to be one at the Fairmont that was different world cuisines, mega sized chocolate fountain and free flowing fizz for £20 each
April 20th, 2010 at 4:33 am
Thanks MAM – have heard about some of those things you mention. Will look into. Especially the skiing option!! But would love to walk around the old town. Lx
April 20th, 2010 at 1:21 am
You write very interestingly. I think Google is becoming very smart. It can sense which website has interesting posts
April 20th, 2010 at 8:42 am
Also just realised we still have friends out there – if you need a hand drop me a line and I can try and put you in touch with some of the expats
April 20th, 2010 at 9:07 am
thanks Hannah. OK for now, but depends on how long this goes on for. Lx
April 25th, 2010 at 6:10 am
Have you ever considered adding more videos to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but since I’m more of a visual learner,I found that to be more helpful well let me know how it turns out! I love what you guys are always up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the great works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll. This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information.. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post.