August 24, 2015

  • I Am Back

    Yeah!

    I got back earlier than my schedule. Got terribly sick while I was in India, and decided that I would rather die at home in my bed, than in a different country. Ironic, no? My beautiful  country India, where I was born, and brought up and the land that I love.... but when you are sick, the smallest town in the good old USA has far superior health care than a big city there. At least I think so. Didn't really go to any hospital there, but all I kept thinking was that I needed to get back. So I came home on the 20th instead of on the 25th. My regret.... that I didn't get to go to Bombay to see my childhood friend. That will be a thorn in my heart for the rest of my life.

    The flight out of Chicago O'Hare on Qatar Airlines was very good. I had a very comfortable seat. The meals were fabulous in taste and presentation. The first course was wild mushroom soup, which was excellent. I was served a basket of wonderful bread along with it.  For drinks I had fresh squeezed orange juice which was very good.

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    The next course was salad. Fresh and succulent greens with cheese.

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    Next came the Shrimps and pasta. Very well prepared and I polished the plate. The dessert was a variety of petit fours, and I was a cat with a big smile. I have to apologize for the quality of these pictures. Some people were already sleeping, and I didn't want to use the flash. So excuse the darkness of the photos. After the dinner I wanted to sleep. The steward helped make the bad for me, stretching sheets on the pulled out seat. Not sure if you can see this particular picture. I thought it was funny, because the seat belts on it, looked like I would be lying on that bed and someone would be ready with a lethal injection to push in my veins!! heh heh!IMG_5089
    In Doha, Qatar, we had to change our flight. The lounge at the airport was massive, with two levels of restaurants. They had Arabian, Indian and American cuisine all along the walls for us to serve from huge serving dishes. The place was immaculately clean and I heard so many languages there. All passengers from different airlines (mainly Qatar Airlines) hurrying up with some food and running on to catch the next flight. On my way there, I met a beautiful young lady from Dammam Saudi Arabia. She had sat next to me on the plane and we had talked for hours before sleeping. She works in Oklahoma City, and was going home for a holiday. She took a picture of me at the lounge.
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    My flight from Doha to India was eventful. I got sick on the way there. They served wonderful meals again, but there was one dish of shrimps (I love shrimps), that was VERY spicy. It was hotter than HELL! I had half of one shrimp, and I knew I had invited trouble. The involuntary muscles of my stomach and intestine just cramped and I was in great pain. I couldn't wait to reach Chennai, India.
    Any way, we reached India about 3 am, and I got out of the airport by four. The car was waiting for me. I went to the room and crashed.
    While I gradually started feeling better over the week, I was constantly in discomfort with contracting spams and colitis. Not a fun time.
    I will post more of the journey with pictures in a day or two. By the way, since I have been home, I have been feeling much better. Every day I seem to have improved more.

     

     

     

Comments (14)

  • Goodness, I sure hope you were able to enjoy some of this adventure. I look forward to reading all about it. Do take care and get well.

  • Those meals do look lovely! I hope you were able to get to the wedding, even though you had to miss seeing your friend. Looking forward to more posts! Meantime, get well!

    • Yes Janet, I did attend the wedding, and stayed till the day after the reception by the groom's family. I just feel bad that I couldn't get to Bombay to see my dear friend.

  • Glad you are home safely. I do not like to fly! If I have to fly again I may have to ask you for a sleeping pill. :P So thankful we live where we have good health care if we need it!

  • I know what you mean about wanting to be "home" when you are sick. Me too! Also, I see that you dress sensibly for flying. Again, me too. Maybe we learn that when we are, umm, more mature?

  • Welcome back, Dr. Zakiah. Sorry you were sick a few times. Bummer. Sounds like flying there was mostly nice.

    My wife has flown to Pakistan--years ago.

  • I am so sorry you had to come home before visiting with your friend. Traveling does a number on my digestive system too. Mostly it is too much sitting when we travel by car...Although I do love the adventure of new places!

    • That was the worst part of it Val. We have been friends since third grade. I think this will hurt me to the end of my life. We were so looking forward to this visit.

  • I am so sorry to read of all your distress. Thankfully, you were using attentive and pleasant airlines.

    • Oh yeah. Qatar Airlines competes with Emirates, and I was in first class, so the service was superb.

  • It was a fabulous and gastronomic flight , principally the first part.
    I do know many way of transportation that does not offer risks to be ill !:)

    Love
    Michel

    • Dear Michel,
      The flight and the service was superb. I had the best crew. the ill health was my problem alone. Thank you for stopping by.
      Love,
      Zakiah.

  • Oh,that sounds so miserable! :(

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