M-whY

Even though our bags were pretty much packed, it took us about an hour to get ready. The doorman radioed the gateguard to send a cab in. At this hour in the morning, the roads were clear enough that we made good time to the airport. We went through the check in routine and I had a cup of coffee to keep myself going. Fortunately the plane wasn't delayed, and we were soon in the air and on our way.

Deer slept for the majority of the one hour ten minute flight. I was too wired from the coffee to close my eyes. When we touched down, her nephews were already waiting for us with her rugged Nissan SUV. They greeted me with smiles and bowed in the traditional manner.

Deer's tone wasn't commanding by any stretch of the imagination, but anything she charged was immediately done without hesitation. It was ten minutes from the airport to the hotel where the awards would be given out. When we got there, her nephews got out of the car, wai'ed, and began walking away.

"Where are they going?" I asked.

"They're going to take a bus home. I don't know when I will finish, so they are going to leave first."

She told me to wait in the car for a moment while she went inside. A couple minutes later, she returned.

"They changed hotels. I didn't think this was right. This hotel is too small, there's no security here."

We drove a short distance down the street to Little Duck, a place much larger and more luxurious. Police officers stood watch at the front door. We were a few minutes late, but considering what we went through to get here, I'd say we did a pretty good job.

I didn't have the credentials to get in the awards ceremony myself, but my camera did. We checked in, and while Deer rushed off to mingle with the bigshots, I took our bags upstairs to our room. The caffeine was starting to wear off, and just as I was about to collapse into bed, someone knocked on the door.

"They put me in VIP!" exclaimed Deer as she brushed past me to retrieve something from her purse. As I found out later, out of the 1500 or so attendees, only five had been given that distinction.

For the next three hours, I occupied myself with TV and sleep. Around noon, Deer returned with a fancy looking plaque. She was wide awake, probably from the adrenaline. It would soon wear off, but not before she told me all that happened inside.

"There were so many journalists! I'm pretty sure I'm going to be on TV and in the newspapers next week!" It wouldn't be her first time. I've already seen her previous press clippings.

I had no doubt in my mind she was tired. Three nights in a row she had stayed out late drinking with me, and then we had a really early rising this morning. She washed up and took a nap for a couple hours.

Refreshed and rejuvenated, I finally began to realize what I was doing. I had flown to some city at a moments notice with a woman I had met only several days ago. No warning bells were sounding in my head. I knew I was as safe as could be. At the same time, I really wanted to know more about this person.

"So how long have you been working at this job? What did you do before? How long did you do that for?"

My questions were disguised to find out her age, but she had such a complicated history, I wasn't getting anywhere. In my trip, I've met all sorts of interesting people. From law professors who've quit their jobs to run guesthouses, to tour guides that made a living driving up and down the Australian desert. But her story has to be the most tragic and inspiring of them all. Born into a wealthy family, to the family downfall after a car accident killed her father, and now her gradual climb back to the top, through perserverance and hard work.

Sometime in the afternoon, our room phone rang. Deer answered, and had a brief conversation with someone on the other end.

"Who was that?" I asked. I didn't think anyone knew what room we were in.

"A journalist. He said he wants to pay for the room tonight. He left the money downstairs at reception. We'll pick it up later."

Wow. Even after five days, the things that happen still continue to amaze me!

Thanks to everyone for their support and comments! Knowing people are reading keeps me motivated to continue the updates!