22 December 2005

Off we go...

In Gaza things never happen they way you plan them.

We're leaving already tomorrow. Early friday morning me, my three children and a cousin (a 30-year old big policeman - good travel company!) will set for Rafah with our four big bags. You might remember my last visit in Rafah, so you know I'm not looking forward to it. Of course, now things are completely different (so they say anyway). However, this crossing is now ONLY for holders of the palestinian ID "hawyia" so actually I'm not allowed to go through. We have spoken to the egyptian embassy and they said "no problem - she will pass", I've spoken to the swedsih embassy and they said "you might pass, you might not - give it a try!", some of my friends said "surely you will pass" some said "surely you wont pass". Needless to say I cannot sleep at night.

If I don't pass I will have to rearrange the whole trip to Erez and arrange for permission to go through there...

If I pass we will continue to Cairo (which will take us the whole day) and stay at a relative's house (the sister of my husband's sisters husband) until end of december when my flight will leave from Sharm el Sheikh (also another day's trip) in the evening, arrive at midnight in Frankfurt where my husband will meet up with us. We'll take the flight to Stockholm from there a few hours later and arrive in the morning. Somehow "InshaAllah" suits very well here.

So we have a loooong trip ahead of us.

Of course I will need to blog some last impressions later on. Thank you all for this wonderful time and as soon as possible I'll continue blogging!

13 comments:

lisoosh said...

Wow. When you decide to leave, you really leave, fast.
I know how hard it is to travel with small children, even under normal circumstances (hint, take lots of lollipops and wipes). Hope the journey is fast and smooth and you are reunited with your husband in a few days.
I look forward to hearing how your return to Sweden goes. In the meantime, enjoy Cairo and G-d be with you.

Choco Pie said...

Best wishes for a safe trip.

Nejma said...

I wish you a safe trip Imaan, inch'allah! I've travelled quite a bit with my 2 children and fruit, bisquits and small toys do wonders when the kids get tired of being still. I'm looking forward to hear that you are safe and sound back in Sweden. God bless!

Anonymous said...

I hope you will arrive safe and sound in Sweden again! I hope your trip will go as easily as possible!

Please continue blogging when you are back in Sweden,

I wish you all the best!

Anonymous said...

Dear Imaan, I wish you and your children the very best for a safe and happy journey. I really hope it goes well. Enjoy Cairo, and your reunion with your husband. It is funny that, although Stockholm is nearer to me in London, it feels as if you are going further away, because you have made your life in Gaza seem so familiar through this blog. Thank you so much for everything you have written and showed us. With much love

MomTo5 said...

Salaam!
Wow...are you already leaving...i am in Stockholm now at my brother and leaving for Syria tomorrow insch allah.I hope you have an safe trip and take care.Lots of love from Johanna.

Living Away said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Living Away said...

you are fast!
i wish you and your family a very smooth travel back home!
good luck, imaan!
you know, at the end everything will be fine!

Anonymous said...

Thank YOU for this blog. I hope you won't abandon it?!

.. and yes i wish you light travel and no problems at any stage..

Salam. Omar

Anonymous said...

Safe travels and all the best to you and your beautiful family! I hope you keep blogging from Sweden!

Anonymous said...

Thank You and Good Luck

Laila said...

Yousuf and I will miss your brief company Imaan...still in my quest to find an appropriate preschool for him...

Laila
p.s. curious what did anony-mouse number 1 say? email me when you get home

أبو سنان said...

Goood luck! Masalaama!