Decisive Reflection

I said farewell to friends, Derenthia and Tara, who had graciously helped me finish my last minute packing and double checking before my ride arrived. Then, I went to break bread with my motorcycle club, Street Angels, before departing for my trip abroad. It did my heart well to walk in and see the Angles sitting awaiting my arrival to give me a proper farewell.  That was a sign to me that I had a support system amongst my friends and club; though they were truly all saddened by the news that I would no longer be local; yet, understood the great opportunity that awaited me.

Then, I arrived to the airport to check in only to be informed that I wouldn't be able to as my bags did not meet the weight criteria. I had three checked back bags and two of them were over 80 pounds. Opps! So, I had to call Felicia back to the airport so that I could repack again. There’s nothing like packing a bag at the airport. It took me about 45 minutes to do it. (Side Note: That’s why you should always show up to the airport early.) Finally, I was able to check in, go through security, and get to my gate. Simply, I was able to breathe! There was a calm after the storm that came over me. It felt as though I was at peace. Indeed, I was headed to a country where women are oppressed and the Islamic law rules; yet, I was doing what I wanted to do.

Derenthia & Tara
KNOCKED OUT.
Yep, I gotcha.

The journey to Bahrain and finally into Saudi Arabia were quite lengthy. Yet, I have arrived safely to my destination and settled in. During the last few days I have had the time to truly reflect. I do not think it honestly hit me until I arrived to London Heathrow Airport and definitely by the time I arrived in Bahrain that I had once again packed up my life, but this time the packing was permanent, and moved across the world for a job. Well, I must admit not solely for the job, as the other perks are traveling and exploring other parts of the world. And yet I know that some individuals ask, “Why?” I ask, “Why not?”

I have spent the last three days in Bahrain awaiting my visa so that I may enter Saudi. While in Bahrain, I begun getting acclimated to the Middle East once again. Bahrain is more of a free Middle Eastern country. There is a military naval base here so, there are quite a few expats living in the country as well. I must admit that I am a bit taken back at the fact that I see Christmas trees, decorations, and symbolisms of the holiday throughout the mall. I guess they are truly open minded here as Bahrain does have an Arab Jewish woman as its ambassador. As a matter of fact she is the first Jewish ambassador of any Middle Eastern Arab country and the first female Bahraini ambassador to the United States of America. Her name is Houda Nonoo. I guess it is true, things never stay the same and the Middle East is evolving with the times. There will be more to come on Bahrain in the near future.

Nevertheless, my visa has been issued and it’s time for me to travel to Saudi.