When I think of the Arabian Peninsula, I think desert. The United Arab Emirates is on the peninsula, and Dubai is in the UAE. So, I thought desert. I knew there was a massive skyline and a first world, modern city, but my mind kept telling me to expect a desert. But when we got to Nduku’s sister’s house, the sheer greenery and lush grass lawn snapped me out of it.
You know, we watch a lot of movies in America about other countries. But they’re usually made by Americans. The scenes are of foreign countries, but there’s still something American about them. But when you’re in another country, especially one that isn’t a western world, well, I can’t find the words to explain how woke your senses become.
We didn’t really have an itinerary for the first day. Just hit the road and see what happens. Mostly, that first morning was for Najwa to meet her cousin Alex.
Ok, enough of that. I was ready to see the city. Feed, wash and clothe the kids and let’s jet. Well, one more moment in that yard. I still can’t believe how lush the grass considering the extreme heat and how it looked compared to the grass at our house in DC.
Finally, though, we were out and about and before we even made it to the first intersection, I was already amazed at how different the world looked from what I was expecting. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but signs in English wasn’t one of them. Little did I know that this exquisitely foreign country was also very familiar.
To cap the night off, Stephen introduced me to what the locals do to kill time and enjoy company. I’ve tried a hookah back home in Adams Morgan, but this was a different atmosphere. This was something to do to wind down and enjoy each other’s company. It was cool.
The first day was cool. Jet lag was calling, though, so we’ll saved the serious adventuring for the next day.
contrails 