Yesterday had to be one of the worst days of my life and also one of my best. In my typical modus operandi I shall talk about the good things that happened first. This is a technique that all should adopt. My the end of telling you about the good things I will have forgotten the bad ones.
Modus Operandi is a “distinct pattern or method of operation especially that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime.” Obviously I am not talking about a crime, instead speaking of focusing first on the good rather than the bad. Another simpler definition: a particular way or method of doing something, especially one that is characteristic or well-established. My characteristic view of the world is optimistic.
I suppose it might also be helpful to look at A New Dawn, A New Day which is idiomatic, its meaning: a new beginning; a fresh start; an important, promising turning point.
That is how it feels today, this afternoon after making some changes that promised a turning point. I developed a different point of view, which gave me courage to move in a different direction. It was most rewarding.
Looking back at the day, I formed the following question.to understand
Me: What saved me? What saved the day?
Alter Ego: What answer did you come up with?
Me: Saudi men. There were about six, even perhaps eight of them, that made a contribution.
Alter Ego: What is so special about a Saudi man?
Me: They are so kind, so sensitive, so helpful, so attentive, so giving. In different ways, different modus operandi, so to speak. But it stems from a genuine goodness.
Alter Ego: Where does that come from, do you think?
Me: I discussed it with a Saudi man today. Two sources, I believe. These particular men had a great relationship with their mothers, they adored and respected their mothers. Held them in high esteem. This is an example, a Saudi men and I were discussing sexual matters. Most men consider me their mother and it was that sort of discussion.
Me: Would you every discuss this with your ‘real’ mother.
He: Never! I would never discuss such matters with my mother.
Me: I can understand that. It would be embarrassing and demeaning.
He: Exactly!!
I have no idea if sharing their qualities (of being helpful, attentive, and giving) are shared with others. I have not questioned any of them about this. I do think my age, qualities that remind them of their mothers, bring out this quality. I will have to ask them.
Another absolutely essential source of inspiration to a Saudi man HAS to be the country in which he lives. It is orderly, non exploitive, fair, full of opportunity for all. They are proud of their country. All of the men I met serve it in some capacity. One man, my companion in Business Class on my Saudi flight back to Riyadh worked in Tabuk for the Air Force. We spent the two hours in rapt conversation.. We spoke of the Islamic Faith, finding almost complete agreement on many matters. This was most amazing because I am hardly a ‘traditional’ Muslim.
Rapt is a great word that describes our conversation. Rapt, an adjective, means completely fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing; indicating or characterized by a state of fascination; filled with an intense and pleasurable emotion; enraptured. The synonyms will place you in bliss enthralled, spellbound, captivated, riveted, gripped, mesmerized, enchanted, entranced, charmed, bewitched, transported, enraptured; thrilled, ecstatic, rapturous, blissed out.
Our mesmerizing, riveting, blissed out conversation was not limited to matters of the faith. Told him some tales of my rather unusual existence, we were laughing away at how improbable everything was. The flight attendant, so politely, whispered that we needed to quiet down as someone had complained about our noise. We laughed, like two little kids caught doing something nasty. So we whispered in each other’s ears and toned the volume down. We playfully sought out our accused. We knew that the individual that caused the flight attendant to speak to us was uninterested, inattentive. Glancing about we playfully looked to find the culprit.
He: I think it is the man in front of us. He is trying to sleep.
Me: I think you are right. He probably did not speak English, so was not enthralled with our conversation. Did not understand a word we were saying and my raucous laugh most irritated him. He could not join in the laughter as he could not understand what was so funny. We are excellent detectives.
Things are about to turn bad and then turn good again. So hold on, help, self help actually will be on the way.
We arrived at Riyadh and my hero (hereinafter called AFAG Air Force Amazing Guy) waited for the wheelchair with me, walked with me all the way to baggage claim but in a gentleman Saudi way spoke the following words.
He: I am collecting my baggage. Your driver will be waiting for you. Best you not wait for me.
So my pusher pushed but there was no driver to be found, even though they had been altered to my change in flight (another story). But worry not, a Saudi man resembling MBS with great airport authority called the hotel. The Hilton Hs only SAraabic speaking people answering the phone,(not awfully helpful Hilton). He was assured that ta driver would arrive in 15 minutes. He did not. Another disaster occurred 1) My phone was running out of battery and 2) I had to urinate. Desperate times as I was in a wheelchair with my luggage. I looked up and there was my pusher. He pushed me to the Loo, a wonderful woman, working in the Loss, said she would charge my phone. Hoeever, I took matters into my own hands.
Me: Please push me to the taxi stand and I will get my own cab. Should have done that in the first place. Men are so unreliable.
He did not respond as he does not speak English. But he pushed, got the taxi and arrived at the Hilton Hotel and Residences. I was SO angry, but I knew that I should not deal with the situation in a state of rage.
A man I know and love opened the taxi door.
Me: Please hold my hand. I am such a state of rage I need your helpf.
He held my hand, another called to bring the luggage. A Saudi man greeted me. I explained my dilemma, he was so charming and helpful. Found me a room ( had arrived a day early).
Me: I just love Saudi man. Why did it take me 80 years to find one?
He: It is never too late.
Me; Apparently not!!
The next day, when I was calm went to the Budget desk. I learned from the Concierge Desk that they had provided the driver with my telephone number eventually. The driver was being resourceful and had obtained my number from the Concierge Desk. (He arrived one hour and fifteen minutes after the call from the Saudi man).
Me: You must supply the number with the passenger’s number.
He: There is no where to write it on the from.
Me: There must be a solution to that.
A day later when to the Budget Desk.
He: I decided to solve the problem, I will receive the telephone number from the Concierge Desk and give it to the driver before they leave.
Me: That makes me SO incredibly happy. WE made a difference. The Islamic Faith tells you that life is most difficult and the very most we can do as believers is to try to lessen the suffering of others. WE have.
I promised a happy ending and you got one.
Photograph was taken in the First Class Lounge of the Tabuk Airport. The Saudi man took my photo and tagged me on Instagram and now I have more ways to communicate with the world. I promised a happy ending and you got one.
The other horror stories of the day involved getting to the Tabuk Airport late, finding that I had no ticket (the fault of Lauren at the Travel Guru in Edmonton and a person at the Hilton Conceirage Desk. TAFTSS had to leave my side at some point but he was replaced by three Saudi men who carried my luggage to the airplane. I said to the crowds.
Me: Look at me. I have three men helping me. I do not need a husband. I got three men to help me. The women, mostly Saudi, looked a bit surprised.
I woke the next morning to find a room with no view. I went down to the Check In Desk. A wonderful Saudi woman and I found a perfect solution. Then a Saudi man by the name of Ali moved my stuff from that room to another. More about my new room and his other essential contribution will follow.
I am typing from AmBar. I no longer go to the Buffet Breakfast. The food delicious but for many reasons it is not longer my breakfast destination. I am going on a tour of Riyadh today. I just said to one of my helpers.
Me: I do not want to leave my Hilton. Just want to stay here. But I guess I have to go and see the City.
He: We will be here to welcome you upon your return.
Me: I know. It makes me so happy.
More later. I hope I can find the photo. I am pretty sure I can. There may be some typos in the text. No time to check for them. You get what you pay for and you got this for nothing. Hahaha.
