Alex's Visit

Alex and I in Al Ain at Sheikh Zayed's palace. A historical site now, Sheikh Zayed was the founder of the UAE and is held in great esteem - as we would with George Washington. As this picture was being taken, the call to prayer was being broadcast around the city,

At the palace, this urn caught my attention - beautiful workmanship and the lashed holder is very interesting as well.

Outside the palace.

Alex and his not so happy to be having his picture taken look.

This is the invitation to the wedding reception- sorry it's not more clear - I'll try in the next blog to get a better closeup of it.

Hi All,

Sat. 9 Jan. 2010

It's been a while since I've blogged as I was waiting for Alex to come over and to share those experiences with you.

Alex arrived on Dec.28 in Dubai which is about 1 1/2 hrs away travel time. The first few days Alex spent getting his head out of the jet lag and relaxing as I worked. On Dec. 30 we attended the wedding of an Emirati co-worker. Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures as I was advised not to bring a camera.

We arrived at the reception hall at the designated time - 8p and waited around outside as it appeared that it was one of those come fashionably late Emirati style timings. Humaid ( who works for me) and is the brother of the goom came outside and ushered us in. As we entered, we see sofas lined up against the wall in a long line and here is Abdullah (the groom) with all the relatives which greet us down the line. As we near the end of the line, Humaid insists we sit on the sofa's -We've officially joined the wedding party. Porters with fruit juices - strawberry, mango, guava etc come up and offer us a glass as other porters appear with Arabian coffee - which is drunk from small handle-less cups and straight - it's bitter but it grows on you and the caffene buzz is strong - if you want more you hold it out and the porter fills it again - if done you hold it out and shake it where by the porter will take your cup. This is a very traditional welcome custom here.

Next about 20 men got up and performed Emirati songs and dances forming 2 lines at right angles to each other , they sang to prerecorded songs - An Emirati Karaoke. All the while men (in their "man-dresses") are "dancing" and spinning their small canes. This whole scene is being recorded by a video camera on a boom stand which flowed around the room. Alex and I are featured prominently in the videos. While all this is occurring , porters are bringing trays of sweets and chocolates, more juices coffee etc.

After about 45 min( or more) we decided to move over to where some of the other hospital crowd was gathering and we sat and talked with them until we moved into the banquet hall.

The banquet was overwhelming. each of the 8 person round tables was covered in food - so much so it was a challenge to find space to set your glass down. - I am not exaggerating - two large meat /rice platters - one roasted lamb the other roasted goat anchored the table. ( The goat was marvelous) There was humus, babaganush, stuffed grape leaves, a chicken dish that is like pureed chicken, a stew with lamb and okra, fresh fruit, olive platter, another chicken dish more like roasted chicken, lamb and chicken kabobs, then all the sweets, the traditional bread pudding that has pistachios in it plus doughnut hole type things, brownies, petie fors?(sp) , and other dishes I know I sampled but forgot to list. - A massive amount of food. After we finally admitted defeat, we returned to the main hall where there was a live band playing - couple of guys on keyboards and the rest with hand drums and one singer. As it was after 10p and the next day was a work day , we and most of the guests were filtering out. Got our photos taken with the groom and out we went. and home by 11p. Since I was off the next day - Alex and I were traveling to Al Ain - we weren't too concerned with the time however Bassam - a friend who was born in Lebanon - but is naturalized US citizen from San Diego who is the Medical Records Director went along with us ( he also lives here in the compound) had to work so we dropped him off and came home.

Now let me tell you about who wasn't there - the bride. The women hold a separate party in the next room. Our party was men only just as theirs is women only. The invitation to the wedding does not have the brides name on it - it refers to her as "The daughter of Zayed Eisa Murbarak Al Mansouri". Humaid was showing us how they decorated Abdullah's car ( flowers on hood, cloth streamers etc) and I asked him about the name of the bride and he visibly blushed. Woman's privacy is closely guarded here and to tell me her name would have violated this custom. In fact when meeting another Emirati man, you can ask about his family - but not his wife -it's just not done to inquire after her.

We had a great time and the experience was memorable.

Well this is all for this post next one Al Ain.

Love to all

Scott

The Mosque,UAE Days, a camel and Shesha

One of the Grand Mosque minarets.

14 man oar racing boat - all wood down to the blades lashed to the oar. very cool for old boat enthusiasts - I asked the guy working on one next to it and this one is 60 years old. Remember this country is only 38 years old.

Many of the Emirati's decorate their cars for UAE Nationality Days (like our July 4) This is just one of the many examples you see running around. They spend a small fortune on it too.

Yes that's me on a camel . You should of heard the groaning - not the camel - Me - definitely not a comfortable ride!

Had to try the Shesha - it wasn't bad - but I won't be making a habit of it for sure.

Hi All,

Saturday 12 Dec. 2009

Army /Navy game today. - guess who I'm rooting for?

Well as you can see by the pictures I've been having some new experiences. I was on holiday from our Thanksgiving day until Dec. 6. The 10 days off were great. It was Eid and UAE Nationality days. I took Suzanna's mother (from Finland) to the Grand Mosque which is a place I will go many a time as it's so beautiful. Then out to the Fish Market where we saw the racing row boat. Talked to a couple of the young bucks who were on the team and the were describing how to paddle the oars. They had races later the next day as just one of the celebrations for UAE days. There was a huge fireworks display down on the Corniche but I avoided the MASS traffic headache, I could hear and see the fireworks from the villa - which is about 20km from the Corniche.

Yesterday I was an honorary Aussie again when I joined Ross (same guy for Aussie Football) and his family for a Desert Safari. His wife Lisa and two kids, Roxanne and Richard have been here for just 3 days - they are still in head-on-a-swivel mode and jet lagged as well.

We took buses out into the desert and then a 4 wheel drive SUV out into the sand - damn Emirati driver had the SUV tilting so much on the dunes I was sure he would be tipping it- of course they do this purposely. We arrive at the camp, camel rides, dune tobogganing, ATV rentals , then inside the camp for free henna for the ladies, shesha, BBQ, music and a belly dancer - then at the end - Santa came with gifts for the kids (put on by the Aussie group - so they had this all arranged - Santa arrived on a Dune Buggy.) - It was a BYOB affair but there was plenty free wine/beer left over from an earlier event. It was really enjoyable.

It was an overcast day/evening so the temps were cool and it even spit a few drops of rain. This morning it has rained hard several times so I took my car out and let the rain wash off all the dust. Sun is out now but I see more dark ominous clouds on the horizon.

No swimming since Thursday as the heater in the pool has broken and it is TOO nippy unless your into self abuse.

On Thursday I attended a party with about 20 people at Liz and Graham's house. Some I knew and others met for the first time. Had a ball and didn't get back home until 1:30a. ouch

Well hopefully I will be able to watch the Army/Navy game today - I'm checking out live streaming as well. Unfortunately for me it starts at 11p my time - and tomorrow is a work day !

I will have to see how it goes.

Well that's all for now.

Go Navy Beat Army

Love to all

Scott

Post Thanskgiving and Pic's of Burj Arab

The Burj Arab probably one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. It is a 7 star hotel. We will go there next time Christine comes over.

A little closer view.

Yes that is a helicopter pad on the left. ( looks like the Jetson's doesn't it? ) On the right is the cocktail lounge. On the far side of the tower is the Jumariah Palms - the man made island to resemble a palm tree. It's a gated community so no sightseeing permitted. ( plus how would you know it was a palm unless you were in a plane)

Welcome to my villa - come on in, the dirt floor is fine ! Actually this is at the Heritage Village which shows the history of the UAE and this is a "typical" house 50 years ago. Yes only 50 years. Behind Christine ( who is taking the picture are examples of the Bedouin tents) Note the skyscrapers in the background.

What Knockers ! Why Thank You Herr Doktor ! ( If you haven't watched Young Frankenstein you wouldn't get this joke)

Hi all,
Sunday 29 Nov 2009
Well Thanksgiving is over and for me it was a non-event. Without all the media hype and consumer frenzy, you wouldn't have know it was "that" time of year. Plus when it's mid 80's and I'm swimming in an outdoor pool every morning, any thoughts of harvest time and frost on the pumpkin are far removed from my daily thoughts.
I have been on vacation since Thanksgiving Day as that was the start of Eid (there are two Eids per year- This is the "fun" one as described by a local) and on Dec 2 and 3 celebrates the UAE's 38th anniversary as a nation (our July 4). Well his Royal Highness decreed that the 3 days between Eid and UAE Nationality Days would be a national holiday as well - So who am I to complain about 10 days paid time off ? Mama didn't raise no fool !

I must tell you however that I had my tickets selected and the cursor on the accept payment - but then I came to my senses and canceled the flight back to the US. Figured 3 of the days would have been in transit and the money spent would be better spent when Alex comes a month from now doing fun things with him.
Well I had a first today, a fellow swimmer, Sid, is the general manager of the new Holiday Inn in Abu Dhabi, well stop thinking about the Holiday Inn's in the USA, the international ones are MUCH nicer. - REPEAT MUCH NICER. well the hotels' restaurant was having a soft opening and Sid invited me to dinner. Unfortunately I was alone but greatly enjoyed my meal of Cucumber gazpacho, Seafood Salad ,Veal Osso Bucco, Teramizu and 2 glasses of a fine Cab Sav and my meal was complete. - and all for no cost at all ! I was stunned. It was explained to me that all the people here that evening were guests of the management and we were there to critique and enjoy. My only critique - was that they should have charged me.

I did however take care of my server- Riosol - from Mexico. (Yes I know) The restaurant - The Lemon Tree - is Mediterranean themed and from what I had the food was excellent, on time, and for a guy like me - right portioned as well. Yeah for soft openings !
When Christine was here we went to the Dragon Mall ( I'd say at least 1000 importers - and yes 99% of them Chinese) There we bought some track lighting for my dinning area and I am installing it today.
Stopped across the street to see Suzanna after my swim this morning and invited them Suzanna and her mother Layla ( Chris is in London on business) to dinner - well I'll make dinner and take it there as it's much easier for me to make it here and take it there versus them having to pack up Taavi and bring him and all the baby stuff here. I'm making eggplant parmigiana, lemon basil carrots and a salad. Plus I'll take over a cheese plate for after dinner with a tawny Port. YUM
Tomorrow Dec. 1 is Alex's birthday - he will be 23. Wow where has the time gone.

Hanie is bringing their bird over for me to watch as they are going to Malaysia for a 5 day vacation so I'll have a feathered friend to care for. I think that is what so cool about this area- so many destinations are close at hand. Europe, Asia, Africa and India. such a dilemma on where to go - I know - HOME.

Well that's all for now.
Love to all,
Scott

Fujairah

Standing on the Beach at Fajairah and looking back toward the Hajar Mountains

Looking out from our veranda toward the pools.

These goats came right up beside the car - probably looking for food. Littering is prevalent in the Emirates (much to our consternation) so suppose these animals are just trying to survive. Note the lost horn on white goat - tough life in the desert.

This camel walked into the road in front of the car and casually strolled along side us for a bit.

Looking up our street in the morning. Scott was just leaving for work and we were both taken at how beautiful the moon appeared. Note how narrow the street is and people just park any where, so you serpentine your way thru the maze.


Fajairah was actually a part of Sharjah until 1952, making it the youngest of the seven emirates. It is the only emirate located entirely on the east coast. There is a modern port for containerized shipping, as well as, the tourism aspect of this area. The Hajar Mountains literally fall into the Indian Ocean! There is about 1/2 mile of land from base of the mountain to beaches; beautiful resort compounds are literally rising from this small strip of land. Our 4th floor hotel veranda had a gorgeous view of the compound and the beaches. We enjoyed sitting outside and watching the birds (green parakeets & parrots) fly right by and stop at our roof line. The apple core, purposely left on the table, was gone but the seeds by the next morning.

We really enjoyed the poolside lounging and swim-up bar. Once again people very friendly. Spoke with a Russian gentleman, whose family was visiting for 2 weeks - just to soak up some sun. He told us that St. Petersburg is already snow covered! The Hermitage and a trip to St. Petersburg in now on "places we would like to visit" list while Scott lives overseas; this list just gets longer and longer.

Scott & I made it down to the beach on Sunday morning in time to watch the sun rise; absolutely gorgeous! Scott then did his laps in the Indian Ocean (Gulf of Oman), while I enjoyed walking the beach and shell seeking. Found a cowrie, a limpet and coral to add to my collection - unfortunately no sea glass. Also, unfortunately, I am no Cecil B. Demille. Translation: I screwed up the pictures from this part of the day. (Technologically impaired for certain)

After our breakfast and morning lounge by the pool, we prepared for our 4-hour drive back to Abu Dhabi. More animals in the middle of the road and if you hit them you are at fault. You have to reimburse the owner of said animal. Still preferred the austere beauty of the sand dunes (you can rent dune buggies) and watching camels to driving on the 8-lane highways back to Abu Dhabi. We came home rested, relaxed and planning more adventures in eastern areas of UAE.

That's it for now, love to all, Christine and Scott

Al Ain and Jebal Hafeet

The Fort in Al Ain

A "Typical" Palace at the base of Jebal Hafeet

A view from higher up the mountain.

About half way up.

Christine and I at the hotel's restaurant with nothing but Al Ain at our feet from Jebal Hafeet.

This photo looks like an ad for Ozzie Ltd - note the Kameleon ring and sunglasses. Interchangeable centers: perfect for traveling. Have been asked numerous times about the necklace - engraved on one side with our names and anniversary date, other side our sons names and their birth dates. When people ask what "my" store sells, I just start at the top and work my way down to switchflops. So, should I start the Abu Dhabi Ozzie Ltd franchise?

Okay, back to our travels. Al Ain is the home of first president of UAE and so gets preferential treatment: yes, that is exactly what you are thinking.... money pours into the city for improvements and tourist attractions. However, Al Ain is an oasis and has much to offer on its own. There are historical forts and museums and so much that is way older than most of us are used to. Scott and I will certainly return to Al Ain over the next few years of Scott's time here.

Al Ain is one of the places Scott plans to take Alex over the Christmas break from USNA - possibly one of Alex's last holidays before his graduation in May of 2010. As a History major (and Arabic minor) at school, we know that Alex will find this ancient area of the world so very interesting - as do we.

More pictures and more details of our time together to follow, Love , Christine and Scott

Coming up for air !

Hi from the pool in Al Ain

Morning coffee at the pool bar in Al Ain

One headed- two body - Ibex

Christine, Giraffe and look closely an Ostrich

Great Horns

Hi All,

Thursday, 12 Nov. 2009

Christine is still sleeping as it's 4:30am. I'm taking today off to extend my last weekend with her as she flies out early Sunday morning. We are going to drive up to Dubai today go to a few malls and then over to see the famous sail shaped building.

Christine's visit has been wonderful and allowed me to see more of this country, which is far more diverse than I had originally thought.

Let's begin at the beginning.

Hello from Abu Dhabi; Christine at the controls now and I'll give you my impressions of my visit and especially our holiday in the desert.

I arrived on a Thursday evening to wine & cheese in our villa and a very happy husband. We spent the next few days poolside, marketing and generally getting me accustomed once again to the diverse culture and crazy drivers in Abu Dhabi. Rest was exactly what I needed and Scott gave that to me aplenty, along with wonderful meals... Grilled Salmon a' la Gene, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp (the size of your thumb) Cocktail, Seafood Pasta, Lamb Burgers with "Rosenfeld Sauce" and much more (salmon, too!) Realize that is a lot of food description, but the foodies reading this will enjoy just thinking about Scott's wonderful skills in the kitchen. Once again, my job was clean up and cheerfully done.

Scott took off two days so we could enjoy a lovely 4-day holiday in the desert last weekend. We did a 2+ hour drive to Al Ain (said Elaine) and went right to the zoo. We have always enjoyed zoos and search time out when we travel. (Oddly enough, we have never gone to the Louisville Zoo). Al Ain was a smaller zoo with the vast majority of animals being from arid climates of Africa, Indian and of course, Arabian peninsula. So many types of gazelles and deer, not to mention rodents (gerbils and such) interesting snakes/reptiles. Birds flying around free and another separate exhibit of penguins. As we stood by the penguin tank, one swam right up beside the glass and we sort of "played" a back and forth game with the inquisitive fellow. Scott also did this in the reptile house with an iguana that was frilling out his neck and displaying his dominance. That was a sight to see!

We met 2 American men who were representative of the San Diego Zoo. We visited that zoo in 2004 and so discussed how much we liked it and they told us of the improvements The CEO & Director of the Al Ain Zoo was with them; it turns out the 2 zoos have an "arrangement" - how interesting. The director (a Brit) took over this zoo in the past year and admitted he had alot of work to do and urged us to come back next year.

We found our way to the Intercontinental Hotel (5 Star) just down the road in Al Ain proper and were thrilled with the beautiful accommodations. Changed into swim attire and cover ups (you had to walk thru the main lobby to get to the pool areas). Off to the pool and the "swim up" bar - not making this up. Spent time there that day and the next, which probably isn't much of a surprise to any of you reading this... Dinner was light and then off to bed. Next day up and read by the lap pool while Scott did his daily workout - he started talking the guy in next lane. This guy was from California and was a swimmer in HS and still plays water polo in Dubai - Scott said his "style" was good and that he was blowing Scott out of the water. Not that I noticed... really, girls I was too busy reading.

Our drive up to Jebel Hafeet for lunch was spectacular! Switch backs all the way up the mountain and you can see a very long distance from the top, back to Al Ain & into Oman. It was austerely beautiful and awe inspiring. The rock formations are dry & powdery from baking in the sun and being sandblasted by the wind. Beautiful hotel, where we savored a delicious buffet, fabulous desserts and just sitting together in such a beautiful setting. Took pictures on way back (passed a huge cement plant) and then on to the pool for relaxation and a cocktail at that wonderful swim-up bar. ( I say this about the cement plant as this is the way you are given directions here - it's not to so-and-so street, it's go to the cement factory and go around the roundabout and then straight till the lantern roundabout. - Very confusing for us street/address people.

Scott started talking to some women (imagine that - at the swim up bar)and it turns out one of them was from NY (an immigration attorney). Her husband, also from NY, is in construction in UAE. No big surprise - the entire country is literally under construction with cranes, bulldozers, cement trucks and various earth moving equipment both in the cities, along the roads and in the desert). Scott knew someone in this fellow's company and they got a laugh out of that. Apparently this company will be working on the new Mafraq Hospital - due to start construction right next door to current facility. Three young men (pilots for Etihad) - 2 from England and other New Zealand were talking to us. (People here are very friendly and will strike up a conversation quite easily - maybe because all ex pats are a wee bit homesick) ( or maybe she's a hot babe in a reveling swimsuit) Connection here as well, because a fellow at Mafraq Hospital is friends with one of the pilots. Told Scott I felt like singing "It's a small world after all."( I'd have had to have drowned her if she did)

The following day we were up early and out. A four hour drive to Fajarah thru the desert awaited us: we got lost and ran out of road (seriously, the road just stopped!), asked for directions several times, made numerous wrong turns and had camels and goats in our driving lane. (we ended up going down a dirt path - yes a dirt path - I was following someone else and we ended up back where we got lost doing a complete circle) It was an adventure and we were both happy to arrive at the Beach Rotana just north of Fajarah. (that last sentence is married speak for "we were both on each other's last nerve and needed to get out of the car and away from each other for a few minutes") Another 5 star hotel - Scott did a great job picking our accommodations! We swam in the Indian Ocean and then found the swim-up bar. Sat on a stool in the water and had a Stella Atois while Scott enjoyed Foster's. Dinner that night was at the 22-story Meridian hotel next door - wonderful Thai. Scott asked for hot sauce and wow, did he pay! Next morning we were down at the beach to watch the sunrise (gorgeous). Scott did laps in the ocean as it was nice and calm and I picked up some shells and coral. Breakfast was included in the stay and then back out at the pool until 11:00 when we had to prepare to leave. It was lovely and we plan to go back to Fajarah. ( a side note, Fajarah is on the mountainous east coast and the hotel is tucked between the mountains and the coast with less than a 1/2 mile between ocean and mountain- excellent views.

Recall I mentioned going thru Oman; however, Scott found out the roads aren't as good (you mean worse that just ending in the middle of the desert?). So, he decided to just stay in UAE, which was an adventure in itself. On ride back to Abu Dhabi we had experiences ranging from donkeys just walking into the middle of 4-lane highways to 8-lanes (each direction) as we skirted Dubai. Drivers are notoriously bad here and there is so much traffic that being alone in the desert isn't bad experience.

I continue to see and enjoy getting to know Liz, the gal from Scotland; she has taken me shopping several times. Saves Scott from having to go to the market and I get to have girl time during the day. Spent a few hours yesterday helping the couple across the street; they have 5-week old baby and lots of visitors (so I helped with a bit of bed changing and got to hold Taavi as my reward).

More later

Love Scott and Christine

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