I moved to Dubai not knowing a soul who lives here. As we were going through the process of finding a place to live and getting settled in, Jimmy and I had no one to rely on but each other. Jimmy goes to work every day but I won't be working for about another month. I get up with him every morning and make his breakfast and send him off on his day with a kiss. As a side note I have learned to make biscuits! You can't buy canned biscuits here and Jimmy loves biscuits so I made a concerted effort to master the skill of biscuit making. There is nothing you can't learn on YouTube! I make some damn fine buscuits if I don't say so myself! Next- gravy!! But I digress; after Jimmy leaves I have the whole day in front of me to occupy. I have a very clean apartment and the dishes and laundry stay clean and caught up. I go for a walk every morning first thing for exercise- I've lost several pounds so far. And, of course, I blog.
But because we live in a resort area we are mostly surrounded by tourists. Great for people watching while having dinner and seeing so many cultures represented but not so good for making friends. While I am certain there are other full time residents on The Walk, ferreting them out has been a challenge. I haven't seen the same faces on a regular basis anywhere- the beach, the pool or just out and about. That makes for some pretty lonely days. All the people I see are on vacation making it nearly impossible to get to know anyone much less have time to develop any friendships. The people who work on The Walk, while all very friendly, live elsewhere.
So I do the best I can to stay busy and I go out every day hoping that one day I will meet someone, maybe a couple like us, and I won't be so lonely anymore. So everyone out there in the blogasphere reading this- take time to appreciate your friends and the good times you share.
A very special shout out to my first born, my Baby, Ashley. Today is her birthday. I know she will celebrate with her many friends. I wish so much I could be there, Baby. I miss you terribly and love you so very much. B careful, b safe! I love you, mom.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mothers Day
Good morning all! Today is Mothers Day in the US and I want to wish all mothers everywhere, especially my own, a very Happy Mothers Day. This is the first time I have not spent Mothers Day with my girls so I celebrate the day with a heavy heart. I have been flooded with memories the past couple of days; far too many to go into but here are a few I would like to share today.
My mom was born in Germany, married a soldier (my beloved father) and had 3 children before moving to the US. I can only imagine her fear and trepidation moving to a new country with not only herself to think of but a family including 2 toddlers and an infant. She devoted herself to being a stay at home mom until we all were in grade school. Then she embarked on her own life long dream of becoming a nurse. She worked very hard at her studies; the dining room table was always covered with her books and notepads. She graduated with honors and began her nursing career. She worked the night shift in order to ensure one parent would always be on duty to keep 3 young teenagers in line. Mom is strong minded, very opinionated and never wavers from her beliefs. She has always been true to herself and a loyal to her friends. When her own parents in Germany became unable to care for themselves she moved them in with us and cared for them for several years until thier deaths. It was not easy living with 3 generations under one roof but mom maintained balance and discipline in the home at all times. She cares for her pets as much as her own children; her friends often joke that they would like to come back as one of her pets in thier next life! So I guess I don't have just one memory of my mom to share but an accumulation of all the lessons I learned from her and the examples she has set that have contributed to making me the person I am today.
Ashley, my first born daughter, my Baby. Ashley taught me what true love really is and what it means to love someone more than yourself. She was the most beautiful baby and always happy. It has been an inspiration to watch her grow up and become her own person. I've often wished I had her passion and spirit. I swear that girl fears no evil and would spit in the eye of the devil himself; heaven help the poor bastard that crosses her! She is creative artistically and musically and so damn smart, too! Ashley has the gift of discernment and is an excellent judge of charactor. She has a sharp wit and wicked sense of humor and entertains every one with her unique insights. Ashley has a host of friends that flock to be around her; she is a "local celebrity" known for her music acumen and distinct humor. I hope she finds her path in life because when she does I know she will excel beyond all hopes and expectations. My memory to share of her is braiding her long hair at bedtime and singing "Tick, Tock Ashley Clock" to put her to sleep. Those tender moments will live in my heart forever.
Dara, my chosen one, my Angel. While Dara is not my birth child she is no less my daughter. I have often told her my heart doesn't have eyeballs and doesn't know any difference in my love for any of my girls. Dara has always been very strong and self reliant. She has seen grief and lived heartache no child her age should have to experience but instead of succumbing to despair she used those experiences to make her stronger. She doesn't want to be given a fish; she wants to catch it herself. She is so lovely to behold and twice as beautiful on the inside. She is also very smart, works hard at her job and just bought her own house. What a proud day that was! My memory to share is when she was about 10 years old and as skinny as a bean pole. She had her roller skates on and put a leash on her big dog, Jackson, and he ran down the road, Dara in tow. I remember the sunny shining down on her and her laughter ringing through the air like music and that amazing smile; she was just being a kid.
Tara, my littlest one, my Princess. Tara was born with a broken heart but always had plenty of spunk. She was still an infant when the heart surgery was succesful and she has run full speed into life ever since. Tara has the face of a cherub and the most gentle and kind spirit of any one I have ever known. There is not one mean bone in her body and she is incapable of spite. She always exceled as a student as well as taking on extra curricular activities. Tara has an open mind as well as an open heart and accepts people for who they are. She can sing, dance and is fearless in the face of any challenge. She is currently going to college studying biology and chemistry. It is her goal to improve water supplies around the world and to that end she has been accepted to study overseas this summer. She will be in Panama as part of a team working in the field to improve a local water system. That's Tara; a world class recycler who just wants to make the world a better place. My memory to share is her high school graduation day. She was so beautiful and confident. She strode across the stage and accepted her diploma; eager to begin the next phase of her life. We had a party after the ceremony and I remember her being so grown up; such a lovely young lady. Immediately after the guests left Tara packed a few things in a bag and was heading to Texas with a couple of friends. I was not thrilled my little Princess was about to embark on a journey half way across the country; what if something happened? She's too young! But there was no holding Tara back. Just like when she was just a little baby- she has always run full speed into life.
So here I sit with tears in my eyes brimming with pride. Much love to my mom, my daughters and a special shout out to my sister Pam. She is by far the most devoted mother to her son, Jacob, I have ever seen and he is becoming a fine young man as a result. You are all an inspiration to me. Have a great Mothers Day! J&M
My mom was born in Germany, married a soldier (my beloved father) and had 3 children before moving to the US. I can only imagine her fear and trepidation moving to a new country with not only herself to think of but a family including 2 toddlers and an infant. She devoted herself to being a stay at home mom until we all were in grade school. Then she embarked on her own life long dream of becoming a nurse. She worked very hard at her studies; the dining room table was always covered with her books and notepads. She graduated with honors and began her nursing career. She worked the night shift in order to ensure one parent would always be on duty to keep 3 young teenagers in line. Mom is strong minded, very opinionated and never wavers from her beliefs. She has always been true to herself and a loyal to her friends. When her own parents in Germany became unable to care for themselves she moved them in with us and cared for them for several years until thier deaths. It was not easy living with 3 generations under one roof but mom maintained balance and discipline in the home at all times. She cares for her pets as much as her own children; her friends often joke that they would like to come back as one of her pets in thier next life! So I guess I don't have just one memory of my mom to share but an accumulation of all the lessons I learned from her and the examples she has set that have contributed to making me the person I am today.
Ashley, my first born daughter, my Baby. Ashley taught me what true love really is and what it means to love someone more than yourself. She was the most beautiful baby and always happy. It has been an inspiration to watch her grow up and become her own person. I've often wished I had her passion and spirit. I swear that girl fears no evil and would spit in the eye of the devil himself; heaven help the poor bastard that crosses her! She is creative artistically and musically and so damn smart, too! Ashley has the gift of discernment and is an excellent judge of charactor. She has a sharp wit and wicked sense of humor and entertains every one with her unique insights. Ashley has a host of friends that flock to be around her; she is a "local celebrity" known for her music acumen and distinct humor. I hope she finds her path in life because when she does I know she will excel beyond all hopes and expectations. My memory to share of her is braiding her long hair at bedtime and singing "Tick, Tock Ashley Clock" to put her to sleep. Those tender moments will live in my heart forever.
Dara, my chosen one, my Angel. While Dara is not my birth child she is no less my daughter. I have often told her my heart doesn't have eyeballs and doesn't know any difference in my love for any of my girls. Dara has always been very strong and self reliant. She has seen grief and lived heartache no child her age should have to experience but instead of succumbing to despair she used those experiences to make her stronger. She doesn't want to be given a fish; she wants to catch it herself. She is so lovely to behold and twice as beautiful on the inside. She is also very smart, works hard at her job and just bought her own house. What a proud day that was! My memory to share is when she was about 10 years old and as skinny as a bean pole. She had her roller skates on and put a leash on her big dog, Jackson, and he ran down the road, Dara in tow. I remember the sunny shining down on her and her laughter ringing through the air like music and that amazing smile; she was just being a kid.
Tara, my littlest one, my Princess. Tara was born with a broken heart but always had plenty of spunk. She was still an infant when the heart surgery was succesful and she has run full speed into life ever since. Tara has the face of a cherub and the most gentle and kind spirit of any one I have ever known. There is not one mean bone in her body and she is incapable of spite. She always exceled as a student as well as taking on extra curricular activities. Tara has an open mind as well as an open heart and accepts people for who they are. She can sing, dance and is fearless in the face of any challenge. She is currently going to college studying biology and chemistry. It is her goal to improve water supplies around the world and to that end she has been accepted to study overseas this summer. She will be in Panama as part of a team working in the field to improve a local water system. That's Tara; a world class recycler who just wants to make the world a better place. My memory to share is her high school graduation day. She was so beautiful and confident. She strode across the stage and accepted her diploma; eager to begin the next phase of her life. We had a party after the ceremony and I remember her being so grown up; such a lovely young lady. Immediately after the guests left Tara packed a few things in a bag and was heading to Texas with a couple of friends. I was not thrilled my little Princess was about to embark on a journey half way across the country; what if something happened? She's too young! But there was no holding Tara back. Just like when she was just a little baby- she has always run full speed into life.
So here I sit with tears in my eyes brimming with pride. Much love to my mom, my daughters and a special shout out to my sister Pam. She is by far the most devoted mother to her son, Jacob, I have ever seen and he is becoming a fine young man as a result. You are all an inspiration to me. Have a great Mothers Day! J&M
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
What I Miss / What I Love
There are many things I miss from home and many aspects of living in Dubai that I love. Now it should go without saying that what I miss the very most are my family and friends; however this post is about the other things I miss.
I miss my garden. I always had a beautiful flower garden with lots of hanging baskets, potted plants and many, many yard toys. It always gave me great joy to piddle about with my plants and watch thier growth and delight in new blossoms. My yard toys included spinning items and water features. Here I have just the one plant on the table on the balcony. I was never good at indoor plants and the balcony is too small for any more plants so this will have to do. The Walk has many plants and flowers, grass and trees of all differents types, colors and sizes so I am grateful I get to enjoy the beauty while I do my morning walk or leisurely stroll. Not my own garden, but still very lovely.
I miss recycling. It's a part of our lifestyle and is a positive practice. I feel guilty everytime I throw away a soda can. This would be an ideal place to recycle. I found the Dubai recycling website and submitted a request for service in my area. Unfortunately recycling is only done in large quantities which means hotels, etc. My next option is to approach the hotels nearby and ask if they participate in the program and ask if I could drop my recycleables off. I should really follow up on that.
I miss Dale's Sauce. Dale's Sauce is a liquid seasoning that is applied to meats before grilling. I love it because it is not a heavy sauce and is good on beef, pork and chicken. Jimmy grills all of our meat and while it is still very good it's not the same as with Dale's. Next time we go stateside, or bring the girls here (whichever comes first) Dale's will definately be packed!
I miss having a cocktail with dinner. I know in my "Evening Cocktail" post I said I was just as happy to have a cocktail before or after going out to dinner and that I have the option to go to one of several nearby hotels if I wanted to have dinner and drinks. Jimmy and I go downstairs for dinner at least twice a week; it would be lovely to sit at our table outside and enjoy a cocktail while watching the people stroll by and whileing away the evening. I guess I am just being a spoiled little princess and should be grateful for what I have.
I love how clean it is on The Walk. I go for a 2 mile walk from end to end and back early every morning. By 6:30 am there are already several groundskeepers picking up trash left behind from the day before. They also have a schedule to ensure every step of The Walk is pressure washed regularly. Considering the substantial number of people on The Walk daily this is an impressive operation.
I love how safe I feel here. There are numerous CCTV's and security personnel stationed along The Walk. They are always friendly and offer a smile and a nod as you pass; not at all intimidating. They are there to ensure the vacationers and residents feel safe and offer directions and assistance when asked. In many tourist areas stateside and other countries I have visited, i.e. big cities and other attractions, you may feel more compelled to be "on alert" minding your belongings and such. Here, I feel no sense of risk and am not wary that someone is going to steal my purse or bags if I sit for a while on a bench. I have never felt uncomfortable or ogled. It is a very relaxed atmosphere.
I love that I can walk to the local market do my shopping and walk right outside my building to enjoy a meal out. I have two markets close by that are not major grocery stores but carry far more than a convenience store. I get fresh fruits, veggies and meats every couple of days. I don't have to worry about spoilage because I can get just what we will use and go for a quick walk and get more when I need more. We waste almost no food at all because of this and always have the freshest goods on hand. When we choose to eat out we have a vast variety of restaurants to select from. We don't have to get in the car and drive, no traffic except other foot traffic, and the people watching as we dine is very cool.
So I guess if I weigh what I miss against the benefits of living in Dubai the benefits win. While there is no place like home-living in Dubai makes it a lot easier.
B careful and b safe and remember to take of each other. We love you all and miss YOU most of all! J&M
I miss my garden. I always had a beautiful flower garden with lots of hanging baskets, potted plants and many, many yard toys. It always gave me great joy to piddle about with my plants and watch thier growth and delight in new blossoms. My yard toys included spinning items and water features. Here I have just the one plant on the table on the balcony. I was never good at indoor plants and the balcony is too small for any more plants so this will have to do. The Walk has many plants and flowers, grass and trees of all differents types, colors and sizes so I am grateful I get to enjoy the beauty while I do my morning walk or leisurely stroll. Not my own garden, but still very lovely.
I miss recycling. It's a part of our lifestyle and is a positive practice. I feel guilty everytime I throw away a soda can. This would be an ideal place to recycle. I found the Dubai recycling website and submitted a request for service in my area. Unfortunately recycling is only done in large quantities which means hotels, etc. My next option is to approach the hotels nearby and ask if they participate in the program and ask if I could drop my recycleables off. I should really follow up on that.
I miss Dale's Sauce. Dale's Sauce is a liquid seasoning that is applied to meats before grilling. I love it because it is not a heavy sauce and is good on beef, pork and chicken. Jimmy grills all of our meat and while it is still very good it's not the same as with Dale's. Next time we go stateside, or bring the girls here (whichever comes first) Dale's will definately be packed!
I miss having a cocktail with dinner. I know in my "Evening Cocktail" post I said I was just as happy to have a cocktail before or after going out to dinner and that I have the option to go to one of several nearby hotels if I wanted to have dinner and drinks. Jimmy and I go downstairs for dinner at least twice a week; it would be lovely to sit at our table outside and enjoy a cocktail while watching the people stroll by and whileing away the evening. I guess I am just being a spoiled little princess and should be grateful for what I have.
I love how clean it is on The Walk. I go for a 2 mile walk from end to end and back early every morning. By 6:30 am there are already several groundskeepers picking up trash left behind from the day before. They also have a schedule to ensure every step of The Walk is pressure washed regularly. Considering the substantial number of people on The Walk daily this is an impressive operation.
I love how safe I feel here. There are numerous CCTV's and security personnel stationed along The Walk. They are always friendly and offer a smile and a nod as you pass; not at all intimidating. They are there to ensure the vacationers and residents feel safe and offer directions and assistance when asked. In many tourist areas stateside and other countries I have visited, i.e. big cities and other attractions, you may feel more compelled to be "on alert" minding your belongings and such. Here, I feel no sense of risk and am not wary that someone is going to steal my purse or bags if I sit for a while on a bench. I have never felt uncomfortable or ogled. It is a very relaxed atmosphere.
I love that I can walk to the local market do my shopping and walk right outside my building to enjoy a meal out. I have two markets close by that are not major grocery stores but carry far more than a convenience store. I get fresh fruits, veggies and meats every couple of days. I don't have to worry about spoilage because I can get just what we will use and go for a quick walk and get more when I need more. We waste almost no food at all because of this and always have the freshest goods on hand. When we choose to eat out we have a vast variety of restaurants to select from. We don't have to get in the car and drive, no traffic except other foot traffic, and the people watching as we dine is very cool.
So I guess if I weigh what I miss against the benefits of living in Dubai the benefits win. While there is no place like home-living in Dubai makes it a lot easier.
B careful and b safe and remember to take of each other. We love you all and miss YOU most of all! J&M
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Mail in Dubai
When you buy a home or rent an apartment in the US that is your mailing address. Mail is delivered and picked up daily (except Sunday) at your home. Not so in Dubai! Here everyone has a Post Office Box. In our case we had to go to the management office; well first we had to find it. Fortunately it is located on The Walk. We found the office located within one of the MANY towers and asked to get a PO Box. As with everything numerous forms of identification (passport, residency visa) and other documentation (lease contract) had to be presented and copies made. We also had to complete an application form. The management office approved us and after paying a $100 AED fee we were given a letter to present to the post office authorities. It is a twenty minute drive to that facility where we were asked to complete another application form. As usual ever ready Jimmy had aleady down loaded and completed the form. The language barrier was the worst we had experienced yet but thier English was still better than our Arabic so I can't complain. Jimmy was being very friendly with the gentleman helping us; making jokes about himself and cutting up. That helped ease the situation a lot. They accepted our prepared application and after another $275 AED fee were given keys to our very own PO Box. We are fortunate that our building has PO Boxes; of the 6 Rimal towers only four have them. The mail is delivered and picked up twice weekly here but I'm certain of the schedule. We were also told it takes approximately 2 weeks for mail to be delivered to the US. So my beautiful Ashley, my first born child, not only will I not be there for for your birthday for the first time but your card will be late. I'm so sorry- we really are getting everything established as quickly and as best we can.
Also, in the US most bills are sent via the mail to your home. Even if you pay on line you still get a statement in the mail. Again, not in Dubai! Most all correspondance is done by SMS text or Internet. I was astounded that the bank sent our ATM card PIN by SMS! In the US SMS is what your kids use to communicate- not for business purposes. The upside of how things are done here is that once the account (bank, cable, electricity, etc. ) is established the communication begins almost instantly and the system seems to work pretty well.
So it's anothe picture perfect sun filled day in Dubai. It's beginning to get really hot out there and the worst is ye to come. i think I'll go for a stroll on The Walk while its still tolerable. Have a great day, all! peace, love and happiness- J&M
Also, in the US most bills are sent via the mail to your home. Even if you pay on line you still get a statement in the mail. Again, not in Dubai! Most all correspondance is done by SMS text or Internet. I was astounded that the bank sent our ATM card PIN by SMS! In the US SMS is what your kids use to communicate- not for business purposes. The upside of how things are done here is that once the account (bank, cable, electricity, etc. ) is established the communication begins almost instantly and the system seems to work pretty well.
So it's anothe picture perfect sun filled day in Dubai. It's beginning to get really hot out there and the worst is ye to come. i think I'll go for a stroll on The Walk while its still tolerable. Have a great day, all! peace, love and happiness- J&M
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Alabama Tornados
Hello all! Sorry I haven't posted anything for a few days. As most of you know Alabama is my home state; all 3 of my daughters, my mom and my sister and her family live in Huntsville. On 27 April Alabama suffered the worst tornado storms since 1935; the second worse in our history. Entire communties have been destroyed. To date 249 people were killed and thousands more injured. Thankfully my home in downtown Huntsville was spared any damage; that is where 2 of my daughters live. The community where my other daughter lives suffered significant damage; her home had a tree fall on it but it only clipped the edge. Some external repairs will have to be made but no interior damage. She went outside and the sky turned completely dark, it started to hail and she actually saw a very large tornado bearing down on her neighborhood. She ran inside, jumped in the tub and prayed. The tornado did not touch down but there was considerable wind damage. Because they have been without electricity, the grocery store shelves are nearly completely empty, no restaurants are open and they have had limited cell phone coverage the girls wisely elected to evacuate. Power is not expected to be restored until Wednesday. One went to north Tennesse with her boyfriend to stay with his family, one went to Pigeon Forge, Tn (may as well enjoy a mini vacation!) and the oldest went to a family lake house about an hour outside of Huntsville. I'm so very thankful they are all safe and sound. My mother is in her mid 70's and lives alone. She is staying in her home but my sister checks on her daily. Mom is able to drive to a nearby grocery store that has a generator. They are offering everyone free coffee so she can get her morning coffee. In her own words mom is sub human without her morning coffee! I'm glad she is ok but I hate that she must be so very bored and lonely with no television; good she has her pets to keep her company. Hang in there, mom!
It has been so very frustrating to be so far away and unable to provide direct support for my children and family. I'm a very hands on mom and even though the girls are grown young ladies they will always be my babies. I even feel guilty for living in beautiful, sun drenched Dubai while they are having to do without electricity; a hot shower is a luxury. I can only say that when they have called we have answered- even at 2 a.m. We advised them of safety and household precautions and transferred money into thier account so they would have the means to attain whatever they needed; food, gas, etc. My heart has been with my Bamaland kin every moment. I sincerely hope the many friends and coworkers I also care for are safe and doing well. Please send me an update soonest!
Please keep those that lost thier lives, thier loved ones and thier homes in your prayers. The devastation is unimaginable and the stories of survival are heart wrenching. However the many accounts of strangers pulling together to help and provide for one another rekindle the belief in community spirit and brotherhood.
Remember to hold your loved ones close- you never know when disaster may strike. Blessings to all. J&M
It has been so very frustrating to be so far away and unable to provide direct support for my children and family. I'm a very hands on mom and even though the girls are grown young ladies they will always be my babies. I even feel guilty for living in beautiful, sun drenched Dubai while they are having to do without electricity; a hot shower is a luxury. I can only say that when they have called we have answered- even at 2 a.m. We advised them of safety and household precautions and transferred money into thier account so they would have the means to attain whatever they needed; food, gas, etc. My heart has been with my Bamaland kin every moment. I sincerely hope the many friends and coworkers I also care for are safe and doing well. Please send me an update soonest!
Please keep those that lost thier lives, thier loved ones and thier homes in your prayers. The devastation is unimaginable and the stories of survival are heart wrenching. However the many accounts of strangers pulling together to help and provide for one another rekindle the belief in community spirit and brotherhood.
Remember to hold your loved ones close- you never know when disaster may strike. Blessings to all. J&M
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Evening Cocktail
Anyone who knows me knows I thoroughly enjoy my evening cocktail. There is something about having a bit of a libation at the end of the day that just makes it complete. Like a ribbin on a gift; and every day is a gift. Some people meet with friends or coworkers after the days work and rehash the days events, the news of the day or thier own personal trials. Sometimes in revelry and bouisterous conversation while the beers flow; sometimes to support one another when hard times overwhelm. Good times and bad you can always count on the usual crowd and familiar faces at the local watering hole. Other people prefer to unwind from the days events in peace and quiet; in thier own home or other peaceful oasis. Those people find solace, and even comfort, in their own aloneness.
When we decided to move to Dubai I quickly researched the alcohol laws. Absolutey do not drink and drive or appear drunk in public at all. You will be hard pressed to find an independant bar or pub in Dubai. But fear not, most hotels have bars and some have pretty impressive dancing facilities. Living on The Walk, across the street from the Hilton, with several more hotels easily within walking distance, means I can have a cocktail in that atmosphere at will. I, however, prefer to mix my own cocktail in the comfort of my own home. I have become quite proficient at making the perfect Cosmo; my drink of choice. If you choose to imbibe in Dubai I would highly recommend you buy as much alcohol as you can carry, or as much as they will allow in duty free at the airport. It is affordable and will be "ready when you are" after you arrive. Fortunately Jimmy has obtained a liqour liscence so we can purchase alcohol as needed.
So here we are a month after arrival, enjoying a lovely cocktail while enoying the view of the passers by along The Walk from our balcony. Life is good in Dubai. Love you all in Bamaland and other places! J&M
When we decided to move to Dubai I quickly researched the alcohol laws. Absolutey do not drink and drive or appear drunk in public at all. You will be hard pressed to find an independant bar or pub in Dubai. But fear not, most hotels have bars and some have pretty impressive dancing facilities. Living on The Walk, across the street from the Hilton, with several more hotels easily within walking distance, means I can have a cocktail in that atmosphere at will. I, however, prefer to mix my own cocktail in the comfort of my own home. I have become quite proficient at making the perfect Cosmo; my drink of choice. If you choose to imbibe in Dubai I would highly recommend you buy as much alcohol as you can carry, or as much as they will allow in duty free at the airport. It is affordable and will be "ready when you are" after you arrive. Fortunately Jimmy has obtained a liqour liscence so we can purchase alcohol as needed.
So here we are a month after arrival, enjoying a lovely cocktail while enoying the view of the passers by along The Walk from our balcony. Life is good in Dubai. Love you all in Bamaland and other places! J&M
Monday, April 25, 2011
Language Barrier
When we decided to move here my first impulse was to learn the Arabic language. My mother immigrated to the US from Germany and even though she had a better than working knowledge of the English language she made every effort to learn it in depth. I felt I should do the same. A friend gave me a copy of Rosetta Stone and I did try but to no avail. I found it very difficult to understand the words and meanings. I was told that once I arrived I would find it much easier as I would be exposed to the language and would pick it up. Not so much! The problem is that living in a resort area means that I hear no less than 5 different languages every day- by lunch time! Even the "locals" aren't local. So many of the people working here are from somewhere else that they don't speak Arabic either. Our real estate agent is from Italy and has lived in Dubai 8 years doing business and does not speak Arabic. We were told that only 6% of the Dubai population are actual UAE natural citizens! I believe it. Most fortunately English is the universal language. It seems that no matter where someone originated from, most every one speaks at least some English. A lot of the people here speak English more proper than me- my mother calls it the "Kings English". So you will hear a waiter from Malasia or Egypt taking a meal order from people from Russia or Germany and they do it English. When I am walking down the street or in a mall the most prominent language I hear besides English is Arabic. So I will make another effort to learn some phrases and words. While I love where I live I am certain it is not an accurate reflection of the country as a whole and I want to be able to communicate at least minimally. Thanks for setting a good example, mom.
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