First Ride on a Cruise.

While I walked past the passage control, visa check, baggage belt and a huge building of Terminal 3 of Dubai airport, my husband was waiting outside with bated breath to welcome his beloved wife for the first time in the city. As we were driving home with happy heart that we could live together in the same house after three months of marriage, he tells me that we have a party to attend tomorrow. What a wonderful and unique idea of welcoming his better half I thought! I couldn’t hold the excitement inside me and asked what was the party all about. To which he said it was a formal dinner which is held annually on a cruise hosted by the company he works for, to meet and greet various clients who are invited and whom they deal with. Not a bad idea nonetheless, as long as I was still getting to attend the event and a chance for socializing, though I had stepped my foot on the lands of this city minutes ago. Before I could say anything further, my thoughts wandered towards my luggage to select the best outfit I can wear. To my amazement, I couldn’t think of a single decent piece of cloth that would suit the occasion and I clenched my teeth so hard, my jaws hurt. I wanted to hold his hand and turn the car towards any of the mall. I was so tired from the whole journey, I pressed myself in the seat and formed a cocoon! I started digging my bags as soon as we reached home and still couldn’t match an outfit to wear for the evening, next day. I gave up altogether. I decided to ditch western clothes and put on my Indian clothes (which, by the way were gifts I received from my mom and in laws during marriage) and accessorize it with whatever little jewelry I was carrying.For once, I didn’t mind feeling out of place because if anyone stared at me, I would stare on their face back with a look “I had no time to shop, please ignore me!”. However weird it may sound, that was the real situation I was in, three years back.

Next day, I was all decked up, ready and waiting to be picked up from home for a good two hours ride on the sea. Hubby came and off we drove towards Dubai creek. As we were parking our car, hubby spotted one of his colleague. I don’t know about the other two men I was walking with, but every step I took towards the cruise contained hell loads of excitement! This was my first cruise ride and I was also getting to meet people hubby worked with.We spotted the boat and to my surprise it was Bateaux Dubai! I had searched about various things to do in Dubai while I was in India and this was surely in my bucket list. It was the luxury that was waiting for us. The boat was lovely with dimmed lighting and dark wood. In few words it was stunning and mesmerizing.

Image – Timeout Dubai

As I hopped onto the boat, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Dubai looked so beautiful even at night! Far off on the opposite shore stood tall buildings all lit up. Hubby introduced me to his bosses and colleagues. We exchanged pleasantries as we walked inside. There were tables of four and six set up all over with enough space to walk in between. We were served with wine and juices with some delicious snacks to enjoy the relaxed evening. Hubby was hovering around meeting his clients. I was more than happy to be joined by a lovely Indian lady whose husband worked with my husband. We chatted non stop about India, children, Dubai, marriage and life in general, all while the band played beautiful soft music in the background. Meanwhile, husbands also joined us at the table with some more of their office colleagues.Buffet was announced open within an hour we started sailing. We helped ourselves through a lavish spread of Lebanese, Indian and International cuisine. After we finished our dinner, we walked towards the upper deck. It was more cold on the upper deck than it was at the lower because the lower deck of the boat is enclosed with glass from all the sides while the upper deck remains open. I have always felt very cold even at the slightest drop in temperature that I go running for jackets and blankets to keep myself warm. I clicked some pictures of the creek, sea, people and rushed down. To my disappointment, party was almost nearing the end and we were already sailing very close to the shore from where we started.

This was just the beginning. I couldn’t thank my hubby enough to tow me along for such a wonderful experience. And yes, not for a second was I made to feel uncomfortable about the clothes I chose to wear for such a lovely evening.