You don't see that very often.

From Alex's visit New Years day-Check out the contrast in clothing styles- watching the sand dune climbers.

We helped this guy get his tire back on the rim and off the dune top, then he took Alex for a ride as a thank you.

See how he drove his truck up and on top of the dune to be able to get to his tire. You deflate the tires for running in the sand and they have a tendency to come off the rims.

From Christine's visit - her Henna feet.

A closer look at the Henna - isn't it pretty?

Hi All,

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Well it has been awfully quite since Alex returned to the States. We have never been able to Skype with each other as the Academy's server just didn't support it. BUT another service just like Skype works - it's called ooVoo. Just go to Google and you will find it - it's also free. So you can Skype or ooVoo me now as well as Christine and Alex. I

I saw something today that you don't see too often, if ever, in the States.

As I was driving to work (in Abu Dhabi) on the freeway, (have I mentioned I hate driving in Dubai) and I got a quick flash of movement on the opposite side of the freeway.

Here in the UAE, they have built into the shoulder, what is labeled a "Lay By" These lay by's are for people to safely pull over and out of the way of the traffic as they are separated from the road with about a 10' wide curb/island. These lay bys can hold about 4 cars.

Well I noticed a bus parked there - which isn't uncommon as well.

Another back story is that there are no rules against waiting on the freeway for a ride so it is VERY common to see people running across the freeway or sitting beside the road waiting for their ride to come be it either a bus, a taxi or a private company van.

Ok back to the movement I saw. So it's about 6:15a, it's dark but the road is illuminated by street lights. I see this bus but the sudden movement made me really look. There standing on the island is about 20 or so men shoulder to shoulder in 4 rows who have suddenly gone to their knees then bent down to place their heads on the ground. - It's Prayer Time. and naturally , they are all facing Mecca as well. Prayers are offered 5 times daily and for the devout, the prayers should be offered as close to the time they are advertised. - Times change during the year dependant upon the month/phase of the moon etc.

Another side note - when driving be careful just before the Prayer Times - why - you would not believe the panic some Muslims get into if they are running late for the Mosque. I've been tailgated so closely that the imprint of their licence plate is on my rear bumper or passed on the shoulder by guys going easily 90 - 100 mph just to be in time for the prayers.

But it's just something you get used to.

Love to all,

Scott

There you have it - a sight that is not common in the States but very common here.