Woke early and offered my 4:57 Fajr prayer. Examined comments made by new friends on Instagram, while sipping espresso coffee. Today is the day after Christmas – a nothing day in the USA but a holiday in Canada and the UK. Search for memories of prior Boxing Days – recovering only one. Boxing Day 2022. Edmonton, cold, just returned from my Umrah pilgrimage. It was spent entirely alone, in seclusion, probably reading Martin Lings’ Biography of the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). An inspiring book, should be required reading for all those born in the Islamic Faith. It is based on the earliest sources, one is led through the life of our beloved Prophet. The Believer understands the sacrifices made, the hardships suffered. Then the joys of Medina – how essential Medina was for the flourishing of the Islamic Faith. It MUST become a MUST read. It never will be however, because there is no money to be made from it. The practice of the faith has turned into a vast money making scheme centered, it seems to me around the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Realize that I have been promising an exposé but not delivering.
What is an exposé? ˌekspōˈzā A report of the facts about something, especially a journalistic report that reveals something scandalous. Its synonyms reveal all: disclosure, exposure, uncovering, divulgence; scandal; scoop. It is the opposite of a cover-up.
Why have I not delivered? Well it seemed a conflict of interest to be disclosing, exposing the severe chaos when residing in the Medina Oberio Hotel. The hotels very existence is dependent upon the Prophet’s Mosque. It had to wait until I was safely away. I am safely away, with good thoughts and memories of my time there, but gone. But you are not going to get the scoop today, or tomorrow, or the next day. I need a rest, some relaxation and I am getting it.
The day yawns before me. No idea where that phrase comes from, so Googled it. Discovered that yawning is contagious for the following reason:
“Yawning may be related to a phenomenon called social mirroring (originating from mirror neurons in the brain), where we imitate the actions of others if we think it will benefit us or strengthen social bonds. Other behaviors that fall into this category include leg crossing and laughing.” All vertebrates yawn, from fish and birds to wolves and horses. here are only three species that yawn contagiously, however: humans, chimpanzees, and the family of wolves and dogs.
That piece of knowledge shall not, in any way, change my life, but it is interesting. I am, as usual, all alone. Therefore, I will neither catch a yawn or throw one at anyone else. If I had a dog or a chimpanzee we would be yawning together. No need for either of those – nor a husband at this time. LOL.
Wrote the above. Looked out at the day, found the temperature most conductive for a walk (68 degrees fahrenheit) so got dressed and set out, making my way across the immense grounds of this hotel. I stopped, made a video of the Ritz Kids place to send to Grandson Hamza, kept walking. There was a gym, happened upon an energetic and fun aerobics class. It looked like fun! Found the door and joined. I only lasted half way through but it was such fun – could not believe it! I could modify the moves easing the pain of my left knee. I definitely will go back. What a blessing!!!! There I was, keeping up at the ripe old age of 80. I was proud of myself.
Emerged from the building to find a waiting golf cart and a chauffeur from Bangladesh, a Muslim who drove around the immense grounds. We stopped to talk to a MacKaw called Jasmine, looked at the expensive guest villas, the private yacht harbor. We spoke of the evils of money and riches. He dropped me off at the entrance.
Me: (with English accent). Thank you chauffeur for dropping me off in my limousine.
He: You are welcome Madam.
Me: (to the staff greeting at the door) He was most kind. I have come home.
The Staff: Welcome home, Alexis
Then breakfast at the breakfast buffet. Spoke to the Maitre d’ on the way out.
Me: I had a truly international breakfast this morning. Began with croissants (French), then had Rice Krispies (USA) ending with Chinese dim sum. It was such fun to sample the cuisine of different nations.
Also spoke to a young woman from the Philippines. She is thinking of starting a blog. We chatted for a long time, and in doing so realized many things for the first time.
Me: Sometimes in life you reach a crossroads. I think there is a Robert Frost poem about different paths taken. I left California, got a student visa to live in London, thinking it was just for about two years and then I would return to my old life. It did not happen. The blog began in London and that utterly, completely and entirely changed my life. You must be experiencing that, leaving your country of origin.
She: I did! I love working in this hotel but I need a little more, That is why I am thinking of writing a blog.
Me: It worked for me. That is for sure.
Then walked in the vast lobby. A woman greeted me by name and we began speaking. Fascinating woman with an interesting background. She is a Bahrainin, speaks only English but can read and write Arabic. One side of her family is from Italy. We spoke for the longest time, decided to continue the conversation two days later. I did not ask her how old she was, She has not had children (on purpose) and is unmarried. She is a Muslim.
Then to my room to write. My room was impeccably cleaned with great thoroughness. My pills and bathroom supplies ordered. A vase appeared for gifted flowers. The housekeeping services in this hotel are superior to any that I have seen. Later spoke to a gracious Ghanian woman who supervised the staff. She too was doing an excellent job Never had that experience in a hotel before. Mashallah
Have an appointment to get my finger nails painted and will go to the unbelievable spa with a Venus de Milo resplendent in the midst of the water. Will have to take a photo.
More time has passed, it is sunset so time for payer. My nails are a pretty pink. Afterwards to the spa – the jacuzzi unbelievably luxuriant. Never been at one so lush. You do not get a photo because they are prohibited – just have to use your imagination. More relaxation, sipping ginger tea in a subdued quiet room. So restful, so relaxing, so everything.
This hotel is huge, cannot find my way most of the time. But helpful staff are always there, guiding the way. Unfortunately one never learns. It is resembles finding one’s bearings in a new city. If you drive you quickly learn to navigate but if you are driven, you never learn. Same thing. The fab concierge Sunny has promised to draw a map for me. The staff will do anything for me. Do remember that, with its innuendo.
They: We will do anything for you Madam
Me: Anything?????
Guess that I will send this off. Do realize I have not spoken of my heart stopping Christmas Eve – nor my restful and indulgent Christmas Day. But shall do so later.
Summary of the Day’s Events.
- The Best Boxing Day of my Entire Life
- Was convinced that the Medina Oberio Hotel was Almost Jannah. The Bahrain Ritz Carlton is a rung up the ladder. Therefore it must be Verging on Jannah or Nigh On Jannah. More about why in continuing blog.
Attachments to blog will consist of two reels. One of the Ritz Kids Playground. The other sent by Medina Man (who has other nicknames). It is powerful providing great ideas about boycotting Christmas shopping. There is a photo of the view from my room. The view from my Oberio Hotel looked like I was in jail. Looking back now, experiencing this freedom and luxury it does seem that the Oberio was incarceration. But just like in a game of Monopoly I got a Get Out of Jail Free card. Hahaha LOL. Also a photo of the beach in the foreground, the city in the distance.
