One step at a time, wherever these adventures lead.: “Life is a journey, not a destination" R.W. Emerson

For such a long time the month of March seemed so far away and now I am welcoming April in a few hours. I guess I under estimated all the work and tasks which I had to accomplish. The good part, most of my favorite events this month included travelling and getting some time to spend with family and friends. While it could have been longer, I accomplished quite a bit in a few days. Looking back, I definitely appreciate those highlights versus the busy day to day tasks which come with any job. Related to that, I am also grateful that my job permitted to partake and enjoy everything I accomplished this month.

Quick Summary

Since I was heading back to the States for a professional conference, I was able to fly on business class on Etihad Airways (one of my favorite airlines). As with any long distance trip, I stay up late packing my suit case and making sure I absolutely have everything I need. In this case, I was concerned about having the right attire to get me through 4 different time zones: Abu Dhabi, South Carolina, New York and Phoenix. I was also trying to figure out a way I would be able to beat the jet lag once I had landed in the US.

Running on 2 hours of sleep with an early morning departure, I was pleased to find the lovely food and snacks in the business class lounge. I definitely took advantage of the various amenities. Even when the plane was lifting off, I could not wait to start a movie, eat some delicious food and behind the jet lag game. I departed at 10.30am from Abu Dhabi and by 1:45pm, I still had not closed my eyes. I was determined to use my 15 hours (inflight) wisely. At least that is what I thought. Instead, here is how I spent my time:

Fresh glass of orange juice before take off

Reassurance that your blanket is fresh

View of the business class seat

First course aka breakfast (Green pea and cauliflower soup, labneh and blue cheese mini scone)

Second course aka lunch (Grilled beef tenderloin, mashed potato, garlic sautéed vegetables, and mustard sauce, double salads-of course)

Night time in the cabin

With every flight I am always fascinated with the airline’s service / lack thereof in some cases. However all the flights which I took had wonderful staff on board. Granted I have not travelled on a multitude of airlines, but at this moment, I am highly impressed with Etihad’s service. Customer service on another level. I was also pleasantly surprised with the staff on my flight from Phoenix to New York. There were a couple of random issues including an individual who had medical emergency right before the plane physically lifted off the grounds, which resulted in returning to the gate. The other incident was due to water leaking overhead in the seat across from me. Someone’s gym bottle was not properly sealed. With both situations, they handled it professionally.

On my return flight to Abu Dhabi, here were the choices:

Different type of cabin, I think the plane is newer than the first.

Traditional Arabic mezze

Grilled chicken and vegetable mille-feuille sautéed enoki mushrooms and basil pesto

Grilled fillet of beef, green beans, sundried tomato, caper jus, and roasted potato

View of the business cabin area

My latest television obsession. I might have watched 5or 6 episodes through the flight.

Oman

Once back in Abu Dhabi and I had started to recover from the jet lag, it was time to explore a new area. Students were on Spring Break, and it a few of us needed our own break. We decided Muscat, Oman. It started as a spontaneous trip since flights were really cheap. So after a few phone calls and emails, a travel group grew to 4 people. Flights were booked and one person reserved the hotel. Because it was such a busy work week, before we left, it was best that we leave on a Thursday night. It was the opportune time not to stress about the weekend activities. With a 45 minute flight, we were ready to explore Muscat in less than 48 hours.

Beautiful currency, Rial and Baisa

Family only entrance at a local restaurant

We were not sure what to think about this stretched Volvo

Shuwa a traditional Omani dish. Beef wrapped in banana leaves, rice, tomato salsa, and dates.

Kargeen signature salad

Dunkin Donuts does exist

So does a Dairy Queen

Around the beach area

Stepping into the Gulf of Oman

Corniche area around the Souq

Mutrah Souq

Inside the Souq

By Shiite neighborhood

On the grounds of the Royal Palace

Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace

The Al Jalali Fort at night

RANDOM-Before sunset, the hotel decided to fumigate the grounds. Everyone was asked to move inside while this happened. Apparently this happens frequently.

Overall we were merely excited to be out of the country for a few relaxing days. Biggest challenge through the trip was getting used to the currency in such a short period of time. However, navigation was easy. It also helped that one of our friends knew a local Omani, who served as a wonderful guide on one of the evenings. I would definitely visit Muscat again.

Bonus:

There are moments where I can capture experiences through pictures, and there are others where memories are sufficient. In this case, there are many people whom I highly regard and moments which I cherish from my busy 2 weeks in the US. However, in this post I intentionally chose not to showcase them. Instead I spent a great deal emphasizing aspects of my travel (in transit) because all of this was a new experience and perspective in my flight tenure.

I absolutely love to fly! With every lift off and landing, I am truly fascinated by the invention of the airplanes. No matter how tired I am, I always manage to stay awake through the initial minutes of a departure and landing. It is a great time for me to reflect on the people and experiences in my life. While it is daunting to be thousands of miles off the ground, I like to get lost in the view from above and be grateful for my current positionality in my individual journey. To be honest, I am not sure what the future holds, but I am willing to embrace whatever new adventures come my way.

A quick glimpse of the favorites from this month’s travel: