Yesterday a sandstorm blew in from the Gulf. It arrived with such ferocity that I thought it was a tornado and quickly checked out the window to see what was happening.
It sounded like heavy rain on the window but it was the sand hitting it at speed. Papers, plastic bags, pizza boxes and large cardboard boxes were flying around and scudding across the road.
I was thankful that I was indoors and not caught out in it. It arrived with such speed and no warning. I spoke to a dad at breakfast today who was at the park with three small children when it hit and he found it a major challenge to manage them and get them to safety, especially since they weren't all his own children.
During the course of the day another two storms hit but not as strong as the first. By the time I ventured out at 2pm (I'd been working from home inputting data into the school report system) the sky was murky. But it is the air that you breathe that is the problem. I wrapped my mouth and nose in my scarf and hoped for the best. Even being covered you still taste the grit in the back of your throat. A water bottle is a must.
The incidence of asthma and chest infections rises dramatically during sandstorm weather patterns. I can see why when you are inhaling sand and dust all the time. We now see why the women here cover up, it's to protect their skin and selves as much as anything else. It's self preservation. Their skin won't be leathery like mine or dried out and aging their beauty. There is wisdom in their ways.
This morning the sky appears foggy but it is dust. Even my regular cricket players on the Eid prayer ground are not there with only one game in progress. In fact, you can't even see the people in the photos. These are taken from the 13th floor as we have moved up in the world, or the hotel at least.
We had a bit of a scare on Wednesday night when there was a Tsunami warning in place after the major earthquake in Samarta. Luckily it didn't come to anything here or anywhere else. I imagine the locals were fearful as memories of the Boxing Day tsunami returned fresh in their minds.
Today we get the keys to our apartment so am leaving the hotel on Tuesday. It doesn't allow much time to buy furniture and set up but we will see what happens. So a busy few days coming up.
It sounded like heavy rain on the window but it was the sand hitting it at speed. Papers, plastic bags, pizza boxes and large cardboard boxes were flying around and scudding across the road.
I was thankful that I was indoors and not caught out in it. It arrived with such speed and no warning. I spoke to a dad at breakfast today who was at the park with three small children when it hit and he found it a major challenge to manage them and get them to safety, especially since they weren't all his own children.
During the course of the day another two storms hit but not as strong as the first. By the time I ventured out at 2pm (I'd been working from home inputting data into the school report system) the sky was murky. But it is the air that you breathe that is the problem. I wrapped my mouth and nose in my scarf and hoped for the best. Even being covered you still taste the grit in the back of your throat. A water bottle is a must.
The incidence of asthma and chest infections rises dramatically during sandstorm weather patterns. I can see why when you are inhaling sand and dust all the time. We now see why the women here cover up, it's to protect their skin and selves as much as anything else. It's self preservation. Their skin won't be leathery like mine or dried out and aging their beauty. There is wisdom in their ways.
This morning the sky appears foggy but it is dust. Even my regular cricket players on the Eid prayer ground are not there with only one game in progress. In fact, you can't even see the people in the photos. These are taken from the 13th floor as we have moved up in the world, or the hotel at least.
We had a bit of a scare on Wednesday night when there was a Tsunami warning in place after the major earthquake in Samarta. Luckily it didn't come to anything here or anywhere else. I imagine the locals were fearful as memories of the Boxing Day tsunami returned fresh in their minds.
Today we get the keys to our apartment so am leaving the hotel on Tuesday. It doesn't allow much time to buy furniture and set up but we will see what happens. So a busy few days coming up.
love reading about your life in Abu Dhabi and how different it is to your "old lifestyle" Pleased you have now put your photo online. I am printing out your ongoing blog for you to be able to reminisce with us all one day, (but hopefully not for a long time) Enjoy all the new experiences.
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Hi Gaylene. Sounds like quite an adventure in terms of the weather! We are all good. Home from our trip to Oz which was great. Loved the morning walks on the beach and the fun of the theme parks. Loved not cooking too! In at work today gearing up for the new term. Not the same having to plan by myself! Hope all is good with you. Glad you are getting a better reception from the other teachers now :-)
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