EPTAlright, here goes my first Blog of all my Life.
So, I met this girl a few months back... wait, not what I wanted to write about.
(Sorry, had to be done)
What I want to write about today is my time in the UAE. I have been here since June and will stay until the end of November.
When I arrived at the Airport at a late night in June, all I felt was this general weariness that comes with a 10 hour trip. Walking through endless corridors, only stopping at a money exchange to swap the familiar euro bills to equally colorful, but less recognizable Dirhams. I can't read the numbers on the bills. Doesn't matter. If I turn it around I can read the number. On side Arabic, one side English. So far so international. Problem solved.
Standing in line at immigration for nearly two hours. Around me a deafening mélange of foreign languages. Infatuating, stimulating, not a hint of racism or intolerance. Or is there? The natives have their own line. So what, it's only fair. It is my turn. Hand over the passport, eye scan, face recognition, minutes of waiting. Why am I always so nervous in such situations? Down goes the stamp. 30 days visitors visa. Should be enough time for my employer to get my 6 months mission visa.
I arrive at the baggage claim. The conveyor for my flight already stopped. I walk around it to find my suitcase. I walk around it a second time. Nothing. Great start. I had this feeling ever since I boarded my flight earlier today. I did not pay attention to it. I am too paranoid about those things. After some time of searching, assisted by security it becomes evident. My luggage did not make it. Probably stuck in Istanbul. Great start.
Out of the airport with all its wonderful air conditioning. The heat hits me like a brick wall. People in shabby clothes, mostly Indians, sit around on the floor, apparently indifferent toward the heat. I light a cigarette. I usually do not smoke when sober. But it calms me down a bit. Good. Grab a taxi to the hotel. It is a 30 minute drive. There is almost no traffic at this time. I awe at the brightly lit skyscrapers on the way.
I pay the driver. My small cabin bag, all I have left, has already been taken to the lobby. Check in, smiles. I pay cash and upfront. They are overbooked, so I get an upgrade and go up to my junior suite. They even have a charger for my phone. And free WiFi. Things are looking brighter now. Skype home, smoke, sleep. Tomorrow, I have to show up at the office for the first time. They will assist me in finding a place to live.
tbc
