The Journey to Egypt Continues (part 2)
News flash, Egypt is at war, civil war, the people have protested to get rid of the government. “NO” I felt myself screaming inside. “It can’t be!” still I hung in there. “I will still go if they decide to. It feels right. “
More conflict, buildings burnt, people escaping, news flashes “Get out of Egypt it is not safe!’
So I go through the Why, What did I do to bring this on! Don’t you just love that, as if I Pame Price little person living in a country many Americans or Egyptians have never heard of! Perhaps. As if I would have somehow created this chaos so I couldn’t go, or it would be a struggle. Well they do say everything that happens in your life is of your own making!!! “Yeh right! “ So I wait, the amazing thing was that Mike and I were totally okay with: if it was given the go ahead to go I would go. We still had some weeks and things could settle down. I was sure they would. Yes they did, but it was decided to postpone the trip as others were concerned: gee I spent several weeks, so desolated. Why didn’t I deserve this?
In the end it was transferred to June or Nov: I wasn’t waiting till November so it was June for me.
I had more challenges to overcome yet!!! Have you heard it said if obstacles keep appearing it is a sign you should give up? Well they kept coming (I will share soon) but all the time I kept feeling this is right, I am meant to go. It was so strong.
One of the next things was the couple who were planned to join with some experiences and wisdom teaching were no longer part of it.
You should have seen my face when I opened the email Subject -Emergency!!! I first thought “No it isn’t cancelled!!” I was asked if this was okay and am I still happy to continue. Of course I was. I had from the start felt a strong connect with Andrea, I felt I had known her for years; she was always open to any enquiries. So although a bit disappointed it did not change a thing.
A week before my flight I decided to drop into the Travel Agent to see how the insurance claim was going following Malaysian Airlines cancelling all flights to Egypt and see if my tickets were ready.
Originally I had also booked a stopover in Phuket on the way home from Egypt to meet Mike who would then go on a bike tour, so my flight for this was still going ahead and changes had been made.
In we go and ask about my Egypt tickets - our travel agent looks on her computer and can’t find any record of my flight to Egypt!!! Because I had worked with her and her manager she wondered if he had the details, so we went for coffee while she chased it up. I had this overwhelming sick feeling and thought I don’t think it has been booked, even though I had the details?
I said to Mike “We have to sort this out now” at the same time as I am saying that the Travel Agent rings, “Pame you need to come back, we have problems I can’t find any booking for you “.
We discovered the trip had not only gone through the enquiry stage and not booked and here I am 7days to flying and I have not flight booked!!!! (Am I meant to go or what is this all about!)
The travel agent decidedto try a complete new trip and see what comes up.
Looking at maintaining a positive attitude, I reassure her that Egypt is not popular at the moment due to the uprising and the heat (was I convincing her or me). I watch as she typed in my details her hands shaking so much they are literally raising off the keys! Then she yells “I HAVE IT... This flight out is as you had but you go through Abu Dhabi , a shorter wait there and then returning is good and it is cheaper.” The room had people in it, but I literally jump the desk, kissed her and told her I love her. She is still shaking for the experiences and finally allows herself to laugh. Wait she says “let me make sure I book it this time. IT IS DONE!!”
Mike and I returned to our car, looked at each other and burst into laughter, neither of us believing what actually happened.
Well all good you would say yes you would think that just as I did. BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE!!
I stupidly start to relax and think more about what I will pack. Sunday before I leave (Tuesday evening is my departure date) A volcano in Chilli decides it also wants to get in the action, erupts and spew’s ash towards Australia! Melbourne airport is shut down; My flight is from Adelaide to Melbourne connecting with my international flight.
We consider driving to Melbourne a 9 hr trip. Just in case it does not clear.
It is Monday and I head off to my meditation group and return home later that evening. I had heard the ash had moved, I get home more excited, to be greeted with do you want the good news or the bad news!!! “Give it to me”.” Well Melbourne is all clear, but now Adelaide has the ash so all flights have been cancelled apart from Virgin Airlines I am booked with”. Do we risk it? We go to bed and decide to deal with it in the morning. I find I have a comfortable feeling - all will be well and we do not need to drive to Melbourne.
I also have a feeling we need to arrive at the airport early or getting on an earlier flight. ? I sit with it. By 10 am we decide we will trust that I will fly. We did decide to go with my hunch and arrive earlier at the airport, an excuse just to get there and relax.
The picture is still firm in my mind. I walk up to the check in counter at Virgin airline and the attendant looks at my ticket,” You catching a connecting international plane to Abu Dhabi tonight Mrs Price”. She then starts counting on her fingers picks up her phone and says “I have Mrs Price here, yes, yes yes. Okay”
I find I am feeling patient which is not a usual sign after what has transpired. “Well Mrs Price we are so glad you decided to come early, your 5.30 flight has been postponed and you would have missed the connecting, but don’t worry there is the last plane going in 20mins and we will have you on it”
“Go and have a coffee I am sure you will have time!”
A quick call to the kids to say don’t worry about coming to see me off I will be already in the air!
AT LAST!!! - Next Cairo.