Treasure Hunting, Shopping and RAIN!!

Hello all,

So you all know Jimmy got me a metal detector for my birthday last month. I go to the beach across the street in the morning on days I don't work. I haven't found any jewelry but I have found several coins. I have found at least one coin every time I have gone out so I consider that a success. I have lots of curious people watch me and some ask what I am doing. I had the police stop me yesterday morning. They patrol the beaches regularly and saw me with my metal detector. They pulled up next to me and were very nice- asked me where I bought it (downtown Dubai) and if I have found anything (showed the one coin I had found that morning). They wished me luck and went on thier way. Here are some pics of me treasure hunting-

Heading down to the beach in search of lost treasure!

Listening for the beeps- shovel at hand ready to dig up my find.

AHA! I eagerly dig and sift through the sand- another pull tab from a can! I get alot of garbage like that but I always pick it up and put it in my baggy to throw away properly at home. I think it's good karma that if I clean up the garbage I find I will be rewarded with a treasure. Seems to be working because I have found at least one coin every time. One day I am bound to find something really cool- patience. I really enjoy my new hobby and don't mind curious people watching and asking me about it.

After treasure hunting we return to the apartment and make breakfast. I usually make eggs and biscuits and bacon. This one morning Jimmy wanted 3 eggs over easy; I had two over easy. Everyone has come across an egg with two yolks once in awhile but this morning was truly strange-

Two of the three eggs had double yolks!

Then I made my eggs-

Both of mine has double yolks as well! All the eggs came from the same container. Those were some wierd yolks, folks!!

After breakfast we went to the Blue Souk in Sharjah. The Blue Souk is two two story buildings side by side connected by a walkway on the second floor. It is called the Blue Souk because of the blue tiles covering the roof. Inside are many, many souks (small shops) selling jewelry, carpets, abayas and lots of unique items. I have never seen so much gold in all my life! A very interesting experience.

Gold jewelry.

Gold bangles galore!!

Very heavy, ornate necklaces.

Looking down the main corridor of one of the buildings. Both sides are lined with shops on both floors. So much to see!

Very pretty, fancy abayas.

You all know I live on The Walk which is a major tourist destination. The beach and many shops and restaurants are all within walking distance. Parking is at a premium on the weekends and people get a little nuts. There is a sand lot next to the hard top parking lot and people park there as well. For most folks it works out ok but some get stuck in the sand. I spend hours watching from my window as people return to thier cars to find them sunken to the axle in sand or blocked in by other cars. It is happening now as I write this post!

I would be so upset! Hot, tired, covered in sand and just wanting to take a shower and find your car is trapped like a rat!

It may be hard to tell in the pic but there at least three cars blocked in by other cars. What is really bad is I will watch someone get pulled out of a soft sand spot and another car will pull in right behind him to get the spot! Crazy parking situation- sure am glad I don't have that problem. I find it interesting to note that despite the crazy parking, blocking in and sand traps I have never seen anyone lose thier temper. Ever. Folks that drive trucks or 4 wheel drive vehicles will pull a stranger out and blocked in cars just seem to bide thier time until they get unjammed. I've seen people in Florida get into fistfights in parking lots over less infractions. Usually in those situations alcohol is involved; glad The Walk is alcohol free!!

After treasre hunting this morning it RAINED! Real live honest to goodness RAIN! I told Amy in a past email to be thankful for the little things in life as those are the ones that you miss the most- this is exactly what I meant. I haven't seen rain or felt raindrops on my face for so long. What a treat! It was a short rain by US standards but enough to soak the streets and make me dance with glee. Too good not to share-

Raindrops on a leaf.

The Walk wet with rain. So very cool!

Blessed, life giving rain!

The staging area that was set up for the Footvolley tournemant has been taken down but now another staging area is under construction in the same place. You never know what will happen next on The Walk! I'll find out about it and let you know.  Shout out to Wayne- glad you are doing better! Much love and best wishes to all my friends and family. I love you all so very much! M&J