Original date- March 1st. First day of R&R

My first day of R&R, what a bust. No hugs or kisses for me. I can't use my charge card or get money out and my room in Dubai ended up costing twice what I was quoted and then it was dirty and I got bit by something. I'm taking this opportunity to rest and write and read. Things I have not been able to do since leaving home. I am committed to making the best of things. I reported the pest, got housekeeping to come up and had a very expensive meal..wha-la! Who needs a genie when you have positivity! I'm sure I could get a taxi to town, but what's the point? I'm tired and I was up all the night before sick as a dog from a nasty experience at a DFAC and this morning was exausting! A great thing happened in the form of a foreign co-worker that is also on vacation. I bumped into him on my way out and he was so helpful, having done a prior R&R. I stupidly sent away the only guy that was there to help navigate my way out, because I fiqured why should we both be misable. It was cold out and we played the hurry up and wait game and the indoor terminal was restricted to us- being contracted to our competitor, so no sitting out of the weather. Unbelieveable! I was layered in clothing, coat and winter boots and still I froze. Most were not dressed for this kind of weather, so I'm blessed for all good things. Next stop is Paris and I hoping for better days...but I'll be home after that and it's all part of the experience!