Welcome to Riyadh

 Continues from Water, Water, Everywhere...

We didn’t have enough of our time in Fujairah. The morning sky was so clear against the beautiful mountains, when we started our return journey. The travel was uninterrupted until we reached the outskirts of Dubai. Here, we started to watch out for speed checkers and our speed reduced to 120km/hr at these points.

We crossed Abu Dhabi and caught up with our travel companions at Al Sila. All must be so hungry since we couldn’t find a single piece of breakfast left out in the food carrier. We continued our speed since we were anxious of the delay at the border.

The border seemed to be crowded as we approached. Religious Saudi women, who didn’t wish to show their faces, were waiting outside the ‘Women Inspection Area’ with their Iqama. Curiously, that was the only crowd out there. We passed the border with ease. However as we had got back into ‘Abhaya’ I started missing something. I didn’t find the Saudi officer’s cheerful ‘Welcome’ welcoming also.

Sunset at the desert

Soon, it was noon and we had our lunch. Next few hours went in a rhythm. That’s when the scene I had most wished to view started happening-the sunset in the desert. The sky started changing its colors. The silver fire turned into an orange fire. Soon, it started to burn the clouds and turn them into a dark blue color of Lord Krishna. The sand around the desert became golden in color and started vibrating. Finally, the red orb started to roll down. As its tip finally sank down, I realized- one more vacation is over...

There are many things that we missed to visit during this vacation. But...

                                 Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard
                                 Are sweeter;

                                                     (Ode on a Grecian Urn: John Keats)

                               The End

Water, Water Everywhere....

 Continues from Fujairah: The Land of Mountains and Beaches

Oh, yes! I had planned to wake up to view sunrise. However it was so sunny by the time we woke up. Well, there was no other plan than exploring the beach.

The parking lots at the beach were almost full by the time we reached Khorfkhan. Luckily, we got a parking space and after changing Shreya into a swim suit we came out. We crossed the green lawns and white sands to reach the water. The water was so green and blue and a wave of excitement came to me.

The Private Beach near Khorfkhan

At first, we planned to go out for boating. It was a fantastic experience to sit at the front of the boat. As I looked away, I saw one private beach amidst the mountains. The beach with its protective mountains walls, white sands and green watery line reminded me of the beach where Arlena Stuart Marshal lied murdered in Agatha Christie’s Evil Under the sun.

Shreya & Anirudh

As we reached back to the shore, little Anirudh and Shreya started excavating the sand. They were in their own world after finding a used fork and barbecue screw. So, I and Sreejith decided to check the rate for water bike rides. Interestingly the price has double up to the normal rate owing again to the Eid holidays. However we got a nice deal for half an hour.

It was my first experience to ride a water bike. The waves shuddered under our vehicle as we started. Soon, we started zooming in and out of them. The big waves started tossing our bike as we started to go further into the sea. I even doubted once whether there were gutters in the sea also!

Water Bike Ride

The last ten minutes of the scheduled time were allotted to me to ride the bike. It was totally a different experience to sit in the front than at the back. As I rode, I felt as if tearing through a green glass sheet with a sharp knife.

After finishing the boat ride, we got into the water with Anirudh and Shreya. Though they were excited in the beginning their small teeth started chattering soon and they wished to get out. After drying them up, we rushed to the shower rooms.

Again, the shower rooms in Fujairah are no different from other public utility areas. As I changed into dry clothes, I felt all the fun of the day draining out! Still, the more powerful moments of fun stay longer than those bad seconds.

Continues in Welcome to Riyadh 

Fujairah-The Land of Mountains and Beaches

Continues from Sahasra Nam

Fujairah, the land of mountains and beaches is like a smart homemaker. The small town, lies on the Gulf of Oman is free from the hustle and bustle of its contemporary emirates. However there are some special features that make this place unique. 

Fujairah was our last destination during the Dubai vacation. The travel from Dubai to Fujairah usually takes one to two hours. However as soon as we left the picturesque squares of Sharjah, our pace started to slow down. The speedometer showed 3km/hr for the next two hours. 

Fujairah Mountains

We were exhausted after the previous day’s desert safari and late night party. The sun beams started burning through the car windows. Hunger started gnawing our stomachs. In between we rarely paid attention to the Desert Mountains and the winding roads of Fujairah. After the tiring slow drive we finally spotted the sign post of Friday market from where our speed picked up.

Finally, we reached Fujairah after a tiring journey of four hours. However the peaceful streets of the city and the availability of ample parking space cajoled us.  Our tiredness left us after a delightful lunch with our cousin’s family. By the time, it was evening and we planned to get out for snorkeling. However, the crowd at the beach of Khorfkhan made us to move ahead towards Dibba beach. Again, Eid holidays have made the road so blocked and we took a turn and entered to a small beach.

The wind was very chilly as we got out. The beach wasn’t kept neatly and we gave up the ideas of getting into the water. However I and Jayada gave in to the excitement of little Anirudh and Shreya to wet the feet. 

The flashy car on Fujairah road

After half an hour we returned! Though crowded, the roads looked comfortable as in a small town. All of a sudden, it gave me the feeling of Pondicherry ambience. Then, in that small crowd, we located a sports car. The three wheeler car in flashy red color started showing off next to our car. That time traffic block became a blessing in disguise and we started taking photos of the smart vehicle. The boys in the car must have felt happy and as they sped up they waved to the babies in our gang.

Before I slept, I just peered out through my window. The night light reflected at the mountains on one side and the sea on the other side. I never expected a gulf country to be this much a nature beauty. I made a note in mind to view the next day’s sunrise.

Continues in Water, Water Everywhere...

Sahasra Nam

Continues from Desert Safari

Some people make an impression on us from the very first meeting itself. For us (I and Sreejith), Mr. Sahasra Nam is someone like that.  Before I start writing about him, let me tell you! I don’t know anything about him apart from the glimpses of our short meeting.

We’d heard so much about Sahasra Nam and his wife from our family friends Kunjanietan and family. We went to meet Kunjanietan in the morning before desert safari. So, when he told us about meeting Nam, we were absolutely fine with the idea. Even I, who usually hesitate to get introduced to strangers, agreed to it.

We were left alone in the living room before meeting Nam. The living room decorated with a mixture of modern and traditional taste made an impression on me before meeting its owner. Nam soon greeted us with a wide smile and I felt so comfortable.

As Nam drove us for lunch, I started to feel that I’ve met this person somewhere before! It was only an intuition. That’s because he talked subjects very familiar to me and I was at ease. Soon, I realized that if he meets some other person, he might talk topics familiar to them also. I got convinced that indeed talking is an art itself!

After the desert safari, we directly went to Nam’s house. I felt like going to a friend’s house that is familiar for years. At Nam’s home, I and Sreejith had our own fun time to pursue. Shreya lapsed into a good sleep after the tiring day. It was around 2am that we’d decided to have our dinner. The dinner comprised of hot rice, dosa and Sambar in the background of Indian classic music was very much unlike any other dinner I had during late night parties. 

I don’t remember when I hit the bed and woke up! As I finished mine & Shreya’s bath, Nam was ready in the kitchen. As we sat in the kitchen as he prepared the breakfast, we actually felt like sitting in the kitchen of a close relative. 

After breakfast, it was time for us to leave. Nam introduced us to his neighbors. Soon we got dressed up and Nam helped us with our luggage. He presented Shreya with a handy tiger toy and asked her to take care of him well.

As we bid good bye to him, I made a note in mind that if ever we come to Dubai again, we’ll visit him for sure.

                                                           ***************

The second leg of Nam’s story happened after we reached Fujairah. As soon as we got our luggage out, we realized that the laptop bag is missing! I must have misplaced it in the visitor’s lobby when we came out. What more? Our passport and multiple exit entry passes are inside it! 

We were lost. We were not in India, not in Saudi Arabia but in a third country! We won’t get entry to Saudi Arabia without entry passes!!All the fun we had out of the trip drained out from us. As we called Nam, there was no hope in getting back the laptop. Nam called back within two hours. His security had retained the bag and kept it safely. I had nothing else to believe than that all people associated with him must be extraordinary.

As I called him to say thanks, he laughed again with his natural humour. I, who always find it difficult to express my feelings through talks, felt so easy with him. As I kept the phone, I just remembered-I, who photograph each special occasion, hadn’t photographed our time with Nam.  But some special moments have to be cherished in memory, right?

Continues in Fujairah-The Land of Mountains and Beaches