Mid-East Blog # 1
February 25, 2016
There
is the classic final exam question on a philosophy test:
"Why?"
The
answer?
Because!
Friends
and family continued to ask us why go to Qatar, Oman and UAE.
The
answer?
Because!
* * * *
We're
a little worn out and not quite recovered from an unexpected, intense and
lengthy Asian trip. And now, to find ourselves in the Mid-East? The whole
situation is a little weird!
Checking
in at the Qatar Airlines counter was somewhat surprising. First of all, it was
in Terminal 2 rather than Bradley. But more importantly, we were checked in by a woman agent wearing a Moslem scarf.
Also, most of the women passengers checking in with us were wearing moderate
styled a
abayas. Many of the Qatar counter signage included Arabic. It was quite
clear to us that we were not returning to Asia.
A New Experience
Once
in the lounge, there were a couple of women wearing full abayas (aka burkas).
Also, we encountered another surprise in the lounge. One hour before departure and while both of us were
doing some work on our laptops/i-pads, there was a "last call to board
the plane" announcement.
What happened to the first call? It
seems that Qatar Airlines wants passengers on board earlier than normal. We
learned that most of the passengers are "regulars" and know the
drill. Also, the communication system in the lounge doesn't always work.
We
rushed to the gate with a handful of other surprised, "first time"
passengers.
As
we exited the lounge (second floor of the terminal), there was a man kneeling
on the floor. He was praying to Mecca. There was only one problem. He was
facing the wrong direction. His prayers were headed toward West Los Angeles
rather than Orange County which would be somewhat in the direction of Mecca. Oh
well...
Our Home For The Next 16 Hours
During
our hurried walk to the plane, we started to talk to a mother (wearing a head
covering) and her son. We made "friends" (we like to talk to
strangers). It turned out that they would sit next to us on the plane. The are
Pakistanis and
would be returning to their home via Doha. What a great opportunity to learn
how people live in such a hostile country as Pakistan. This is what she told
us:
·
They
live in the south part of Pakistan, near the coast which is "less of a
problem area."
·
It
appears that she is a "minority" - more like a mid-east Moslem than a
Southwest Hindi Indian.
·
Her
family (clothing industry) has two homes in SoCal: (Fullerton and Mission
Viejo).
·
She
has four sons - oldest will be a doctor, the next just enrolled into Duke
University.
·
Their
Pakistan neighborhood is "upscale" (whatever that means) with
neighbors from different parts of the world, ex-pats, etc.
·
In
addition to the car that will pick them up at the Pakistani airport, there will
be a hired body guard in another car.
·
Many
wealthy people are kidnapped. (Body guards are now more of a necessity).
·
Children's
lives are "controlled" - they can only go to certain areas and with
supervision.
·
Businesses
have to pay "protection" money
·
We
got the idea that children "grow up fast" and understand the danger
that surrounds them even though there is a lot of supervision,
·
The
news media exaggerates the situations. However, a terrorist bomb blast killing
scores of people still is a bad situation.
·
Malaysians
come to Pakistan to work - better jobs, more money, benefits, etc.
·
As
in many third world countries, the majority are controlled by the minority.
·
While
introducing ourselves, Jerry confirmed that it was not okay to shake her hand.
Jerry did a "knuckle bump" with the son (about 10 or 11). Jerry also
gave him a PMI Frisbee.
·
She,
and her family have learned to "live smart" (if they want to stay
alive), "always be on guard" and "live life as best as
possible."
* * * *
The "Safety Announcements" on the were fantastic. Qatar sponsors world class soccer teams. Famous soccer players were used in the safety messages. Some of the situations were hilarious!
Qatar
Airlines was voted # 1 as compared to Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific,
Emerits, etc. We're not sure what makes an airline # 1. Perhaps the ranking has
more emphasis with what the airlines will do in their hub area rather than in
an international setting. Overall, on this flight, we would give the our
experience an 8.5 or 9.0/10.
Looking Down At The Rockies
There
were some interesting and unique/positive aspects to this flight:
·
Comes
with pajamas - one size does NOT fits all
·
Flight
graphics (audio-visual system) were very advanced as compared to other
airlines.
·
In
fact, as we were flying over a particular area, a picture would appear on our
TV screen showing what was below us i.e. national park, mountainous terrain, a
desert, some "icon" of a particular country, etc.
A Little Bit of History
Familiar Places!
There were simulated cockpit shots:
From The Cockpit - getting Closer!
Making A Turn Toward Doha
·
One
of our plates was removed/exchanged -
it had a "spec" of something on it.
·
The
flight attendants (as much as possible) did their best to ensure that there was
a paper seat cover over the toilet seat.
·
Food
was good although the flight attendants did not help us understand how to
order. We got the entree ahead of the appetizer.
·
Champagne
and wines were quite good.
·
The
well designed flat bed also gives massages.
·
Bedding
(something like a light weight mattress/sheet combination) came with nice
blanket.
·
There
were scores of movies, music, the internet and other activities to keep the
passengers entertained.
·
Not
only is a small, wet towel offered at the beginning, throughout and end of the
flight, we had a choice of the towel being hot or cold and nicely scented. Nice
touch!
·
We
could dine at our leisure - there was no prescribed time when business class
passengers had to eat
* * * *
Sometimes, when we arrive in a new place, there is nothing truly distinctive that indicates where we have landed. It could be any where in the world. Airports are airports.
Doha's
airport was quite unique.
First,
several large airplanes landed at the same time. At least a thousand passengers
would disembark. There were only a handful of passengers that actually went
though immigration. All the others were
in transit.
Second,
and highly unusual, was that business and first class passengers, after getting
off the plane, would go through immigration via a VIP lounge. Food and drink
were offered (along with couches and chairs to rest or to wait) should their be a need. Unreal!! There were no lines and the immigration
folks actually smiled and welcomed us as they checked our passports.
Qatar's Immigration Lounge
Most incredible was that next to the main terminal was another, almost as large beautiful terminal that was used strictly for the royal family. Well, if money is no object...
Let's Learn About Men's Clothing, Styles and Formalities!
More later...
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