Culture Change Ahead!
Another country means another total change in culture. I recognized this the second my wonderful chauffeur dropped me off at Terminal 1. First I had to go through security to check in. Once through I proceeded to the Etihad line which was pretty packed. There were no more head wraps and white and black Arabic gowns, but instead a line full of native Nepalese, Thai, and other Asian nationalities, not to mention they were all male.
Check-in ran very smoothly and I headed through passport control. I wish I would have been able to take a picture because there was an immigration booth I have never seen before, one for travelers and veiled women. As far as I could tell they would proceed into a closed box where they could be checked. This shocked me but I found it very interesting.
Abu Dhabi airport was recently renovated and is very nice. The area I was in was shaped in a circle with shops in the outer rim. I quickly Skype my mom, thank you Abu Dhabi for having FREE Internet, and let her know I was safe.
I was very hungry so I grabbed some McDonald's. Probably Noone reading this knows I despise McDonald but it seemed like the best choice since I wouldn't be eating food like that for a long time. Plus I really wanted to take a picture of the labels. Arabic writing is beautiful!
I finally found my first souvenir shop (which I didn't get anything from since ill be traveling back through on my way home. If anyone plans on visiting Abu Dhabi take note that their are few souvenir shops. Maybe I missed something and didn't visit the tourist areas with the shops, but I could not find a shirt or anything tourist like during my whole stay until now.
Security, Security, Security Oh My!
Finally it was time to board the plane and to my surprise I had yet another security check! What the heck! This one took quite a while and although I was nervous I'd be late I noticed that it he entire line was going through security and straight on the plane. At this time I really noticed the extent as to which I stood out yet again. The plane holds roughly 200 passengers and as far as I could count I was 1 of 5 whites to board and 1 of 2 women passengers. Woah!
Once again my seat partners could not speak English but we enjoyed a great deal of fun enchanting family and trip pictures on our phones and iPad and looking out the window. Injuring the flight he would usher the stewardess over to make sure I had enough water and tea at ll times. He was very kind.
I watched The Hobbit on the plane and it seemed quite fitting. I loved at the beginning when Gandalf talks about sitting at home or going on an adventure and having something to tell about and coming back a different person.
Everyone who knows me I have a very hard time being alone. Now a few days into my trip I can say this has not changed yet. I still need to constantly engaging wi a conversation wi something. The difference this time being, I have started to find a way to enjoy things in my own and meet new people from anywhere to discuss the sights with. This as only been a small change but I am sure it will only continue to grow.
A Pleasant Surprise
An unexpected surprise happened when we flew right over Dubai. I was very lucky with my timing when I happened to look down.
I remember a few years ago flipping through one of my mom's magazines and reading about how they were building islands somewhere on the opposite side of the world. Now I was seeing them for myself! I was very excited to experience this view from the air!
Although it is impressive I don't think the islands turned out as great. They misshaped the world a little hahaha
Iran
Pakistan
Sun setting over India
During the flight they announced to stay seated more than I can count! It seemed that no one seemed to want to listen and it became quite comical.
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