I could tell you about the dreams I had while I was sleeping on the plane. But since some people are getting really impatient with my story, I'll just leave that out and get on with my story. 4 hours and 45 minutes later we landed at Baghdad International airport.
An interpreter was supposed to meet me in the arrivals hall. Ever since I was young I hated if there was sb waiting for you with a sign with your name on. So stressing! Especially when you're supposed to wear glasses, and it's almost impossible to read the signs, unless you get really close... and then the people holding up the sign think you're the one they're waiting for. Pfff. I hate it.
So, I already had the shivers once I stepped foot in the very busy hall. Pff, how was I'm going to find this guy...
And then suddenly a tall, dark (for the girls: very handsome) guy walked towards me. "Are you miss Natalie?" he said in perfect English. I was totally overwhelmed. "Euh, yyyes" I stuttered. "I'm Saïd, your interpreter for the next few days."
How the hell did he recognize me?
"They told me you have long blonde hair, and since you're the only one in the entire airport who looks like that, it was kinda obvious" He seemed to read my mind.
He guided me to the exit of the airport, carrying my bag. Handsome, and a gentleman too? There was a car waiting in front of the airport exit. Saïd put my bag in the trunk told me to make myself comfortable in the car and got into the car himself.
"Welcome to Iraq, enjoy your stay" he joked. "Let me tell you what exactely you are supposed to do here. The hotel is only 20 minutes away, if we're lucky. Here in Iraq you never know what's going to happen. Maybe a car bomb on our way..." he said with a wink.