A Hundred Days

This picture portrays the current state of my blog: the clouds of despondency and dilly-dallying have finally parted, giving way to rays of fresh ardency and vigor which, I truly hope, would last for a long, long time.

A Hundred Days

Yes, that’s how long it has been since I have last published a post. It wasn’t the lack of time, but rather insufficient inspiration that caused a pause in this blog. First, one-by-one, my family left the UAE to settle in different countries. Dubai is not the same without them; it feels terribly lonely, and I needed time to adjust.

We flew to Hyderabad two months ago to celebrate my first Eid-al-Adha in India. We stayed there for a month, but my application for personal leave got rejected (busy days at work) so I ended up working anyway. Upon returning to the UAE, we got the unfortunate news that Masood’s younger brother needed to undergo a cardiac procedure. This news was devastating for the family, and we made immediate plans to return to Hyderabad. Sadly, due to visa issues, I couldn’t travel. My in-laws advised Masood not to travel without me, and assured to keep in touch with us.

Masood’s brother underwent the cardiac procedure a few days ago, and by Allah’s Grace, it turned out quite well, and he is now recovering at home today. So many kind and generous people, both family and friends, have extended their support and made dua for this trying time. We are humbled by everyone’s love and care.

Given the current circumstances, we chose to cancel our travel plans for another time, and since this blog is mainly about travel, I didn’t feel inspired to write. Plus, there’s just so much horrendous, deplorable things happening all over the world …

To lighten the mood, Masood surprised me with flowers one evening. After a rather stressful day at work, I opened the door to the passenger side of our car to find a lovely bouquet lying on the seat! Isn’t he just amazing? Masha’Allah. I mean, his only brother recently underwent such a delicate surgical procedure and he couldn’t be there for him because he had to stay with me, and yet he’s the one making the effort to cheer up the mood.

Photoshoot in Fujairah

We drove to the Fujairah to take pictures of Masood’s toy cars. It’s been so long since we last embarked on a long-drive. It’s usually my sisters who make impromptu plans about driving out-of-town, and now, without them and my in-laws around, it felt strange driving with just the two of us.

Fortunately, the drive to Fujairah is never boring, thanks to the interesting sights and fascinating views along the way.

We then parked near a beach to take a stroll and photograph Masood’s cars. The weather is amazing this time of the year. Winter in the middle east means it is time to head outdoors, spend time in the parks, swim in the warm ocean, shop at the farmer’s market for home-grown, organic produce, enjoy BBQs, and head over to the Global Village in the evening!

 

Photoshoot in Jumeirah

Having had great fun shooting in Fujairah, we decided to head back to the beach for another photoshoot of the cars. This time, we chose a beach that’s closer to home.

 

In the picture above, you get a glimpse of the red, hop-on hop-off bus. So Masood was busy setting up his toys and was occupied with trying to determine the various angles with which to take the pictures,  and then this red bus came along. The tourists were fascinated with what Masood was doing and even took pictures of him taking pictures of his toys!

There was even a party being set-up at the beach, and it was beautiful!

However, what happens during a beach wedding photoshoot is less than glamorous. There are too many people gawking, random strangers taking your photographs (including moi), and the wind and sand slowing wrecking havoc to the bride’s coiffed hair and expensive gown.

Back to the cars …

Happy 44th National Day, UAE!

You’ve given us beautiful, glorious memories to cherish our entire lives.

To the UAE and its people, thank you!