Fly Emirates

When you're traveling alone, to a new country, off on a new adventure, fly Emirates.


The longest flight of my life was just the most comfortable and enjoyable flight of my life.  Sixteen hours in a tin can and I would have extended it if I could. 


Let me start off by giving you a taste of my mood getting on this plane.  I had just flown overnight Kona to LA, had spent a strange hour in the international terminal lounge talking to an Israeli woman who started the conversation by talking about how much she loves olive oil (enough to carry some with her at all times, so she can put it on fast-food salad and sandwich bread.  She also told me that Virgos don't need love.  I'm not going to think much on that one.) and was swinging between panic and exhaustion every few minutes. 


First thing on the plane, I'm handed a menu (an actual menu!) and a hot towel, and I'm told that the first complimentary meal will be served in an hour.


My first in-flight meal started with a chatpatti alu appetizer (diced potatoes in a "tangy sauce"), followed by the lamb curry, which consisted of "tender pieces of lamb cooked in a flavorful curry sauce, with steamed basmati rice, and an okra tomato stew."  Accompanying this was a mixed berry ragout (with light mascarpone cream), cheese and biscuits, tea, juice, and a lovely little chocolate.


It was airline heaven.  Additionally, the flight was fairly empty, so I had a whole row of seats to stretch out and enjoy my multiple pillows, breathable cotton blanket, and complimentary sleep mask and organic fiber socks.  The flight attendants were wonderful as well, ranging from the extraordinary polite to the somewhat maternal.  When then one with the bright red lipstick called me "sweetheart" I felt so safe and cared for that I was able to sleep for hours. 


Alas, all good things must come to an end, and after my breakfast of scrambled eggs (served with crispy potato wedges, grilled tomato, a steaming hot croissant, a roll with jam, fresh fruit, orange juice, and coffee) my little taste of heaven was over, and we landed in Dubai. 


Someday I will fly Emirates again.  In the meantime, I'll have to console myself with an extended stay in Oman.  Oh well.