Dubai can only be described in a few words… balmy, wealth and for our group a much needed 8 hours of sleep. When we landed in Dubai the weather was the first thing that made an impression on us. Outside a thick haze obscured the entire city but what we really felt was the temperature of 95 degrees at 8 P.M. Each transition, from air conditioning to the outside, was like hitting a solid wall. When we were outside the air was so humid it felt like breathing soup.
The group is working well together and while having fun, we are keeping organized and on task. We have another 9 hour flight ahead of us but we are all excited about arriving in South Africa.
David Broz
We took a step outside the Dubai Airport and immediately we felt the humidity swarm around us. You could feel the presence of a new culture. On the drive to our hotel we passed fake canyons with waterfalls and palm trees. Everything seemed themed and every detail was planned to perfection.
At the airport it was striking to see a family with a woman, a man and three children: a daughter and two sons. The woman was covered head to toe in black and the daughter was wearing a long sleeve shirt and a long dress with socks. The two sons on the other hand were wearing shorts and short sleeve shirts. It was 95 degrees Fahrenheit yet the woman and daughter were expected to stay covered. I am grateful that in the United States women are able to choose how we dress. Just being able to dress the way I want is something I never really thought about. Thinking about women’s issues got me excited for the Pregs Govender interview on Wednesday. Pregs Govinder is a feminist activist who knew at a very young age that she wanted to fight for women’s rights. Our interview with her is one of the parts of the trip that I am looking forward to the most.
Palak Bhatnagar
Knowing little about South Africa, I had no idea what to expect when I boarded the packed to capacity plane on Saturday. Time flew by at the beginning of the flight but later in the day the clock seemed to stand still. When we were flying over the North Pole I found myself going in and out of consciousness while playing in-flight Tetris. I was having a Tetris battle with Lisa and I worked hard to beat her high score while she was sleeping. We landed in Dubai before Lisa had a chance to regain her lead!
The Dubai airport was completely abandoned but felt full at the same time. Instead of looking at people walk by, you could look at the beautiful architecture within the airport. The inside and out was clearly built to entertain and impress. Dubai was a different experience for me, not only because of the obvious culture differences but mostly because the “locals” I saw seemed to have great respect for their religion. This manifested in a few different ways. For example there were prayer rooms in both the hotel and the airport.
Although we were only in Dubai for a night, our time there touched me and will have a lasting impression.
David, exciting to follow your journey through our world of contrasts and reading about it as you live it in the moment. We are celebrating dad’s birthday and keep you in our heart. It is the most wonderful gift to know that you are on this adventure. Be well,
Dad, Mom, Elisa.
P.S Have a blast, keep blogging we love it, don’t faint says your teasing sister
from all of us. Lillian, Sebastian, Elisa, Constantin, Mom and of course DAD.
It is very exciting and encouraging to see you (all) in Dubai. Keep it up with your mission and take care
We miss you badly
sanjay
Palak one day you will be like Pregs Govender .miss you
I’m so happy to see that so many of you are submitting your thoughts and experiences to the blog. I really look forward to following every bit of your journey.
I hope your journey is going well, and that you are learning as much as you can. Absorb everything like a sponge, whether it is the unique culture or the people’s view on life. Congratulations to the whole class for changing this world for the better and thousands of people a refreshed sense of hope, and happiness. Continue this rite of passage, and like the classes before you, we want to see you changed for the better. Wish all of you well.
I was interested in the array of impressions and thoughts that you all have shared thus far. It seems the welcoming and talented students of Fezeka High School made quite an impression on many of you; and I found it interesting that you several of you expressed a commitment to being more open and less worried about perceived shortcomings or the possibility of failure. What a great revelation! Feeling comfortable with who you are and being able to express and share your thoughts is a great thing to strive for!
I look forward to hearing more about your adventures and experiences.
All the best,
Leigh Ann
Hey!!! You forgot the rest of the story. MacKenzie beat your score, then I beat HER on the way to Cape Town. 63,568, baby. THEN JonJon blew us all away. 700000. The Tetris Master. I quizzed him on his technique later. 🙂
Connection, vulnerability, compassion, humility, gratitude, joy and service have been common threads weaving together this tapestry of travel and experience. I look forward to hearing more.
Safe travels,
Jivanti