Visa Renewal & Beach Day!

Good afternoon all! I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Big bunny hops to my girls!

Friday we went to Oman to renew my visitors visa. It is typical for visitors to cross the boarder and come right back in order to renew for 30 more days. Hopefully I will be working soon so we won't have to do this again. We drove for a little over an hour when we came to a building on the side of the road offering Oman auto insurance. We had read it was a good idea to purchase it so for $100 AED we did. A little further down the road was the "Visa Hut". It is a trailor on the side of the road with a few windows that slide open; you line up outside an open window and when it is your turn you present your passport. The official border dude enters stuff into the computer and you are handed back your passport with the exit stamp. Go a little further down the road and there is a checkpoint; you present your exit stamped passports and are given a small piece of paper with an official stamp- don't lose it! You are now officially out of UAE. About 7 km further you come to a very nice immigration facility- welcome to Oman! Go inside, fill out a form and wait in line. Again you present your passport and pay $200 AED, show your proof of insurance and that small piece of paper and this dude enters more info into the computer and you are given your passport  with and Oman entrance stamp and new similar small piece of paper. If you don't have that piece of paper they make you go back out to your car and get it. That paper tells how many people are in each vehicle. Just a short way down the road is a checkpoint where you turn in the small piece of paper and they let you pass on through. We drove about 30 minutes into Oman and saw nothing but desert. We were pretty hungry by this point and because Friday is the holy day here almost nothing was open. We turned around to come back to the UAE border and stopped at a modest (very modest) convenience store. The best we could find were some chips and some drinks (slightly cooler than room temp) but we were grateful even for that! Same procedure in reverse- stop at the Oman immigration checkpoint to get an exit stamp (we didn't have to go inside); stop at the next checkpoint to get the small piece of paper; stop at the UAE immigration office (coming into UAE it is an actual building, not just the "Visa Hut") and get an entrance stamp; stop at the next checkpoint and turn in your small piece of paper. The whole process took 5 hours from when we left our apartment to when we got back. It was well worth it to know I am good to go for another 30 days and an interesting experience.

Saturday we finally made it to the beach! We took our new beach chairs, umbrella, cooler and towels. Sounds like a lot of gear but not really and we don't have to go that far. We set up a very comfortable beach camp. I can now say I have been swimming in the Arabian Gulf! SALTY! The water is crystal clear, a little cool but very refreshing after you have been in the sun for just a little while. It was a typical beach scene you would see anywhere, couples old and young, children running and splashing and playing in the sand and young adults playing soccer and water games and just enjoying the fun and sun. We sat under the umbrella for a bit then got in the water to cool off-did that about 3 times. We were on the beach for 2 hours and my legs got pretty burned; that was the only part of me not under the umbrella. Not too bad but they are red! Of course Jimmy didn't burn a bit.  Mercifully we had the good sense to know our limits and retreated to our apartment before things got too bad.

So here it is Sunday and the beach is finally cleared of the staduim that was built for the Red Bull event. It is wide open again.

Again, I want to wish everyone a very Blessed and Happy Easter. Much love, J&M

Beach Camp! Had it not been for the umbrella we bought we would have FRIED! It is a major life saver and made a big difference sitting in the shade versus being in the glaring sun.

Beach Camp- our building is in the background.

Eye candy for the girls!

And the guys!

Dressing in Dubai

I had never been to the mideast much less Dubai when we decided to move here so the only source of information I had to research what I could expect was the Internet. Because I live in a resort area that is very cosmopolitan my perspective may be a little skewed on what the actual customs are here but what I researched and what I see everyday are very different. My research told me that while Dubai is very progressive it is still a Muslim country and the customs should be respected.

Per my research I should have expected to cover my shoulders, show no cleavage and wear skirts and pants that are knee length. I should especially expect to be properly covered in public areas such as malls and shopping areas. To that end I purchased several Pashima's and capri length pants. I also made sure I had plenty of tops that would also meet the requirement. People here wear exactly what you would see in Alabama. Sometimes worse. On The Walk women wearing spaghetti strap tops, strapless tops and miniskirts/dresses and short shorts is common. On the beach bikinis are the norm even though some of the ladies should seriously reconsider that choice! Just like Bama. I saw one young lady with an amazing body wearing a thong bikini. If she didn't look so good in it it would have been much more noticeable. I also see muslim women in their bathing attire- a long sleeve, long legged one piece suit with a loose wrap over it so as not to reveal thier bodies actual form. Honestly, there is something alluring about not being able to see everything-less is not always more.

I have been to 3 malls to include the Mall of the Emerates. When you enter the malls there are signs posted to wear respectful clothing, no public displays of affection (holding hands, kissing) and a few other rules. Mostly it is more modest than on The Walk but still not nearly as strict as I had researched. Most women wear t-shirts or tank tops with capris or skirts or normal summer dresses. Not so many mini skirts but you will still them some. Very few women wear a pashima. The worst I saw was a large woman wearing a spagetti strap long dress but with a bra that was ridiculous. Because she needed a lot of support the straps were very wide and the back of the dress hung low enough to see the entire back of her bra-basically all you didn't see was the front. Worse yet was the french woman (I heard her speak). She had on a white gauzy mini dress that was very see through- her thongs and pathetic excuse for a bra were very visible. In the south we call that trashy. Maybe she was from south France. I'm not a prude and am grateful I don't have to be so covered up all the time -but come on people! This is a Muslim nation thier culture and religion are very much a part of thier life. How about showing some respect?  I'm not saying we should wear burqa's but would it be so hard to dress appropriately when you are in public? Just because you get away with something doesn't make it right.

I have been here almost a month now and have nothing but wonderful experiences with the people. They are warm and friendly and the most polite people I have ever encountered. Much nicer than most Europeans I have dealt with. Even the children seem better behaved here! Everyday I see women in burqa's, some with the full face covered so you can only see thier eyes, and they are beautiful and gracious. The men are also very respectful. I just have to wonder what they must think of the foreign visitors. I know  tourists spend a lot of money-that is why you build a tourist destination and you should expect a divergence of humanity. And I don't mean to say all the people here dress inappropriately and don't appreciate and respect the Muslim traditions.  But do the Muslims here resent the snub of thier culture? Do they feel thier customs are lost on a hoard of vacationers seeking only sunshine and self indulgence and missing the "other beauty" of thier society? Perhaps not; perhaps they just accept it.

Dollars and Dirhams- Eating Out on The Walk

We live on The Walk which is appr. 1.7 miles long. There a sooo many restaurants and cafes I couldn't begin to name them all. There are several chains- KFC, Subway, Chilis, Starbucks (3), Ruby Tuesday to name a few. We haven't eaten at the chains- not with so many other cool choices!The average cost for a meal can vary between $35- $65 AED = $9.52 - $17.69. The drink is usually around $9 AED = $2.45. The portions are very generous- we could split a meal if we could agree on what to order. I usually take half of my meal home and eat it for lunch the next day. Tipping is not expected but it is customary to leave 15-20%. The below pics were taken before the lunch crowd so the tables look pretty empty but it always picks up later. Dinner is especially busy. All the restaurants deliver to your door; you can even get groceries delivered! Hope ya'll find this interesting. Miss you and love you so very much! J&M

This is our parking space. It leads directly into the Starbucks outside sitting area. Because it is such a great location with access to The Walk we have had a major problem with people parking in it. We put up signs stating it is reserved but that didn't always work. Then we found a traffic cone to make it clear it is fricking reserved! Much better now.

This is a "you are here" directory of The Walk. It has 2 levels- ground and plaza. It is hard to see (double click for a better view) but there are many, many shops, etc.

Starbucks - ground level; 3 locations on The Walk

This is El Chico ground level just down from Starbucks. Very good mexican. We ate there last night and for two meals, 2 sodas and a guacamole dip appetizer the bill came to $ 130 AED= $35.39 plus $30 AED tip = $8.16. Not too bad and we have plenty for dinner tonight.

Italian and Chinese- two seperate restaurants that share the same seatting area and offer both menus. We had the chinese one night and it was great. Our bill that night was $150 AED = $40.83 (plus tip). Again- leftovers for lunch. This place has outdoor air conditioners- large fans with cool water resevoirs. It doesn't spray a mist-just cool air from the resevoir. It makes a big difference!

Haven't eaten here yet but the prices are about the same as the Italian/Chinese place.

Cone Street ice cream place. A small cup will cost about $9 AED = $2.45. Lots of different flavors and a welcome treat after strolling in the heat for awhile!

Upstairs to the plaza level- Bombay by the Beach Indian food. Haven't eaten here either but I checked out the menu and the the prices are still within the other ranges. Very cool seating and the view is overlooking the Gulf.

Figaros Pizza- open 24 hours. This is located right outside the front door to our building. You can eat there or they will make your pizza to go or you can take it unbaked and fix it up any way you want at home and bake it. Large pepperoni $46 AED = $12.52; lasagne $34 AED = $9.25; garden salad (lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber & olives) $14 AED = $3.81.

Subway- just around the corner from Figaros. 6" turkey breast, Subway Club and Roast Beef are each $15 AED =$4.08; to make any sandwich 12" ad $8 AED = $2.17.

Ruby Tuesday next to Subway. Prices about the same as the comparable restaurants.

There is a Virgin megastore across the way from Ruby Tuesdays. It doesn't open until 1pm so I couldn't go inside and check out CD costs. I'll get back to you on that.

Poster inside Virgin- Maroon 5 is playing in Dubai 21 April.

Dollars and Dirhams-Groceries

Good morning all! Today lets talk about money- dollars and dirhams and how much everyday items cost in UAE, availability, etc. The conversion rate today is $1 USD = $3.67 AED (Dirham) or
$1 AED = $.27 USD. The costs below are in USD.

Maxwell House coffee (11.5 oz can) $3.48
Del Monte tuna (med. sized can) $1.04
Hellmans Mayo (med. sized squeeze bottle) $3.52
Store brand ziploc sandwich baggies (30 in box) $3.66
Toilet paper (good brand- 12 rolls) $7.37
Ruffles potato chips (md. bag) $4.01
Iceburg lettuce (1 normal head) $1.36
Fritos (md. bag) $4.28
Bread (normal loaf) $.95
Pepsi's (1 six pack) $2.45
Splenda substitute (small jar) $6.80
Eggs (15 in a pkge) $2.31
Ground Beef ( 1 lbs; very low fat) $3.22
Vodka (Smirnoff md. bottle) $21.78

Comments- Because all the weights are in grams I have to use two conversion sites to calculate the weights and costs for meats/fruits/veggies-I could be off a little. I don't have the info to give more prices on fuits and veggies but I'll save it from my next trip. We have been able to find a lot of common brands here. Can't find Dale's sauce (for grilling) and Splenda (the Splenda substitute is expensive). The bread is OK; we found white bread that tastes good but it gets stale fast. Eggs are sold in either 6 packs or 15 and higher packs. Nothing between 6 and 15. The chips are more expensive here. I can't say enough wonderful things about the the fruits and vegetables. I make a fresh fruit bowl with grapes (white & red seedless), strawberries and bananas. It is like eating candy. The tomatoes and cucumbers are grown locally and have the best flavor! So overall the groceries here are rather inexpensive or at least comparable on most of the things we buy. Let me know if there is anything specific you would like for me to look into.

I'm going to do a seperate post later today with costs to dine out. Hope this has been interesting for ya'll!

I've been reading about the bad weather and tornados you have been having. Hope everyone faired well and is safe and warm and dry. I miss Bamaland and all that it holds dear to me. Much love- M

Red Bull X Fighters Motocross Event

The event was impressive. They opened the gates at 6 and the first ones in went to the standing area right next to the track. That area filled up first and quickest. I had my concerns when by 7:30 the stands were still only about half full but by 8 pm it was packed. The show didn't actually begin until about 8:20- the intro was camels and horses parading around the track. The 8 riders were dressed in black robes on the big sand jumping platform; when each one was introduced the took off their robe. Each rider was from a different country and the panel of judges was international as well. USA was represented by a dude from Nebraska. The MC was British I think and after he would speak another MC would say the same thing in Arabic. There were some slow parts but overall the event was pretty cool. The riding and stunts were impressive. The rider from Mexico scored the most points and USA came in third.

Taken at 6:30; an hour and a half before show time. A few people are in the stands but the standing area around the track is filling up first.

This is a close up (taken from our balcony!) of the camels and horses in their pens before the show.

This shot shows some boats with people on board that were watching from the water. We counted 13 boats total when the show began.

The crowd is slowly filtering in. Still lots of standing room and empty seats.

The show finally begins almost 20 minutes late with the rider introductions. The riders are in the black robes on the jumping dune and the horses and camels are facing them below.

The show is in full swing and it is packed! The grandstands and the standing area are full. I zoomed in on this shot.

Not zoomed in shot. The boats are in the background barely visible bit lit up.

Somewhere in this pic there is a biker doing something cool. We could see all the action very clearly but the cameras couldn't.

Zoomed and shot at the right time-finally! You can see two riders on the track and the crowd.



Red Bull Event

Good morning all! So, there is a pretty major Red Bull X Fighters Motocross event being held here tonight (Friday). This is the first stop of the world tour to include Brazil, Italy, Spain, Poland and Australia. They have been constructing a pretty impressive staging area for the past week; it will be removed next week. All this for a one day event! They are expecting an increase of 15,000 people on top of the normal crowd. I took these pics from our balcony so we will have a great view while we enjoy cocktails and steak and baked potatos! If you double click on the pic it will appear in full screen and can be seen better; just hit the back button to go back to the normal view of the blog. I can't help but think if Jacob and Jeremy and how much they would love this! I'll take some pics of the event tonight and post tomorrow morning. Otherwise we just have some household chores and errands to run as usual. Hope ya'll have a great day- we love you very much- J&M

We hung two clocks on the wall- RisonShine and Dubai time.

Closer view of RisonShine time- the daisy and the butterfly inset spins with the second hand. Too cute!

This was the view of the beach when we first moved in.

This is the view today! They have been constructing this for a week and it is quit impressive. There are 3 grandstands- seating for the larger one on the bottom of the pic is $245 Dhr = $67.00 USD; the stands to the far left and right are $49 USD; the area to the left with the white objects are white sofas with tables and is private priority seating. The two towers at the top and one at the bottom are major lighting and sound. The track is lit up all the way around with spot lights as well. They play very loud  rock and dance music which can be heard from our apartment like we are inside the speakers! We will have a great view of the event as you can see.

Closer view of the priority seating. I can't believe they used white sofas for a motocross event! You can double click and see the seating arrangement-fancy! There are also jumbotron screens on both ends of the side grandstands that show the bikers as they are on the track- they do flips and all kinds of stunts. We have been watching them practice for the past couple of days.

Double click on this one if you want to see some detail of the layout.

Feedback

I love getting comments- it lets me know someone out there is checking out the blog.

Carole- yes that is a Weber electric grill- good eye! I had never used an electric grill and was a bit skeptical but of course Jimmy had and he assured me it would be fine. As usual he is right. It cooked great, the temp is adjustable and the heat up time is instant. It has turned out to be a great solution to grilling safely in a small space. Everything is coming together better than we could have hoped.

Dara- thank God you were there to save sweet Oni! Glad you got her a life vest- you are a great mommy! Take of that sweet puppy and you and Brandon take care of each other-hope his ankle is getting better. We will talk more about when we can get you over here.

Tara- I couldn't find the screen to view the chat! Sorry, didn't mean to butt in on your study session. I'll figure this Skype technology stuff out someday!

All- I love you and miss you so very, very much. It's really great here and I love the lifestyle but missing my family and friends is really bad. I'll post more later-keep the comments coming! Love, love M&J