Return home

No matter where you travel you always look forward to returning home, home to the ones you love and returning from Umrah is no exception.

After all rituals and formalities were done for our Umrah we were left with the rush of getting last minute shopping, getting bags packed, making sure its not overweight, checking out of hotel room before 12pm although bus only scheduled to collect us at 1pm. NOTE - if you staying at this hotel "name withheld for legal reasons"  - if they tell you check out is at 12 you got to be out at 12. As we found out that at 12 they cut off your electricity and you cannot gain access to your room.

Bags loaded in bus, everyone ready to leave but the yearning to return is always so strong. I must confess that for me the bus drive from Madinah was more difficult.

Jeddah airport is always busy but with most this on Umrah with a bit of sabr we got checked-in and went thru formalities to get to to the international departure lounge and still had plenty of time to spare.

For this flight kids were apprehensive about the airline food as they did not enjoy the "cuisine" offered on the inbound flight and I decided best to get a good meal before were departed Jeddah.

We finally arrived at Cape Town International Airport and we are home, back with loved ones, family, friends and neighbours.

Well as all return Hajji's we also had to "dress up" - it took sometime for some of us but it was well worth the wait.

We get home and see all our loved ones and all the special treats that was prepared for us.

Then there was our loved ones that missed us - see how much she missed him. 

There will always for highlights that comes to memory - like - waiting to break our fast 

Feeling something on your head and wondering - is it? could it be?

RAIN !!!! 

Taking cover from the rain

Finding all means to keep record of page your are reciting 

Seeing your daughter enjoy her well deserved dessert

There are also sights that amuse you - like EVERYONE being a photographer. 

Then just strolling the streets - absorbing the sight, sound and fragrances that will never be forgotten

The special sight - like the worlds BIGGEST hand written quraan - 

Then there is also the remembrance of things we didnt get to do but its already on our to-do-list for our return INSHA-ALLAH 

BIG SHUKRAN (thank you) to my wife and children for all the sacrifices we have endured and for being wonderful travel companions and most importantly being satisfied with what life threw at us. LOVE YOU. 

Shukran also to all friends, families, fellow travelers we met along the way and also my blog followers . 

Shukran  to Khikmatul Awaam all your assistance and making our Umrah hassle-free and to Sheikh Imraan for going the extra mile.