This building has been under construction since I have been here and it's been fun to watch as it appears to be on the verge of falling over. I believe it will be a hotel as it is right next to ADNEC - or Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center - in essence - the convention center. I turned around and took the next picture - the US Embassy.

Shaped like a ship (you have to see from other side) and the sides are sloped inwards. I was told the minimal glass and sloping sides are purposely built to minimize any Oklahoma City type bombings. Regardless it is a cool looking building. It is against the law to take pictures of the building from the street it is actually located on so this long shot from the"back side" will have to sufice. I have yet to visit it- and yes I have registered with the embassy - I did it online when I got here.

Well how about that I duplicated the picture

This is my neighbor Chris with his 10 day old son Taavi. Chris is from London and his wife Suzanna is from Finland- hence the name. Taavi Benjamin Peters ,born 3 Oct. 2009.

Tavvi is pronounced just like the mongoose - Riki Tiki Taavi

Here I am holding this cute little boy for the first time. Check out my hand and his leg- he's got some grow'n to do!

Hi All,

Friday 23 Oct 2009

Christine is 6 days away from departure for a few weeks visit with me. I am counting the days and could probally convert that to hours if you really want to know !

I have surprises in store for her - so since I know she will read this before she departs, it will heighten the suspense. You will have to find out as well - after the fact.

The weather here is absolutely beautiful. Gone are those days of 120 deg. temps. We are now having daily highs of mid 90's and lows in the mid 70's. humidity is still high at 80% but oh my it's comfortable.

Been swimming almost daily with almost 3 weeks without missing a day. Work is still work but things are starting to come together - comapred to where they were - but we still have a huge amount of work to accomplish.

My most pressing task right now is getting the villa cleaned up for Christines arrival - not that I've let it go and it a wreck - but I swear that dust bunny in the corner is starting to smile at me.

Hope you enjoy the pics and please do let me hear from you . It is a long way from normalacy here.

Love Scott