Reporting to work-hesistantly

We arrived at 6 a.m. in Dubai and met by a terrible queue at the passport control section. Maki was nervous. It’s his first time in Dubai and he has to face the immigration people who don’t understand and speak Japanese. Maki and Pristine got out of the immigration safe and sound.

Meanwhile, when I presented my passport and expected to be stamped with my working visa just like what the company HR personnel said, the immigration person told me to go down to the first floor and get the original copy of my working visa before proceeding to the passport control section. That meant I have to get out of the long queue, go to get the document on the first floor and come up again and queue again.

I was very frustrated to be back on the line that was almost frozen. It was not moving at all! Maki was waiting on the other side, I bet, impatiently after more than 15 minutes and he could still not see me as I was still way, way behind.

Luckily, some airport personnel came and told me I can go to the express line because I was with my daughter and was given priority. The other foreigners whined.

At 7 a.m. we finally arrived at the company guesthouse where we will be temporarily billeted until we have our own flat. I so want to catch up with some sleep but that will not be possible because Saturday is working day in the UAE and I am supposed to dress up and go to the office. Have mercy!

The company driver came to the guesthouse to pick me up. Pristine cried a river when she saw me boarding the car and leaving her behind. I felt sad for her but I had no choice.

After some pleasantries, the people at the company allowed me to go home and have the rest of the day to myself. Recharge and report to work again tomorrow. Couldn’t complain though, at least I can sleep some before facing my new battle.