As for my traveling companions, The Brothers Paul - Garry and Rich. The three of us met on a trip to Nepal and trekking in the Himalayas in 1998. On the flight to Kathmandu we discovered we were born and raised in eastern Pennsylvania. They went to Lehigh University at the same time I went to Moravian College across the Lehigh River in Bethlehem, PA. We possess an inherent sense of adventure and a love of travel. Since 1998 we have had reunions and traveled to out-of-the-way places like Mongolia, Thailand, and rode the Trans-Siberian Railroad across Russia just to name a few destinations. I must mention their wives don't care for adventure travel, but still encourage Garry and Rich to go. It is so appreciated by me. Thanks Sandie and Linda.
We decided to leave the U.S. earlier and enjoy the decadence and pleasures of Dubai before slugging through the wild environment awaiting us in Pakistan. After Dubai, Garry, Rich and I are joining the other travelers in Islamabad to begin the trip: Silk Road- Journey to Samarkand.
On Saturday August 11, the Winston Salem Journal, a local newspaper, published a story about the coldest spot in Dubai - the CHILLOUT Ice Lounge. Everything in the lounge located in the Emirates Mall is made of ice - the tables, the bar, the decor, the chairs, the glasses. For a cover charge one receives a parka, boots and gloves (rental) with one drink. But, I ask you,
"Won't my lips stick to the ice glass?" After I know the answer to that question I'll start on World Peace! Of course, the CHILLOUT is on our list of things to do as well as visiting the Dubai Stock Exchange. A friend Adam who lives in Dubai offered to take us to the Exchange and show us places where most tourists don't go. We're all for that! Conventionality isn't our strongest suit when traveling.
Packing the duffle bag happens this weekend making room for health bars, wasabi peas/mix, and a drugstore. Be prepared for any and every thing is our motto since professional healthcare is basically non-existent. Even a Polaroid camera with 120 shots will find a spot in my luggage for the rural areas to break the ice with people we plan to meet along the way. Deciding what to pack is THE least favorite part of the trip even more so than the 17 hour non-stop flight to Dubai from Atlanta.
I've offered the brothers to add their comments to the blog. Hopefully, you will get Garry's and Rich's viewpoint.
We are excited to start our journey next week and wish everyone could join us. Take care and see you in September.
Tamara
1 comment:
Tamara- you are crazy! Don't you know that Pakistan is on the verge of exploding, with Islamic terrorist Taliban in control of vast areas of the country. By the way, they are not to partial to Americans, especially women. Better get a burka made for yourself as you probably won't find one for tall women off the rack over there. Keep sending your reports so we can tell the State Dept. your last know location. Good Luck!
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