On a working day, at 1 a.m. Uncles Denny (and Donny, not seen here) tour their cousins and nephews around Dubai, providing more hospitality than Sidd has the energy for - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2005 (click for larger image)
Heading toward India we had a 7 hour lay over in Dubai, but to be clear, it was from 9 pm until nearly 4 am. And although it took more than 1 1/2 hours to get out of the airport (customs, strollers, etc.) waiting for us with true enthusiasm were two of Molly's cousins, Denny and Donny. Now both of these guys had work the next day, yet that did not hold back an ounce of their hospitality. We were toured around the city, including time in front of the Burj Al Arab - - ( http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=107803 ) only the 19th tallest building in the world and touted as a six star hotel - - taken for a midnight dinner, and then dropped back at the airport at 1:30!
Now before I go too far, it is important to say that this was the second experience on this trip of family at work. You see, we had left our minivan back in Long Island, with my dad's brother Starling, who simply said, "No problem, you just drop by - - I will take you to the airport and watch over your minivan." For a month. So our trip was off to a warm start even before we hit the tropical weather.
With all the super-sized schedules that we can end up keeping in the old U.S. of A., it was a friendly reminder to keep our priorities straight, and ensure we don't let important facets of our lives - - such as our family members - - slip down the totem pole.
