Breakfast Suasage!!!

Hot damn I found it! Actual breakfast sausage! I have been searching for this for the past 6 months. Breakfast sausage in the US is ground (minced) pork seasoned with sage and other spices. It is usually formed into patties and fried and served with breakfast but it has many, many uses. In Dubai most of the grocery stores and smaller grocery marts have a seperate room where pork items are sold. While we usually shop at out regular Spinney's location we have been to many stores and smaller marts seeking items we cannot find at our Spinney's. One of those items is breakfast sausage. Every time we go I diligently look for this elusive item but to no avail. Jimmy teases me for being so persistent. But today I am victorious! At our own little Chorthrams, that I walk to several times a week, I dutifully went to pork room even though I wasn't shopping for pork. And there it was! It is a very good American brand so I know it will be yummy. I can't wait to make biscuits and sausage gravy for my sweetie in the morning! Just had to share this moment with my readers. Great day in Dubai!! Oh, I also went downtown to get my National ID card this morning. They take fingerprints using a scanner so no messy ink and also take your picture. Everyone told me to be prepared for long wait and even the web site says it could take up an hour and a half. But I was in and out in less than half hour. I really am on a roll today!  Sure wish they had the lottery here- I'm feeling very lucky today! Hope all my readers and friends and family are doing well, too. Love you all!

M&J

General Update

I’m now working everyday! The headquarters is located in Abu Dhabi; one hour from where I live in. It sounds pretty bad but not really. Thanks to my best bud Christie I have great music for the ride! She has the best taste in music and I love the CD’s she so painstakingly burns for me. If it weren’t for that it would be a long boring drive. By the way, Christie, I’m going to need a lot more of your custom burned CD’s when I come home at Christmas. It’s worth the hour drive to live in Dubai on The Walk when you have good music to jam to along the way.

I started work at the onset of Ramadan ( August) so the work hours were shortened from 8-4 to 9-3. Also, it is customary for locals to take lots of time off during Ramadan so there was a skeleton staff at best. Everything slows down or essentially shuts down during Ramadan so there wasn’t much to do but I finally have the necessary credentials to access the company network.  Also, during Eid, the end of Ramadan, the company completely shut down for a week.   So I got abbreviated hours for the first month and a week off with full pay to start.

I was working at GAL headquarters but I have been moved to a military base. I really like it out there and am finally actually getting to do some work. There are almost no other women working in my particular area so I have elected to wear an abaya. The military base is very conservative and I will be in meetings with upper brass types. I was told if anyone complained about my attire I would not be allowed back on the base so I am covered from neck to ankles in black; I don’t wear the headscarf. It’s not so bad really. I would have to wear slacks or a dress length below my knees and shoulders must be covered. The abaya is loose fitting and very comfortable. And if I don’t anticipate having to go to GAL HQ then I can wear leggings and a tank top underneath and no one would know the difference. I was told by a couple of the Arabic men I work with I didn’t have to wear an abaya but I don’t want to do anything to risk  offending anyone so I eliminated the risk. They seemed impressed that I respect the culture and would go so far to stay within the dress guidelines. The work hours are from 7-2 so with the hour drive I am working 6-3 just like my former job in the states. Jimmy & I love getting home at three and going to beach in the afternoon- that has been very cool. Well, sort of.

The water in the Gulf is almost as hot as my shower temp- really, that warm. It’s not very refreshing but still better than sitting on the beach under blazing skies at 108 degrees! It’s still nice and because the beach is just across the street we can go for an hour and be back home in the AC pretty quick. In the evening after dinner we try to watch some TV. I say try because that is truly a challenge. There are 8-10 English channels but the problem is the program guide. It may say XXX show starts at 7pm but it is always 10-20 minutes late and may not be the show the guide says will be on. Also, the programs we watched (lots of CSI type shows and comedies- Friends, etc.) disappeared! One day we are watching our regular line up of programs and literally the next they are gone! All of them- not just one or two! The shows that replaced them are really not good and change every day. We never know what show is going to be on what channel from one day to the next. Very frustrating!

Overall we are doing very well. Jimmy gets frustrated at work because it is so difficult and time consuming to get anything done. Paralysis by analysis. It’s the local way to beat everything to death and after a decision has finally been made- to change it. I keep telling him to relax and go with it- we are getting paid the same whether an action takes a week or six months to execute but he is a man of action and can’t stand the wasted time and effort to get even a simple action executed. He is doing better now that I am on the base working with him- I have calming effect on him I guess! And we are making progress on some items.

So here I am a week later finally finishing this post. The weather has cooled to the upper/mid 90’s and the water in the Gulf temp has cooled to about the same as you would bathe a baby. We go to the beach almost every day now after work and it has been great. The TV programming is still screwed up-bad! We finally bought some DVD’s to fill in the gaps- like almost every day!  I love my abaya! I know it may sound crazy but wouldn’t you love to wear shorts and a tank to work and cover up with what is essentially a big nightgown?! I keep a dress and shoes in my car in case I have to go to GAL HQ and wear anything I want every day.

Some shout outs-

Denny- I hope your taking care of yourself! Did you go on your camping trip this year? How is Denver & Jeremy?  I miss you bunches. Tell Tracey I said hey and thanks for taking care of Spike!

Jack & Kay- It was great hearing from you a while back. I hope your health continues to improve, Jack. I sure hope you & Kay have to opportunity to come here someday; we would love to see some friendly faces. Jack- I really miss your leadership. They could learn some lessons from your play book on how to effectively manage and execute a program. The leadership here has good intentions and truly want to make things happen but the process is cumbersome, tedious and time consuming. There doesn’t seem to be a way to cut through the BS as that is an integral part of the process.

John Wilson & ILS buddies- I hope you’re doing well. I miss you a lot!

Bob & Carole- It never took you 6 months to do a scope of work! That is our challenge- sure could use you! Carole you would love it here!

LTPO- Mary, Kate, Tammy, Lisa, Larry, Troy, Steve, Max, Jim, Lupe, Carolyne & Angela- I miss working with such a great team! Like I said earlier- getting things done here is a major exercise in patience and tenacity. You all are such professionals and execute your programs with proficiency. I work with very nice people now but, again, the process is the problem.

Texas & Penn.- Bobby, Joe B., Dave, Jody, Kandis, Crystal, Joe S., James, Bob, Rob,  Ken- Same as above goes for you guys! Can’t is not in your vocabulary- you just find another way to get ‘er done!

Wayne- You are in our prayers; we think of you often and wish you all the best.

Ya’ll keep in touch and don’t forget to check out my blog- heretodaydubaitomorrow@blogspot.com.  I have lots of pics and stuff about living in Dubai. Just a simple country girls view.

Jimmy & I are doing great and happy. We just miss our friends and family so very much! You have a place to stay if anyone wants to visit!

Peace, Love and Happiness to all-

J&M

Good day all! Wow, it is like someone opened a gate and the people are back! During the month of Ramadan (August) The Walk has been like a ghost town. The Walk has been eerily empty and nearly completely devoid of activity. It was rare to see more than 15-20 people on the beach at any given time. All the restaurants have been closed until after 8 pm but by that time I am winding down my day so we didn't eat out the whole month. What a difference a day makes! Literally! On Thursday, 1 Sep. it was a whole different story. The beach is once again filled with teens and families enjoying the beautiful warm water, people are strolling The Walk, stores and restaurants are open and buzzing with activity! I expected things to pick up after Ramadan but not in one day! It is not up to the level of activity during the spring months but it certainly is a complete turn around from the past four weeks. Jimmy & I went to the beach this week for the first time in a long time. The water is very warm. Not quite as hot as bath water but much warmer than any beach or pool I have ever been to. We swam and floated and froliced in the waves (Jimmy doesn't frolic much so that was mostly me!) and it was lovely. The best part of going to the beach are the children. Some are intimidated by the water and the waves and the sheer vastness of the Gulf; they stay very close to mama & papa and mostly play in the sand just close enough to the water so the waves can gently lap around them and they can splash around a bit. Some children run directly into the waves as if they are returning home. They run through the water and are fearless of the waves and depths beyond. It's good the see life return to Dubai.

Jimmy & I went to Atlantis for lunch one day. Atlantis is located at the crest of The Palm and I can see it from where I sit at my computer in our apartment. It is a huge hotel/water park/aquarium with more activities and amenities than I can list. You can Google the details; I can only offer my experience. The main entrance is quite oppulant and grand. There is a virtual army of valets and attendants to assist the guests with loading/unloading luggage and keep cars moving. Atlantis offers numerous shopping venues like jewelry stores, clothing shops, and other unique boutiques. The corridors are very wide and made of granite, marble and tile. There are places along the corridors that have viewing panels of the aquarium which makes you feel as if you are under the sea. There are several restaurants as well. We chose Kaleidescope because it offers an international buffet.

View from the car as we are approaching Atlantis. This is the view from Dubai city.

View of the main entrance. This is the view from the gulf;opposite side that faces Dubai city.

Main entrance to Atlantis. This is outside looking at the main entry doors. Behind me valets and attendants are busily assisting guests.

Water feature to the right of the main entry doors. The same water feature is also on the left of the entry.

Valet parking area at main entrance.

Main lobby of Atlantis. Very elegant and posh. The glass (?) sculpture in the center is beautiful and whimsical. All around us people are checking in/out and getting information, etc. Quite the hub of activity!

Closer view of the sculpture and the people milling about.

Behind the sculpture is a sitting area that looks over the outdoor facilities. The "pearls" in the center of each clam spin as water cascades down into pool below. There are four of these in this seating area.

One of the numerous corridors leading to reastaurants, Atlantis water park or other areas. The corridors are lined with shops and boutiques.

Different corridor. We are wandering around getting hungry looking for the restaurant.

Surprise! At the end of the corridor was a two story viewing panel into the aquarium.

Me in front of the viewing panel.

Different aquarium veiwing panel. This one has a large bowl like structure with a jet stream of water spraying upwards in the center. The scene is set like an ancient site swallowed up into the depths of the ocean. Very cool. There are several of these smaller viewing panels along some of the corridors.

Finally we get the restaurant! Starving after all that meandering around. Like I said Kaliedescope is an international buffet with several serving stations offering different cuisines and the dessert bar was nothing short of AMAZING!!

One serving areas.

Another serving area.

Serving area- this has kid friendly foods.

The dessert area is in the center surrounded by the other serving stations and has three sides. This is one side offering yummy treats to tempt even the most strict dieter!

Close up of the Red Velvet cake surrounded by her friends Tiramisu and Mousse!

One side of the dessert area has a chocolate fountain with a variety of treats waiting to be coated in warm chocolate. The hand rails you see are steps so children can make thier own selections and hold the skewer as the chocolate flows over the treat. The coolest part by far!

After a lovely lunch we went for a stroll on the grounds. Because we weren't guests we weren't allowed in certain areas but we did get to see quite a bit.This is a vew into the Royal Pool area. It's an wonderful oasis with a huge sprawling pool of varying depths. There are plenty of lounging chairs and even private cabanas that can be rented. The cabanas are canvas covered square rooms open on one side. There is seating in each one. It doesn't offer a cooling system but it doesn't provide more privacy and respite from the blazing sun.

Another look inside the Royal Pool area. I inadvertantly got two women in this pic. Can you imagine being covered head to toe in 116 degree weather?! But they were smiling and happy so I can only respect thier choice. Amazing!

Another view. Those are lounging chairs; each one has its own awning type cover that can be opened and provide some shade from the sun.

Remember the clam seating area in the main lobby? This wonderful waterfall is outside those windows. This is the entrance to the main lobby from the Royal Pool area.

I know it is hard to see but that is the temperature gauge in the car reflecting the outdoor temp is 116 degrees fahrenheit/ 46 Celsius. A bit warm!

There is a lot to see on The Palm and I will share more when the activity picks up. I've noticed fewer hits on my blog and I know that is my fault. Rule one of having a blog is to update it often; otherwise you lose your audience. I will make a concerted effort in the future to be more diligent and not wait so long between posts. I hope none of you give up on me! Please let me know if there is something specific you would like to know. As always- love to my family and friends. I miss you and can hardly wait until Christmas to see you again. Take care of each other. Peace, love and happiness-M&J

How Hot Is It! and Flash Driving

Hello all! News flash- Dubai is in the desert and the desert gets hot in summer. Actually this has been a relatively mild summer by Dubai standards. The temps average 37 celsius/100 fahr. to 44 celsuis/110 fahr. However when you consider the humidity the heat index goes up by 10 degrees. Pretty dang warm by Bama standards but not so bad for the desert. Today the temp was 40 celsius/ 104 fahr. and I decided to try car cooking. Car cooking is exactly what it sounds like. You put something in direct sunlight, like on the front dashboard of your car, and see if you can cook it. I bought a pepperoni pizza at the supermarket in the refridgerator section- not frozen. I placed  the pizza on a piece of foil and set it on my front dashboard. Check out the results-

Refridgerated pizza at 9:30 in the morning. Outside temp 40 celsius/104 fahr.

Two hours later the pepperoni is curled and dried up and the cheese is a melted gloppy mass. Not exactly bubbling hot out of the oven- more like a warmed over unappetizing frat party reject. I wouldn't even consider eating this because it has meat and ecoli is no ones friend! 

Next week I am going to try car cooking a batch of cookies. That is a much safer bet and has better results. And hopefully it will be hotter and I will be able to enjoy warm cookies. Stay tuned!

I must admit I was a bit apprehensive about driving in Dubai but I needn't have worried. Driving here is alot like driving at home. The biggest difference is that in Dubai drivers actually use their blinkers and not just for turning but for changing lanes!  At home using your blinker is a sign of weakness! If you let other drivers know you intend to merge ahead of them in traffic they speed up so no one gets "their spot". And in Dubai if you are in the far left (fast lane) you are passing a vehicle and then you move over so other faster traffic can keep moving. Not like that at home. Drivers stay in the fast lane whether they are passing or not and may not even be driving the posted speed limit. Very frustrating! The highway I drive to work everyday is a 5 lanes  and trucks, buses and other such larger vehicles must only use the two far right lanes. Cars mostly use the 3 left lanes but they can use any lane they want. That keeps traffic moving smoothly.  The posted speed limit is 120 km/hr (74 mph) but get this- there are numerous large signs stating that traffic cameras are used to enforce the speed limit and will take your picure ("flash") if you are driving faster than 140 km/hr. What?! The speed limit is 120 km/hr but you don't get "flashed" unless you are driving 140 km/hr! That leads me to explain "flash driving". Speed cameras are easy to identify from far enough away to slow down if you are driving faster than 140 km/hr. So many drivers pass a speed camera going below 140 km/hr and step on it speeding like crazy until they see the next camera and slow down to 140 again in time not to get flashed then start the cycle again. It can get a little freaky sometimes but I seldom am in the fast passing lane and I stay out of the way!

One more interesting tidbit. Back home some people get vanity tags with cutesy sayings or names like 2LTL2L8 or JOYZRID. They don't have vanity tags in Dubai like that. Here most every car has a random five digit tag number- no big deal; you're not special. Some cars have a four digit tag number and sometimes you see one with 3 digits. The deal is the closer you get to number 1 the more you have paid for that tag. So if you see tag number 982 that person is special and has deep pockets. I've never seen a two digit tag but I know they are out there! Same number combinations are also coveted - like 777. The most expensive license plate in the world was purchased in 2008 for $14.3M- tag number 1. Next up is tag number 5 purchased for $6.8M in 2007. Both in Abu Dhabi.

So that ends another post. I hope all is well with my friends and loved ones. I miss you bunches and think of you every moment. Congrats to Ashley on her band performance and extra special positive energy to Dara. I love my babies so very much. Oh- best wishes to Jacob & Jeremy starting a new school year. I know you guys will rock! Much love- peace, love & happiness- M&J



I'm Back!!

Hello All! Sorry it's been so long since my last post. The past couple of weeks have been so busy! I went home to Alabama for a short visit and to do some shopping. So many tears of joy to see and hold my daughters again and to see my mother and sister and my best buddies. The timing was great because I got to be home for my mothers birthday- what a special time to be with my family and loved ones! I was kept very busy with catching up and shopping and unfortunately household repairs and maintenance.  AC was out when I arrived and several other repairs were required. I got everything done but was literally finishing up until the last minute before I had to get to the airport to return to Dubai. My daughter Dara kept me especially busy with a full agenda of mommy & me time to include an art class. I enjoyed every moment with her and Ashley and Tara. Tara has been studying abroad all summer and came home only 2 days before I had to leave but I was grateful for every minute.  I didn't get to visit with my former co workers as much as I wanted and didn't get to see some of them at all. I hope to make up for that when I return again at Christmas. I want to say a very special thanks to my beautiful sister, Pam. She has her own family to tend to, spends time every week with mother, helps out my daughters and oh by the way works a very demanding full time job. No wonder she stays so thin; I just want to know where she hides the fountain of youth she obviously has discovered and is keeping from the rest of us! You are amazing, Pam, and I appreciate everything you do so very much. She and her son, Jacob, made a special effort to stop at my house for one last hug goodbye the day I had to return . Once again, tears flowed copiously. Jacob said I'm sad when I'm in Dubai because I miss everyone and I'm sad when I'm home because I miss Dubai. I could only hug him tight and tell him it's not easy being me!

But I am home in Dubai and glad to be back! I have lots of pretty new dresses for my new job and I am so ready to get started. I have already begun in processing and will begin working full time very soon. I've seen my work station and have met a few new co workers but because this is Ramadan the work hours have been shortened and many employees take time off to be with family and participate in Ramadan traditions.

Ramadan is a very special time in the Muslim culture. It is a time of fasting and reflection with much emphasis placed on family and the community. Ramadan began 1 Aug and lasts until 29 Aug (I believe). I won't go into specific details about Ramadan- you can Google that. I intend to share my personal experience and observations. It is proper for women to have thier legs covered and at least shoulders, but not arms, covered. I have seen many non Muslim women with legs exposed but not short dresses; I believe I have enough long dresses and skirts so I can adhere as strictly as possible to the modest dress code expectations. Fasting begins at 4:30 am and ends at 7 pm. This changes by a few minutes every day but that is the general time frame here in Dubai. You cannot eat, drink or smoke in public AT ALL. Not even in your own car. At the facility where I work they have provided a refridgerator in an isolated area upstairs for non Muslims to have a drink or a snack but it is out of sight. They have also provided roof access for smokers. The day time temps hover around 110 degrees fahrenheit and that is before the humidity heat index is factored in- add at least another 10 degrees. I am a smoker and went up there a couple of times- it feels like you are about 3 inches from the sun when you are on a roof top in the middle of the dessert! I am appreciative of their consideration however I doubt I will go out there very often! Part of the purpose of fasting is to make one feel compassion and empathy for those who must go without due to poverty. While you are hungry and thirsty you are to be mindful of the less fortunate who must face everyday without the comfort of cool water and regular meals readily available. Muslims bring donations of food and money to thier mosque to be distributed to the less fortunate in thier area. I like that the donations are made and distributed within thier own community.

I want to speak with some of my new co workers to get more information about Ramadan before I write too much more. I don't want to provide incorect information!

Look for another post very soon. I got some great ideas for new posts while I was home and am looking forward to re connecting to my blogasphere buddies! Much love to all!! M&J

John's Answer

I had a question regarding using USD in Dubai-

Is it best to bring US Dollars or dirhams for a holiday?
John

Good day John! You can only use dirhams for purchases but you can exchange USD for AED (dirhams) easily. Most places will accept a foreign charge card however typically your bank will charge a conversion fee for every purchase so that is not as cost effective.  I believe you can use your charge card at the exchange centers and banks to get AED's so you don't have to bring all the money you intend to spend in cash. You can exchange at the airport upon arrival and there are exchange centers and banks in every mall and there are a lot of beautiful malls. There are also banks at the major tourist destinations like The Walk at JBR (where I live) and The Golden Mile on The Palm, etc. The exchange rates at the conversion centers and the banks are competitive so you don't have to worry with finding a particular place for the best rate. Dubai makes it very convenient to spend as much money as you like! I don't when you plan to visit Dubai but I would recommend you wait until after August. Ramadan begins 1 Aug and doesn't end until 30 Aug. No eating, drinking or smoking in public any where from sun up to sundown. Ladies must have thier shoulders covered and legs must be completely covered. Restaurants will not open until after sundown; it is a very conservative time. No live music anywhere and alcohol consumption is frowned on. Have a great trip- Dubai really is beautiful! Thanks, Michele

New Job!

Good day all! Sorry I've been off line this week. I've been offered and accepted a position here in Dubai! I'm very excited to get back to work and look forward to the challenges and rewards that lay ahead of me. In order to have time to get my house in order, shop for new clothes, etc. I won't post again until 1 Aug so please browse through previous posts while I get myself organized. My next post will be regarding Ramadan! I'm excited to be here during Ramadan and look forward to sharing the experience with you all so please check back.

Until then I wish my family, friends and followers much peace, love and happiness! M&J