Three Firemen and a Girl in Leopard Pajamas

“Firefighters save more than homes. They save hearts, memories and dreams.” – Whole Truth Project

The day I had been waiting for finally arrived. In a few hours, I would be hopping on a plane and traveling to the United Arab Emirates. The last few weeks leading up to my vacation had been a whirlwind of unexpected challenges. I was happy to leave the real world behind.

As I was doing my last-minute packing and contemplating whether I had enough time to squeeze in a few hours at my cousin’s daughter’s birthday party, the phone rang. My friend, Elaine, who I would be meeting in Dubai, called to go over a few, last-minute items. She asked, “Did you pack an umbrella?”

I had not. I decided to grab one from the closet, as well as my poncho from my car trunk. Out the door I flew in pajamas and flip flops. Yes, there was snow on the ground, but I was heading to sunny skies and warmer weather. I was already in vacation mode.

Being the overly efficient person I am, I had separated my car keys from my house keys. My house keys were packed in my travel purse. My car keys were in my everyday, work pocketbook. As I ran my last minute list through my head, I did not realize I was only grabbing my car key and not my house keys.

Poncho in hand, I made my way back to my building, only to realize my house keys and phone were inside. I tried the windows, but they were locked. What was meant to be a few snowy steps in flip flops and leopard, flannel pajamas turned into a trek through piles of snow to navigate to the front of the building.

I rang every single unit, hoping one of my neighbors would let me in. Finally, the door opened. Now, I just needed to figure out how to get into my condo. Sigh.

Lucky for me, two of my neighbors were around to assist. One gave me a needle and a knife, which I used to try to break into my place. Messing with a lock seems so simple in the movies. But, this was a not a movie. This was me trying to figure out how to enter my apartment, shower, attend a party, then head to the airport for a 12-hour red-eye.

One neighbor gave me the solution. He told me to call the fire department. As my phone was in my place, my other neighbor phoned them for me. She said I was lucky I would be greeting them in my sexy pajamas. I had to laugh at such a thought, as my pajamas were flannel, and I needed a shower.

Within minutes, two firemen and a fire-woman arrived to rescue me. One of the guys was able to enter my place and let me in. They advised me to make a spare key for them in case I ever locked myself out in the future.

After my initial panic, I felt exhilarated and grateful. I knew adventure was on the horizon. All my worries washed away as I was drawn into the moment. I knew my vacation would be intense.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to the wonderful Wakefield Fire Department. Thanks for my rescue and Dubai sendoff.

Tip: Give your fire department a spare set of house keys so they can easily enter your home if you ever lock yourself out.

More blogs from this trip:

• Touchdown: Dubai
• Dubai: Kite Beach
• Dubai: Pierchic, Where the Sun Kisses the Ocean
• The Dubai Fountain, The Dubai Mall
• Jumeirah Grand Mosque, Dubai: Open Doors. Open Minds.
• Alexandra Dhow Cruise in the Dubai Marina
• Dubai City Tour
• Red Dune Safari with Sand Boarding, UAE
• Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
• Burj Al Arab, Dubai
• The Dubai Frame, UAE
• Observatory Bar & Grill, Dubai Marina

Pictures:

• View more UAE pictures.
• Check out my travel pictures.

Tags: Dubai, Firemen, Pajamas, Wakefield Fire Department