6.27.2008

What I didn’t blog about this week

I bring you this post from Cairo, Egypt.

If you hadn’t picked up on it, life has been a little hectic at the Martini lounge. After surviving the physical drama of having fifty people converge on our house this past weekend, Max and I had to endure another sort of drama.

For months, Max and his sister planned a family vacation beginning this week in Sharm El Sheikh, a resort town along the Red Sea in Egypt. Through out the year, the family resides in the chaos that is the capital city of Cairo, and a break from life is always welcomed—especially during the harsh heat of summer.

Since we only had one week for this vacation, Max and I decide to fly directly from Germany to Sharm El Sheikh rather than stop over in Cairo. The rest of the family would travel from the city by car and meet us at the resort.

Then Tuesday night, just a few days before the start of the trip, everything changed. Max’s father fell suddenly ill--too ill to travel-- or so we were told. Max couldn’t help but be suspicious of the timing of the event. It’s terrible to admit, but his father can be a bit of a dramatist at times, especially if it will suit his advantage or bring him extra attention. Because his father had resisted the idea making the trek to Sharm by car in previous conversations, Max wondered if this might be the true motive behind the illness.

Max called other family to ascertain the nature of the illness. Opinions were divided about whether the family vacation should be cancelled. However, the deciding voice, Max’s mother said she would not travel to the Red Sea without her husband. She was convinced her husband was not well enough to make the journey. And so, Max changed our flights and opted to go directly to Cairo to be with the family. After all, it didn’t matter where we were as long as it was together.

However, two hours after we’d canceled our reservations, Max’s sister called to say that the father agreed to travel to Sharm El Sheikh after all, but only if he were flown there.

Max had three choices. He could ruin the vacation of his entire family and have us stay in Cairo, he could fly only himself, his father, and me to Sharm El Sheikh and have the rest of the family drive as planned, or he could fly everyone down. Max chose the last option. After we arrived in Cairo today, we made our way to an Egypt Air office and waited in line for two hours in order to make reservations for 7 people.

If all goes well, we’ll leave Cairo Sunday morning, salvage the family vacation, and spend the rest of the week by the Red Sea. It seems everyone is happy with the arrangement, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the rest of the week goes smoothly.

Have I mentioned MY PARENTS come three days after we return home to Germany?

20 comments:

running42k said...

Crazy. Don't you have to reverse the photos on that blog post now?

kenju said...

WOW. I hope his father is sensitive to how much it will cost to fly 7 people - but somehow I doubt it. I hope you can have a good time anyway.

amy turn sharp said...

I hope you find some peace and fun among all the drama! It sounds like the sea will be nice though!!! xxxx

Anonymous said...

Man you guys are some busy people! Enjoy Egypt it looks amazing!

Unknown said...

Mmmm sounds like emotional blackmail.... You, my dear, sound like a trooper... I wouldn't be... Hang in there... Enjoy the resort...at least you woun't be spending the holiday in a box in the City.... Get some sun for me!

Caffienated Cowgirl said...

Oh my...I'm sorry. Just remember to breathe.

Sonja Streuber, PMP(R), SSBB said...

Oh man! And I thought my German grandma was the only one worthy of the "dramaqueen" title!

Sorry you have to deal with this. I know pretty much exactly how you feel, and, oh, do I sympathize!

Paige Jennifer said...

You know that saying, the fastest way to get between point A and point B is a straight line? Your path was the antithesis of that.

Hope the vaca turns out to be great!

AmyB said...

Whoa...guess no one is ever old enough to avoid all drama...so sorry you and Max had to deal with this! Let me guess: his father is STUBBORN!! Ha!

I certainly hope your parents don't have the same affinity, or you are going to go nuts! Good luck - I'm sure you'll have a great time with both sets of family. Just remember: there is always wine and martini's... ;o)~

jaded said...

I've been in the middle of familial power plays before. I don't like it. I hope you guys salvage the family vacation,

Dianne said...

Poor Max! I have an Aunt who pulls stuff like that. There comes a point, out of love and respect, where you just deal with it. Max is a sweet guy.

Enjoy your time together and become selectively deaf, it works!

egan said...

Crikey, you're very very busy. Then the parental units come to town. What a great excuse to go to Germany. Have fun in Egypt.

Anonymous said...

I love the Sonesta resort in Sharm El Sheikh. I'm certain that the both of you are having a fabulous time.

Looking forward to more pics!

*CHEERS*

karey m. said...

aargh!

so glad you get to go...so sorry for the drama and {wowie wow wow} extra expense...

but so glad you'll get to snorkle and scuba to your heart's content!

have a lovely time. hey? why don't i hop over to see you? can max fly me, too?! i'm feeling ill.

{sigh.} it was worth a try.

Unknown said...

Hi Diane... I hope you are having a wonderful time... Stop by my blog when you get back... I have something for you! Tressa

Anonymous said...

Holy schmoly, woman! Life as a German Hausfrau is certainly adventurous, to say the least!!

G in Berlin said...

I miss you in my internet-less world- just checking in and hope that you have a great vacation. I'll try to get the meme done today, in my last night here in the old apt. with internet... sigh.

Airam said...

Have a great time!

gemma said...

You are the busiest couple in the universe. Take pictures. Write often. Have fun and hurry back to get ready for more? Yikes!

Cheryl said...

Wow! Cairo! Have fun :)