The last week of my life has been a storm of opposites and extremes. From the uncomfort of breaking the news to my Canadian employer of my trip to Dubai the following week to being completely at ease with Krysta as we share some time together in one of the most breathtaking cities in the World.
What started out as an irresponsible motion from the heart to visit Krysta, ended up with the harsh realization that not everyone would be as pleased as the girl living her dream. Though approved, my employer wasn't the happiest with the method I went about leaving for a couple weeks to pursue my own interests. When all was said and done, their response felt merit to my reasoning and though little notice, they were generally happy for my trip to see her.
The next week involved getting ready the necessities: passport, UAE Dirhams, medical insurance, clothes, travel-sized toiletries, and several deliveries for Krysta from Canada. I ordered 700 Dirhams through my bank and figured it would run me about $205 CDN but as I got to the bank to pick it up, they actually ordered $700CDN worth of Dirhams. I really didn't need 2150 Dirhams. The thought was nice of them, but I only walked away with the 700 Dirhams I had originally purchased, and they charged me ~14% fee over the actual exchange rate which I wasn't happy about. Moral of the story, if you're travelling to Dubai, just bring CAD Cash to the airport and get it directly exchanged for Dirhams at a rate of 3.40 Dh per $1 CDN and 3.51 Dh per $1 CDN in the malls versus 3.09 Dh per $1 CDN from CIBC.
Minus the few setbacks, I finally managed to get most things available to pack 2 days before I left. Finally the night before I left, I pulled out the suitcases and loaded up will all the bits and pieces. I really wasn't brining that much stuff, but I managed to fill 2 suitcases and have 2 carry ons which is unheard of for me! 1 of those was full of Krysta's favourite Canadian foods.
The morning of my parents and I packed my stuff into the car and they dropped me off at the airport and wished me safe travels. Leaving Calgary at 8am got me to Toronto 3h15m later just after 1pm. This is where I spent 8 hours riding the automated trains and met up with my friend Christopher whom I met in Paris two springs before on my Europe trip. We shared some stories, meals and beer and parted our ways, him to Vancouver and myself to Dubai. I wandered the airport in Toronto taking pictures with my tripod before checking my bags in the Emirates flight where I was clearly a minority. I wound up sitting beside some Canadians over for some fire fighting challenge who were also first timers on Emirates and to Dubai.
The plane was amazing with video feeds from the tail, front, below and GPS tracking on the world map view. As much food as I could possibly want. It was great. I managed to get a bit of sleep before we landed in Dubai just after sunset. I patiently waited until the plane had almost fully emptied knowing Krysta wasn't too far away and waiting for my arrival in the airport. Off the plane, through customs, baggage and out the door.
There she was. Hugging me. my bags just fell to the floor, I picked them up, but they fell over again as we kept hugging. It was a great familiar feeling. We got a taxi out of the airport where we began our adventures in Dubai. But first, sleep was needed.
We've toured Dubai Mall, dinned under the Burj Dubai, Spent sunset at the Burj Al Arab breaking the law, and a bit more Canadian escape: eating a Steak at T.G.I. Friday's overlooking the snowy slopes of Ski Dubai. Things are looking good this week as I finally get some downtime while Krysta is off at college having a bit of a fun day today. Dubai is one of my new favourite places.
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