Keeping Promises- Simerjit’s Family Trip to Dubai
Simerjit’s mother wanted to visit Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara.
So Simerjit, being a responsible daughter, took this responsibility upon herself to fulfil this wish. But there was only one catch, the itinerary they had created for themselves from Thrillophilia for their Dubai tour, did not include this place.
They were to leave in just 2 days, and everything was booked. Nonetheless, Simerjit called up Akansha, their tour manager, and requested an urgent change in the itinerary. After explaining the details, Simerjit asked her if this change would be possible to make. She was expecting a rigorous process with some extra expenditure. But to her surprise, Akansha replied-
“Oh yes ma’am, that won't be an issue. We can include this tour in the second day’s sightseeing itinerary.”
Simerjit- “How much will it cost more to me then, and by when can I expect the confirmation of change?”
Akansha- “Not a penny extra ma’am. This attraction falls on the way to the already-existing tour. And we are initiating the change from our process, you will receive the changed itinerary over WhatsApp and mail right now”
Simerjit had the updated details within an hour and her mother had made halwa that night to celebrate this sweet achievement.
The Dubai Trip
Everything was going well.
They began their trip with a visit to Burj Khalifa and its observation deck, ‘At the Top’. They were overwhelmed to see the views of the wide sky and the vast cityscape beneath it. One cannot imagine how stunning Dubai is if they have not seen it themselves, the picture does no justice to the sight the eyes can capture.
Their favourite place from the entire tour was the Miracle Garden. They were so delighted to visit this flowery heaven that their inner child surfaced.
They even posed on the 4-seater cycles, with their mother leading the squad. Dubai truly can provide some amazing experiences that can make you happy!
Simerjit realised this, Dubai can really bring out the happy side of yours. There are so many things to do and so many places to go to for a wide range of experiences, that there remains no room for boredom.
And the views, my god the views! The breathtaking seaside, the Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah…too grand to put into words!
They did FINALLY visit the Gurudwara. Simerjit was happy to see her mother’s wish being fulfilled.
An all-round experience
Simerjit and her family were having a great time. They went on the desert safari wearing scarves in the local style (they were just trying out a new look and also protecting their skin from the heat of the sun). The huge expanses of desert made them excited, so, after a hundred pictures, they finally set off for the camel ride.
Following that, their camping experience went really well, with good regional food and the traditional performance of Tanoura along with live music.
That night Simerjit and her sister were up till late, admiring the full moon. The desert looked magical, just like the descriptions in The Arabian Nights. It is then that she thought,
The desert safari offered insight into the Bedouin lifestyle, while the Museum of the Future offered a glimpse of the probable future. Somewhere in between, Dubai Marina perfectly showcased how Dubai had transformed over the years from a fishing village to one of the World’s richest cities.
Dubai is really a wholesome place! Touring here can shake you up and energise you with enthusiasm for living life. It was a nice decision for all of us to come here with Ma. God knows when such a family trip will come again… look, how happy everyone was today.
Abu Dhabi with some Sparkle
Simerjit found Abu Dhabi to be strangely similar yet starkly different from Dubai. Yet, it was equally marvellous.
They visited the Grand Mosque there and were very impressed to see the embellished interiors and the detailed architectural works of the place. It was a very calming experience as well, just like they had in Gurudwara.
Silence, sometimes, can also be a sign of respect and reverence.
Finally, their trip concluded with a trip to the Global Village from where they bought a few things-
A necklace from Kenya, a showpiece from Cuba, a purse from Milan, a carpet from Sudan, and a wall hanging from Japan.
No wonder it was the Global Village.
On the final night of the trip to Abu Dhabi, their mother took them out for dinner. It was her treat for, in her words, “Keeping me happy, healthy, and hearty.”
She would not say thank you, but that does not imply her love was any less.