Lately, I can't hear the morning call to prayer and I wonder why. It's particularly odd since the timing right now is about 10 minutes before my alarm goes off. And usually, I'm in a semi-alert state by then anyway. This morning - I could hear a faint sound if I strained my ears. What's up with that?
I wonder if I've just become "immune" to it. You know, like living with a cuckcoo clock - after a while you just don't hear the sound any more. But I would have thought that if I was actively straining to hear the call that I would be able to. And this morning I could barely hear them.
Maybe it's the A/C fan that is on in the room. It's still hot enough here for the A/C to be running 24 hours a day - and even at 5:20am it's running. It is pretty loud - enough to mask most sounds. But when we first moved in (almost exactly 2 years ago) I could hear the call as plain as day each morning. And we had the A/C running non-stop then, too.
The only other thing I can think of is that the mosque-guys have turned down the volume. I'd be surprised by that - really. The whole purpose of the call is to wake up the neighborhood. Turning down the volume seems counter productive to that objective.
So, it's a mystery.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
What to Wear?
Amygirl asked "do you find yourself buying and wearing different styles than you would have in the past?" (thanks for the question).
Actually, I think my clothing changes are due more to climate differences than because of accommodations for the culture here.
These days, flip flops are standard daily attire. I throw them on when heading out for yoga, slip them on to walk the dog, or wear them at the grocery store. There's hardly a day that goes by that I don't wear flip flops. And at work, I never wear socks or nylons anymore. The thought of encasing my feet and legs in warm fabric is seems suffocating. Back in the US, I was pretty conservative about my work dress and there's rarely a day that I didn't weare socks or tights - especially with heels. So, I guess my footwear has changed pretty dramatically.
I do try and keep my shoulders and thighs covered if I'm out. I try not to wear sleeveless tops or shorts. But I think my shift away from shorts has more to do with being in my mid-40s than with being here. I don't like the spider veins on my legs - and I was already getting a bit uncomfortable in shorts that didn't cover most of my thighs. And with the sleeveless tops - I'm probably about 50-60% of the time. Just yesterday I was out with a tank top on. But I was at our Mirdif mall where a lot of westerners go - so I don't feel awkward. But if I were down in the older part of town near the souks, I'd definitely have my shoulders covered.
A few weeks ago, I was going through my closet trying to clear out a few things. I usually have a rule that if I haven't worn it in a year then it should go out. But it was harder to apply this rule with so many of my cold weather clothes. There are suits and trousers here that I've never worn. And I think that I'll wear them again when we're back in cooler climate. But sometimes I wonder if they'll look dated by then. So, I did toss quite a few things - but still kept a lot. It's hard when the outside temps are near 110C to really look at lined wool trousers and feel like you'll ever want to put them on (ugh).
So that's it really. I don't need to cover my head or wear an abaya in Dubai. I have that for visits to Saudi - where it's only necessary for me to wear the abaya. We have a friend who just recently moved to Yemen - and she wears both a head cover and an abaya - but she still looks like a "brazen westerner" since she allows some of her hair to be seen and she doesn't cover her entire face (which most Yemeni women are fully covered except the eyes).
Actually, I think my clothing changes are due more to climate differences than because of accommodations for the culture here.
These days, flip flops are standard daily attire. I throw them on when heading out for yoga, slip them on to walk the dog, or wear them at the grocery store. There's hardly a day that goes by that I don't wear flip flops. And at work, I never wear socks or nylons anymore. The thought of encasing my feet and legs in warm fabric is seems suffocating. Back in the US, I was pretty conservative about my work dress and there's rarely a day that I didn't weare socks or tights - especially with heels. So, I guess my footwear has changed pretty dramatically.
I do try and keep my shoulders and thighs covered if I'm out. I try not to wear sleeveless tops or shorts. But I think my shift away from shorts has more to do with being in my mid-40s than with being here. I don't like the spider veins on my legs - and I was already getting a bit uncomfortable in shorts that didn't cover most of my thighs. And with the sleeveless tops - I'm probably about 50-60% of the time. Just yesterday I was out with a tank top on. But I was at our Mirdif mall where a lot of westerners go - so I don't feel awkward. But if I were down in the older part of town near the souks, I'd definitely have my shoulders covered.
A few weeks ago, I was going through my closet trying to clear out a few things. I usually have a rule that if I haven't worn it in a year then it should go out. But it was harder to apply this rule with so many of my cold weather clothes. There are suits and trousers here that I've never worn. And I think that I'll wear them again when we're back in cooler climate. But sometimes I wonder if they'll look dated by then. So, I did toss quite a few things - but still kept a lot. It's hard when the outside temps are near 110C to really look at lined wool trousers and feel like you'll ever want to put them on (ugh).
So that's it really. I don't need to cover my head or wear an abaya in Dubai. I have that for visits to Saudi - where it's only necessary for me to wear the abaya. We have a friend who just recently moved to Yemen - and she wears both a head cover and an abaya - but she still looks like a "brazen westerner" since she allows some of her hair to be seen and she doesn't cover her entire face (which most Yemeni women are fully covered except the eyes).
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Home for 3 Hours
I just got in from my business trip to Brussels and now we're packed and heading out the door for a short break to Thailand. About 10 years ago, Russell and I had a trip to Thailand nearly booked. We were on our way to make the reservations and then something came up at work - I can't even remember now what it was. But so, Thailand has been in the back of our minds for a while.
Ramadan should be finished on Sunday. And we'll have a 2-day break. Lyra is off all week. And with our time here coming to an end, we feel like we have to take every opportunity to head out and do something. Amazingly, Thailand is a 6 hour flight away (closer than Brussels!) and only 3 hours time difference. So, with some recent price incentives to get tourists back there it felt like the right thing to do.
We're only there for 4 days, so we've decided to spend all our time on Phuket - an island on the southern end of Thailand. Russell will go scuba diving. Lyra is really excited to try and snorkle. So, hopefully she and I can tag along with the scuba boat and see some exciting fish and coral. Other than a few boat trips, I'll be hitting the sun beds and lounging by the pool/beach. I can't wait.
Ramadan should be finished on Sunday. And we'll have a 2-day break. Lyra is off all week. And with our time here coming to an end, we feel like we have to take every opportunity to head out and do something. Amazingly, Thailand is a 6 hour flight away (closer than Brussels!) and only 3 hours time difference. So, with some recent price incentives to get tourists back there it felt like the right thing to do.
We're only there for 4 days, so we've decided to spend all our time on Phuket - an island on the southern end of Thailand. Russell will go scuba diving. Lyra is really excited to try and snorkle. So, hopefully she and I can tag along with the scuba boat and see some exciting fish and coral. Other than a few boat trips, I'll be hitting the sun beds and lounging by the pool/beach. I can't wait.
If you're looking for me, I'll be here.
Sorry, I'm Swamped
I can feel you all looking at me - whoever's left browsing this blog. You come and check for something and there's nothing updated.
I'm sorry. My work life has been crazy and I'm just feeling totally uncreative when I get home.
But, I think of you often. And I wonder what I should be telling you. And the longer I let my writer's break go, the more I felt that my first post should be fantastic - and the more intimidated I felt.
So, here's my first post after a long break. It says nothing, but at least maybe now I'll get myself back into the blogging grove again.
During my break, in my desperate attempt to find something stellar to say, I've realized how difficult it is to see things in Dubai with a fresh set of eyes. So much is familiar to me - I forget to notice it anymore. And then I'm not reminded to blog it. Do you have any questions? Anything to help me get started?
Lyra started school about 3 weeks ago. After her first day at school she told me, "I think I'm too little for first grade." When I queried a bit she commented that there aren't any toys in the classroom. Ahhh, yes - well those playing days are behind you. My friend Karen was telling me how amazing first grade was for her daughter; that the transformation is incredible.
Already, in 3 short weeks, Lyra has gone from struggling her way to reading word lists - to now checking out chapter books in the library. Somewhere along the line, she's learned to read. Russell and I have been working a bit with her, but certainly it hasn't been a huge focus. Now and again, we'd quiz her on a word here or there - or pull out her assignments from K5 and see if she remembered her words. And it seemed like she was maintaining over the summer, but no huge gains. And then school started and it's like BANG, she can read.
The other morning, she was sitting on the steps waiting for Russell and I. She had her book from the library and was reading it. Seemed like such a grown up thing for her to be doing. I'm glad. Reading is such a joy for me. So, I'm glad to see her on the way to immersing herself in books.
Next week is a vacation (already) for the end of Ramadan. We'll be going to Thailand. Can't wait to sample the great curries.
I'm sorry. My work life has been crazy and I'm just feeling totally uncreative when I get home.
But, I think of you often. And I wonder what I should be telling you. And the longer I let my writer's break go, the more I felt that my first post should be fantastic - and the more intimidated I felt.
So, here's my first post after a long break. It says nothing, but at least maybe now I'll get myself back into the blogging grove again.
During my break, in my desperate attempt to find something stellar to say, I've realized how difficult it is to see things in Dubai with a fresh set of eyes. So much is familiar to me - I forget to notice it anymore. And then I'm not reminded to blog it. Do you have any questions? Anything to help me get started?
Lyra started school about 3 weeks ago. After her first day at school she told me, "I think I'm too little for first grade." When I queried a bit she commented that there aren't any toys in the classroom. Ahhh, yes - well those playing days are behind you. My friend Karen was telling me how amazing first grade was for her daughter; that the transformation is incredible.
Already, in 3 short weeks, Lyra has gone from struggling her way to reading word lists - to now checking out chapter books in the library. Somewhere along the line, she's learned to read. Russell and I have been working a bit with her, but certainly it hasn't been a huge focus. Now and again, we'd quiz her on a word here or there - or pull out her assignments from K5 and see if she remembered her words. And it seemed like she was maintaining over the summer, but no huge gains. And then school started and it's like BANG, she can read.
The other morning, she was sitting on the steps waiting for Russell and I. She had her book from the library and was reading it. Seemed like such a grown up thing for her to be doing. I'm glad. Reading is such a joy for me. So, I'm glad to see her on the way to immersing herself in books.
Next week is a vacation (already) for the end of Ramadan. We'll be going to Thailand. Can't wait to sample the great curries.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Working From Home
So, today I'm working from home. Why? Because we have no power in our building. We had a call from the electric company on Monday that they would be shutting power in our building from 7am to 2pm. Isn't there a way to do these works during the night? or on the weekend? Sooner or later, when living here, you learn not to ask these questions.
So, it's not just our business - I work in a 30-story office tower. So, everyone is home today from all these businesses. And I just wonder how that would go down in the US if the electric company just started announcing power outages during business hours.
It's the same with the telephone company, too. We recently experienced several issues with the telephone lines running to one of our offices. We worked for MONTHS (yes, months) to get the telephone company to help us understand what the problem was. It was unbelievable. And then, when we finally decided that we needed to run a new line - they would only schedule the works during the day. There working hours are 8 to 3 (yep, 3pm). Nevermind that this was our Customer Service hub and that all our customers would be unable to contact us for a day.
And speaking of services. I'm on my third try to get the repairmen to come here and fix the A/C in Lyra's room. Saturday - no show. Frustrating thing is when you call them they say, "Oh yeah, we couldn't come." No hint of an idea that maybe they could have called you. Sunday I came home early from work - again, no show. So today when working from home I will hopefully have success. I called yesterday and asked them to come. They told me, call us tomorrow and see if we can come. Aggghhh, can't you just schedule me in for tomorrow? I'm calling you now - I don't want to call tomorrow.
If you remember last year's stresses with the refrigerator repair - I think this year I'm more prepared. I know not to fight it. You only end up getting yourself all tied up into knots and it doesn't change anything. Believe me, I've tried. I've called the supervisor. I've called the manager. I've called the Director. Nothing changes.
So, it's not just our business - I work in a 30-story office tower. So, everyone is home today from all these businesses. And I just wonder how that would go down in the US if the electric company just started announcing power outages during business hours.
It's the same with the telephone company, too. We recently experienced several issues with the telephone lines running to one of our offices. We worked for MONTHS (yes, months) to get the telephone company to help us understand what the problem was. It was unbelievable. And then, when we finally decided that we needed to run a new line - they would only schedule the works during the day. There working hours are 8 to 3 (yep, 3pm). Nevermind that this was our Customer Service hub and that all our customers would be unable to contact us for a day.
And speaking of services. I'm on my third try to get the repairmen to come here and fix the A/C in Lyra's room. Saturday - no show. Frustrating thing is when you call them they say, "Oh yeah, we couldn't come." No hint of an idea that maybe they could have called you. Sunday I came home early from work - again, no show. So today when working from home I will hopefully have success. I called yesterday and asked them to come. They told me, call us tomorrow and see if we can come. Aggghhh, can't you just schedule me in for tomorrow? I'm calling you now - I don't want to call tomorrow.
If you remember last year's stresses with the refrigerator repair - I think this year I'm more prepared. I know not to fight it. You only end up getting yourself all tied up into knots and it doesn't change anything. Believe me, I've tried. I've called the supervisor. I've called the manager. I've called the Director. Nothing changes.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
One HOT Mama
So, after our dust storms, I was getting used to the reduced heat in the city. The dust was doing its job to keep us all a bit cooler (like closer to 105 than 115). But today, walking at lunch time, it's back to hot and sweltering. In fact, hot would be the wrong term. Hot is a summer day in Milwaukee. This is roasting or sizzling. Definitely hot would be an understatement.
Although my walk was only 200m, I was peeling off my blazer when I got back to the office - aaaah the chill of air conditioning. Why was I wearing my blazer? Because I have on a sleeveless shirt and I'm a bit sensitive to showing my arms here. I'm always torn between being culturally sensitive or being comfortable. Actually, the blazer helps a bit - keeps some of the sun off and in a way helps keep me cool - but once I heat up, then it's really roasting.
One more month of sizzling heat. Then come September we'll start seeing things get back to just plain ol' hot.
Although my walk was only 200m, I was peeling off my blazer when I got back to the office - aaaah the chill of air conditioning. Why was I wearing my blazer? Because I have on a sleeveless shirt and I'm a bit sensitive to showing my arms here. I'm always torn between being culturally sensitive or being comfortable. Actually, the blazer helps a bit - keeps some of the sun off and in a way helps keep me cool - but once I heat up, then it's really roasting.
One more month of sizzling heat. Then come September we'll start seeing things get back to just plain ol' hot.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
It's Dusty
No need to adjust your screens. This photo - although the quality is poor - is trying to show you how dusty it is. We've had dust storms since last Wednesday. Ugh.
I can hear down the corridors and halls everyone coughing in the office. I haven't bothered to cover my mouth outside - only because I'm barely outside. Best just to stay in and wait till it clears. Only good thing is that the temps have dropped quite a bit. Most days, temps are barely up to 100. And I saw that we may actually get overnight lows in to the 80s tonight.
I was glancing down at the constructions sites to see if any of the workmen are wearing face masks. Many of them have rigged up a bandana around their face, but most are working without one. This certainly has to be taking years off their life.
Oh, by the way, that long white building that you see closest to you is a new hall being added to our convention center. Supposedly there is a royal wedding booked for October in that building. I'll believe it when I see it.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Getting the Car Washed
People here are fanatical about a clean car. Most in the office will have their cars washed every day. A car wash guy or the house maid will clean the car in the morning before they leave for work. If you don't have a car wash guy, then all of the shopping centers have guys that patrol the parking lots and will wash your car while you shop. Given the dustiness of this place - definitely a regular car wash is needed. We get ours done weekly - and sometimes by the end of the week my car can look like an abandoned vehicle at the DMV.
Just after we moved in a man came by the house and offered to wash our cars. We knew he needed the money and it was a way to help him with a little cash. At first he was coming by on Friday morning - very early before the heat of the day. He'd was our two cars and the neighbors'. He was a real sweet guy. For two years he always came. Very reliable and charged a reasonable price.
One Thursday evening in June, he was washing the cars and he disappeared. He left behind his bicycle (a precious possession) and all the car wash gear was left out. None of us saw what happened. Juliette, our neighbor, stored his bicycle in their garage and we waited for his return. Unfortunately, he's never come back. We speculate that maybe the police stopped and he was detained for not having the right visa. I'm pretty sure we'll never know. We never did know his name. He'll forever be Car Wash Guy to us.
So, the entire time that we were back in the states, the cars remained unwashed. Believe me, they accumulated a lot of dust in those 4 weeks. So, last weekend, I brought out the hose and readied myself to wash the cars. Really - you would not believe what a fuss I raised with the house men nearby. It was more than they could bear - and also an opportunity for a little extra cash. So while I was washing, the house man from across the road came over to offer to wash the car. I told him he could come once a week. But I don't think he understood.
On Wednesday, Linda told me that he had been coming by each day to wash the car - but I had forgotten to tell her that I'd made this arrangement. She had been sending him away, but finally she relented and let him was the car yesterday. This morning, the doorbell rang at 6am. When I mumbled through the intercom, "Madam - wash car" was the response. When I got downstairs, I tried to communicate that he only needed to come 1 time per week - but he wasn't really understanding. So, he called his brother to come over who spoke much better English. I tried to negotiate the same rate that we had with our previous Car Wash Guy - but no deal. He wanted 200 Dhs.
Well, I've come into the office since and consulted with the guys on my team. They tell me that 200 Dhs is too much - unless he's doing it every day. But rather than re-negotiate myself, I'm going to wait until Russell gets back and have him do it. They'll listen to him better then me. One of my team members is from Pakistan and I told him I may call him and have him speak to them in Urdu. I'm sure to get a better deal this way.
In the meantime, our cars are clean. At least for now.
Just after we moved in a man came by the house and offered to wash our cars. We knew he needed the money and it was a way to help him with a little cash. At first he was coming by on Friday morning - very early before the heat of the day. He'd was our two cars and the neighbors'. He was a real sweet guy. For two years he always came. Very reliable and charged a reasonable price.
One Thursday evening in June, he was washing the cars and he disappeared. He left behind his bicycle (a precious possession) and all the car wash gear was left out. None of us saw what happened. Juliette, our neighbor, stored his bicycle in their garage and we waited for his return. Unfortunately, he's never come back. We speculate that maybe the police stopped and he was detained for not having the right visa. I'm pretty sure we'll never know. We never did know his name. He'll forever be Car Wash Guy to us.
So, the entire time that we were back in the states, the cars remained unwashed. Believe me, they accumulated a lot of dust in those 4 weeks. So, last weekend, I brought out the hose and readied myself to wash the cars. Really - you would not believe what a fuss I raised with the house men nearby. It was more than they could bear - and also an opportunity for a little extra cash. So while I was washing, the house man from across the road came over to offer to wash the car. I told him he could come once a week. But I don't think he understood.
On Wednesday, Linda told me that he had been coming by each day to wash the car - but I had forgotten to tell her that I'd made this arrangement. She had been sending him away, but finally she relented and let him was the car yesterday. This morning, the doorbell rang at 6am. When I mumbled through the intercom, "Madam - wash car" was the response. When I got downstairs, I tried to communicate that he only needed to come 1 time per week - but he wasn't really understanding. So, he called his brother to come over who spoke much better English. I tried to negotiate the same rate that we had with our previous Car Wash Guy - but no deal. He wanted 200 Dhs.
Well, I've come into the office since and consulted with the guys on my team. They tell me that 200 Dhs is too much - unless he's doing it every day. But rather than re-negotiate myself, I'm going to wait until Russell gets back and have him do it. They'll listen to him better then me. One of my team members is from Pakistan and I told him I may call him and have him speak to them in Urdu. I'm sure to get a better deal this way.
In the meantime, our cars are clean. At least for now.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Summer Ghost Town
It's normal for Dubai to feel empty in the summer. There's nothing to do here. The days are too hot and sunny. The kids go mad with boredom. You can only visit a mall so many times before you're stir crazy. So, most families will pack up and head home for a few weeks (or months).
This year, with the economic downturn, the streets are empty. Traffic jams that used to cause me 30 to 40 minutes of queing are now free-flowing without any back up. Hmmm. Partly this is because it's summer. But also, I think a lot of people are just gone. Everyone here is waiting to see what happens after Ramadan (which ends around Sept 20 this year). Will people be back?
I think it will be years until we see the peak levels that occurred sometime around Sept/Oct last year. But even to see things back to pre-summer levels would be encouraging.
Part of the reason so many people have gone is because if you lose your job here - then you lose your visa. They've extended the rules to give people about 6 months to find another job, but if you remain unemployed after that, then you have to leave. Also, if you find that you can't pay your bills while your unemployed - you go to jail. Yep - go to jail. So, people get scared if they think that they're going to miss a car payment or bounce a rent check and they just scram.
Seems a bit counterproductive to put someone in jail for bouncing a check. Doesn't really seem to help them stay on their feet for a while until they can sort something out. But that's the way it is. And I'm pretty sure once those folks leave they better stay away because they're on some sort of police list or something. I know I wouldn't chance it.
Anyway - now I've sold you on the idea of coming here. Don't worry - you're a tourist. Actually, because of the slow summer - there are great bargains everywhere. I was just reviewing this website (http://www.timeoutdubai.com/hotels/features/9569-best-summer-hotel-deals-in-dubai) for hotel deals in the city. If you've ever wanted a super luxurious holiday - now's the time to come to Dubai. We've actually taken advantage of one of these deals and we're going to the Palm Atlantis at the end of August for a last splash (literally) before school starts. About $225/night gets us a hotel room AND free entrance to their water park. Meals are not included - and I'm sure they'll try to make up for the freebies with high prices on the dinners. I'm sure we'll find a way to have some snacks/drinks in the room to help defer those costs.
This year, with the economic downturn, the streets are empty. Traffic jams that used to cause me 30 to 40 minutes of queing are now free-flowing without any back up. Hmmm. Partly this is because it's summer. But also, I think a lot of people are just gone. Everyone here is waiting to see what happens after Ramadan (which ends around Sept 20 this year). Will people be back?
I think it will be years until we see the peak levels that occurred sometime around Sept/Oct last year. But even to see things back to pre-summer levels would be encouraging.
Part of the reason so many people have gone is because if you lose your job here - then you lose your visa. They've extended the rules to give people about 6 months to find another job, but if you remain unemployed after that, then you have to leave. Also, if you find that you can't pay your bills while your unemployed - you go to jail. Yep - go to jail. So, people get scared if they think that they're going to miss a car payment or bounce a rent check and they just scram.
Seems a bit counterproductive to put someone in jail for bouncing a check. Doesn't really seem to help them stay on their feet for a while until they can sort something out. But that's the way it is. And I'm pretty sure once those folks leave they better stay away because they're on some sort of police list or something. I know I wouldn't chance it.
Anyway - now I've sold you on the idea of coming here. Don't worry - you're a tourist. Actually, because of the slow summer - there are great bargains everywhere. I was just reviewing this website (http://www.timeoutdubai.com/hotels/features/9569-best-summer-hotel-deals-in-dubai) for hotel deals in the city. If you've ever wanted a super luxurious holiday - now's the time to come to Dubai. We've actually taken advantage of one of these deals and we're going to the Palm Atlantis at the end of August for a last splash (literally) before school starts. About $225/night gets us a hotel room AND free entrance to their water park. Meals are not included - and I'm sure they'll try to make up for the freebies with high prices on the dinners. I'm sure we'll find a way to have some snacks/drinks in the room to help defer those costs.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
I'm Back
Oh what a trip it was. As usual, a blast to be back home to see friends and family. Makes it difficult to come back here. Russell & Lyra will be back in mid-August and then school starts on August 30.
Our trip to the US started with a visit to good friends Pam & Jerry in Michigan. Their daughter, Ellia, and Lyra have been mates since they were tiny babies in China. One day, we ditched the girls and summer camp, rented scooters and headed off to tour the beautiful area around their home city, St. Joseph, MI. Russell and I both enjoyed seeing Lake Michigan on the other side. Lot of great family things to do over there if you're looking for a quick getaway.
The beaches were beautiful and the water temps great for splashing. Of course the girls got in and had a blast jumping into the waves and playing in the sand.
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Lyra enjoyed holding this lizard on her lap and Ellia bravely stood nearby.
Our trip to the US started with a visit to good friends Pam & Jerry in Michigan. Their daughter, Ellia, and Lyra have been mates since they were tiny babies in China. One day, we ditched the girls and summer camp, rented scooters and headed off to tour the beautiful area around their home city, St. Joseph, MI. Russell and I both enjoyed seeing Lake Michigan on the other side. Lot of great family things to do over there if you're looking for a quick getaway.
The beaches were beautiful and the water temps great for splashing. Of course the girls got in and had a blast jumping into the waves and playing in the sand.
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Lyra enjoyed holding this lizard on her lap and Ellia bravely stood nearby.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Random Photos
Isn't this cool? I can't remember what it it's called. A leaf something. We saw it at the aqaurium in the Dubai Mall a couple of monts ago. I was totally fascinated watching it float around.
Updated: A leaf seahorse. Thanks, Mimi :-)
Here's Lyra with Mrs. Nasser, her KG2 (which is 5-year old KG) teacher. We liked Mrs. Nasser.
I like the timing of these two shots (see the one below). The three of them must be looking at the same thing.
Cutie patootie.
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Here's the Burj Dubai. Now that the window are on, it looks beautiful in the sunshine. Supposedly there will be an opening on September 9. But they're still putting on windows - so that "opening" won't really mean the building is done.
Note: That "small" building to the right is a 50-story hotel called The Address.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Food Chains
If there's one way that America is spreading it's culture, it's through food chains. Of course everyone expects McDonald's, Burger King, and Starbucks. No doubt - they're here. But I was surprised to see how common Baskin & Robins (called B&R here), KFC and Dunkin Donuts is outside of the US. If anything, these restaurants are MORE prevalent than back home. You cannot go anywhere in Dubai without having a B&R nearby.
TGI Fridays is also everywhere. And Chili's, Pizza Hut, Applebees. I've never been to any of them here. Nothing against them, just feel a bit like I should be focusing on local food rather than stuff I can get at home.
The ones that really surprise me however are the chains that barely exist back home. Fudruckers, Gloria Jeans Coffee, and Tony Roma's for example. They must be focusing more on their international expansion. And Caribou Coffee - it's huge here and back home I just think of it as a Minnesota chain.
And where are the Taco Bells (one just opened) - they have definitely missed out on an expansion opportunity. Too busy selling the Beef-a-quita-rito to the masses in America, I guess.
Last week I was in Qatar. Across the road from my hotel was an Arby's, TCBY and Dairy Queen. That's the first I've seen any of those.
It's not all American chains - there are lots of local places, too. But Americans feel right at home here when it comes to junk food.
TGI Fridays is also everywhere. And Chili's, Pizza Hut, Applebees. I've never been to any of them here. Nothing against them, just feel a bit like I should be focusing on local food rather than stuff I can get at home.
The ones that really surprise me however are the chains that barely exist back home. Fudruckers, Gloria Jeans Coffee, and Tony Roma's for example. They must be focusing more on their international expansion. And Caribou Coffee - it's huge here and back home I just think of it as a Minnesota chain.
And where are the Taco Bells (one just opened) - they have definitely missed out on an expansion opportunity. Too busy selling the Beef-a-quita-rito to the masses in America, I guess.
Last week I was in Qatar. Across the road from my hotel was an Arby's, TCBY and Dairy Queen. That's the first I've seen any of those.
It's not all American chains - there are lots of local places, too. But Americans feel right at home here when it comes to junk food.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Cultural Differences
Moving here - there were obvious cultural differences that we expected to encounter. We had some minimal cultural education - and read a lot about arab and muslim cultures. No matter how much education there was, there are some surprising differences that I just wasn't expecting. Like:
1. How to "nod" your head. In India, they have a little head "bobble". Kind of side to side. At first, I interpreted this to mean "whatever" or "if you insist" - instead it means "Yes." I still find this a little confusing in a conversation and have to remind myself that it means "yes."
2. What to do with toilet paper. In many of the older buildings with traditional plumbing - you are expected to throw your used toilet paper in a bin and not into the toilet. There are no signs instructing you to do this - it is just expected that you will. If you forget - you run the risk of serious plumbing clog. New buildings and plumbing are now built to handle toilet paper - but if in doubt, best to not flush.
3. Using a toothpick without covering your mouth is considered extremely rude and disgusting. You might as well be cleaning the toe jam from between your toes as far as people here are concerned.
4. Honking your car horn is a subtle message that means, "Hey, just to let you know I'm here." Even though I know it's not meant to be rude I still cannot stop myself from responding with ire. "YES - can you not wait 10 seconds for me to get out of my taxi?!?"
5. When we moved to England, I discovered that Baked Beans was a common pizza topping. For that matter, so was sweet corn. Hmmm - just had never really considered ordering a baked bean pizza. Here, pizza toppings are limited to non-pork options (for obvious reason). So, really difficult to order Pepperoni or Sausage - and if you do it's some sort of beef pepperoni or sausage which just doesn't have the same flavor.
6. You would think that answering the telephone and saying good-bye would be the same around the world. I mean, you can pick up your phone and call anyone in the world, so why don't we have the same telephone curtesies. In the UK, at the end of a telephone conversation, I never figured out what I was doing wrong, but it always felt like I'd say good-bye and then they'd say good-bye, and then rather than hang up - they'd hang on the line. Finally, I learned to say "Cheers, bye" at the end of the call - and that seemed to work, they'd hang up. Here, when people answer the telephone they always say, "Tell me, Julie". If they can see me on caller ID, that's how they answer the telephone - not even Hello. Or if after they say hello and I identify myself, then they will say "Tell me, Julie".
7. Tassels on men's dress shoes is 100% American. I cannot think of one single culture where the men have tassels on their dress shoes. If you see a man anywhere in the world with tassels on his dress shoes, you don't even have to ask - he's an American.
5.
1. How to "nod" your head. In India, they have a little head "bobble". Kind of side to side. At first, I interpreted this to mean "whatever" or "if you insist" - instead it means "Yes." I still find this a little confusing in a conversation and have to remind myself that it means "yes."
2. What to do with toilet paper. In many of the older buildings with traditional plumbing - you are expected to throw your used toilet paper in a bin and not into the toilet. There are no signs instructing you to do this - it is just expected that you will. If you forget - you run the risk of serious plumbing clog. New buildings and plumbing are now built to handle toilet paper - but if in doubt, best to not flush.
3. Using a toothpick without covering your mouth is considered extremely rude and disgusting. You might as well be cleaning the toe jam from between your toes as far as people here are concerned.
4. Honking your car horn is a subtle message that means, "Hey, just to let you know I'm here." Even though I know it's not meant to be rude I still cannot stop myself from responding with ire. "YES - can you not wait 10 seconds for me to get out of my taxi?!?"
5. When we moved to England, I discovered that Baked Beans was a common pizza topping. For that matter, so was sweet corn. Hmmm - just had never really considered ordering a baked bean pizza. Here, pizza toppings are limited to non-pork options (for obvious reason). So, really difficult to order Pepperoni or Sausage - and if you do it's some sort of beef pepperoni or sausage which just doesn't have the same flavor.
6. You would think that answering the telephone and saying good-bye would be the same around the world. I mean, you can pick up your phone and call anyone in the world, so why don't we have the same telephone curtesies. In the UK, at the end of a telephone conversation, I never figured out what I was doing wrong, but it always felt like I'd say good-bye and then they'd say good-bye, and then rather than hang up - they'd hang on the line. Finally, I learned to say "Cheers, bye" at the end of the call - and that seemed to work, they'd hang up. Here, when people answer the telephone they always say, "Tell me, Julie". If they can see me on caller ID, that's how they answer the telephone - not even Hello. Or if after they say hello and I identify myself, then they will say "Tell me, Julie".
7. Tassels on men's dress shoes is 100% American. I cannot think of one single culture where the men have tassels on their dress shoes. If you see a man anywhere in the world with tassels on his dress shoes, you don't even have to ask - he's an American.
5.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Lyra's First Piano Recital
Lyra's piano teacher, Miss Elena, is from the Ukraine. She is one of the most soft spoken people. But I noticed at the recital that all of her students had been taught how to come in and bow before taking their seat (I missed that in Lyra's entry) and then to bow again when leaving.
She has infinite patience with Lyra. Every lesson, she reviews the positioning of the fingers, keeping her knuckles soft, positiong her hands as if they were holding a tennis ball. Every lesson.
For the recital, this was the first time Lyra had played a grand piano. Up until now, she has been practicing on our Yamaha Clavinova (and the Clavinova they have in her practice cubicle at the music school).
Miss Elena came up to me afterward and said, "I jahst lahve Lyra. She is so beautiful wiss her white dress and zee blahck piano."
Friday, June 12, 2009
Going to Get Beer
You can drink alcohol in the UAE, but you need a drinking license. In Dubai, if you have a resident permit, you need a license to purchase or consume alcohol. Visitors and vacationers can drink alcohol, but only on hotel properties. Technically, if you're staying with friends at their home, you're not allowed to drink on their property unless you have a license.
There are liquor stores in Dubai, but they charge about 30% duty on everything. So, usually we purchase our alcohol when we go through duty free or we go to Umm al Quwain, a nearby emirate. In UAQ, there's a store called the Baracuda where you can get booze without a liquor license and without paying duty. So, every few months or so, we head over there. It's about an hour drive.
It is hilarious to see people coming out of the shop with their shopping trolleys FULL - as they can barely steer the thing to their car. BIG smiles are on everyone's face. This time, we didn't need too much. Picked up some wine for the neighbors and also stocked up for Ramadan (which comes around August 22 this year). And since Russell & Lyra will just be getting back from the US the weekend before that, this way we don't have to rush over there - as they close for the entire month of Ramadan.
On the way, there is a stretch of road with free-range camels. Almost every time we see some on the road. So, I had my camera out and ready for some photos.
There are liquor stores in Dubai, but they charge about 30% duty on everything. So, usually we purchase our alcohol when we go through duty free or we go to Umm al Quwain, a nearby emirate. In UAQ, there's a store called the Baracuda where you can get booze without a liquor license and without paying duty. So, every few months or so, we head over there. It's about an hour drive.
It is hilarious to see people coming out of the shop with their shopping trolleys FULL - as they can barely steer the thing to their car. BIG smiles are on everyone's face. This time, we didn't need too much. Picked up some wine for the neighbors and also stocked up for Ramadan (which comes around August 22 this year). And since Russell & Lyra will just be getting back from the US the weekend before that, this way we don't have to rush over there - as they close for the entire month of Ramadan.
On the way, there is a stretch of road with free-range camels. Almost every time we see some on the road. So, I had my camera out and ready for some photos.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Praying
In Islam, followers are required to pray 5 times a day. The praying times are based upon the sun rising and setting. First prayer is before sunrise and the last prayer is after sunset - and the rest are spaced pretty evenly throughout the day.
As a result, prayer is a common part of life here. In the US, where we're used to religion and praying being mostly a private thing - we can get uncomfortable with people expressing their religion in public. Especially praying - for the most part we view that as a very private moment.
Most commonly, people here will pray at mosques or prayer rooms. Almost all public buildings and offices will offer a prayer room. But if they don't, it's not unusual to see someone in the corner of a room praying, or in their office, or in the case of my photo below - on the roadside.
As a result, prayer is a common part of life here. In the US, where we're used to religion and praying being mostly a private thing - we can get uncomfortable with people expressing their religion in public. Especially praying - for the most part we view that as a very private moment.
Most commonly, people here will pray at mosques or prayer rooms. Almost all public buildings and offices will offer a prayer room. But if they don't, it's not unusual to see someone in the corner of a room praying, or in their office, or in the case of my photo below - on the roadside.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Hello, President Obama
Welcome to my neck of the woods.
There's lots of buzz around having Obama here in the Arab world. People are excited that he's here and are looking forward to hearing what he has to say. Today, Obama is in Saudi and tomorrow he travels to Egypt.
There's a bit of controversy around the choice of Egypt for his "speech to the Muslim world". Many Egyptians are upset that it seems to validate Mubarek's dictatorship. Ah well, you can't please everyone.
I would have like to see Obama come here to Dubai - if only to compare the security to last year's totalitarian lock-down during Bush's visit.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Booking a Taxi
On the back of every taxi in Dubai it says: Call Center 800 90 90 90.
You might think that if you'd like to book a taxi you should call this number. Nope. Don't ask me what they do - maybe they take complaints about the fact that the number on taxis is not the number used for booking taxis.
No, it is a totally different number that you call to book taxis. And the only way I know to find out that number for booking taxis is to call the above number, pretend to try and book a taxi, and then have them give you the other number you need to call. I deliberately say "pretend to try and book a taxi". Because if you call them and try to explain that you know they're not the booking number, but would like to get the booking number - you'll just confuse them and maybe they'll transfer you to another department which also can't book a taxi for you. So, better to just play dumb.
This is SO Dubai.
Obviously, I've now got the booking number stored in my Blackberry.
You might think that if you'd like to book a taxi you should call this number. Nope. Don't ask me what they do - maybe they take complaints about the fact that the number on taxis is not the number used for booking taxis.
No, it is a totally different number that you call to book taxis. And the only way I know to find out that number for booking taxis is to call the above number, pretend to try and book a taxi, and then have them give you the other number you need to call. I deliberately say "pretend to try and book a taxi". Because if you call them and try to explain that you know they're not the booking number, but would like to get the booking number - you'll just confuse them and maybe they'll transfer you to another department which also can't book a taxi for you. So, better to just play dumb.
This is SO Dubai.
Obviously, I've now got the booking number stored in my Blackberry.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Igor (eee-gor)
Lyra rented this movie yesterday. It's another one of those animation films with famous actors doing the voice-over. I'd never heard of it. When I got home last night - she was about 30 minutes from the end of the movie. I sat with her to watch the last bit - but mostly I was concentrating on eating my soup while sitting on the stairs and not spilling it on my work clothes.
When she was getting ready for bed, I asked her what the movie was about. Here's her synopsis:
Well a monster makes another monster. She's really really big and she doesn't know how to say anything. She talks like she's a baby. And another monster tells all the monsters that they need to be evil and that it should be dark all the time. But he was wrong. And so the big monster is trying to destroy everything, but the other monster - the one who made her - tells her that she doesn't need to be evil. And so, she was destroying every thing and then she stopped. It wasn't magic or anything, she just stopped. I don't really know how that happened.
I'm always fascinated by the details that she picks up on. Sometimes she will ask me, "Remember that movie where the dog was wearing the red collar?" - or something equally obscure. If I ask for more details, she'll sometimes be able to give a better clue. But often it will be something like, "You know, the one where the red collar was shiny and the dog was wearing it." If I'm still stumped, she pulls out the pre-teen angst - "You JUST DON'T GET IT!"
The other day - I overheard a similar dialogue with Russell and he responded with, "Don't get sassy with me - I'm trying to understand what you're saying." Tears ensued.
Lyra's especially emotional when she's going through a growth spurt. She ate three bowls of last night's soup and then a large breakfast this morning. Let this be a warning to us. Eggshell alert.
When she was getting ready for bed, I asked her what the movie was about. Here's her synopsis:
Well a monster makes another monster. She's really really big and she doesn't know how to say anything. She talks like she's a baby. And another monster tells all the monsters that they need to be evil and that it should be dark all the time. But he was wrong. And so the big monster is trying to destroy everything, but the other monster - the one who made her - tells her that she doesn't need to be evil. And so, she was destroying every thing and then she stopped. It wasn't magic or anything, she just stopped. I don't really know how that happened.
I'm always fascinated by the details that she picks up on. Sometimes she will ask me, "Remember that movie where the dog was wearing the red collar?" - or something equally obscure. If I ask for more details, she'll sometimes be able to give a better clue. But often it will be something like, "You know, the one where the red collar was shiny and the dog was wearing it." If I'm still stumped, she pulls out the pre-teen angst - "You JUST DON'T GET IT!"
The other day - I overheard a similar dialogue with Russell and he responded with, "Don't get sassy with me - I'm trying to understand what you're saying." Tears ensued.
Lyra's especially emotional when she's going through a growth spurt. She ate three bowls of last night's soup and then a large breakfast this morning. Let this be a warning to us. Eggshell alert.
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