I’m going to do it
I’m going to take Oscar to Ethiopia with me when I pick up Etta. I can’t decide whether I’m insane or not, but I just cannot stop thinking that coming home from my first trip away from him with a sibling for him is a horrible idea. I’m hopeful that he won’t be quite three years old by the time we travel (although, with the way my wait is currently going . . . ), which I know means I’m in for a solid 15 hours to/from Dubai with at least one, if not two, screaming children. Of course, right now I’m still in that blissful stage of thinking that my lovely daughter is going to be perfectly behaved and sleep the entire flight, curled in my arms (I know, even I’m snorting while typing that).
With that decision down, I think I’ve found the perfect suitcase for him. He can stuff crap in it, drag it around, ride on it in the airport AND sit on it when tired. Cute, huh?
Now, which one of you is telling my mom she’s going to Ethiopia with her daughter and grandson next spring/summer? Anyone?
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I saw some kids with those in the airport; I think they look fun! Are you thinking of flying Emirates? If so, I can say there is absolutely nothing to worry about with the flight. I just returned with a 3 year old. Emirates TOTALLY caters to kids–kids’ meals, bags of toys, 20+ channels of kids’ shows. He’ll be fine on the flight. I can make no such guarantees about the rest of the trip, though!
I think it sounds exciting! And, oh… think of the stories you’ll have. : )
I am hoping that we travelatd the same time so I can meet Oscar (and Etta, of course!!).
I have one word for you: Benadryl!!!
I think it is great that you are taking him with you!
I think you just needed an excuse to buy that super cute suitcase. They should make fun stuff like that for adults too!
Well, my wife and I did the haul from Addis – Dubai – LA with twins, and it really wasn’t too bad. Here’s the best tip you’ll ever get (seriously, I swear): throw away those Dubai hotel vouchers that the Emirates folks very kindly give you and just stay here:
http://www.dubaiairport.com/DIA/English/MainMenu/Passenger+Services/Dubai+International+Hotel/
I swear to you that this will be the best $200 you ever spent in your entire life.
Plus, Ethiopia’s really awesome, and your son shouldn’t have to miss out on that!
Stace and SKO, yes, I want to fly Emirates, since there’s no stop in the US other than at SFO, which I love since I would not need to go through immigration in D.C., etc. I’m so glad you guys thought it was okay.
Stace, did you use the transit hotel on both legs? Is your recommendation mostly based on the fact that you don’t need to clear immigration and customs in Dubai by staying there? I have heard you have to get there at 5:00 am in order to make your flight to Addis. BTW, how’s life with twins?!
We used the Emirates-recommended transit hotel on the LA-to-Addis leg. It’s called the Millenium and is about a 5-minute bus ride from the airport. It’s fine – a super-massive, threadbare, Holiday Inn type experience. And, yes, you need to be at the airport pretty early to catch that morning flight to Addis. But it wasn’t so bad, as it’s close by and the Dubai airport is incredibly efficient – much more so than any here in the States – so you clear customs in a hurry (you know, when you’re not slinged up with a couple of kids).
But on our way back we only had an 8 hour layover – which didn’t seem like enough to justify the bus rides and then getting back through security and customs with the twins. (When we left Addis our daughter had her first little meltdown just as we were going through immigration – it made the process a little stressful and permanently impaired my hearing). So on that return leg we stayed at the hotel inside the Dubai airport. It was totally luxurious – MUCH nicer than the Millenium (a totally different class of hotel)- and we were kicking ourselves that we didn’t stay there on the first leg. Especially given that it was only about $200.
Sorry – forgot to elaborate. The reason that the hotel I recommended is so great is because it’s IN the Dubai airport. No need to clear customs or security with the kids in tow. Plus, the Dubai airport has loads (loads I say) of free Maclaren strollers around for you to use. A lifesaver.
oops, missed your elaboration! thanks, I had NO idea about the strollers, which is absolutely amazing. you definitely have locked my flight plans in with this info.
now, if only I could manage to get a referral!
The strollers are the best. Actually, the service at the airport was the best. When we got there from Addis – like midnight or something – the nearest stroller bay was empty, so we asked someone at the information counter and she ran off and found two for us. And I would definitely recommend nothing but Emirates. The flight attendants were absurdly accommodating – they even took and sterilized our bottles for us halfway through the flight. So nice.
Ooh. One more tip. We use Similac powder formula for the twins, as that’s what they ate at their care center. But we also brought along a little six-pack of the Similac liquid (premixed? I don’t know what it’s called) as an emergency, in case we couldn’t get bottled water at the airport or got in a jam right after security, when we had to give up our water bottles. It totally paid off, as our daughter’s first meltdown was right after security (good-bye water bottles) but before getting through passport control and into the airport. We just popped open one of the backups and saved the day. They’re a bit heavy, so don’t bring more than a few as emergency backups, but that one turned out to be a lifesaver. We now keep a couple in the car (ok, the minivan – damnit) for that type of emergency.
You are right to want to take Oscar with you to meet his baby sister. We travelled from Viet Nam, Singapore (13 hour stop over), Amsterdam and finally Dublin with our then 5.5 month old daughter who slept through all the flights. Miracles do happen
Love the trunki. My baby girl has one and it is a lifesaver. Cute beyond words hauling it around the airport. Wishing they would make them in Adult size lol…
Caitriona.
I think that is just great! Very excited for you.
We’re taking Lili to Ethiopia for the exact same reason. We just couldn’t see leaving her for an entire week and then returning home with her baby sister. It’s going to be a big adjustment for her to share mommy and daddy’s attention and we hope it will be easier for her if she starts sharing during an exciting trip
Love the suitcase too!!!! Maybe I need to start shopping for something like that for Lili.
I did the hotel on the way there, but not the way back (too short of a layover). The strollers= brilliant. Why don’t domestic airlines do this? They had everyone check strollers at check-in except for tiny infants–made boarding easier.
I am flying domestically with S in a few weeks and I fear that she’s going to be expecting the super-fancy Emirates treatment–such a disappointment compared to Emirates!
I think you are exactly right to take Oscar with you. WIll there be another adult with you as well?