I Love Camels ...But Who Doesn't

Raise your hand if you love camels ! Can you see that I have both arms up, high in the air?

I love, love, love these noisy, cranky animals. Since I landed in Dubai, the middle east, my fascination and love for camels has grown leaps and bounds.

My excitement swells when I see one, which seems to be frequently.

You can spot them in the most unusual places, but really in the back of cars? Okay, that really is unusual and if anyone can tell me how they got that camel into the back of that small SUV please let me know. But I have to say, his scarf is a nice touch and a smart accessory. This camel is the first that I have seen wearing a scarf and who knows maybe it will catch on.

I have seen camels lounging on beaches around Dubai, hanging out at Al Safa park (as I ran by - I was shocked to see a camel hanging out by the running track), on the side of the road, riding in the back of trucks speeding down Sheikh Zayed Highway, running down the busy street Al Wasl, tied up in yards, in the National Day parade or just walking across the sand in the desert. In the United States people rent ponies for the children's birthday parties - here you rent camels.

 

I love how camels act so annoyed when get up close to them, but I really think it is an act. Are they starving for a little attention ? If you can get close enough to a camel, you would be amazed at their ultra long and double lidded eye lashes . It appears, even though they making loud grumbling sounds, they wear an eternal smile on their cute camel faces.  

 

Camels are beloved in the middle east and why not ? What other creature could stand to be out in the scorching desert heat like camels do and love it ? None that I know of.  

 

Camel racing is big sport in the UAE. I have not made it out to the camel race track yet but I will someday soon. The racing camels are legend in this part of the world. The winners and fastest camels are big prize winners and worth a lot of money ( UAE Dir ham). Really big money !

When Jeff and I first moved to Dubai we were warned to be on the outlook for camels crossing the roads, especially on the outskirts of town. First and fore most, a camel is never at fault for crossing the road and second, if you hit a camel, it could be the Bedouin shepherds prize racing camel then you really could be in it for a lot of money. Just always remember - camels are never at fault. 

 

You just have to try it once and can find it in all the local stores dairy section - camels milk. It is very popular in Dubai and it comes in not only original, but you can also get it chocolate, strawberry and date flavored. I found it to be the same no matter the flavoring - I tried chocolate and original. I would hate to influence anyones opinion but be prepared, it is not anything like "good ole milk". If you love camels milk, you can also get camel ice cream in many different flavors and chocolate candy.  The UAE Nationals claim that camels milk is very good for the body, but the problem is getting it down and liking how it tastes.

 

I have done four blog posts on camels and there will be more. Their antics and personalities are so funny I can't help but write about camels.

 

So who loves camels ? I do, I do !

 

 

 

 

 
 

Dune Bashing ...Is the Fun Over Yet ?

Dune bashing ? What's that ? A large group of us decided to find out for ourselves in the beautiful red sandy desert, outside Dubai. The Desert Safari / Dune Bashing Company picks you up at your chosen location and takes for the thrill or should I say, " the ride of your life".

 

The caravan of seven land cruisers (all of them were equipped inside with an extensive roll bar system) drove 40 minutes, farther  and farther into the desert, then suddenly, they made a sharp turn off the paved road going at a high rate of speed into the rolling hills of red rippled sand. 

SUV's and jeeps were everywhere. It was dune bashing madness at it best.

 

All the land cruisers stopped and everyone got out. While the drivers removed air from the tires ( helps prevent the SUV from getting stuck in the sand ) the rest of us looked over the landscape, watching other groups doing dune bashing and giggled nervously. All I could think was, "what if I get sick ". Think positive, think positive.



The drivers whistled - it was time to pile back in the SUV's. Let the fun begin.

At a high rate of speed our caravan took off over the red sand hills. Up, down, on the side of the hill, sliding down the hill, straight up, straight down. How are we staying upright ? A couple times I thought, this is it, we are rolling over, but luckily we did not. We screamed a lot and at times I covered my eyes. The person in the front seat was encouraging the driver to take it steeper, faster and he did. It was like being on an endless roller coaster in the sand and the ride would not stop.
Finally it the SUV stopped, but wait, we were at the top of a sandy cliff. The only way to get to the other side was the sheer, straight drop - the driver punched the gas and off we went. Here we go ! Screams all the way down and all the way up. I think I am sick.

We made to the top of the other side of the steep hill and got out. Wobbly legged we walked around and a few of us had motion sickness. The drivers gave us a few minutes to get our wits about us again before they loaded us back into the SUV's and the fun started up again.

The sun was setting and the view was spectacular - an absolutely gorgeous sunset in this Arabian desert.

Here we go again.

The dune bashing went on for another half hour, then we arrived at the desert safari camp out in the middle of no where. The adventure continued - we got henna on our hands, sat around on the majlis watching belly dancing and a Turkish dance called "whirling dervish", rode camels and were fed a traditional Arabic meal. What kind of meat is this I asked ? No one seemed to know. When I asked the server, he repeated himself several times, but I could not understand what he was saying. It seems too big to be chicken, but I would prefer to think it was chicken and not something else. Let's leave it at that. It is one of those meals that you close your eyes and eat.

This is a picture of the whirling dervish - quite amazing ! The dancer twirled around and around for 45 minutes and didn't throw up once.

It was a fun afternoon and evening in the desert - even if I did get a little sick dune bashing.  I know now what dune bashing is and survived it.  Would I do it again? Absolutely !

 

The Things People Do With Their Money...Only in Dubai

There is a lot of money in the middle east. In the UAE, specifically Dubai, you see it everywhere. Money is spent extravagantly and lavishly, sometimes on some of the most unusual things and /or in excess. Automobiles, homes, animals and buildings...it does not matter.

I have mentioned it in previous posts but expensive luxury cars are so commonplace in Dubai, that it seems normal to see Ferrari's, Rolls Royce and Maybachs all around you on the road. But have you ever seen a baby pink expedition ? I have and it is simply beautiful. It looked like cotton candy on wheels.

The Rolls Royce Ghost in the picture below pulled up along side of us on Jumeriah Beach Road. The young men driving the car looked as if they were 14, okay, maybe 16. I wondered if their dad knew they had his car out for a spin ? They were happy to smile for the camera shot, then off they went. I sure hope they got the car home safely, with out any new scratches or dents.

Have you ever seen a Rolls Royce covered in artificial grass - the whole thing - in Astro turf ? I had never seen any car covered in fake grass, let alone a Rolls Royce. Don't quite understand that one.

If they want it, they have it done.

Gold plated cars, they are here - like the one in the picture below. Not just gold colored but gold plated. When these cars are custom ordered from the factory, they cannot have the standard V6 or V8 engine - no that would be too normal, they order them to have a V 12 motor. You can hear the cars with the  V12 motors roaring up behind you, even with your windows rolled up, loud and thundering. Your car shakes as it roars on past.

Not only do you see extravagance with luxury cars, but you see other things - so many other surprises. I don't stare in astonishment anymore when I see someone carrying a monkey on their shoulder or stop to gawk at a gargantuan villa.  

You never know when you will see something unusual, out of the ordinary. One thing I have learned while living here in Dubai, always keep your camera on your person and close.
Be ready for a picture when you least expect it.

Larger than life vases, planters, which always seem to be shaped like something - tea pots, people or horses. Full body horses shaped into lamps or how about gold plated life size horses.

The horses below are probably better taken care of than most "live" horses. They are shined, cleaned and spruced up every day. Brilliant to look at and shocking to see them out in public without high powered security surrounding them.

Horse and camel racing is huge in Dubai and there is no expense spared for a prize racer. There was even an elevator built at the Meydan Race track that would accommodate horses to be brought to a restaurant on the the top floor. A horse in a restaurant ?

Camels are cherished in the middle east and and coming up soon is the camel beauty contest. yeah !!.  I have waited for months for the camel beauty contest. The prize for the winner ....millions of dollars. Did you read what I wrote ...a camel is the winner!

The contest is next week and I can hardly wait to see which camel beauty will be crowned the winner. There will definitely be post about the camel beauty contest in the future.

In a recent article in the Gulf News, a Saudi writer wrote about the the extravagance of the "millions" of dollars spent recently on the purchase of 20 camels. 20 camels! All I can think is that they must have been some pretty special camels. Oh, the things that could be done with millions of dollars instead of purchasing 20 camels.

Snow in a desert ?!. The chance of it snowing here -  well... it will never happen.  But don't not be despaired, you can order snow and have it delivered right to your door. In fact a company in Dubai will turn your villa and surrounding property into a winter wonderland. It may not be icy cold, but it looks like the real thing and they can spray it thick enough that you can make a snow angel in it.
I was lucky to see the "snow falling " or being sprayed around the grounds and the roof top of a very large villa last week. A large group of children stood around cheerfully watching as the snow sprayers did their work. I got my camera out to take a picture and my battery was dead....no worries, I am certain I will see it again.

The artifical snow is not only reserved for villas and surrounding property. Dubai is also well known for its Indoor Ski Resort at Ski Dubai, the only one like it in world. Groomed mountains that can you can ski, snowboard, tube and sled on, down big hills with fresh  man made snow and the best part of Ski Dubai, live penguins.
They imagined it and built it.

Gold plated flag poles, man made islands, diamonds enrusted on  items to numerous to mention, unusual and magnificent architecture. The architectural wonder - the new residential twisting building in the Marina is almost complete and ready for occupants. You look at it and are astonished that the building is standing upright and wonder in awe, how did they do that ?

In other country's some things are imagined, thought about, but in this country they do it. There are no limits and if they want it, they figure it out. Imagination is everything here and money makes it happen.

I have never in  my life seen anything like I have seen here and when I leave Dubai I am certain I will never see things like this again - the extravagance, the obscure, the unusual. It is what makes Dubai what it is today.

What an experience and I feel lucky every day I am here that I get to live and witness it.
 

Happy New Year - It's 1434

Happy New Year !

On November 15, the Islamic new year was welcomed in. It's official it is now 1434.
I didn't even know there was more than one calendar in this big world of ours. In fact - here is a little tidbit of information...
Besides the Gregorian calendar that we currently use, there is also the Islamic calendar which is a lunar calendar, but other countries or faiths also use a lunar and solar calendar. I learn something new everyday. 

The Islamic new year was just recently celebrated and unlike the new year celebrations that take place around the world on January 1, the Islamic new year is celebrated relatively quietly, with prayers, readings and reflection. 

The short time I have been outside the United States I have learned more about other holidays and celebrations of other countries, than all the years I have been alive. It has been fun to watch the different celebrations unfold and research all the specifics about them. Another recent event I have enjoyed experiencing and learning about is the celebration of lights - the Hindu celebration of Diwali. 

The holidays and celebrations I am accustomed to are not celebrated in the middle east (even though some of the retailers try hard to make the  expatriates feel more at home by selling Christmas and Halloween decorations). In fact, the holidays I am used to celebrating usually slip by quietly, without a lot of notice or fanfare. Seems weird....

On Thanksgiving this year, nine families got together to celebrate. But this year, for me, it was very international. Besides all of the Americans enjoying the make shift Turkey dinner ( hard to find all the essentials), we also invited two British families, a person from Scotland, and a family from Germany. It was the first time I have been away from my family at Thanksgiving, but the amazing families I spent the day with were a great substitute.

The "biggest holiday of them all" in the United Arab Emirates  is coming up on December 2 - it is National Day !
Similar to the 4 th of July in the United States,but on Steroids. Preparations are being made now with gigantic flags and lights  being hung from every wall, door, building, etc. The United Arab Emirates does everything big and over the top so you can imagine the decorations and the flags that are being put up all over the city.

The picture below is a local business decorated for National Day on December 2. This is typical of businesses all over the city. The city is a glow.

I am looking forward to celebrating national day with all of the other millions of people that live in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on December 2. I have heard that nothing compares to this experience. Several of our expatriate friends have said that we should stay home that day and avoid the madness, but no, not us, we will be out in the middle of it, seeing and experiencing it for ourselves. Why not ?!
This should be fun !

Dressing Up Is Just Not For Kids

I hope I never grow up.

It is said that holidays are for kids. If that is the case ...I must be the biggest kid around..

Halloween time is a family favorite and wearing costumes is not just for kids. Let me repeat...not just for kids.

Christmas will always be the #1 holiday, but Halloween and the 4th of July are very close seconds. The best thing about Halloween and the 4th of  July - there is no gift giving, just a lot of fun.

Jeff and I have hosted a family Halloween party at the Herr haunted house for years, but because of our temporary move to Dubai, we really did not think there would be an annual family Halloween party this year. There was saddness :(.

But fortunately, as luck turned out, I was back in Utah in October and with help from my daughters and their spouses we pulled off the annual party (thank you Shawn for staying up late one night and helping me stretch webs from one end of the ceiling to the other and Ansley for making and sending out the very scary invitations).

Yes, the costumes below were made by my nephew and his wife. Pretty amazing aren't they?

There is much anticipation on what everyone will come as from one year to the next and sometimes the costume planning starts the day after the family Halloween party is over. No leaking of ideas or telling what someone is thinking of coming as the next year is allowed....it is a secret. The costumes get better and better every year.

Even my parents and an aunt who is dressed below as Carmen Miranda, are in their eighties, dress up and anticipates the grand prize to be awarded.

With the fog machine going, the house decked out in scary webs, lights dimmed, the fun begins and each time the door bells rings we all stop to see what or who enters through the door. We eat the traditional chili along with many other ghoulish food items, while enjoying halloween games and doing the limbo to Halloween music. Doing the limbo with costumes on is a special treat. Everyone needs to try it once in their lives. I am always amazed at how limber my family and extended family can be ...especially on Halloween night. They all seem to be unusually limber one night out of the entire year and some of them bend like pretzels - backwards.

Anticipation grows and the judges finally arrive. One at a time the costumed family members strut there stuff in front of the judges - then it happens, first, second and third place are awarded.  Not everyone can win - maybe next year !?

The party has expanded beyond family members to include non family members alike. There have been years when I don't even know some of the people at the party and I have to keep asking, "who is that", but we welcome anyone to come and have scary fun with us. The more the merrier or should I say scarier....One condition they have to wear a costume.

I am so happy that I have a family that loves to play and have fun. Thanks for being great sports and let the planning begin for next years costumes!

The Coolest Day Trip Yet

Jeff said that it was the best birthday ever.

We took a short trip to Dibba, Oman and did a day long Dhow Cruise, along the coast of the Arabian Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean. On a clear day you can the country of Iran. It is very close and this is probably the closest I will ever be to Iran.

This area of the world is old ...an ancient fishing community that has been passed down from generation to generation. They have been fishing this area for thousands of years. Isn't that amazing to think how old this area of the world is?

 

Today was our lucky day, besides us and the couple we we went with, Meagan and Stephane Budge and their two small children, William and Hazel, only one other couple  from Belgium were on the cruise with us.

 

How awesome was that ! We had the entire dhow to ourselves. Two floors of food, Arabian music and floating fun. The weather and the stillness of the water could not have been any better. We were off on an adventure on a strikingly beautiful day.

 

But watch out...the Indian Captain asked Jeff if he wanted to steer the dhow out of the dock and into the open sea. He was so happy to oblige. With a wide grin on his face, we were on our way.
 

 

The scenery was beautiful. Sheer cliffs jetting straight up out of the ocean, turquoise blue, green water that was so still, you could see straight down to the sea floor as sting ray, fish along with other sea creatures in their natural habitat swam around. It was like being at an aquarium but 100% better. Flying fish followed along side the dhow - jumping, skipping along the water catching bugs in the air. As they fluttered above the water, it reminded me of fairies following the dhow.

 

 

We stopped along our journey at the ancient village of Haffa, Oman. The only way to get to this village is by boat and it has been that way for thousands of years. There is very little to this ancient village but homes, boats and fishing equipment. There are @ 150 residents of this ancient, enchanting village. One thing to note - the children are transported by boat to school in Dibba every day.
 

 

Our captain got the small small boat we pulled behind the dhow ready to transport us to the beach, but also challenged the brave, or should I say "the crazy", to enter the water by jumping from the top of the dhow. He said, " it is only 20 feet". I decided to be safe and take the small boat ride into the beach, unlike my husband that decided to take the 20 foot plunge and swim in.
 

 

The beach was over run with sea shells, hermit crabs, goats, one friendly donkey that made it known to all of us that he was the welcoming committee chairperson, and one groping fisherman.That's right, you read it correctly, one groping fisherman that was so happy to see females on his beach. That is another story or definitely a later post.
 

 

All around us on this small inlet were ruins of rock homes that used to be, old deserted boats, fishing nets and a lot of isolation.

Wow, I cannot imagine living so remotely away from civilization or even close to one neighbor.
 

 

Once our time was done on the beach, we ventured with off in our little boat, into hidden caves. As the sea water filled the cave, we entered with our small boat. The walls of the cave were colorfully streaked, just like a rainbow and the water was crystal clear. Stunning, captivating - it is hard to express the beauty and awe of this tucked away place. We all sat in the boat, stunned at what we were seeing, speechless.
 

 

Back on our dhow we were feed an Arabian lunch and then continued on our journey until it was declared we had arrived at the best snorkeling spot. But wait we are in the middle of the sea - I need to jump directly into the sea, no gradual wade in to the water or guard rails? On went the snorkeling gear and we plunged into the blue green sea. The water - stunning and the perfect temperature. We spent over an hour paddling around the sea in our snorkeling gear. Life is so good !
 

 

Jeff did however have a run in with a sea urchin while snorkeling, which left 23 quills embedded in his right hand and had to be removed by a surgeon at a later time. Next time, maybe we should wear gloves while snorkeling or be very careful where hands are placed.

Sea Urchin 1- Jeff 0.
 

 

We had a beautiful day cruising on the dhow, exploring and enjoying sites that few people ever see.
This was Jeff's birthday but I also benefited from this wonderful day trip to Dibba, Oman. 
 

 

Happy Birthday Jeff !

 

I Voted Today and It Means So Much More

I voted today...October 4, 2012.

I placed my absentee ballot today, a month early, from 9000 miles away.  It was a party atmosphere, complete with food, music and high security at the American Consulate in Dubai, UAE and all the Americans that are currently residing in this middle east city were invited to participate.

It was a little different experience than I was used to. No one asked for my name or ID, or had me sigh for my official ballot. The voting was held outside in the consulate courtyard. People were eating, laughing and visiting. We sat around tables and filled in our votes. Shoulder to shoulder, packed at tables, with out the secret voting booths or screens. I almost felt like I was cheating.

This time around, the voting was different, meant more to me. We as Americans have always had the right to vote and I think we take it for granted. In fact, many of us don't vote and take advantage of the amazing right we have been awarded. Since living  in Dubai, I have had the chance to speak with people from all walks of life, many of them that do not have the right to vote or have limited opportunity to vote and possibly influence decisions for their country. 

In May of this year Taeler, Jeff and I sat at dinner with some friends and listened to Ahmed, our friend from Egypt, with tears in his eye and alot of emotion in his voice, express the overwhelming joy he felt that day for being able to vote in the Egyptian elections for the first time in his life. He said, it may not be perfect and the candidates may not be the best, but my country took a big step forward today." Ahmed's exuberance and emotion was so powerful. The right to vote meant everything to him and that will always stick with me.

People from all walks of life and countries want to discuss our politics, our candidates and always ask, " who are you voting for They are not just asking to make small talk, they sincerely want to know. A taxi driver a few months back, surprised Taeler and I of his knowledge of the US politics and candidates, he then explained our influence on his small country. Many of them know more than I do about the candidates, have done their research and want to give their opinion, feedback or find out about ours.

I have never before realized, so profoundly how our vote and selection of candidates impacts and influences the rest of the world. Eye opening.

On this day f absentee voting, there was excitement in the air and not only the Americans were excited for the opportunity to vote. Our friends from other countries, wished us well and encouraged us to "vote for the right person".  Americans had to be at the consulate between 3:00 - 5:00 and no wanted us to miss our opportunity.

I wish I could have taken pictures of the voting party at the American Consulate, but due to high security at the Embassy's and Consulate's, not only did I have to walk thru a middle detector and show my passport, but my purse and all of its belongings, including my camera were confiscated and held by the Marines, until I left the building, but the memory of that voting experience is etched is my mind.  

I am a little ashamed that I had to move 9000 miles to really appreciate the right we as Americans have to vote but more grateful that I finally get it.

Get out and vote....no excuses !
 

Gotta Love It ...My Top Ten Dubai Favorites

I knew this would happen. I predicted it 8 short months ago.

Dubai, the United Arab Emirates is becoming common place to me, familiar. I am so sad that I cannot smell the salt water and spices in the air anymore. I am used to it now.
The strange and bizarre are now normal, everyday things. Once in awhile I see something that still surprises me, but not as much as I used to.

There are things about the middle east that I like, absolutely love......here is my top ten.

And unlike David Lettermen, they are in no particular order. I love them all equally.

• I love that I do not have mail delivery in Dubai, the Middle East - Yeah ! I have finally gotten rid of junk mail. Don't you all wish you could say that ? There is no home to home or should I say, Villa to Villa mail delivery in the middle east. You can pay monthly for a post box, which very few people do, but even then the chances of getting your letters or mail are very slim. I do not miss mail, not even a little. Not having mail delivery has forced me to go paperless. I can officially say I am mean and green.

• I love camels ! How could you not - They are large, stinky, crabby animals that thrive in the desert. They are every where and I still go crazy when I see them strolling along the side of the highway, on the beach or riding in the back of a truck. But watch for a special edition blog in November ....The Annual Camel Beauty Contest will be held in Dubai. That is right, a camel beauty contest. Just imagine camels all glammed up .I can hardly wait!!

• I love driving in Dubai. It is not for the faint of heart and yes it is quite scary. Many people that live in Dubai never even attempt to drive, but not me , I knew that if I wanted freedom and to have a normal life here I would have to drive. I can honk, maneuver the round a bouts, swerve and speed with the best of them. You are always watching...one eye is on the road in front of you, while the other eye is watching for motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed, people crossing whenever they want, cars and trucks entering the roads and highways from empty sandy lots and camels, if they are on the road and get hit it is never their fault.....goodness, gracious - the driving is fun. 

• I love that the people of the UAE are night owls. I am a night owl and fit in perfectly here. I have found my people ! This place does not come alive until dusk or even late into the evening. Many businesses do not even open until late afternoon and then stay open into the wee early hours of the morning. And the malls....they are packed and alive with adults, children and families at midnight . They are a peculiar people, but I fit right in. And I just heard....starting the 18th of October the malls will be open 24 hours for two weeks! Heaven.

• I love that gasoline is so cheap. What does gas cost in Dubai ? I have no idea....but it is cheap !I have never seen one advertisement of gas and the prices are never posted. I don't think anyone even cares. We filled up our SUV last Saturday and paid 92 cents a gallon. Besides the gas being cheap, the gas stations also have gas attendants - you never have to leave your car. You pull up, tell the attendant, "fill up with special",sit back and relax while they wash your windows and shine your tires. If you would like a drink from  inside, they will even get a person to run inside and buy you whatever your heart desires.  Oh, life is good !

• I love the white sandy beaches. Magnificent ! Enough said.

• I love the diversity of the people in Dubai and my new international friends. I don't know if you can find anywhere else in the world the diversity of people and cultures that you can find in the middle east, especially Dubai. Never in my life have I met people from so many different countries. I have learned so much about traditional dress, languages, the customs and the best part food. But no matter what....I will never eat the duck egg . The egg is an almost completely formed duck, with feathers and all. Everyone keeps saying, close your eyes and don't look at what you are eating. What ...even with my eyes closed I know what I am eating...never ! 

       It has been a eye opening lesson of life for me. I love being the
       one that is different and never thought I would ever hear my
       self say that. My life has been enriched from meeting so             many people from all walks of life.

• I love both the glitz and the grit . Dubai is a city of contrast, the most glitzy to the most gritty and I like them both, but I especially love the old sections of town, the small dirty shops and sun bleached run down Arabic looking homes with elaborate metal doors. That is where all the best treasures and food can be found. The high tech and sparkly glitz amaze me also. Gold, diamonds and expensive cars are abundant in Dubai. And if it is not all gold , many objects are gold plated, like cars, phones, statues and flagpoles. When we saw a a TV commercial for drapes encrusted with "diamond's" yesterday, we knew that the people here have a little too much money.  

     

• I love the architecture . No two buildings are the same, expect the two towering "Chrysler " buildings.  You will never see buildings like this in the United States. The few requirements are ...Glass, steel and colored lights, with the final requirement ...how unusual or abstract can we build it.  I have stood in awe at some of the buildings and think, " how did they do that ? It was announced last week that Saudi Arabia was going to build a skyscraper taller than the tallest building in world , the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Oh no, I can sense the competition to go even higher is on.

• I love string cats ! Cats, cats and more cats roam the city. They are everywhere and can be seen in the strangest places. One of Dubai's string cats even made it all the way to France last week on an Emirates Airlines flight. The stray cats are called string cats because of their long sleek skinny bodies .They have Arabic looking eyes and the pointy ears. The string cats behave as if they own the place and we, the humans are in their way. Cats with attitudes...gotta love it.

Of course there are things about this city that drive me crazy, IE,the taxi's and the laid back attitude about getting things done, but the positives far out weighs the negatives.

Everyone keeps saying ...it is easy living in Dubai and nothing could be more true than that statement. 

   

Tolerance and Understanding Around the World

I used to a one of those people that thought I understood, but in reality I really did not. I lived in my safe little bubble in Utah and had never lived outside of it. I thought I knew all there was to know about life, tolerance and understanding.
When we were raising children, we tried so hard to impress on them not to pass judgement, learn to be tolerant, not be prejudice and try your hardest to understand anyone that was different.
I can say that our children get it and I am so proud of them.
Moving to the other side of the world has made me realize how much I did  not know and how little I did not understand. People are people, no matter where they live. The majority of us only want a few simple things from life such as love, family, comfort and peace.
But as similar as we are, we are also different and and we need to be tolerant and accepting of one another.
Are we certain that one way is always the right way for everyone? Certainly not!
The way I do something as an American  should never be assumed as the right way for a  person that lives in India, Dubai, etc.
What we don't understand we need to find out more about it. What we are afraid of ?
Before I moved to the Middle East everyone kept asking me if it was going to be safe. Was I afraid for my life? What about the terrorists?
Terrorists are everywhere, even home grown  and living in the United States.
I have found the UAE to be extremely safe and welcoming. Just because people are different here does not mean that they will hurt me or even want to cause me harm.
Actually it is quite the opposite.
I could have stayed home in Utah, afraid to live outside my bubble, afraid that someone that was different than me would cause me harm.
Wow - I would have missed out . It would have been my loss. The short time living internationally has helped me grow, it has expanded my understanding and certainly strengthened my tolerance. Okay I get it now.
I have been reading books, articles and delving into the customs, culture and the  religion of my new home. I think I finally understand and so many things now make better sense to me.
We as Americans have so many freedoms. We live in a great country. Many of the people I have met in the middle east dream to visit the United States one day. But for most of them it is just a dream and they know that it will never happen.
We need to wake up and be the great people we used to be and open are minds and arms to greater tolerance and understanding. My husbands says it all the time, "Just because we as American have the right, it does not make it right".  
That's is so prophetic and true. We need to think how our words or actions may harm, insult or humiliate someone before we do them. 
I am so grateful for this experience - so happy that I had a chance to learn, grow and understand better. Hopefully, those I meet here in the Middle East will also come to know and like me as the American for who I am and that they will be tolerant and accepting of my beliefs and differences. The " shoe is on the other foot" now and I am the outsider trying to fit in and be understood and that is OK with me.
That is my little soap box, I can get off of it now.
I am not left or right,  I am down the middle. I try to do what is right and treat others like I would want to be treated. It is really simple.
My parents taught me well. Thanks Mom and Dad.

What a Saturday Drive ...Goats and Great Scenery in Musandam, Oman

 

An hour away from Dubai, UAE is Musandam, Oman. We hopped in the SUV on a Saturday and decided to go for a drive. Before we knew it we were at the United Arab Emirate and Oman border to the north.

As we approached the Oman border, the signs everywhere said - NO PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED. I could not resist and had to snap a picture. Jeff was a getting little nervous as one of the Omani Guards approached our car. I hurriedly took the picture and put the camera away. I guess that  neither one of us would really want to visit an Omani jail today.
Below is a picture of us approaching the border patrol at Oman.

 

 

Should we go into Oman? What the heck, we have our passports and some dirham (UAE money), lets leave the UAE and cross the border into Oman.

We applied for our Oman visit visa, paid our 100 Dirham ( @ 27.00 US dollars) and were on our way.

 

 As we crossed the border, it felt like we had stepped into a third world country. Not only did the structures and over all landscape change, but there was a different feel in this area of the country. At the UAE/ Oman border animals such as goats and cows were roaming loose everywhere, many of them running or causally strolling in the middle of the four lane road.

 

The cows in the picture were resting in the middle of the four lane highway that runs through the town of Al Jiri. Goats ran around in gangs, chasing after one another, darting in and out of traffic.

 

Nope , never had seen that before.

 

 

 We have been to Muscat, Oman, but we had never been to Musandam. Musandam is in the most northern part of the country. On a clear day you can see Iran. The road to Khasab hugs the corniche, winding it was up and through the rock filled mountains and showing us scenery that was breath taking. 

As the road winds along the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, each turn uncovers countless photo opportunities. There are over 20 species of dolphins and whales that inhabit these waters and I can see why.

If I were a dolphin or whale, this is where I would want to live, right here in the waters surrounding Musandam.

 

 

The beaches were stunning !The beaches were abundant with not only large sea shells, but also random rocks sticking out of the sand like they had been placed there as "rock art. As we continued on the road to Khasab we passed through old, very old, fishing villages. In some of these areas civilization goes back thousands of years. That's right, thousands. Isn't that amazing ? Many of the structures had been built upon older homes foundations, with very few of them being inhabited now. And don't forget the goats, they were growing in numbers and everywhere.  

The fishing boats, nets and traps were scattered and littered everywhere along the shore line. We were fascinated with the small villages and friendlly people. It appears that they live very simple lives, still fishing, the occupation their ancestors did, but with little change in the process.
If the heat had not been so unbearable we probably would have explored more. Wondering in and out of the ruins, old homes.

We made it to Khasab and explored the small city until we knew that we better head back to the UAE.
In Oman it is all about the door or gate on the front of your home. The house may be dirty, run down and very old, but it is all about the doors and gates. They are the showcase of the home, the thing about your house that tells every one about you. The doors are brightly colored, vivid and unusual.

Every door we passed by, I had Jeff stop the car so I could take a picture. Okay, I think I have enough pictures of doors to last a lifetime, but they are beautiful, exquisite and tell a history about the family that lives behind them.

 

We will come back to Musundam. We need to come back and spend a day on one of the day trips to the surrounding islands. There are small fishing villages that are only accessible by boat and while out on the water, the dolphins are so plentiful they perform and chase the boats. This place is magical, it has stood still in time and its beauty of the land and sea has been preserved.

 

We stopped at the beach for a few minutes, picking up sea shells, when we were approached by Ali, the boat tour guide. Ali wanted to take us for a ride in his boat, it would only cost us 150 dirhams and he would even feed us ( OK that scared me just a little). But it was getting late and we needed to head home. Ali is a fisherman by night and tour guide by day. His face was wrinkled, craggy and very leathered by the sun. He was a joy to chat with. We got his business card. When we come back we will make a point to contact Ali. I don't think I will eat his food but I would ride in his boat. Below is a picture of Ali next to his tour boat. Isn't it cute !?.

 

 

We had a blast on our spontaneous Saturday drive to Musandam, Oman. Beside the mystical beauty of the landscape, we enjoyed the simplicity of the people, the way they live, the ancient history of this country that is visible everywhere and the goats. The goats were like licing on the cake. The goats running loose all over contributed to overall intrigue of Musandam,Oman.

I wish my family could see this wonderful place. It is a treasure untouched and seldom seen by many people.

Please don't ever change !

Wait...Is That A Camel Running on the Busy Road Wearing a Pink Saddle ?

Driving at dusk on Al Wasl....I was clipping along in my SUV, when I could see ahead of me something running on the side of the road, along side the cars. Whatever it was, appeared to be keeping up with the flow of traffic and carrying something pink on its back.

I sped up - I had to get closer ....could it be what I thought it was?

Yes, it was what I thought it was ! Two very large camels running down Al Wasl, keeping up with the cars. They acted as if they belonged on the road, like they were running in a "camels only lane".
No other drivers seemed phased by these massive animals on the road. They acted like, "oh we see camels everyday running down the side of the road, with cute pink saddles on". Not !!!

Oh no, the light was changing to red at the next big intersection and I could not bear to watch two camels with cute pink camel saddles be hit by cars going the opposite direction. I started to panic, I must do something. I pulled up along side the two camels and rolled down the passenger window . Then I thought - what do I say to a camel on a busy road? How do I make them understand they should get out of the traffic ? The moment was upon me...we turned and looked at each other, I didn't know what to say.

By now the light had turned red, the cars were stopped and the camels stopped. They stopped along side the first cars parked at the light. How did they know to stop on a red light ? Did they go to camel drivers education ? I was perplexed. The two large camels  stood patiently looking straight ahead, as if waiting for the light to change.

The light changed to green, one of the camels turned to the other and made a noise , as if to say, "its green , let's go".With the cars they moved through the intersection, picking up their speed, keeping up with the traffic - two large camels with the cute pink saddles.

Okay, I have to be on candid camera ! Did know one else notice these two large camels, running along side their cars with pink saddles on? I could see a truck with sides coming up behind me. The truck was weaving in and out of traffic, trying to get ahead of all of us, honking for the cars to get out of their way.

When they got along side me, a man hanging out of the passenger window, was shouting in Arabic at the two large camels running down the road. He would shout and make a motion to them with his hand like, "pull over there". The two camels would look over at the man in the truck (and I swear I could see a smirk on their camel faces) - continuing to run and making a disgusting noise back to man as to disagree. The man shouting Arabic and the camels making disgusting noises back to the man went back and forth over and over. Was this man really arguing with the camels and more important do camels understand Arabic ? Were they running away from the man in the truck because he was making them wear pink saddles? Do they hate pink ?

This went on for another mile until I had to turn off Al Wasl. Wow, that was kooky...certainly not something I would ever see in Layton, Utah... two large camels running along a busy road with pink saddles on. I really think I was the only one that noticed the camels and the Arab men chasing them, shouting in Arabic and making hand motions as if the camels would understand .And the camels - more hysterical than I can even portray.

Thanks for topping off a great day ! Gotta love them camels.

**** I hope they made to their camel homes safely.
 

Behind the Gliltz of Dubai

Behind the glitz and glamour of the new city of Dubai are the "old sections" of town. Some of the funnest and most culturally rich areas of the city to explore and visit. These areas of the city ooze with tradition, different languages and personality. I recommend you park your car and explore them on foot. Become part of the activity, the area that you are visiting. In some places it may seem a little sketchy, but no worries, you will be safe.

The older sections of Dubai have names like, Bastakiya, Deira, Satwa, Karama, Shindagha and Bur Dubai.
These areas of the city are pretty, enchanting, dirty, stinky and crowded on any given day, but they are also full of charm, work, life and constant activity. Some of these areas never sleep, infact night time is when streets and shops of Satwa, Karama and Shindagaha come alive.
On the weekends the people from all walks of life, spill out onto the sidewalks and streets, making it hard to not only walk but almost impossible to get your cars down some of the narrow, crowded streets. Driver s and taxi's are incessantly honking their car horns as people meander back and forth across the streets, in and out of  traffic. No one seems to be afraid of being hit by a car. Whats with that? There are worn out bikes being ridden in between moving cars and men pulling wooden hand carts to transport their supplies. It is totally awesome !

I love, love, love this part of Dubai. It is so fun to wander in these sections of the city, strike up a conversation with a shop owner and experience the daily hustle and bustle of middle eastern life. Most the time I feel as if I have entered into a time warp. Men are in their dhotis and dish dashes, women in their abaya's passing through the shops, buying things such as fresh fish, spices and pashmina scarves from open air vendors. It is expected that you will barter with the store keepers on the cost of their wares.They start high, you start low and always carry cash.

Bastakiya, Bur Dubai and Deira sit on either side of the Dubai Creek. It is called a creek, but when I think of a creek, I conjure up in my head a babbling brook. The Dubai Creek is bigger than a babbling brook, much bigger.The creek is a natural seawater inlet that separates the city. A major waterway for Dubai.

 Life along Dubai Creek retains a sense of Dubai's historical past and traditions. But right outside the Creek boundaries the new city of Dubai is growing, expanding. The Creek is alive, it is home to colorful dhows, old Abra's, freighters and expensive yachts.

The Abra water taxi's transport people back and forth across the Creek daily for only a few dirham ( @ 50 cents ) each way. It is cheap, quick and only takes less than 15 minutes to get to the other side.
The Abra taxi's fill up fast and can hold @ 30 people on each trip. They look really old and you may wonder about a few of them and say to yourself, "how does that thing stay afloat". But the Creek would not be the same without them, the Abra water taxi.

Larger freighters or ships bring in cargo everyday and dump their loads on the docks along the Creek. I have never seen such chaos and organization at the same time. The freight is stacked haphazardly,  and contains a little of everything you would imagine... food, furniture, electronics and refrigerators just to mention a few things.

In the picture below we came upon this ship that had just unloaded its cargo. The five fisherman were "hanging out " as they said, on their deck" and begged me to take their picture. When they asked if I wanted to come aboard, I knew it was time to move along down the dock. See ya guys.

Anything you want - you can find in old city Dubai. The oldest buildings and shops can be found here,along with alleys that run everywhere. Count on lots of noise and smells like I had never smelled before. I still say that Dubai has a distinct smell, I liken it to spices and sea water, but in these areas, add dirt and sweat and you will find yourself saying, "what is that smell ? "

Scary restaurants and makeshift food vendors are plentiful. Many of the men selling the food are serving the food bare footed. I have seen their hands up close and wow, they a have dirty hands and clothes. But dirty hands and clothes do not prevent people from  swarming around the food vendors, pushing impatiently to purchase their food items. I watch in awe and horror. "Run for your lives ",  I am thinking. Food poison could be their friend. That may sound a little far fetched but it is not. There is on average one - two people per month mentioned in the Gulf News as dying from food poisoning from one of these vendors. Don't people care that everything is so dirty?  My husband would stop and eat at every single eatery if he could, no  matter how dirty or grimy, but not me. I have come along way living here in the middle east, especially with my willingness to try new foods, but a girl has limits and standards.
.

You never know what treasure you will find in these areas of the city, you could stumble on  beautiful Arabic architecture, a burned out ship left rotting in the harbor or a cafe that sells camel burgers. When we came upon the burned out ship, we were intrigued. We jumped out of our car and could not snap enough pictures. What had happened to it? Was it very old? I am certain it has a story. The ship was burned, rotting pieces of wood and large nails, but what a beauty.

As for the camel burger, I will have to pass. It just does not feel right for me to eat a camel. Besides they are so cute !

I don't get to old Dubai enough, but when we do it invigorates me and I look forward to coming back soon to continue exploring, meet fascinating people like I have never met before and observe life in motion.

Fabulous !!!