My flight from Sharjha, United Arab Emirates to India was a smooth one. I arrived at the hotel via a pre-paid taxi, but I am looking forward to taking a ride in one of those Tuks Tuks. My appointment at the clinic is this afternoon so I will eat breakfast and get some much needed rest before heading out.
Leaving Sharja Airport
Arriving at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
My Hotel Room in India
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
I LOVE Dubai!
I have truly enjoyed my short time in Dubai and it is truly a city that meshes East with West. Fortunately, I will be back in Dubai on Friday for another night before heading back to New York City. Here are some of the highlights of thus far and a mini trip review:
Emirates Airlines
What can I say, Emirates ROCKS! They are hands down the best airlines I have flown thus far in my lifetime. They are based in Dubai and their Emirates College where they train their staff and crew is near my hotel. From the hot towels they give to wipe your hands to the choice of entrees (lamb or chicken) to the headset, to the ICE entertainment system with your own personal TV and choice of recent movies from theaters and current hot American TV shows, it is no surprise why Emirates is ranked as high as they are.
I watched 3 movies during my flight from the UK to Dubai: "Fast & Furious Five", "Columbiana", & "Rise Planet of the Apes." I was also able to watch a few episodes of "The Vampire Diaries"
Diera City Centre
Diera is a huge, and I mean huge shopping mall in Diera, Dubai. I am spending the afternoon here because I have to catch an Air Arabia shuttle bus at a very nice hotel across the street at 8:30 PM Gulf Time. I could definitely shop until I drop here...
Next Stop: Sharjha International Airport where I will take a straight flight on Air Arabia to Ahmedabad, India. I had no idea Air Arabia flies to over 16 cities in India non-stop.
Emirates Airlines
What can I say, Emirates ROCKS! They are hands down the best airlines I have flown thus far in my lifetime. They are based in Dubai and their Emirates College where they train their staff and crew is near my hotel. From the hot towels they give to wipe your hands to the choice of entrees (lamb or chicken) to the headset, to the ICE entertainment system with your own personal TV and choice of recent movies from theaters and current hot American TV shows, it is no surprise why Emirates is ranked as high as they are.
I watched 3 movies during my flight from the UK to Dubai: "Fast & Furious Five", "Columbiana", & "Rise Planet of the Apes." I was also able to watch a few episodes of "The Vampire Diaries"
Stairs leading up to two large bathrooms on either side...
Dubai International Airport
Dubai is an international hotspot and the Emirates Concourse alone is the size of major airport in the United States. The Emirates concourse is huge, so be prepared to do a lot of walking. Customs can get crowded, but I changed my currency, got my Visa after waiting on a long line and then it was off to the hotel.
Premiere Inn
This is a UK hotel chain with several locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I arrived from Dubai International Aiport around 2:30 am and I was immediately accommodated. All of the staff was warm and friendly. The hotel has a fitness center, rooftop pool and they even have adapters for American power/charger cords. They also have many USA and UK cable channels to view. I will be staying here again on Friday when I return to Dubai from India.
Dubai is an international hotspot and the Emirates Concourse alone is the size of major airport in the United States. The Emirates concourse is huge, so be prepared to do a lot of walking. Customs can get crowded, but I changed my currency, got my Visa after waiting on a long line and then it was off to the hotel.
Premiere Inn
This is a UK hotel chain with several locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I arrived from Dubai International Aiport around 2:30 am and I was immediately accommodated. All of the staff was warm and friendly. The hotel has a fitness center, rooftop pool and they even have adapters for American power/charger cords. They also have many USA and UK cable channels to view. I will be staying here again on Friday when I return to Dubai from India.
Diera City Centre
Diera is a huge, and I mean huge shopping mall in Diera, Dubai. I am spending the afternoon here because I have to catch an Air Arabia shuttle bus at a very nice hotel across the street at 8:30 PM Gulf Time. I could definitely shop until I drop here...
The mall has a huge grocery store as well so, I am stocking up on lots of Gatorade for Egg Retrieval in India!
Next Stop: Sharjha International Airport where I will take a straight flight on Air Arabia to Ahmedabad, India. I had no idea Air Arabia flies to over 16 cities in India non-stop.
Labels:
Air Arabia,
Dubai,
Emirates Airlines,
Self-Cycle
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas from the United Kingdom!
Merry Christmas! I left New York City last night and I am now in London, England by the grace of God. I flew out on American Airlines and I must say they made our Christmas Eve a nice one. We had a Christmas Eve dinner with gravy, chicken, mash potatoes, salad, rolls, cheese and crackers, dessert and unlimited beverages. I have a 4 hour lay over here and then it is on to Dubai! I will be in Dubai tonight and tomorrow and I look forward to doing some sightseeing before flying on to India. Wishing Anu and Annette and Mark safe flights to India...
Labels:
American Airlines,
DE IVF,
Emirates Airlines,
Flights,
Self-Cycle,
Travel,
United Kingdom
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Incredible Travisa...
Today was a good day and I went to my appointment at the Indian Travisa Office at 316 East 53rd St, New York, NY. This Travisa office only processes Indian Visas. My appointment was at 9:20 AM and I must say that that my appointment went smoothly. When you walk up to the building, there is security and a line outside. Security checks you appointment time and you are either told to cut your cell phone off and go upstairs because it is close to your appointment time or you are told to wait online outside until it is closer to your appointment.
Once you reach the second floor you are greeted by a room full of INCREDIBLE INDIA campaign pictures, and a friendly multi-cultural yet efficient staff who check all of your documents at an initial check point. Everything moves quickly, because Travisa has you fill your Indian Visa application online.
Once you pass the initial check point you are sent to a second line to turn in your Visa application, Passport, 2 passport size photos and pay your Visa fee. I got a 6 month Tourist Visa and I only had to pay $76. There are no extra fees or outsourcing fees. My Visa application was sent to the Indian Consulate today (an email from Travisa about an hour after I left confirmed this) and my Visa will be available for pick-up tomorrow or Friday between the hours of 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM and I will be notified by email and a text to my cell phone when my Passport/Visa are ready for pick-up.
I loved going to Travisa in person and I loved the fact that I could hand my Passport over to them and not worry about mailing it in. I would highly recommend going into the Travisa office as they are definitely organized and make the process for getting an Indian Visa a smooth one.
Currently on Follistim :)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
On Lupron...
I can't believe how time has flown by since Thanksgiving, and in 2 weeks I will be headed to India. I had my baseline appointment and first ultrasound with my Dr. in NYC and right now I am on Lupron. My Dr. in NYC and my Dr. in India have been in contact recently regarding the progress of my cycle, and all is good!
Lupron prevents premature release of eggs from the ovaries. Lupron is a very small daily subcutaneous injection given just under the skin. Now I am waiting for a bleed since I am off BCP's, so I can start Follistim, the medication that will grow my follicles where the eggs are contained.
My appointment with Travisa is at the beginning of next week. I am so thankful I live in New York City. I will be going into the Travisa office in person and my Visa should be processed for same day pick-up later that evening!
Praying I start stims by Friday...
Labels:
Gestational Surrogacy,
India,
Self-Cycle,
Travisa
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