Well, we thought we were going to Oman tomorrow for a weekend break. That is until Russell & Lyra's passports ended up at the Ministry of Finance - and we can't get them back until Russell passes his health check. After near heart attack, Russell rushed to the health clinic only to wait and wait for his paperwork to show up. Then he had to go get Lyra from school so he had to leave before the healthcheck could be done. Then he had to take her for a nap. Then he had to drop off Mary & Amy & Lyra for their Desert Safari. Then he made his way through mounds of traffice to the medical clinic only to find out that he needed to be there before 4pm in order to get his passport back today. No one bothered to mention that.
So, now we wait. And cross our fingers. And try not to think about it too much. And hope that it gets processed tomorrow. And try not to think about the pre-paid hotels that we may not be able to use. And try not to think about how I TOLD THEM on Sunday that I needed the passport back TODAY. And hope that it gets processed tomorrow. And try not to think about it too much. And cross our fingers. So, now we wait.
Om - Shanti, Shanti, Shanti (not working!)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Smooch
moar funny pictures
Sorry, but this had me giggling for the whole day. I had to throw it in.
[Typo came with picture.]
Pictures of the House
So many of you asked what the house looks like with furniture. My sister did you the favor of running round to take some photos.
Mamacita said...
Are those golf clubs in the bathroom?
Yes, we haven't used them, yet. Very expensive to golf here and they just closed one of the more affordable courses. Golf is a very popular outing for the tourists. Tiger Woods has just announced he will be designing a golf course here.
You got the yellow FJ. We have Black Cherry. DH just finished with the lift kit, new 33" tires and now he wants tail light covers. I see where this is going!
Tell me - sister! Russell is investigating the underbody panel, side rails, and luggage rack. May throw in a winch, too. Also need to get an air compressor so that when we let the air out of the tires in the desert, we don't have to queue up with everyone at the petrol station to refill our tires. Haven't gone out big-time, yet. But we're itching to do so.
and Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men
Lyra hasn't decided what she's going to ask for from Santa. She's told me she wants some blue Crocs, but I think that is what she wants from Russell & I, not from Santa.
About 2 weeks ago, I asked her what she was going to ask for from Santa and she said Easter Joy. I was stumped by that. I asked her, "What's Easter Joy?" thinking I had misunderstood her. She said, "I don't know, what's Easter Joy?"
A day or so later, I was thinking and had an "Ahaa" moment. She loves the song Peter Cottontail and there's a line that goes, "Bringing every girl and boy baskets full of Easter Joy." She probably had no idea what that was, but thought she wanted some. So, now she's changed her mind about asking for Easter Joy, but I'm trying to convince her it would be a good thing to ask for. It would probably stump ol' Father Christmas too.
She better make up her mind soon! Santa doesn't have much time until things need to be delivered.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Dubai Winter is Just Like Summer
As the weather cools, I'm struck by how much the Dubai winter is just like summer back home.
1. The flowers are in bloom and the public flower beds along the streets are bursting with color.
2. Crickets are chirping in the garage
3. Children are playing and riding their bikes up and down the street.
4. Every weekend is overflowing with choices and options of things to do.
5. Evenings outside on the back patio are a pleasant way to unwind from the day.
6. The mozzies (mosquitos) come biting.
7. It's beach weather and sunburn season.
8. The fruit and veg stands are full of fresh options.
9. People have the roofs down on their convertibles.
10. Russell is busy in the garden (this time with desert plants)
11. If it weren't for the flies, you could leave the doors and windows open to let in some fresh air.
12. The birds are building their nests
13. Parks are busy with families having BBQs and picnics.
14. Peter is meowing to go out, and to come back in, then to go back out, and to come back in.
15. T-shirts and sandals are a good choice for what to wear (wait - that's our summer weather, too).
1. The flowers are in bloom and the public flower beds along the streets are bursting with color.
2. Crickets are chirping in the garage
3. Children are playing and riding their bikes up and down the street.
4. Every weekend is overflowing with choices and options of things to do.
5. Evenings outside on the back patio are a pleasant way to unwind from the day.
6. The mozzies (mosquitos) come biting.
7. It's beach weather and sunburn season.
8. The fruit and veg stands are full of fresh options.
9. People have the roofs down on their convertibles.
10. Russell is busy in the garden (this time with desert plants)
11. If it weren't for the flies, you could leave the doors and windows open to let in some fresh air.
12. The birds are building their nests
13. Parks are busy with families having BBQs and picnics.
14. Peter is meowing to go out, and to come back in, then to go back out, and to come back in.
15. T-shirts and sandals are a good choice for what to wear (wait - that's our summer weather, too).
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!
To everyone back home, I hope that you have a great gathering and feasting today.
My sister, Amy, and Aunt Mary arrive this evening. They're scheduled to land around 7pm. I said to Russell this morning as I was leaving for work at 6am (they should be on the plane by now). Uhhgg - it is a long flight.
But we're so excited to see them. Having visitors is so much fun (hint, hint - for anyone wondering if you'd be welcome to stay with us - you would!! We have room for an army!) Tomorrow, we're heading down to Deira Creek where they will have the Flutag. This is a competition where teams make flying machines that are powered solely by human power. They will launch them from a ramp built out over the Creek and the winner will be the team that flies the farthest. They will also have prizes for creativity, too. Hope to have some good pictures to post here from that.
Turkey Day will probably be on Sunday for us. We have a busy weekend planned and so Sunday seems to be a good day to roast the bird. Russell bought our Turkey a couple of days ago - a Butterball. He's looking forward to brining a turkey for the first time. I need to check out the Cook's Illustrated website to remind myself how to do that. All other traditional sides will be available: mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce (my sister is trying to bring fresh cranberries in with her luggage, we'll see if she makes it), and pumpkin pie for dessert. Yum!
Enjoy the snow - for those in the northland!
My sister, Amy, and Aunt Mary arrive this evening. They're scheduled to land around 7pm. I said to Russell this morning as I was leaving for work at 6am (they should be on the plane by now). Uhhgg - it is a long flight.
But we're so excited to see them. Having visitors is so much fun (hint, hint - for anyone wondering if you'd be welcome to stay with us - you would!! We have room for an army!) Tomorrow, we're heading down to Deira Creek where they will have the Flutag. This is a competition where teams make flying machines that are powered solely by human power. They will launch them from a ramp built out over the Creek and the winner will be the team that flies the farthest. They will also have prizes for creativity, too. Hope to have some good pictures to post here from that.
Turkey Day will probably be on Sunday for us. We have a busy weekend planned and so Sunday seems to be a good day to roast the bird. Russell bought our Turkey a couple of days ago - a Butterball. He's looking forward to brining a turkey for the first time. I need to check out the Cook's Illustrated website to remind myself how to do that. All other traditional sides will be available: mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce (my sister is trying to bring fresh cranberries in with her luggage, we'll see if she makes it), and pumpkin pie for dessert. Yum!
Enjoy the snow - for those in the northland!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Sooeee
When was the last time you played Pig Mania? Do you remember what a Leaning Jowler is? Do you know the points scored for a Double Razor Back? Who typically was the grunt in your house?
Last night we got out the Pig Mania game. At dinner I had mentioned how many nights of fun we had growing up playing that game. Russell wondered if the game we own was mine from growing up or one we had acquired along the way. I was pretty sure it was the one I had growing up. Sure enough, when we got the game out, "RAGLAND" was written on the box in my dad's block letters.** He had been careful enough to write it on both the lid and the bottom. It was interesting to see some of the old scorecards stuffed at the bottom of the box. Ron or Amy - any idea who Koz or Stood is?
After a quick review of the instructions, we had a friendly game - more ferocious competition is to come, I'm sure. I started out as the Grunt (scorekeeper), but Lyra thought that looked like too much fun, so we soon switched. Here's our scores.
.
.
** When growing up, my dad labeled everything we owned with indelible marker. One time, he even labeled ski poles my mom had borrowed from the neighbors. They always said, "Well at least everyone knows not to steal them."
Last night we got out the Pig Mania game. At dinner I had mentioned how many nights of fun we had growing up playing that game. Russell wondered if the game we own was mine from growing up or one we had acquired along the way. I was pretty sure it was the one I had growing up. Sure enough, when we got the game out, "RAGLAND" was written on the box in my dad's block letters.** He had been careful enough to write it on both the lid and the bottom. It was interesting to see some of the old scorecards stuffed at the bottom of the box. Ron or Amy - any idea who Koz or Stood is?
After a quick review of the instructions, we had a friendly game - more ferocious competition is to come, I'm sure. I started out as the Grunt (scorekeeper), but Lyra thought that looked like too much fun, so we soon switched. Here's our scores..
.
** When growing up, my dad labeled everything we owned with indelible marker. One time, he even labeled ski poles my mom had borrowed from the neighbors. They always said, "Well at least everyone knows not to steal them."
Monday, November 19, 2007
My Country
This week's theme at Lyra's school is My Country.
"Which country is that?" I asked Russell.
"The UAE (suppressing "duh-uh"), he said.
I don't know why it struck me that the My Country topic is the UAE. A moment when I realized how different Lyra's education will be while we're here.
One of the things they are doing is looking at different monuments or landmarks that represent different countries. In Dubai, we are not short of landmarks! Here, every building is designed to be an icon; a landmark. This is - if man-made land marks count. If it has to be natural, then I guess sand is our landmark. Does sand count?
While at parent-teacher conference this morning, as part of their My Country topic the children made a board in the classroom where they all indicated what country they come from.
The flags are: Syria, USA, India, UAE, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon. (I had to ask with several of them.)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Basil - the P*SSER
For some reason, since we moved into the new place, Basil thinks it is perfectly fine to pee in the house. At first we thought it was his way to lay claim to the place. He's always had a nasty habit of peeing anytime he goes into a new house. But, after nearly 3 months, I don't think we can use that reasoning anymore. Luckily our entire house is tiled and we haven't purchased any rugs.
We first tried making sure that he got frequent and regular walks. When we moved into the house in September, we were still in the midst of massively hot days. Poor Basil could hardly walk on the pavement to find a suitable place to go. We'd dart from shade to shade trying to give his paws relief from the sizzling pavement. Even 5 minutes outside was a marathon.
Now, however, the weather is pleasant. Our house is surrounded by sand lots with beautiful cool, silky sand. We don't mind taking long walks through the neighborhood to explore and meet the neighbors. He has ample opportunity.
But still he continues to pee indoors. So, this week we decided that he is now relegated to the back patio by the pool when we leave the house. This way, when he pees, we can just hose the patio down. Why we didn't do this earlier? We were a little worried he might fall in the pool and not be able to get out. But he rarely goes anywhere near the pool - and when he has been in (only when we put him in never voluntarily), he's found the ladders to climb out. The entire patio is shaded all day, he has his bed, a bowl of water, and plenty of space to stretch his legs. Temps these days are in the upper 80F/low 30C. And guess what - he NEVER pees on the patio!
Weird dog.
George says:"I'd check the PH of the pool"!
Good point.
We first tried making sure that he got frequent and regular walks. When we moved into the house in September, we were still in the midst of massively hot days. Poor Basil could hardly walk on the pavement to find a suitable place to go. We'd dart from shade to shade trying to give his paws relief from the sizzling pavement. Even 5 minutes outside was a marathon.
Now, however, the weather is pleasant. Our house is surrounded by sand lots with beautiful cool, silky sand. We don't mind taking long walks through the neighborhood to explore and meet the neighbors. He has ample opportunity.
But still he continues to pee indoors. So, this week we decided that he is now relegated to the back patio by the pool when we leave the house. This way, when he pees, we can just hose the patio down. Why we didn't do this earlier? We were a little worried he might fall in the pool and not be able to get out. But he rarely goes anywhere near the pool - and when he has been in (only when we put him in never voluntarily), he's found the ladders to climb out. The entire patio is shaded all day, he has his bed, a bowl of water, and plenty of space to stretch his legs. Temps these days are in the upper 80F/low 30C. And guess what - he NEVER pees on the patio!
Weird dog.
George says:"I'd check the PH of the pool"!
Good point.
Monday, November 12, 2007
A Bit of a Rant
The one thing that consistently gets me riled up on a daily basis are the taxis in this city. I said to Russell last night, "I think I'm going to blog about taxis tomorrow. Probably I'll need 3 entries to fully get it off my chest." Poor Russell gets the brunt of my frustrations when I get home each evening.
Right now, we are operating with only one car. So, I'm taking a taxi to and from work each day. In the morning, the system is working very well. I call the booking system from my mobile phone. The automated system recognizes my phone number and by punching a few numbers on the keypad I have a taxi reserved for the following morning at 6am. Typically, the drivers are very prompt and show up at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
In the evening, however, it's a different story. Something is definitely wrong with the taxi system in this city. Even if I call to book a taxi, one doesn't show up at the scheduled time. So, I stand on the street to flag a taxi - they go by all the time, but never stop. In one night, I can have 10 empty taxis (with their in-service lights lit on the top of the car) speed past me. Usually, they try to avoid my eyes. But sometimes, the traffic forces them to stop near me. Then they give me this little wave off with their hands - I have no idea what this means. Believe me, I've tried asking many a taxi driver why they drive by and don't pick up passengers when their in-service light is on. They give me this smile and some gobbled answer. My guess is that the in-car computer would register if they took themselves out of service and they have a minimum number of hours to complete each day and they are near the end of their shift and just want to go home. Really, I don't know. At night it usually takes at least 20-30 min to flag a cab (I've stood on corners with people who have been standing there for over an hour). Personally, at that point I would walk to a nearby hotel and stand in their taxi queue (which these queues are usually 30 minutes long in the evening).
BUT - the one thing that really gets my goat is taxi drivers who don't know where they are going (or perhaps they do know, but think I don't). Once in a taxi, I cannot let my guard down for one minute. If I'm not careful, they will head down a road that either: a) is knarled with traffic - adding 30 minutes to my ride; b) is heading toward some circuitous route home that yes, will eventually get us there, but will add $5 to my ride; c) is on the toll system - adding $1 to my ride; or d) all of the above. All along the way home there are several points where the taxi driver could head off on an unknown route. Sometimes, the wrong turns are shocking - I think that we're home free, I start to relax in the back of the cab, and then woosh, we're in the wrong lane heading to the wrong area of town. Since I take the same taxis going to the same place day after day, I know exactly how much my ride should cost. It just gets me so riled when I know that I could have arrived home for $2 or $5 less. Argggh.
I'm always sending Russell SMS messages filled with my anger and frustration on the way home. What was a perfectly fine day can get ruined at the end by this frustrating set of events. I keep telling myself just to relax and let go - it is a control issue for me (I know). But I can't let go - even by chanting my yoga mantra (Om - shanti, shanti, shanti) I CANNOT LET GO!!!
Although it is actually much more economical for me to take taxis (about $125/week) rather than have a second car, the aggrevation is too much. Especially waiting 30 minutes to get a taxi for another 30 min ride home - I'm rarely home before 7. For this reason alone, I am insisting that we get another car.
amygirl said...
you could get a bike or something.
Ohh - that would truly be taking my life into my own hands! The driving is very aggressive and eratic here. Plus, I'm only aware of being able to take busy highways home. There are some who refuse to be on the roads in a small car for fear of being killed - let alone a bike. For sure, I'd be the unique one on the road if I did!
Right now, we are operating with only one car. So, I'm taking a taxi to and from work each day. In the morning, the system is working very well. I call the booking system from my mobile phone. The automated system recognizes my phone number and by punching a few numbers on the keypad I have a taxi reserved for the following morning at 6am. Typically, the drivers are very prompt and show up at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
In the evening, however, it's a different story. Something is definitely wrong with the taxi system in this city. Even if I call to book a taxi, one doesn't show up at the scheduled time. So, I stand on the street to flag a taxi - they go by all the time, but never stop. In one night, I can have 10 empty taxis (with their in-service lights lit on the top of the car) speed past me. Usually, they try to avoid my eyes. But sometimes, the traffic forces them to stop near me. Then they give me this little wave off with their hands - I have no idea what this means. Believe me, I've tried asking many a taxi driver why they drive by and don't pick up passengers when their in-service light is on. They give me this smile and some gobbled answer. My guess is that the in-car computer would register if they took themselves out of service and they have a minimum number of hours to complete each day and they are near the end of their shift and just want to go home. Really, I don't know. At night it usually takes at least 20-30 min to flag a cab (I've stood on corners with people who have been standing there for over an hour). Personally, at that point I would walk to a nearby hotel and stand in their taxi queue (which these queues are usually 30 minutes long in the evening).
BUT - the one thing that really gets my goat is taxi drivers who don't know where they are going (or perhaps they do know, but think I don't). Once in a taxi, I cannot let my guard down for one minute. If I'm not careful, they will head down a road that either: a) is knarled with traffic - adding 30 minutes to my ride; b) is heading toward some circuitous route home that yes, will eventually get us there, but will add $5 to my ride; c) is on the toll system - adding $1 to my ride; or d) all of the above. All along the way home there are several points where the taxi driver could head off on an unknown route. Sometimes, the wrong turns are shocking - I think that we're home free, I start to relax in the back of the cab, and then woosh, we're in the wrong lane heading to the wrong area of town. Since I take the same taxis going to the same place day after day, I know exactly how much my ride should cost. It just gets me so riled when I know that I could have arrived home for $2 or $5 less. Argggh.
I'm always sending Russell SMS messages filled with my anger and frustration on the way home. What was a perfectly fine day can get ruined at the end by this frustrating set of events. I keep telling myself just to relax and let go - it is a control issue for me (I know). But I can't let go - even by chanting my yoga mantra (Om - shanti, shanti, shanti) I CANNOT LET GO!!!
Although it is actually much more economical for me to take taxis (about $125/week) rather than have a second car, the aggrevation is too much. Especially waiting 30 minutes to get a taxi for another 30 min ride home - I'm rarely home before 7. For this reason alone, I am insisting that we get another car.
amygirl said...
you could get a bike or something.
Ohh - that would truly be taking my life into my own hands! The driving is very aggressive and eratic here. Plus, I'm only aware of being able to take busy highways home. There are some who refuse to be on the roads in a small car for fear of being killed - let alone a bike. For sure, I'd be the unique one on the road if I did!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Iranian Pickles . . . mmmmm
I have discovered the best pickles - so good they are worth a blog entry.
Crispy, crunchy, and tart with vinegar; salty, garlicky, tarragon-y (no, not dill) and a touch of chili to add heat at the end. Mmmmmm-I wonder if I can get Outpost to stock these for me?
Do the Iranian trade restrictions extend to pickles?
Crispy, crunchy, and tart with vinegar; salty, garlicky, tarragon-y (no, not dill) and a touch of chili to add heat at the end. Mmmmmm-I wonder if I can get Outpost to stock these for me?
Do the Iranian trade restrictions extend to pickles?
Ladies' Salons
All the Ladies Salons here are sheilded from public view. At first, I found it hard to even find them in the mall. Unlike back home where there are large plate-glass windows with the salon chairs in full view, most of the salons here are a single closed frosted-glass door. The rest of the shopfront would be a wall or else more frosted glass. The salons are also placed in out of the way corners of the mall (little side hallways or far corners).
The reason, of course, is so that women can go in to have services without having to be seen by the public.
The first few times I went in, I almost felt like I was creeping into an inner secret sanctuary. I would tentatively open the door, not even certain it was open. Once inside, however, the place is completely like any salon or spa back home. Usually, the covered women will take off their head scarf (shayla) while in the salon and drape it over their shoulders. I'm sure it is much more cool and comfortable. Occassionally, depending upon the service they are getting, they will actually take off the body covering (abaya).
A large percentage (maybe 30-40%) of women choose to wear the traditional dress under their abaya (I wish I remembered what the dress is called). The dress is a long floor-length and made with very very colorful material. The dress is fitted in the body area, and then flows loosely to the floor. Depending upon the quality of the dress, there are usually jewels and embroidery at the neck, sleeves, and hem. Each dress is beautiful and completely unique. Another large percentage of women will wear western dress; jeans, sandals (usually jeweled - the Arabs LOVE them some bling), and shirt (usually a beautiful silk or jeweled shirt). I think that the division is also a reflection of age - the younger women and teens definitely tend toward western dress.
Most of the abayas in Dubai will completely cover the woman's clothes, from head to toe. Although, there are some women who will choose an abaya that just has about 3 buttons at the neck and then opens up - so you can see her clothes as she walks. Also, most of the women will completely cover their hair with a shayla or hijab. There are about 20% of women who will also cover their entire face (some even cover their eyes with a veil).
We saw a woman in line at the grocery store on Friday who had a black veil covering her face. It was the first time Lyra asked me why some women dress like that. Up until now, she seemed to take it very matter of factly - many of the mothers at her school dress that way and even her friends at school have mothers and fathers who dress in the abaya and dishdash. Anyway, what seemed to prompt her questions was this veil. Lyra asked me, "Can she see with that?" It was a pretty sheer veil, I could see the sun shining through and the woman's profile. I told her that yes, she could see. And then she asked, "Why do some women dress that way?" Honestly, I wish I knew more about why - I told her it was for modesty (which she then wanted to know what modesty was). While this was going on, the woman running the cash register (also in abaya and hair covered) and the veiled woman in front were smiling - I was trying very hard to be respectful in my answers, but it is hard sometimes to explain the faith of others.
Last night, I was having a manicure & pedicure and I realized how "normal" the salon set up now seems to me. I go to a spa where both women and men are served. The reception desk is in a common area and then women and men both go into their private areas for pedicures, foot massage, or body massage (of course that is in a private room). While in the ladies area, I was the only non-muslim in there. All the other ladies had taken off their abayas and shaylas for their foot treatmens (massage & pedicure). It struck me how, normal it felt - no sense of awareness that I was in a "different" world until I started to remember how odd my first trips to the salons had felt when I arrived.
That is definitely one thing that has changed for me. The vast array of arab and muslim dress is hardly noticeable now. I hadn't even noticed the veiled woman until Lyra asked her question. It has become normal - which is how it should be everywhere. I can now sympathize with how awful it must feel to Muslims and Arabs to be dicriminated and shunned based on their dress. For us in the West - it is very difficult to get beyond the emotions that seeing people dressed this way creates. We've been trained to feel a sense of anxiety. Living in the Middle East, I am glad that I'm learning how "normal" this place really is.
The reason, of course, is so that women can go in to have services without having to be seen by the public.
The first few times I went in, I almost felt like I was creeping into an inner secret sanctuary. I would tentatively open the door, not even certain it was open. Once inside, however, the place is completely like any salon or spa back home. Usually, the covered women will take off their head scarf (shayla) while in the salon and drape it over their shoulders. I'm sure it is much more cool and comfortable. Occassionally, depending upon the service they are getting, they will actually take off the body covering (abaya).
A large percentage (maybe 30-40%) of women choose to wear the traditional dress under their abaya (I wish I remembered what the dress is called). The dress is a long floor-length and made with very very colorful material. The dress is fitted in the body area, and then flows loosely to the floor. Depending upon the quality of the dress, there are usually jewels and embroidery at the neck, sleeves, and hem. Each dress is beautiful and completely unique. Another large percentage of women will wear western dress; jeans, sandals (usually jeweled - the Arabs LOVE them some bling), and shirt (usually a beautiful silk or jeweled shirt). I think that the division is also a reflection of age - the younger women and teens definitely tend toward western dress.
Most of the abayas in Dubai will completely cover the woman's clothes, from head to toe. Although, there are some women who will choose an abaya that just has about 3 buttons at the neck and then opens up - so you can see her clothes as she walks. Also, most of the women will completely cover their hair with a shayla or hijab. There are about 20% of women who will also cover their entire face (some even cover their eyes with a veil).
We saw a woman in line at the grocery store on Friday who had a black veil covering her face. It was the first time Lyra asked me why some women dress like that. Up until now, she seemed to take it very matter of factly - many of the mothers at her school dress that way and even her friends at school have mothers and fathers who dress in the abaya and dishdash. Anyway, what seemed to prompt her questions was this veil. Lyra asked me, "Can she see with that?" It was a pretty sheer veil, I could see the sun shining through and the woman's profile. I told her that yes, she could see. And then she asked, "Why do some women dress that way?" Honestly, I wish I knew more about why - I told her it was for modesty (which she then wanted to know what modesty was). While this was going on, the woman running the cash register (also in abaya and hair covered) and the veiled woman in front were smiling - I was trying very hard to be respectful in my answers, but it is hard sometimes to explain the faith of others.
Last night, I was having a manicure & pedicure and I realized how "normal" the salon set up now seems to me. I go to a spa where both women and men are served. The reception desk is in a common area and then women and men both go into their private areas for pedicures, foot massage, or body massage (of course that is in a private room). While in the ladies area, I was the only non-muslim in there. All the other ladies had taken off their abayas and shaylas for their foot treatmens (massage & pedicure). It struck me how, normal it felt - no sense of awareness that I was in a "different" world until I started to remember how odd my first trips to the salons had felt when I arrived.
That is definitely one thing that has changed for me. The vast array of arab and muslim dress is hardly noticeable now. I hadn't even noticed the veiled woman until Lyra asked her question. It has become normal - which is how it should be everywhere. I can now sympathize with how awful it must feel to Muslims and Arabs to be dicriminated and shunned based on their dress. For us in the West - it is very difficult to get beyond the emotions that seeing people dressed this way creates. We've been trained to feel a sense of anxiety. Living in the Middle East, I am glad that I'm learning how "normal" this place really is.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Halloween Party
Last Friday, we hosted a little Halloween party at the house. Invited a couple of friends from Lyra's school and the neighbor kids. None of the children had ever lived in a place where Halloween was celebrated. We had games, treats, and craft activities planned. But I think the kids would have been just as happy playing upstairs in Lyra's room.
Here's Lyra as Droplet, a butterfly. She came up with that name. She said that butterflies like the rain and rain comes in little droplets. She's been very into naming her toys and things lately. Also, she has several persona now: Cat - Chantreurse, Camel - hmmm, can't remember name, Horse - Blackie (I think), Butterfly - Droplet. Reminds me of Anya Jing..
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Here are the kids. Everyone came up with great costumes for the day. From right to left (because that is how they give the names in Arabic) they are:Jack - from next door
Majid - from school (his sister is Lyra's friend)
Steffie - villa behind us
Inaya - from school
Grace - from next door
Rose - from next door (and twin to Jack)
Russell - wish I had a better picture, his make up was great
Lyra
Meera - from school (Majid's sister)
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Rats & Mice
Yesterday, I took the wrong turn - AGAIN.
I'm in the wrong lane (just one lane off), and before you know it, I'm making a u-turn, and now I'm in heavy traffic heading the wrong way. FRITS & FRATS
I'm separated by one little barrier from where I want to be. But not even my heavy duty cool SUV can plow over a 2-foot high barrier. Hmmmm.
OK, I guess I will have to drive all the way up the street and over the highway (in heavy traffic with many stop lights to wait for) to the next u-turn opportunity. Grrrrrr.
Ohh-wait, what's this? Illegal u-turn opportunity? Go ahead blare your horns at me you other drivers who are forced to slow down. heh, heh!
Heading back to where I want to go, in the right lane this time. Ahhhh.
Quickly, check all mirros to make sure no police saw my manuever. Whew!
I am once again a law abiding driver. (hee, hee).
I'm in the wrong lane (just one lane off), and before you know it, I'm making a u-turn, and now I'm in heavy traffic heading the wrong way. FRITS & FRATS
I'm separated by one little barrier from where I want to be. But not even my heavy duty cool SUV can plow over a 2-foot high barrier. Hmmmm.
OK, I guess I will have to drive all the way up the street and over the highway (in heavy traffic with many stop lights to wait for) to the next u-turn opportunity. Grrrrrr.
Ohh-wait, what's this? Illegal u-turn opportunity? Go ahead blare your horns at me you other drivers who are forced to slow down. heh, heh!
Heading back to where I want to go, in the right lane this time. Ahhhh.
Quickly, check all mirros to make sure no police saw my manuever. Whew!
I am once again a law abiding driver. (hee, hee).
Everyday Mundane Dubai
For expats, there are 2 Dubais (well probably more, but I'll talk about two); one for the westerners and one for the non-westerners.
Westerners shop at shopping malls, non-westerners shop in little locally owned shops up and down the street.
Westerners go to grocery stores where they can get stuff from home (like US$6 Special K), non-westerners go to grocery stores where they find locally made and grown items (like $0.75/Kilo cucumbers and $1 Labnah - when you come to visit you can try labnah).
Westerners go to places that have a constant cleaning crew coming through to dust, mop and polish, non-westerners will wander through an area with food on the street and grime from 25 years without rain.
Westerners go to a plush restaurant at a hotel (where they can get booze) and are served in intimately lit surroundings, non-westerners eat at a place with flourescent lighting and stools pulled up to a formica table.
Westerners buy clothes made in China (but sold through fancy retailers), non-westerners buy clothes made in India (and sold from a pile on a table).
Westerners pull into a parking lot and park between two lines clearly delineating a space, non-westerners pull onto the curb/kerb, cross the sidewalk, and park in a dusty space left by the construction crews.
Westerners walk 0.5 Km down the street to the pedestrian cross-walk, non-westerners dart across the middle of 12 lanes of traffic.
Westerners buy their spices in small bottles sold on the shelf, non-westerners buy their spices from the souk sold out of a burlap bag.
Westerners spray on designer perfumes purchased at the duty free in the airport, non-westerners have their own private scent mixed at the perfume souk and poured into jeweled perfume oil bottles.
Westerners live in huge homes with spare bedrooms for guests and private quarters for the maid (that'd be us), non-westerners live in 2-bedroom apartments and have the maid sleep in the living room (however, they still have a maid).
Westerners have no idea how to bargain (because in the end they probably need the money more than I do) and anyway the shopkeeper will quote a price 3 times what he really wants, non-westerners know how to say to the guy, "You must be joking" in Hindi and anyway the shopkeeper starts at 25% more than what he wants.
Westerners call Dubai Municipality and the guy shows up at 7:30am the next day, non-westerners call Dubai Municipality and the guy shows up 13 months later (true).
Westerners know where to go to get a great manicure, non-westerners know where to go to get a great curry.
Westerners take a taxi, non-westerners take the bus.
Westerners spend too much money, non-westerners send money home.
Westerners complain about the heat, non-westerners complain about the heat, too.
Kathie said... So where do you fit in, what about Russ, are you the same?
I guess we're trying to learn how to discover more about being here that is more like the non-westerners. We appreciate the different things and are happy to step outside our comfort zone. Of course, Russell is much more happy to step further out of the comfort zone than I am - isn't he always?
Westerners shop at shopping malls, non-westerners shop in little locally owned shops up and down the street.
Westerners go to grocery stores where they can get stuff from home (like US$6 Special K), non-westerners go to grocery stores where they find locally made and grown items (like $0.75/Kilo cucumbers and $1 Labnah - when you come to visit you can try labnah).
Westerners go to places that have a constant cleaning crew coming through to dust, mop and polish, non-westerners will wander through an area with food on the street and grime from 25 years without rain.
Westerners go to a plush restaurant at a hotel (where they can get booze) and are served in intimately lit surroundings, non-westerners eat at a place with flourescent lighting and stools pulled up to a formica table.
Westerners buy clothes made in China (but sold through fancy retailers), non-westerners buy clothes made in India (and sold from a pile on a table).
Westerners pull into a parking lot and park between two lines clearly delineating a space, non-westerners pull onto the curb/kerb, cross the sidewalk, and park in a dusty space left by the construction crews.
Westerners walk 0.5 Km down the street to the pedestrian cross-walk, non-westerners dart across the middle of 12 lanes of traffic.
Westerners buy their spices in small bottles sold on the shelf, non-westerners buy their spices from the souk sold out of a burlap bag.
Westerners spray on designer perfumes purchased at the duty free in the airport, non-westerners have their own private scent mixed at the perfume souk and poured into jeweled perfume oil bottles.
Westerners live in huge homes with spare bedrooms for guests and private quarters for the maid (that'd be us), non-westerners live in 2-bedroom apartments and have the maid sleep in the living room (however, they still have a maid).
Westerners have no idea how to bargain (because in the end they probably need the money more than I do) and anyway the shopkeeper will quote a price 3 times what he really wants, non-westerners know how to say to the guy, "You must be joking" in Hindi and anyway the shopkeeper starts at 25% more than what he wants.
Westerners call Dubai Municipality and the guy shows up at 7:30am the next day, non-westerners call Dubai Municipality and the guy shows up 13 months later (true).
Westerners know where to go to get a great manicure, non-westerners know where to go to get a great curry.
Westerners take a taxi, non-westerners take the bus.
Westerners spend too much money, non-westerners send money home.
Westerners complain about the heat, non-westerners complain about the heat, too.
Kathie said... So where do you fit in, what about Russ, are you the same?
I guess we're trying to learn how to discover more about being here that is more like the non-westerners. We appreciate the different things and are happy to step outside our comfort zone. Of course, Russell is much more happy to step further out of the comfort zone than I am - isn't he always?
View from the 134th Floor
Note: If you're afraid of heights, don't read this entry.
As I have mentioned before, the tallest building in the world, The Burj Dubai, is being built here. Just down the road from me in fact. I can poke my head around my desk to look out the window and see it. A friend of mine had some visitors last week and somehow they were able to get a tour to the 134th floor (it is currently somewhere around 150 floors I think). Here's what they saw.
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.Our building is along this stretch of road (Sheikh Zayed Road) in the far distance on the opposite side of the road.
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.Our building is along this stretch of road (Sheikh Zayed Road) in the far distance on the opposite side of the road.
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.The green area to the left is the personal golf course of His Royal Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai (This is how he is always referred to on the television and in the press the first time he is mentioned in a story or article. After that he is just plain ol' Sheikh Mohammad.) On the right is Ras al Khor, a salt marsh and bird sanctuary where you can go to see flamingos.
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This green area is Safa Park - open to the pubic. A very nice park with tennis courts, a little train that runs through the park, BBQ and picnic areas, and (thankfully) Ladies private areas. Actually, it's nice that Safa Park is open to men all the time. Some parks, in order to solve the problem of Ladies needing their private place will actually close the gates to men for certain hours of the day. Hmmm, what are dads supposed to do when the kids want to swing?
.Here's a good picture looking toward the old center of Dubai. You can see the Palm Deira being built in the background. This is one of 5 islands being built off the coast of Dubai (they call it land reclamation). When finished, this island will add the equivalent of Paris, France to Dubai. What you see is "trunk" of the palm. It is about 1/3 of the total length that the island will extend out to the sea. The first palm island, the Palm Jumeirah, now has homes and buildings being built on it.
Looking straight down from the tower toward Sheikh Zayed Road, a 12 lane highway going through town. The little yellow thing is actuall a huge crane that is assembling the overpass of the light rail train being built here. See the little cars (smaller than ants) zooming up and down the freeway. Wow, makes me catch my breath even though it's just a photo.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Booze in Dubai
First of all, the good news is you can drink here! Technically, it's only for non-muslims, but I've seen plenty of muslims in the bars here and at the liquor store.
Bars and licensed restaurants are only allowed in the hotels. So, all the nice restaurants in town are located within hotels. And most of the hotels have a large selection of restaurants wtihin their grounds. Anywhere else in town, the restaurants are unlicensed - and you can't BYOB. Since the hotels know that they have this monopoly, the booze and food is quite expensive. A glass of wine will be US$ 10-15, a pint of beer is $8-10, a martini is $12-15 (or more depending upon the vodka ordered). Also, food in these restaurants is usually quite expensive too. It would be difficult for us to leave a restaurant like this without spending at least $100 for the 3 of us.
However, if you go to an unlicensed place, you can find a cheap and delicious meal for $5-10/each. So, when we decide that we'd like to go out to eat, we always have the conversation about whether we want to go licensed or unlicensed. For every day eating out, we tend to try an unlicensed place, but it is hard to have an Indian curry without a Kingfisher beer!
Outside of hotels, you are allowed to drink if you obtain a drinking license. The drinking license is about AED 50 (I think) - about US$14. Only non-muslims are allowed to get a drinking license. Don't ask me how they know if you are muslim or non-muslim. I suppose they ask for some signature declaring your religion - I don't know. Without a drinking license it is illegal to drink outside of a hotel (even in the privacy of your own home).
If you have a drinking license, you can shop in the liquor stores here in Dubai. The duty on alcohol is 30%. Without the duty, the alcohol (beer, wine, and spirits) are pretty much the same price as what you would pay at home. However, the 30% duty makes it quite a bit more expensive.
However, we have found a liquor store in a nearby Emirate that is duty free and does not require the presentation of a drinking license. It is about 1 hour drive north from here. We went there about 2 months ago to stock up before Ramadan (they are closed for the month of Ramadan) and now Russell is saying that we need to go back to re-stock. Since it is duty free, the prices there are very comparable to what we'd find at home. The selection is pretty similar, too - except there is no Korbel brandy and the wines are from different wineries than we're used to (they emphasize European wines, not American). Since they don't require the presentation of a drinking license, many muslims go to this shop. It's quite funny to be standing in line next to a man in a dishdash with a shopping trolley full of booze.
Also, I travel quite a bit and am frequently coming through the airport where we can pick up duty free alcohol. Technically, the limit is 2 liters, but everyone at work says that they have never been limited in what they would like to buy (within reason). So, if I need to, I can stop at duty free on the way home and pick up something if we need it.
Both Turkey and Egypt (both Muslim countries) allow drinking in any restaurant. So, I do wonder if Dubai would soon be more free in granting licenses to restaurant. But probably the hotel owners here (many of whom are Emirati nationals) like their monopoly, so they would probably lobby to keep it this way.
Bars and licensed restaurants are only allowed in the hotels. So, all the nice restaurants in town are located within hotels. And most of the hotels have a large selection of restaurants wtihin their grounds. Anywhere else in town, the restaurants are unlicensed - and you can't BYOB. Since the hotels know that they have this monopoly, the booze and food is quite expensive. A glass of wine will be US$ 10-15, a pint of beer is $8-10, a martini is $12-15 (or more depending upon the vodka ordered). Also, food in these restaurants is usually quite expensive too. It would be difficult for us to leave a restaurant like this without spending at least $100 for the 3 of us.
However, if you go to an unlicensed place, you can find a cheap and delicious meal for $5-10/each. So, when we decide that we'd like to go out to eat, we always have the conversation about whether we want to go licensed or unlicensed. For every day eating out, we tend to try an unlicensed place, but it is hard to have an Indian curry without a Kingfisher beer!
Outside of hotels, you are allowed to drink if you obtain a drinking license. The drinking license is about AED 50 (I think) - about US$14. Only non-muslims are allowed to get a drinking license. Don't ask me how they know if you are muslim or non-muslim. I suppose they ask for some signature declaring your religion - I don't know. Without a drinking license it is illegal to drink outside of a hotel (even in the privacy of your own home).
If you have a drinking license, you can shop in the liquor stores here in Dubai. The duty on alcohol is 30%. Without the duty, the alcohol (beer, wine, and spirits) are pretty much the same price as what you would pay at home. However, the 30% duty makes it quite a bit more expensive.
However, we have found a liquor store in a nearby Emirate that is duty free and does not require the presentation of a drinking license. It is about 1 hour drive north from here. We went there about 2 months ago to stock up before Ramadan (they are closed for the month of Ramadan) and now Russell is saying that we need to go back to re-stock. Since it is duty free, the prices there are very comparable to what we'd find at home. The selection is pretty similar, too - except there is no Korbel brandy and the wines are from different wineries than we're used to (they emphasize European wines, not American). Since they don't require the presentation of a drinking license, many muslims go to this shop. It's quite funny to be standing in line next to a man in a dishdash with a shopping trolley full of booze.
Also, I travel quite a bit and am frequently coming through the airport where we can pick up duty free alcohol. Technically, the limit is 2 liters, but everyone at work says that they have never been limited in what they would like to buy (within reason). So, if I need to, I can stop at duty free on the way home and pick up something if we need it.
Both Turkey and Egypt (both Muslim countries) allow drinking in any restaurant. So, I do wonder if Dubai would soon be more free in granting licenses to restaurant. But probably the hotel owners here (many of whom are Emirati nationals) like their monopoly, so they would probably lobby to keep it this way.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
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