Day 61 - Kuwait/Dubai

Packing up my room for the last time, I felt a twinge of sadness. For the last two months this has been my safe haven, my home away from home. No matter how the day went or what happened I could always come back to the room and Skype home or simply stretch out on the bed and take a nap. Down at breakfast I enjoyed my last bowl of the best granola I've ever had. On my way out I said my thank-yous and good-bys to the restaurant staff. The maitre-d', Jhen, stopped me to present me with a signed card with a photograph of the entire restaurant staff. I was touched.

At the checkout desk, I signed for the room and again received the warm gratitude of the gracious hotel staff. I must say that throughout the time here they have been nothing short of wonderful. I realize this is their job and that their customer service places a heavy emphasis on making the guests feel welcome. But there is a genuineness in their approach which can't be taught. One of the front desk clerks in particular, Ms. Marilou, consistently went out of her way to greet me in the afternoons as I returned. Sometimes a simple, "Hello Mr. Haddad! How are you?" would turn into a 20-minute conversation about our lives. She has two boys, ages 10 and 4, with baby number 3 obviously on its way (she doesn't know whether it's a boy or girl yet).

At the end of class today, the students presented me with a memento to remember our time together. I was touched. These students came together as a very special group. I have enjoyed each student, and each group with its distinct personality. The first group was like brothers and sisters, looking out for each other. The second group was like a hi-energy senior high group. This group was like a tightly knit neighborhood group, looking to celebrate life with each other at any given opportunity. There was a lot of friendly banter, and they welcomed me in as a part of it. Outside of class hours they opened their arms to me as one of their own. No deferential treatment for me as an instructor; just one of the gang.

Also, Leo and Nina came by at the end of class. They presented me with a formal citation, which caught me so off-guard. They also gave me a few mementos of the time together. I was deeply touched. I came out here to teach a bunch of classes the best I could, and they appreciated it in a manner far beyond what I would have expected, if I could have expected it at all.

Suffice to say, as I made my way back to the airport I started to feel the separation anxiety. Almost nine weeks in country working with Leo and Nina built some great camaraderie. Their professionalism in the face of some very challenging circumstances is to be commended, and will be missed by me. There is a strong desire from both parties to see a similar project unfold in the future. I don't know whether I would come over for two months straight, but we'll take things one day at a time.

Arriving in Dubai later that evening, I walked over to my brother's house. After a quick shower and change we were on the town for the night. Dinner at Al-Hallab (of course) was followed by coffee at Costa Coffee before settling into our seats at the movie theater to watch Tropic Thunder. That turned out to be a surprisingly well-written and well-done movie. While I couldn't recommend it for younger audiences (sorry kids), my brother and I walked out of the theater remarking how much better it was than we thought it would be.

It still hasn't hit me that in two days I'll be home again. I'm still a bit nervous about re-entry, but looking forward to all the hugs from my wife and kids.