We drove to JFK. Fortunately Gui was in town and heading for Connecticut so we had a comfortable journey. We said goodbye to Linda, Anisa, Jeff and Meg in Philadelphia. Photo by Gui.

Drive to the airport. Photo by Gui.

The airport check-in was very confusing and everyone got some strange looks by the airport staff especially as some people did wudhu(ritual washing of arms, face and feet). Our whole group of ten from Pennsylvania and New Jersey made it through without trouble. This included Dr. Arshad Jan and his wife Ambreen, Dr. Nadeem Shamsi and his wife Nadia, the Rajput Family, with Dr. Rajput, his wife and two sons, Zaashan, 26, and Arshan, 22.

An unknown couple. The flight was to Amman and I presume was mostly people going for Haj.

THe departure lounge in Kennedy. This one travel agent came up to me and said she was so glad that I had made it in and that she had been looking all over for me. She wanted me to wear my credentials that were sent by the travel agency. After I had put them on it turned out that she was looking for some other Iqbal! Poor woman had to go rushing off again. I saw her a number of times later on and teased her about losing her people.

Settling into our seats for Amman. Ambreen is sitting right next to Mummy in the center. And across the isle from her is Arshad Jan. They were wonderful companions all through Haj and became good friends. Behind us are Mom and Dad(standing) Rajput with Zeeshan.

Nadeem and his wife Nadia, both wonderful people that we got to know so well during Haj.

Spirits are high while we are settling in. Notice that the women still have their hair uncovered. This of course would change by the time we reach Saudi soil to comply with their rules.

The flight attendent seemed to be making little headway dealing with the passengers. It seemed that many switched seats on their own and problems rapidly escalated. It was amusing to see the communication.

A contrast between the western Royal Jordan flight attendent and the african lady passing by her. I found the african men and women most fascinating iin how they dressed and did their hair.