2022 began with a bang. Khing had returned home on 4th December 2021 for a month after almost two years of lockdowns.
After she left for Singapore, Lin called numerous times to ask KH and I to visit. As soon as we received news that Khing was back safely in the campus, discussions for Wan and I to go to Dubai started in earnest. KH and Chien were all for it, though both of them were tied down with work; Jean was at Ma's place. We discussed the worst possibilities - I dreaded flying alone, there were endless tests and SOPs, and the looming fear of actually contracting Covid. We had all been cautious throughout the two years of pandemic, and this trip could wipe out our record totally. That evening after beef noodles dinner, Lin called, and I threw caution to the wind, literally.
With fervent prayers, Chien helped us book Emirates flight tickets for myself from KLIA, and Wan from Moscow. The time of our arrival was to coincide, so that we could travel to Pullman Hotel together. Incidentally, Michele had been down with cough and flu, and four of Wan's friends were already tested positive in Kursk. It still came down to PCR test results for both of us to board our planes. I remember praying and leaving everything to God as to whether I would get to see my girls and new son-in-law. The results were out on the travel day itself. Wan boarded the train to Moscow an hour after receiving the results. Her five hour flight would land at DXB an hour after my 7 hour flight. We had no way to contact each other during the flights. We were to meet at Starbucks, if we couldn't contact each other.
12 January 2022
We both landed as scheduled, at 4.45 a.m. for me, and Wan at 6.15 a.m. I waited for her at her baggage collection point. She looked tired but very happy after the long and grimy train ride and flight.
Starbucks DXB
After sharing our coffee at Starbucks, we collected Michele's wine from an outlet and took a taxi to Pullman Hotel, Jumeirah Lake. It was my second stay there, but the first visit to Dubai for Wan. It was exciting to see Dubai through her eyes. Lin was totally right, we had to make things happen ourselves. The hotel was comfortable, and the staff very warm and friendly. After freshening up, we went to Lin's apartment to meet both of them, and little Drake and Coco. It had been two long years, and no words can describe how I felt then.
Brunch at Friends' Avenue
Dinner at Mythos Kouzina & Grill
13 January 2022
Sunrise at JLT Waterfront
Brunch at Friends' Avenue
Wan and Little Coco
14 January 2022
In the afternoon, Wan and I took the train to Dubai Mall. We were glad we had listened to Michele and downloaded its app. Both he and Lin were working at home that day. Spent the day shopping, watching "House of Gucci" at Reel Cinema, had dinner at Din Tai Fung while watching fountain show.
Midnight At The Top, Burj Khalifa
We managed to catch one of the last trains back to the hotel. It was past midnight, but we felt safe in Dubai.
15 January 2022
Wan and I took the tram to Marina Bay. After a walk at the beach and shopping, we had lunch at 5 Guys.
Had dinner at an outdoor restaurant, Palm Spring, near Lin and Michele's new home; followed by chocolate desserts at The Pointe.
16 January 2022
Saw rain for the first time in Dubai. Wan's symptoms had worsened at night. We had PCR tests done at the apartment - Wan was tested Covid-positive the following day. After lunch, the weather forecast was good, and we decided to proceed to Dubai desert. Fantastic time with Lin and Michele's friends. Dinner was at a food truck nearby with Dario, Devdas and wife Amy.
17 January 2022
We spent a quiet day at the apartment with Coco and Drake, while Lin and Michele went to settle their new home documents. It was good to spend time just talking with Wan. Wan's positive PCR test had shaken all of us, and we had a heart to heart talk. It was a hard decision for us, but we agreed I was to proceed home, while Wan was to stay in another hotel nearby. We had dinner at a Japanese restaurant at W hotel with Nidha.
18 January 2022
Lin arranged for a taxi to send me to the airport at 5 a.m. It was heartbreaking to leave Dubai with all the uncertainties. The flight back was uneventful, except for the fact that the plane was filled with young children again. It must had been the spillover effects of the Christmas and New Year holiday goers, with the young parents bringing their children to see grandparents after a long separation.
Reached KLIA at 7.20 p.m. KLIA had a dismal and eerie air; total opposite of DBX, with its vibrant energy of excitement. Everyone from the plane immediately quietened and marched through every check-point, determined to live the airport. It became chaotic at the point where we had to download the mySejahtera app and do the PCR tests. The young Malay officer was unable to handle the angry crowd. At one point, he crouched with his hands over his ears, muttering to himself. When he stood up, he was again barraged by the crowd, with another group of travellers arriving. I was very lucky to have the Home Surveillance Order page on my app, and he ushered me out behind him.
Chien was at the airport with KH. I had forgotten to ask her to stay at home, as I planned to self-isolate myself because I had also developed the same symptoms. There is nothing like home. It was such a warm feeling to know that we live in such an exciting world, yet we have a sweet sanctuary to return to. The MOH officer called 3 days later to inform that I was also tested positive. Chien and KH later had the same symptoms, scratchy throat, cough and mild fever for a few days.
It was a quiet Chinese New Year, especially for me, as I wanted to avoid the possibility of passing the virus to the elderly and the young children. It was a wonderful time of respite and reflection. Special thanks to Lin and Michele for making the trip possible.
Burj Al Arab
Wan got a bonus stay for five days before returning to Russia. More importantly, she had extra bonding time with Sis Lin and new brother-in-law Michele. Things happen for a reason indeed.
