The Long Trip Home
An unforgettable experience ...31 total reviews
Comment from Marilyn Hamilton
I can't imagine being so far from home in a foreign country and have that happen. Talk about feeling powerless. When i was younger I used to dream of traveling to different countries but I never did and I am fine with it. I can watch documentaries from my safe space lol Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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I can't imagine being so far from home in a foreign country and have that happen. Talk about feeling powerless. When i was younger I used to dream of traveling to different countries but I never did and I am fine with it. I can watch documentaries from my safe space lol Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 04-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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We did a lot of travelling . Both my husband and I had done a lot of international travel, but this was a first for the children. Thank you for the nice review, and for the good wishes.
Wendy
Comment from GoWiSt
Wow, I can't even imagine what it's like to be in or near a war/conflict zone. The Gulf war of the '90s was no picnic and I liken it to the current Gaza/Palestine and Ukraine conflicts today--terrifying for those in those regions. It may have been a long trip home, but thank goodness you all made it back alive and relatively okay. Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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Wow, I can't even imagine what it's like to be in or near a war/conflict zone. The Gulf war of the '90s was no picnic and I liken it to the current Gaza/Palestine and Ukraine conflicts today--terrifying for those in those regions. It may have been a long trip home, but thank goodness you all made it back alive and relatively okay. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 04-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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Thank you very much, for your super review and good wishes. There was a lot of international tension prior to the Gulf War, but that was quickly and decisively sorted with "Desert Storm".
Wendy
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
I had to laugh that the first thing done on your flight out was open the alcohol, lol!
Who had decided that the men would not be granted exit visas? The Saudi government or the American government?
What a trying experience, and so difficult as you were essentially a single mother in a strange location for so many months. I guess the ending could have been worse.
Thanks for sharing your story.
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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I had to laugh that the first thing done on your flight out was open the alcohol, lol!
Who had decided that the men would not be granted exit visas? The Saudi government or the American government?
What a trying experience, and so difficult as you were essentially a single mother in a strange location for so many months. I guess the ending could have been worse.
Thanks for sharing your story.
xo
Pam
Comment Written 04-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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It would not have been the Americans. It could well have been our Australian government. The Saudis probably threatened financial punishment if the men did not stay to fulfil the government contract. As it was they had a lot of extra expense to evacuate and support the women and children. Thank you very much for this thoughtful review. I appreciate it a lot.
Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
That was quite the harrowing tale. Being separated as a family, with no home to go back to. That's got to be an uneasy feeling. Especially, with three small children. There were o easy answers for any of you. I really enjoyed reading this. Gretchen
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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That was quite the harrowing tale. Being separated as a family, with no home to go back to. That's got to be an uneasy feeling. Especially, with three small children. There were o easy answers for any of you. I really enjoyed reading this. Gretchen
Comment Written 04-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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Thank you very much Gretchen for your understanding eview,
Wendy
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Harrowing! The would have given bed mites fright, as well as me. And here I thought the war ended in a week - eek! Anyhow, there's no place like homem so said Dorothy (the Wizard of Oz)
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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Harrowing! The would have given bed mites fright, as well as me. And here I thought the war ended in a week - eek! Anyhow, there's no place like homem so said Dorothy (the Wizard of Oz)
Comment Written 04-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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I think the war was over within a matter of days, but from August 1990 to Feb 1991 there were very tense negotiations trying to sort it without resorting to war. Thank you for reviewing. I'm always glad to see your name.
Wendy
Comment from royowen
As I've said before we had friends that worked in Dubai, but I can remember as if yesterday, but it was after the wars in Iraq, but I remember the heat, and cool wet place of the Lake District in England. It must have been a scary time in Arabia, but quite an adventure for the kids especially, quite an experience for you, well done, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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As I've said before we had friends that worked in Dubai, but I can remember as if yesterday, but it was after the wars in Iraq, but I remember the heat, and cool wet place of the Lake District in England. It must have been a scary time in Arabia, but quite an adventure for the kids especially, quite an experience for you, well done, blessings Roy
Comment Written 04-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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Thank you for reviewing. Yes it was quite different, and because SA had Mecca and Medina, the two holy cities for Muslims, it was extremely strict with morals police, and public beheadings occasionally. But we enjoyed the experience.
Wendy
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Well done
Comment from BethShelby
Living in the the US we only heard was going on in that part of the world in the nightly news so we weren't that affected. It was good to hear in from your prospective. What an adventure although an anxious and stressful one. Everyone journey is different and interesting. Getting to live in a foreign country is something I will never experience but hearing what it is like from someone who has broads my world a bit as well. Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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Living in the the US we only heard was going on in that part of the world in the nightly news so we weren't that affected. It was good to hear in from your prospective. What an adventure although an anxious and stressful one. Everyone journey is different and interesting. Getting to live in a foreign country is something I will never experience but hearing what it is like from someone who has broads my world a bit as well. Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 04-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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Thank you Beth for this thoughtful review. Yes, Australians are in general very distant from the unrests all over the world - perhaps that's why our government didn't realise the seriousness of the situation initially.
Wendy
Comment from Wayne Fowler
How exasperating! What should have been the adventure of a lifetime became the 'adventure' of a lifetime. The Saudi government leaves much to be desired. The freedoms we in the west enjoy may have costs, but ...
Very nicely written. Your post raised feelings, a goal you accomplished well.
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reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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How exasperating! What should have been the adventure of a lifetime became the 'adventure' of a lifetime. The Saudi government leaves much to be desired. The freedoms we in the west enjoy may have costs, but ...
Very nicely written. Your post raised feelings, a goal you accomplished well.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 04-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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I thnk it was our government that let us down more, beause it failed to realise the seriousness of the situation. We had some amazing experience while over there, and holidays to Europe etc that we would not have been able to afford from Australia, 26 hours flight from Europe. Thank you Wayne. Great review.
Wendy
Comment from Begin Again
What a brave heart you have! And the saying about children and their resiliency is confirmed ten times over in this story of yours. I can't even begin to imagine facing the hardships and the uncertainty like you did... and I got upset because I lost something that could be written... but you and your family could have lost your life. Thank you for sharing. I am glad that you are safe and that the children don't bare deep scars from such a terrifying time.
Hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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What a brave heart you have! And the saying about children and their resiliency is confirmed ten times over in this story of yours. I can't even begin to imagine facing the hardships and the uncertainty like you did... and I got upset because I lost something that could be written... but you and your family could have lost your life. Thank you for sharing. I am glad that you are safe and that the children don't bare deep scars from such a terrifying time.
Hugs, Carol
Comment Written 04-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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You got upset because your heart is so woven into your stories and characters, and they are your source of joy at present. Hang in there.
For us, well it was just a matter of keeping going, and making the best of it, day after day, and at least we kept well, and in the end nothing drastic happened .... I tried to keep things as normal as possible for them, but yes, it was not easy at all. Thank you so much for this meaningful and encouraging review, and also for those precious stars. I value both.
Wendy
Comment from Leigha Demosten
That was an amazing biography you are such a strong individual to have gone through so much I am thankful that you and your family are well this piece was beautifully written you are definitely a strong contender in the contest
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reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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That was an amazing biography you are such a strong individual to have gone through so much I am thankful that you and your family are well this piece was beautifully written you are definitely a strong contender in the contest
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Comment Written 04-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2024
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Thank you for such a lovely review! I appreciate your words very much. I just checked out your portfolio - please write more frequently. I think you write with strength and conviction and excellence.
Wendy
