Woke early and sat under a canopy with iced water at 6.30am 27°. Contemplating the day ahead. Amanda has two lovely dogs. Both Rescue dogs with unknown history. Unfortunately I must either look, walk or sound like the Miss Hanagan of evil dog owners! Every time I move (even if the dog ‘Sizzles’ cant see me) she barks as loud and repetitive she can… growling inbetween. I know she won’t hurt me but she is very sca red of me. I can sit and stroke her but the moment I move… ‘WOOOOOOOOOF’.
This reminds me of how deep rooted and subconscious our past can affect us. It doesn’t always seem easy to forgive let alone forget and our senses often react naturally to memories.
I remember the smell and feel and icy chill of November 24th 1978. It was the first frosty day of the year and we were in our car on our way to visit a friend who had a new baby. Me and hubby in the front of our pale green Vitesse; our 4 year old Matthew on the back seat and 17 week Daniel in his carry cot beside him. We stopped to get petrol and I instinctively turned to check the boys . I could tell by the colour of Daniels skin and the lack Of movement when I jiggled his tiny fingers that something was dreadfully wrong. It was 12.30pm and Daniel died (cot death) while we travelled beside him. So Every first frosty day of the year I feel strangely tentative and insecure. There is no rationale but it’s a deep uncontrollable reaction triggered in this instance by the ‘chill of the day’. So…. Sizzles, I understand that you can’t help barking if I triģger a memory from the past. It’s OK. It’s OK.
Dubai is a place most people would love or hate. It’s hot. It’s opulent. Everything is top notch, first class. Very low crime rate possibly due to the extreme punishments. A huge gap between rich and poor and most shop workers, drivers, housemaids etc are from India, Pakistan, Philippines etc and get only a modest wage for long hours and send most of it back to their estranged families. I met Ferne a Filipino lady when I had my Nails done in a Dubai salon. The salon offers a complete package to the girls from the Philippines. A full time job; often 10 hour days. Accommodation. And a flight home once a year. I learned that Ferne prefers two holidays every two years. She sends her money home to provide for her 7 year old son who lives with his grandparents. She also has a 21 year old daughter. I can honestly say that she is the most talented, diligent nail technician who craves perfection. Well done Ferne for putting your heart and soul into satisfying your customers even though your life is far from perfect.
After my trip to the salon it was back to have a good catch up with Amanda. It’s rare to have friends who you can completely spill the beans with with no fear of messing up! Amanda and I have always had an open honest relationship with the extremes of profound discussion and raucous laughter. You can never tire of that.
I’m beginning to unwind and
looking forward to the weeks ahead. I’m intrigued to know the deeper purpose of what I am doing visiting 3 countries in three weeks and what life lessons i will face. Watch this space.!
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