Desert Reflections Blog

January 26, 2023 at approximately 8:30 GST (1230PM EST) I met my son at the International Terminal at the Dubai Airport (DXB). Adrian had been in Dubai since November 2022.

He had spent the previous 6 months in Blackpool(UK) training at the Fleetwood Town Football Club Academy. He was offered a professional trial with their sister club, Tier 2 Fleetwood United in the Dubai Pro League.

Shannon and I had discussed going to visit our son in Dubai, a once in a lifetime trip. It was a little pricey and Shannon suggested I go alone - that Adrian and I have some Father / Son time together. She also said it would be nice to have the place to herself for a while LOL!

I began planning while Adrian was still in the UK - I found a very affordable return flight from Montreal.

James Ward, the football club's director, generously offered to let me use their corporate rate at a trendy four star boutique hotel.

I arranged the time off with my employer and then sealed the deal. A quick hop from Ottawa(YOW) to Montreal(YUL) and then a Swiss Air Flight to Zurich (ZUR) followed by an eight hour layover then Swiss Air again to Dubai. About 26 hours total travel time.

I could barely contain my excitement. The adventure was about to begin!