The Real world still exists?
Day 8
Departure day. We awoke one final time to the spectacular sunrise over the mountains. Our coffee and tea waiting for us, breakfast shortly to follow. We didn’t have a long hike or swim in the ocean planned today. We just simply had a car ride back to the airport to catch our flight.
We asked for a photo of the crew before we left. They were all such sweet and welcoming people that we needed to make sure they were all documented in our memories.
We packed up the car and headed out. While we already had the opportunity to do so, the crew stopped at that lookout point above the lagoon. It was a beautiful day and perfect for some final photos. We all got out, climbed to the top and took it all in one last time.
Back in the car we went and straight to the airport. The same small airport I talked about from day one, the chaotic nature of one terminal and the one flight in and one flight out.
I will admit a few things here that are worth knowing for this trip: The women of this country cover themselves in full burqa and niqab. Foreigners are ok to dress as they’d like but to be respectful of the fact that the women and men have a specific dress code for themselves. As respectful travelers, we kept ourselves covered in a manner we felt was respectful while also living in high temperatures and going swimming on various days.
The reason I bring this up is when we arrived at the airport, I was wearing athletic leggings and a workout tank top. Becky was also in workout shorts and a top. While we felt we were presentable, someone from the security personnel came up to me, very close (almost invasively) and told me that my outfit was not permitted and that the women of this country cover themselves fully. He stated, “I don’t know what country you come from but your outfit is not permitted and you need to cover up. Please tell your sister the same thing” (referring to Becky). I was mortified because the last thing I want to do is be disrespectful but I think the tight pants and top were just not it, plus they were bright colors and I stood out like a sore thumb amongst the black wardrobe of the other women. I was asked to also get a pat down check in a small room by a female security officer who also was not happy with my outfit choice.
As a people pleaser and someone who cannot stand to disappoint others, this was probably the most mortified I’ve felt in a long time. I did not intend to be disrespectful but I was. I did not think through my appearance before walking into that airport and how it would have affected the others around me and I take full responsibility. I had my jacket with me I was going to wear on the plane and I immediately put that on. Becky did the same.
The guys were confused by what was going on and I told them. I don’t think they felt it was as serious as I did. In situations like this I wonder how nice it would be to be a man, but alas, I am not. We got through security, me sweating from embarrassment and anxiety from the yelling.
The last step before we were able to take our seats at the (one and only) gate was to get through customs. This was probably the easiest part of the airport experience. There’s one desk with two guards asking for passports. You have an option at this point: get a stamp or bypass it.
Why would you not get a country stamp? Well, because some countries refuse you access if they know you’ve been to Yemen. [FIND LIST OF COUNTRIES]. If you are an avid traveler who plans to go to these countries, just ask that they not stamp your passport with this proof. They get it, they know what that stamp could possibly mean. I choose not to get one even though I had no immediate plans for travel to those countries.
Then we waited at the gate, for a few hours since our flight was delayed. It was hot in that room but thankfully we had a bathroom (with plumbing), and a few snacks. It gave us some time to look through our photos and organize ourselves for the ride back.
Finally, boarding started. There is zero organization at this airport. Don’t wait for your zone to be called, don’t wait for the gate agent to organize the line, it’s every man for themselves. There was so much cutting in line and crowding I had to start sharpening my elbows. But we made it on the plane and back to Abu Dhabi we went.
Once we were on the ground after the 3 hour flight, the first thing we all did was turn on our cell service. A few notable things happened, one being that Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the [FIND WHAT SHOW THIS WAS] and the news was all over it. Our texts were streaming in, the amount of social media notifications was nonstop, calls from family and friends were sent to voicemail. I didn’t dare look at work emails – f*** that all the way off. Reintroduction to society was complete and abrasive.
Now, this being the beginning of 2022, there were still COVID requirements on flights back to the US. Billy, Karen and I needed COVID tests done so Sherif had the Uber driver stop at one on the way home. Funny enough, the World’s Fair was happening in Abu Dhabi and a COVID drive-through happened to be stationed in the parking lot. The Uber driver got in line and, believe it or not, it was a smooth and easy process. I wouldn’t say we all loved being there, the only thing we all really wanted was a hot shower and some food.
Sherif, being the influencer that he is, was booked for a campaign literally that same night. He had to drive home, shower, pack and leave right away to get to his next photo shoot. Poor guy. The driver got us back to Dubai safe and sound and we all immediately split up into our respective rooms to shower and refresh. Billy and I repacked our bags to get ready for our early morning flights back to the States. Once we were done, we all gathered downstairs to eat our delivered salads and watched a movie. Becky and I did face masks and we all relished the AC we hadn’t had in over a week.
What a trip. What an experience. What amazing people. What a beautiful island.
I would encourage anyone who is willing to rough it a bit, step out of their comfort zone, remember to respect this place of wonder, to book a trip. It’s not for everyone, believe this. And, honestly, thank god. I said this before but I’ll say it again, a place like Socotra is vulnerable to the greed of those who care more about money and a bottom line than simply experiencing its beauty and uniqueness. I implore you to always travel with kindness and respect, but also with an open mind and enthusiasm to learn.
There’s a quote that reads, “I love places that make you realize how tiny you and your problems are.” There’s so much in this world that is bigger than you and it can put into perspective what really matters, what we really need in our lives on a regular basis. Be safe, but walk with confidence into new adventures that will open your mind to things meant to make you feel alive.
Meet you there.
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