Ḩālat an Na‘īm

This time yesterday, we were jumping in the taxi at our hotel in Ma'Adi (Cairo), and headed for the airport. There were very few cars on the streets at 6 am, plus the fact that many roads were flooded. The taxi had to go through no less than 5 water pools in the road on the way. Jo was flying back home to the US (JFK), where her folks were picking her up (she made it safe and sound by the way). My return flight from Jordan was cancelled, so the whole trip to see Petra was cancelled. I quickly booked a flight to the next scheduled locations, which was Bahrain. Jo's flight was at 9:30 am (mine was at 1:50 PM). So we rode in together, and I planned to hang out at the airport. Jo goes in fine, I get told to wait outside (in the building, but in the front area) until 8. I tried again at 8, they said come back at 9. I came back at 9, they said come back at 11. I finally get in at 1030, after sitting for 4 hours with almost nothing to do as their was no free WiFi at the airport. The remaining 3 hour wait went quickly after I bought some WiFi on the inside, and drank a couple beers. The flight to Bahrain was uneventful, and less than 3 hours, super easy. Upon arrival, we were directed to a bus that took us to a fenced in compound . . . a makeshift medical screening facility. We go in, get issued masks, and told to fill out a medical form. We then lined up for an evaluation, nose swab, details, etc., and we sign forms that we will be quarantined for 14 days in home. We then watched the staff come back out from the screening area shouting names through their masks, to get people to sign their forms. I was first to get done, and the only American, so was easy for me. All the others spread out in the waiting area, so they staff had to walk all over the room until they found each individual. Once that was complete, they sent our tests to the lab for analysis. While waiting (at about 8:30 PM) the staff finally realizes we are not getting out anytime soon, so they bring in airline food for everyone. The usual chicken or beef options, and the rest of the tray. By 9:30 PM, the air conditioners are working overtime, and the whole facility is getting pretty cold. So seeing everyone shivering, I asked the staff if they can turn down the AC . . . 15 minutes later they bring in a bunch of blankets. We have been in the process for 4 hours at this point, with almost no information on what is going on. Finally, at about 4 am, we get the word that all tested NEGATIVE, and we were ready to complete the immigration process. That takes another hour, and we finally get the word that 14 day quarantine was not required. We are free to enjoy life from outside a locked room (I don't think I could stand going to prison, holy hell). Here I am now, in Bahrain, and ready for the hash tomorrow, and the INTERGULF hash event next weekend. So will be here at least a week . . . but then what? Time will tell.Read more