8/365

We have finally arrived in Bahrain! The flights from NY to London, and London to Bahrain went well. Both kids slept the entire flight from NY, even though it was incredibly turbulent: they couldn't serve tea because it was too dangerous! Ali and I both caught several hours of sleep too, much needed after the night before, and we watch Ghost Town, which was very good. Our flight to London was delayed, so of course some of our baggage didn't make it on the flight to Bahrain during the 45 minute period between flights. On the flight to Bahrain I was able to see quite a lot of Europe from the air. Snow covered and beautiful. But the most spectacular sight was when I woke up after a nap, and we were just flying over Turkey, and the Sun was casting long shadows over the snow covered Turkish country side. Little villages on the tops of hills and in between were lighting up as we flew, looking like little fires in the white snow. It was beautiful. I guess I never thought it was so snowy in Turkey. Night fell and we crossed into Iraq, and there were many more lighted cities. I wish I could have seen it during the day. Unfortunately our return flight is also at night, so I won't be able to see it then either.

We were greeted at the airport by Ali's mother, brother and his wife, his sister and her kids, and even his father! It was a warm welcome. We were brought back to the apartment, which is apparently actually Ali's; it's in Ali's name anyway. It's on the sea, actually on a floating part of the city, called Little Venice. Ali's brother and his wife are right beneath us. The kids had a lot of fun playing with their cousins, especially after being couped up for so many hours. We ordered some Lubnani (Lebanese) food for dinner, then got the kids to bed.

I wish I'd taken photos of the reunion, but I was so tired and flustered about missing my bags which included our carseats!, that I didn't take any last night. Today's photo is a picture of my two snuggled together on the airplane to watch a bit of a show. It wasn't long lasting, Elyas soon wanted to go to sleep. But it was a sweet moment. They have gotten more and more snuggly lately, just over the past few month. I think we are rounding the corner from that difficult baby stage, where they couldn't really play together (or in the room alone safely). It's nice to feel that what I had desired for Leila, a sibling, a friend, someone to be with, is coming true. Despite bickering and normal sibling stuff, they love each other!

Kidisms:
In the car coming from the hotel Leila told Lamya, Ali's brother's wife, that she had another Uncle Hamid in Washington, I think she was remembering their visit from about a year and a half ago. :)