Some kind of chicken dish, a snack of apples, pears and chocolate bars, cheese pizza, and an omelet later, Gonzaga-in-Zambezi students and faculty arrived in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. On this first leg of our journey—a 14.5-hour flight—we ate, chatted, watched on our individual screens the Academy Award-winning hearbreaker “Lion” (except for Jimmy, who apparently didn’t get the message), and tried to sleep—some of us with more luck than others.
Upon arrival, we made our way smoothly through customs and to the hotel, where we ate—yes, again—and dropped off our luggage prior to boarding a bus with “Sammy,” our cheerful, storytelling guide, for a five-hour tour of this fascinating Middle Eastern city.
Sammy told us that Dubai is only 20 years old. Evidence of the city’s newness could be seen in the countless enormous cranes standing beside the partially built high rises. The massive, citywide construction was at a standstill during the heat of the day. Most of the work, Sammy said, happened at night.
As we rode around in the mercifully air-conditioned tour bus, Sammy pointed out landmarks—the only seven-star hotel in the world, the biggest shopping mall in the world with 1,200 shops, 800 restaurants, and the largest aquarium (for a mall—a somewhat dubious distinction), the second tallest building in the world with plans to build the tallest. Some of the new construction is fashioned after famous places in other big cities. Dubai has a twin replica of the Chrysler Building. A leaning tower of Pisa. A half-built London Eye.
As Sammy spoke, most of us couldn’t help but wonder about the soul of a city born of quick money from oil slated to disappear in 20 years’ time. Our country’s future, Sammy said, is not in oil but in tourism. While many of us puzzled about the building boom that seemed to be, literally and figuratively, propped up on a sandy, instable future, we were simultaneously charmed by Sammy. His stories about his faith and marriage, the UAE royal family, and the history of the region helped humanize a place most of us little understand and, too often, tend to fear or, at the least, avoid.
We reflected that night on our day well spent. We were exhausted and excited. Tomorrow we fly to Lusaka—one day away from our temporary home in Zambezi.
Kris Morehouse, Communication faculty
Hey everyone! This is Claire Polacheck, typing for my sister as we try not to hydroplane across Wyoming. I was forced to read the blog post out loud to her, a break from our many podcasts, and now she DEMANDS that I type her response:
So good to hear from you all! I’ve been meticulously tracking your flights as we embarked on our own journey from Spokane to Milwaukee. We almost ran out of gas today, so we had to backtrack 10 miles, stopping at a “gas station” on the Crow Reservation in Montana. I was immediately reminded of Zambia. The entire store was boarded up as if it hadn’t been used in years, but miraculously, there were two working pumps. I peed behind a shack to the audience of two stray dogs. It made me think about how our journeys are maybe not so different. I love you all, and I’m praying for you. I hope you find a spring in the desert, even if you drove past it the first time. Travel bravely.
Much love,
Katie (and Claire)
HI EVERYONE!
I have been refreshing this page the entire drive from Spokane to California. I wish you all the best with the rest of your travels to the beautiful Zambezi. Can’t wait to read and hear about the myriad of bush plane experiences and adventures. I love you all and am looking forward to hearing from each and every one of you. Sorry this is a short comment, but don’t worry, you will a lot more from me.
much love and kisu mane,
Moira Andrews
Yes!! So so happy to hear from you all! Dubai is such a crazy place – it sounds like you had a great time! Know that we are all praying for you thinking of you and loving you from afar. Get ready to arrive in the happiest place on earth!
Also, LeBrun, we miss you and are all sitting in the living room of 324 thinking of you and Doris. Hope no one goes through your dirty laundry tonight!!
Safe travels dear Zags. Prayers being said for your next two flights. Memories being made, more to come.
Blessings to you all,
Amy (Morgan’s mom)
First of all, who drives to Wisconsin by way of Wyoming? Kids these days!
Second, that’s what Dubai looks like during the day! Who knew?
Third, thanks, Kris, for the update. Being on this side of the blog is strange, and I am trying not to be jealous.
As the Polacheck women point out, a spring in the desert is always nice. My hope for you all on this next stage is a warm towel and an open heart. Somebody say hi to Timo for me.
BTW, yall look great there in front of the Burj. Something tells me you won’t be so squeaky clean for long!
All my love, even to those of you I don’t know.
Dodd
Hi it’s Venezia on Handy’s phone –
I’m so happy you have all made it safe and sound. Enjoy your journey to Lusaka and take it allllllll in. I’ve been thinking about you this week as I pack the chitenge that sat all over my room this year. I’ve found tons of kwacha in old storage boxes and I probably should’ve given it to one of you hunks. Anyway, I am excited for you chindeles to experience the beauty that is Zambezi.
Morgan G- I didn’t get to say bye to you and I cried about it for a little and then I remembered our dance competition in Coughlin. I can’t wait for those kids to see your crazy dance moves. Love you lots ya mule
Hello friends!! I told myself I was going to be more patient and calm than my parents were, but I, like Moira, have probably refreshed this page at least 17 times. (Moira and I have been texting back and forth on our respective drives home longing to here from you all!) I’m glad your trip to Dubai went well. Did you get to go to the cool candy shop? I am wishing you all safe journey’s to Zambezi! The views from the bush plane are astounding, but seeing it from the ground will take your breath away. Sending you all my love, Katie Barger <3
P.S. Taylor, Morgan S., and Caroline, don't forget to take dramamine!
P.S.S. CMAY I left Lidgerhome today. Miss sharing a home with you already. I gave pappy and extra hug goodbye just for you! hehehe. So happy to see you are alive and well my friend!
Hi All!! I am so happy that you made it to Dubai safely and are on your way. Get ready for such an amazing time ahead of you! I am so glad that the tour worked out well and I am jealous that you got to see so much more of Dubai. It is so weird to be on the other side of the blog now, but I know you will all carry on the tradition and will share your wonderful experiences as many before you have done. I wish you all the best and I am so excited to keep reading this blog and live through you all!!
Wait. Kris Morehouse got to go?! So jealous. I wish that I could be like the cool kids! I don’t know anything about teaching or making honey, my dance moves are terrible, and I don’t own any Chacos. Sound like a promising resume? Hit me up for next year, Josh! 😉
Have an amazing experience, Zags! Looking forward to following your adventures!
First of all, who drives to Wisconsin by way of Wyoming? Kids these days!
Second, that’s what Dubai looks like during the day! Who knew?
Third, thanks, Kris, for the update. Being on this side of the blog is strange, and I am trying not to be jealous.
As the Polacheck women point out, a spring in the desert is always nice. My hope for you all on this next stage is a warm towel and an open heart. Somebody say hi to Timo for me.
BTW, y’all look great there in front of the Burj. Something tells me you won’t be so squeaky clean for long!
All my love, even to those of you I don’t know.
Dodd
Greetings Zags!
So happy to hear you all have landed safely in Dubai, which is indeed a city of so so much fascination. JEALOUS ya’ll got to experience it in the daytime, I can only imagine how vibrant and exciting that city is during the day, even though it was still very lively at 1130pm when I traveled there.
I cannot wait to hear about the wonderful adventure that will unfold for you all! Take in every aspect of your month in Zambia, feel everything with each of your five senses, cry and laugh and dance, look up at the stars because they are the best I have EVER seen in my entire life, and sing sing sing. When I remember Zambia I remember a nation of song. Sending you all my love and wishing nothing but fruitfulness and love for your time there.
Taylor and Elly big BIG hugs to the both of you. Josh, please send my love to Mrs. Melody and tell her that I think of her and her family often, oh and thank her for the chitenge she sent to my mom and I!
Kisu Mwane from Alabama!
Lili Ramos
Zambezi ’14
Hi Zags,
This is Calvin a Zambezi resident who is now based in Lusaka. Am glad to know that the zags are in Zambezi again. Its always nice hosting you guys in our home land.
I can’t wait to read your blogs on your experiences in Zambezi. wishing you all well.
Ethan Nicki delivered a healthy baby girl about 1 pm our time. Her name is Marley Kane Nohner. Both mom and baby are doing well. We are so happy that you all are safely in Zambezi now. Enjoy everything and when you get home you get to see your beautiful new niece.
Dad