So, the ash is still causing unprecedented closure of air space around Europe and the volcano is continuing to erupt (although with less ash than before). Never before have I been so interested in the behaviour of a volcano. Clearly I shouldn’t have joked about my 9 year old son’s comment – we may well be stuck in Dubai for years. Especially if this volcano starts off another volcanic eruption in the one next door – which is apparently due for another eruption. Good grief. Who’d have thought a volcano in Iceland could bring such disruption around the world.
Thanks for all your comments and emails and texts. I got loads. Most of them had a common theme running through them (or that’s how I saw it) and that was ‘”OPEN THE BLOODY SAUVIGNON BLANC YOU IDIOT”. So I did. Which was a good decision I hasten to add. But anyway, I only do what I’m told. Am I supposed to hide the bottle now? I’m on a smoking floor – so I have an ashtray and a box of matches carefully placed on my bedside table, but if they find wine in my minibar what will they do??
It is so strange being here. I know I should be making the most of it, but It’s a bit like when you are waiting to get a job, or waiting to give birth to a baby – you know you should be enjoying your free time, but you can’t, because you are anxious and preoccupied. Well, that is how I feel. Anxious. I’m trying to be grown-up about it but I am finding it all very stressful. I sent a text to a friend saying “Am v pissed off. Stupid bloody volcano”. Which is a ridiculous thing to say. But. That’s how I feel. I’m here on my own as a single parent with my children and I’m feeling a little bit pathetic. Not at all adventurous. I can’t quite face taking a tour of the city or going on a camel ride or doing any of those things that you really should do as a tourist in Dubai, because I’m not a tourist and in case we get a sudden call to get to the airport. Well, that’s how I felt today anyway. Maybe things will be different tomorrow. Rumours abound here. Word on the street is that it’s going to take weeks to get us all out of Dubai. Emirates alone have 5000 passengers here. Some have been told by other airlines that they won’t get on a flight until April 26th.
So many heart-rending stories here. As there are everywhere. One young girl has been in tears having flown from New Zealand to be at her brother’s wedding, who she hasn’t seen for a year. Another student has a huge exam on Tuesday and doesn’t have any work with her thinking she was going to be able to get back to revise and her parents are very worried about her because she has panic attacks. There is a whole group of psychology lecturers here from a university in Wales (one who has left her young son behind)…..their students are going to suffer next week when nobody turns up to teach. I need to get back to my son. It’s been long enough now (not that he will have noticed that I’ve gone) and he’s got to have an operation early next week which I want to be there for. My nine year old listened to all these sagas of woe and then said “Well WHAT ABOUT ME?? I’ve got football trials??? I can’t miss those. Can you call the airline and tell them?
We were told this afternoon that if we wanted to stay we had to start paying for our room. The rooms are expensive although the hotel very kindly offered a 50% discount to all of us. I felt I had no option. I don’t want to roam around with my kids and maybe there is a chance I can claim it back from my insurance. However, we were told later this afternoon that Emirates have offered to pay for another night. So that’s very good. Apparently airlines are losing around £200K per day.
Working Mum
April 16, 2010If it helps, there was a consumer law expert on the radio yesterday who said that if you can’t fly it is the airline’s responsibility to either get you to your destination by another means or to pay expenses such as accommodation until you can fly. Yes, even though it is not their fault it IS their responsibilty. Emerites seem to be trying to avoid this law (from what I heard on the radio today). You may have a battle to get money out of them, but I would certainly stay where you are and claim expenses back when you get home. Keep all receipts!
Family Affairs
April 17, 2010Thanks Carol, that is very helpful information. I hadn’t realised that Emirates have been mentioned as trying to avoid this law….they have agreed to cover two nights so far so you’re right I will stay put and keep receipts. Lx
Dumdad
April 16, 2010What a nightmare. I know how you feel about not being able to enjoy any of it as your mind is preoccupied with wanting to get home. I hope you can get a flight tomorrow. Bon courage!
Anna
April 16, 2010Wow. And we thought that a nine-hour delay in Newark was a pain. I think that the airline is treating everyone well, though, – when we were contemplating staying another night in New York, we were told that the airline (albeit, a much smaller one than Emirates) would not be paying for the hotel, because the delay was due to weather conditions, not to technical problems with their plane. Needless to say, it is a small consolation for you guys. We hope that it blows over soon (literally). We miss the London you.
Chic Mama
April 16, 2010I can understand why you’re feeling jittery…I can’t believe they’re expecting people to pay for their rooms…I know it’s not the airlines fault either but what if you just can’t?
April 26th??? Oh no, fingers crossed still for you that you will get out on one of the first flights available. xx
Priness_L_88
April 16, 2010News in the UK are saying you should be able to claim on insurance as an “act of god” so fingers crossed you’ll be ok. Although I’m fairly sure that if the airline can’t fly you out they have to put you up at their expense.
I hope you get home soon, they’re saying it will start falling tonight so hopefully will be gone very soon.
Family Affairs
April 17, 2010Thanks. Not sure by the look of the news this morning that the ash is going where we want it to. Lx
Kelloggsville
April 16, 2010I’ve been having a hunt around the net – it looks like it’s ok to drink your own alcohol in a ‘dry’ hotel but not it it is completely Islamic (you will know if it is if they have male and female floors). But at all times be very discreet. The rules about buying alcohol where it is available are very strict and I would take advise there before doing so.
The question of travel insurance covering your room seems to be completely dependent on the cover you have. Some are saying they will pay and others don’t. I guess you’ve got to try and ring your insurance company to find out.
Poor poor you (yes you are alive but dealing with the crap is still hard) – wish I could help – S xx
Family Affairs
April 17, 2010Thanks v much. That’s really helpful information. Will keep it hidden. It’s not an islamic hotel, it’s a Thai one, so think fairly relaxed. Will call the insurance co but frankly there’s nothing I can do either way. Got to stay somewhere and if I have to take out a loan then so be it. Lx
Mud
April 17, 2010Sounds like a horribly stressful time and I can understand the feeling of dislocation. Hope the Sauv helped!
xx
logo maker
April 17, 2010I definitely love your own posting style, very interesting. don’t give up and also keep posting as it just simply that is worth to read it,excited to looked over far more of your articles, have a good one 🙂