It is now 7am on Saturday April 17th in Dubai, which makes it 4am UK time. When I went to bed, the airports were hopefully going to re-open at 7am UK time, but that looks highly unlikely now. News reports suggest that the atmosphere is still very dangerous for aircraft. I have had a message from a friend who is now stuck in Bangkok – which would be worse. I have also heard that BA are suspending their flights until at least Sunday now. Doesn’t look like we’re going anywhere in a hurry. Bollocks.
My small headache has turned into a stonking great headache. I guess this is a combination of stress, too much sun, not enough water and my secret stash of NZSVB. Remind me never to have a day off alcohol again. It has completely thrown my entire system.
So. Now what? I guess we might as well get out for the day. We found a shopping centre yesterday so maybe we’ll go back there as daughter was in heaven. “WATER PARKS” are what my kids keep mentioning…..but I bloody hate water parks.
I’m compiling a shopping list-
TRAVEL BOOKS ON DUBAI:- I need to find one that gives you options on what to do for a couple of days sightseeing, culture etc as well as more long term options in case we’re staying for a year, like how to get a job, learn the language, buy a house and so on.
HOW NOT TO KILL YOUR CHILDREN BOOKS:- Something that gives clear instructions on how to live with your children in enclosed spaces and how to avoid your children killing each other in the swimming pool and during hotel meals.
TEAM BUILDING MANAGEMENT BOOKS:– I am team leader. I need to remember that. I must not shout at my children to stop killing each other from the edge of the pool whist trying to finish a book. I must get in the water and frollic around in style of proper mother. I must also remember that other people can her me shouting whilst in the enclosed space of small hotel room.
“TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY” BOOKS:- If we are going to be here for a year, might as well learn a new skill
GOGGLES:- 3 pairs. Kids look ridiculous. Like they’ve got really bad conjunctivitis from swimming in the pool yesterday with no gogles. I would have only bought two pairs, but I’m assuming that my new team building book will suggest I get some too in order to get in the bloody water with them.
SUNCREAM:- Do they do a factor 180?? Daughter put cream on very badly yesterday and got lots of burnt bits. SO bloody hot here.
NEW IPHONE APP:- I feel let down. My iphone apps aren’t working properly. Maybe it has something to do with “data roaming” What is “data roaming”? All I know is that everybody told me to “TURN IT OFF!!!” before I went abroad as it gets expensive. I’ve tried my currency translator but they assume some knowledge of currency for it to work. I was at the airport. I couldn’t even remember the name of the local currency and therefore we couldn’t get any figures. They don’t seem to have an app for either immensely dim tourists who have done no previous research or single mothers who have inadvertently found themselves in need of expert foreign advice owing to a volcanic explosion.
MOSQUITO STUFF:- Son’s bites from Sydney are huge (“the size of a nose”) and red and angry. Daughter has told him “THEY WILL SCAR” so now he’s really worried. Must get cream for him.
HEADACHE PILLS:- see above
PRESENTS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY:- We have already bought some stuff in Sydney, but it’s a good excuse for looking around the shops.
GOLD:- Everybody says you are supposed to buy gold in Dubai…but this bloody ash that is costing the world a small fortune is going to be my gold dust – I personally may have to cover hotel expenses, a new ticket home, somebody to look after my cats, someone to help look after my other child left behind, somebody to cover my work classes, bla bla bla and everybody stuck somewhere in the world that is not home has a similar story. What a bloody nightmare.
louise
April 17, 2010Apparently the volcano dust was in Belgium yesterday afternoon – but as it was cloudy here anyway there was nothing to see! There was talk of trying to open the airports in Scotland …
Let’s have some pics of Dubai while you wait to take up permanent residence there!
New Husband was on the Dover/Calais ferry Thursday afternoon and realised something was up as apart from the usual rather slobby crowd on the ferry there were loads of City suits with briefcases looking very lost!
Jasper Lucio
April 17, 2010I Completely understand what your position in this matter is. Even though I would disagree on some of the finer points, I think that you did an astounding job outlining it. Without a doubt beats needing to study it on my own. Thanks.
Barenakedmummy
April 17, 2010I’m so sorry that you have to be stuck out in Dubai? Maybe you could send children on mission to find rich oil millionaire while you are there who could pay for damn volcaninc dust issues. Having just read the news it seems that the dust is set to be a nightmare for a while yet!
BNM
janelle
April 17, 2010shucks honey….sounds nightmarish….you’ve GOT to get into shopping, ‘as all. book shops? some lanterns for home? arab garb for next fancy dress? feh. i don’t know….somehow you’ve got to turn this round into something “fun”? no matter how hard you’d like to be home….thinking of you in the desert….raining cats and dogs here…lots lots love xxx j
karen
April 17, 2010Thank goodness for the internet! Can’t believe you missed the deadline for happy landings in the UK by 15 minutes!!!
I am glad I’m not in your situation, as we would have to be living in the Dubai airport, I guess (visas needed to visit Dubai, being South African!).
I hope you escape soon!
Kelloggsville
April 17, 2010Keep yelling at the kids. Just think of the entertainment you are providing for the other bored traveller! The emirates park shouldbe good there. Are the kids in skysurfers? I’m sure I remember lots of blurb about that.
Chic Mama
April 17, 2010By now you would have heard that the airports are not opening any time soon…I can’t imagine how you’re feeling. It is very scary how many people are stranded.Just try and enjoy your enforced ‘strandedness’.
Just in case you are stuck there for the next year I thought I’d better tell you now that there is an award for you at mine although I expect there is little you can think of to be grateful for. Hope the water park was fun…yes, not my idea of fun either. Enjoy the heat them because although it’s sunny here its certainly not bikini weather. ;0)
Working Mum
April 17, 2010I can understand that it is difficult to enjoy yourself in your enforced exile. Try to keep some perspective and remember, it WILL all be over soon.
My MIL is still stuck in Italy and thinks it’s the end of world, but we are trying to pursuade her that being a pensioner stuck in a four star hotel in Sorrento with no job to get back for and plenty of money is a much better position than a lot of people stuck around the world! (Personally, I’m enjoying a weekend without her unannounced visits – I know, I’m terrible!)
Jewelchic
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