The Greatest Journey - Part 4

My last 3 episodes demonstrated the spiritual aspects of Hajj. However Hajj comprises of many other kind of experiences as well. Patience, joy, sorrow, fun, adventure, bonding, surprise and the list goes on. In the coming episodes, I will try to recollect some of those precious memories from the cherished voyage. It will be like glimpse of scenarios.

Moment of Surprise # 1:
We were at the Jeddah airport. After the long exhausting journey, we were finally in the land of Saudi Arab. Our test of patience had started even before we started our journey on the plane and now it seemed to be in the peak (although it was nothing as the whole journey had more tests in front of us). It was just the beginning I should say. We were kind of stranded at the airport. Waiting for guides from our tour package to come and lead us to our destination. Only two things in our mind ‘when are we going to reach a place to rest’? ‘When are we getting some food to eat?’.

Allah gave us a food that we usually long for in Delaware. Halal Fried Chicken! I would never imagine in my dream that the first food we will get in the land of Saudi Arab is Fried Chicken. That was a surprise for me. It was more than sufficient after being starved for quite long hours. It was warm, very tasty and to me the best food we could get at that moment.

Moment of Surprise # 2:
Tasfia apa is our roommate! Our names were together in the random sampling. She is the first person we got very familiar with in the Dulles airport. She as well as we were very happy. It was just the beginning of the bonding.

Moment of Surprise # 3:
We are in Makkah Hilton! A 5 star Hotel!! Few steps away from Kabah. The room and amenities made me think twice whether we are in Makkah for Hajj, or in Cancun for vacation!

Moment of Surprise # 4:
The dinner buffet at the top of the Hotel! All the foods! The view of Kabah area from window was uncomfortable as we were having all those luxury foods while people from the streets were eating we don’t know what! I could never sit by the window and look at them.