Emirates

In the early part of this year I travelled to US by Emirates.  I had to take flight from Hyderabad to Dubai and from there catch another flight to Boston.  I heard that Dubai is a big and beautiful airport.  I thought when I get down at Dubai I can see the airport.  But as the time was very less after getting down at Dubai I had to rush to the designated gate to catch the link flight.  I was just an hour before the boarding time at the gate.  I could not see the airport; I had to glance sideways as I move forward walking briskly to reach my gate. I hoped to see the airport during my return journey and I did see it to some extent then.  I could see the city in fog during forward journey and in lights in return journey.  (I posted some pictures of this journey in my previous post.)

Dubai in early hours

The Emirates flight attendants are friendly and helpful.   Once everything is settled and flight takes off, the passengers are provided with wet, warm, lime scented napkin towel.  Wiping face and hands with that towel not only makes one gets rid of the accumulated dust on the face during waiting in the airport, it also makes one feel fresh.  The cool lime drink that is provided completely relaxes the passengers and they are ready for their long journey.  The hospitality and cuisine on Emirates is good.  I like their cheese omelette the best.  Cheese omelette and a serving of fruits make a wholesome sumptuous breakfast.

Dubai City at night

Once I travelled by Air India. I don’t remember any welcome drink or warm tissues/towels to wipe.  I don’t know how many flights give warm napkins and a cool welcome drink to the passengers after boarding, but I was very much impressed by this service by Emirates.  That begins the journey on pleasant note.

Journey Above Clouds

Present day we have many number of transport modes.  Depending on the availability, affordability, duration and urgency mode of journey is selected.  One can travel in one’s own vehicle, two, three or four wheeler or choose bus, train or flight.  Every mode of travel whether public or private has its own advantage and disadvantage.  If reserved seat and berth is available I find train journey will be interesting.   If it is continuously for more than 16 – 24 hours may become tiresome.  In such conditions air travel is preferred.  Even if air travel is long, more than 12hrs it will be borest of all types of travel. 

Travel on two wheeler is risky, subject to exposure to elements and accidents.  Traveling by own vehicle removes the fun of journey when it is for a jolly trip.  Traveling by bus limits movement and train is my preferred choice.  Here one can enjoy journey sitting comfortably or lying down.  Also it will be learning experience watching people all around, reading or watching the train pass through forests, tunnels, cities and villages.  Every railway compartment is mini India and people in compartments discuss wide range of issues from a village dog to world political scenario.  Various discussions will leave one with wider knowledge and different perspective of every problem and situation.  Traveling in unreserved compartment will make one very wise and adaptable to this world in any condition.

In contrast however short or long the air travel will leave us only with tiredness and jet-lag if it is a long journey.  People here rarely talk to one another, always appearing serious, reading or working on laptop or watching entertainment programs otherwise trying to nap.  There is little space to walk; there will not be much to see other than clouds. 

Travel time for me is relaxation time; time to watch people and their habits, to watch out through window, particularly when journey is on land.  I love to watch the trees moving past behind me, the different flora that can be see, the new cities, villages, the people and dressing.  If ever I read, I read news paper.  To buy eatables and other things in train will be good pastime.  Scared of contacting infections I am always hesitant to eat outside, street food.  But in the train when samosas are hot I love eating them.  Samosas that are sold in Indian railways are unique and tasty. 

Whenever I travel I try to occupy window seat.  Watching out through the window and feeling the breeze is heavenly for me.  Even while traveling in flight whenever there is opportunity I occupy window seat even pushing my daughter to another corner.  During takeover and landing and also during the course of journey I watch out.  Even if window shields are down midway, I often lift it up and watch out.  Journey above the clouds will wonderful and watching clouds in different shapes and groups and moving is lightening experience.  In long journeys passing above the deserts, seas and oceans, having a glimpse of dawn and dusk from above clouds, cities in night lights will ever memorable experiences of travel. 

Finally any journey is beautiful if only we watch around and enjoy nature.