We were collected from the hotel at 2 oclock (a little later than we should) and we were driven through the suburbs towards the airport. I was worried as we didnt have any passports or the crew permit. The handling agent had taken the permit away to get it extended 2 days before and we were, in effect, illegal immigrants. It was strange seeing the UK high street stores in Jeddah, there was Marks and Spencer, Debenhams as well as smaller stores like Next and ELC. I guess thats globalization for you. I saw the two extremes, total poverty and massive wealth side by side. There were Aston Martins driving next to tatty Tata cars with no air conditioning in the 40 degree plus temperatures. It is only by the luck of birth I was born into an English family and I didnt find myself cleaning cars in the desert. We climbed aboard and started the APU to try to cool down the cabin. It was very hot in the plane and I was soon sweating just sitting in the cockpit. The plane was loaded to its maximum take off weight and when the passengers arrived we closed up and set off for Kiev. The passengers were pleased of our little bit of Portugal and soon were enjoying a glass of cold white wine. I have to say I didnt really miss drinking and I did feel better for it when I woke in the morning. Maybe I’ll have a few more dry days!
The flight back to Kiev was good but long. It was nice seeing the sun set over the Saudi desert. When we arrived in Kiev we cleaned and headed to the hotel. I was glad of being back in Europe, the weather suits me more and even Kiev felt like home. |
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