Arrived at the airport early and checked in very quickly especially seeing that all 486 seats on the A380 were supposedly (see later) full. I had an empty seat next to my aisle seat but at the gate they told me the seat had been taken.
I boarded the plane and was well impressed. Wider seats, 10” screens, good programs and a nice roomy feel. I was in row 58 which wasn’t too bad seeing there were 88 rows. Just before takeoff six people decided they weren’t willing to proceed on the flight (hmmm that made me feel a little uneasy) but the good news is that I managed to grab one of their aisle seats with an empty seat next to me.
Sitting one seat away was a 63 year old Maranite Christian Australian originally from Lebanon. Exceptionally interestingly he and 700 other people in the past few days had been given air tickets to go back to vote in the forthcoming elections. It seems a government with deep pockets did not want the Shiite Muslims to win the elections in this particular village. Anyway turns out he is a battler with 6 children one of whom it seems works for Milne Berry Berger.
Anyway an uneventful flight during which I slept for about 6 hours watched 7 episodes of The Bill and four of Boston Legal and presto we arrived. It took just one hour from touchdown to the hotel room for which I was very grateful – especially that they had a room for me when I arrived.
A lovely suite hotel which opened just four days ago with beautifully appointed rooms and the only downside being $A35 a day for internet in the room or free in the lobby – I decided room today and lobby tomorrow being Saturday so little email activity.
I am told that Friday Brunch is a big thing in Dubai so will try and hunt it down. A shower a short rest for now.
XD
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good trip! You're lucky to be returning to the Riviera at this time of the year.
What you wrote about the Maronite Lebanese passenger was fascinating. In one of my uni classes we have been following the Lebanese situation quite carefully, and the Maronites are particularly interesting because it appears that they are struggling to decided with whom to identify. Traditionally it hasn’t been with the Sunnis, however now they appear to have united with them in order to keep the Shi’ites out of power. I wrote to my lecturer about your experience, and he reply was :
The situation is even more ridiculous than this. The
Saudi government is offering money (the going rate seems to be $800-$1000,
although I have a feeling it may have gone up recently) for ANYONE who will
vote for the candidates they're supporting (this is clandestine of course).
I have no doubt that your story will come up in class next Monday morning!
Love,
Anna