Only in the UAE - Expo 2020

Another Only in the UAE day!

At times it is difficult to remember that the UAE is only a very ‘new’ country - 42 years next Monday to be precise.  Prior to that the seven Emirates along with Bahrain & Qatar were under British protection.  The economy was based on pearl diving until the bottom fell out of the world market then the discovery of oil saw the British unable to ‘afford’ to maintain security and they pulled out - leaving the way open for American interests.  Bahrain & Qatar became independent countries and the seven Emirates signed an agreement to become the United Arab Emirates.  (That’s the condensed version - check out http://www.lonelyplanet.com/united-arab-emirates/history for more information).

The advent of oil money paved the way for the leader, Sheikh Zayed - a visionary, to begin an intensive programme of building, infrastructure, schools &, hospitals.  His vision, which still lives on through his son, was to provide the citizens of the UAE with skills to survive when the oil runs out.  Hence the massive education drive which is what saw me come here.

Anyway, back to the point...

National Day is a huge celebration here in the UAE.  It begins with week long festivities at school and culminates with a day or two off work to join in the celebrations.  Everyone dresses  up in the colours of the flag, food is shared, chocolates are daily gifts at school, children arrive at school all decked out in National dresses, the hair dance is performed by girls, boys do a different dance involving the camel crock, parents are invited, cars are decorated and enter competitions and a huge parade, buildings glow at night with coloured lights showcasing the UAE.  The list goes on and on.  On National Day itself a huge car parade takes place - the streets are impassable with idiots hanging out of cars and showing off (a teenage boys paradise - but perhaps only if you are driving the ‘right’ car), concerts, airforce fly-bys, fireworks take place on the Corniche.  It is mayhem!  But the locals love it and live for it!

It is a huge celebration of their country.  And the power bill must be horrendous as the streets are all decorated with lights.  The Malls are all decked out inside - it’s big business here.

Huge, and I mean huge, flags decorate houses - I am sure all the neighbours try to outdo each other - after all it’s all about show here.  These flags went up for Flag Day a few weeks back.  20 story buildings have flags draped down their sides.  Men sit in alleys sewing these flags.  It’s an incredible sight and one that we could take some ideas for national pride from.

So we’ve been building up to this all week.  Today was to see our final celebrations at school then we have a four day weekend to travel, relax or do whatever it is you want to.  Remembering it’s only two weeks until our three week Winter Break (Christmas holidays to you).

But last night all that changed.  So here I am, up at 5.45am, but with no school today.  The country is in shutdown as we celebrate yet another major milestone in their history.

Last night, Dubai won the bid to host the 2020 Expo!  Now, if you’re like me, you probably don’t even know what the Expo is.  But after watching and waiting for hours last night I am informed.  It is the biggest technological showcase in the world.  It is what precipitated the building of the Eiffel Tower, it is where the typewriter was introduced, and other uniquely everyday inventions were unveiled.

The crowds were out celebrating in Dubai hours before they won it!  Reports say it was crazy there but the ‘official’ celebration at the Burj Khalifa afterwards was spectacular.  I wonder what they would have done with all the fireworks if they didn’t win.  Perhaps kept them to National Day to let off - after all they were in National colours.  After this fantastic display they bathed the tallest building in the world in blue lights (colour of the expo logo) then turned on the fountains underneath.  What a spectacular sight!

Anyway the National Anthem keeps being played on TV as I type this blognote.  Talk about National Pride!  It’s part of the psyche here.

So the Sheikh of Dubai decreed a holiday today for schools in the UAE.  But like anything here it’s difficult to get ‘official’ confirmation so I hope all the staff found out.  

The great news is that we now have a 5 day weekend, many schools now have six days!  Woo hoo

Plus Baskin Robins is giving away free ‘mini’ scoops of icecream between 1-5pm.  That will be chaos.

Only in the UAE...

Birthday surprise!

Birthday

Today has been electrifying, literally.

It all began at 6.55am as we exited the car parking building.  The sky was exceptionally dark and I commented on it to the teenager.  And it was raining!  That in itself is such an unusual occurrence here that it is worth mentioning.

As we made our way across the island the rain changed to a torrential downpour complete with thunder and lightening.  I suggested turning around and going home but the teenager was keen to get to school for a maths test. (WTF?)

Exiting the island and entering our daily challenge - Salam Street - the water had pooled into small lakes. You see, they have no drainage here on the roads as it only rains 2-3 times a year so I suppose there is really no need.  As I know the locals don’t know how to drive in rain I kept a respectable following distance and reduced my speed.  It seemed like most other drivers were doing the same.  The expectation was that the traffic would be slow due to numerous accidents and I wasn’t wrong.

Making it safely, if late, to drop off the teenager I looked up to see the sky ahead was a yellowy colour.  Finding this unusual I commented on it but effected the drop off and continued on my way, realising I was going to be late but not being particularly perturbed.

If only... hindsight is a wonderful thing isn’t it?

If only I had listened to my inner voice and turned around at the beginning.  But I carried on, still driving carefully and making allowances for other crazy drivers.  As I headed away from the airport, suddenly the road ahead disappeared in a cloud of sand.  I’ve experienced several sand storms here but hadn’t driven in one before.  Not realising what was ahead I continued gingerly on, flicking on my hazard lights and slowing down to a crawl.

But it was too late - I was inside the storm itself and once trapped there seemed to be no way out.  I glimpsed several cars parked on the side of the road and wanted to join them but couldn’t seem to find a way to exit my lane and move safely over three lanes to the side of the road without being hit from behind.  Gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles I just wanted to stop the car where I was and cry.  I have never been so frightened in my life!  But common sense (and that bl**dy voice) told me to keep going.  Honestly, you couldn’t see anything in front of you and I thought I was going to die.  This peeved me off no end as it was my birthday and I didn’t want to die in this bl**dy country on my bl**dy birthday.

So fortitude kicked in and I blindly kept to my lane at a snail’s pace - just praying that nothing hit me from behind or that I didn’t drive into something in front while trying to dodge debris on the road.  You couldn’t even see the exit but someone was looking out for me and I turned off and made it to school.  Once there, shaking and traumatised I was able to verbally express myself to another teacher who was feeling equally emotional and had phoned her husband on the way thinking she was never going to see him again (and it was his birthday).  So I wasn’t alone in this experience.  She was braver than me as I wanted to phone anybody but couldn’t take my eyes off the road to find my phone.

A third teacher had a similar experience and witnessed trucks sliding around in circles on the highway and trees being toppled by the wind.  She also commented that she just wanted to stop and cry!  Is that an emotional response to thinking you are about to die?  I wouldn’t know as I don’t have those experiences often.

I think those of us traveling alone found the experience much worse than others who were in company.  Also I think our timing found us in the full force of the storm whereas others arrived much later.

Then the thunderstorm must have been following us as that hit the school next and buildings here are not equipped to deal with torrential rain.  The gymnasium flooded, water is cascading down walls onto electrical sockets, girls are screaming at the thunder, only a few teachers have arrived - most schools were closed by 9am with students and teachers going home but NO, not us.  We are still teaching at 12 when the teenager phones to tell me ALL schools in Abu Dhabi have been closed and he is outside his school waiting for me to pick him up.  So off I head to our Principal to ask what is happening?  Yes, she’s had the same email but we are waiting for buses to arrive.  She certainly wasn’t keen to let me go and pick the boy up but after two visits to her office I just left!  Strange how our school can be so different to all the others...

After collecting the teenager and two friends for the weekend we headed home to cook lunch.  Now I enjoy the intellectual conversation of the teenagers here and these young Arab boys were no exception.  I am constantly amazed at their knowledge of Middle Eastern politics and have had some interesting discussions.  One of these boys is the teenagers clone - not in looks obviously - but in intellect, interests, ability to talk forever, disorganisation, and so many areas it was uncanny.  He said I sounded just like his mother when speaking to the teenager.  A teacher at school had expressed her ‘delight’ that I would have double trouble for the weekend.  I’m not sure if the other boy will manage to get a word in all weekend.

Once again I found myself teaching basic cooking skills while preparing lunch.  None of these boys here cook or know the first thing about cooking.  So an impromptu lesson on making garlic bread ensued.  Apparently it was better than Pizza Huts so that’s saying something.  When the teenager mentioned his cooking teacher they thought he had private lessons with someone.  A second lesson on how to do dishes followed!  I must say these boys are so polite and eager to learn new skills.  Not that they will ever need them as they all have maids and I’m sure will continue onto extremely well-paid jobs and have their own maids - to go along with their flash cars!

Anyway, safely ensconced at home I sure didn’t feel like going out to celebrate my birthday.  Hoping for a wet weekend so I could curl up with a good book and a hot cuppa or glass of Marlborough's finest I was content to let things lie but a phone call from my good friends downstairs saw me heading out to the local Indian for a lovely meal with great company.  A bottle of Matua sauvignon back at their apartment finished off a superb evening.

There has been a lot of talk about whether the storm was man-made.  Apparently out in the desert they have a setup for making rain and this may have been the result of their ‘research’.  This topic of conversation also reared its head after the typhoon in the Phillippines.  Where do people get their ideas from????

This morning I see the following email from our service providers giving us tips on how to deal with the rain that is expected this weekend.  You will all have a good laugh at this but those who have lived in a desert will know that this is the reality.  Only in Abu Dhabi!

The winter season is upon us! Cool days and even
cooler nights – at least for Abu Dhabi – will be here before we know it.

As seasoned residents know, Abu Dhabi typically
sees 2 to 3 rains per year, and these can range from
a simple shower to a heavy downpour. This letter is
to remind the “experienced” residents – and
provide some suggestions for those who haven’t
been through the winter season in Abu Dhabi – how
to prepare for the upcoming rain.

1. Please remember as it seldom rains here, and the weather is typically very arid and hot, seals around
windows and doors can harden and lose some of their effectiveness. Therefore, when it rains you should check all windows in your villa for leaks. Often a towel on the floor or window sill will prevent water from travelling.

2. Much of the construction in Abu Dhabi provides for a flat roof design. Depending on the design, this can
result in standing water on the roof. Waterproof membranes are typically installed, but standing water can
sometimes result in leaks – especially if drainage lines are blocked. Please ensure that any drainage pipes, etc. are free from debris in order to ensure maximum drainage. If your drains on patios and balconies have covers, it is a good idea to remove them during the rain – this will allow for better flow of rain water into the pipes and away from your home.

3. Because of the sandy soil in Abu Dhabi, heavy rains can result in rising water, as the soil cannot absorb large amounts of water quickly. Therefore, please be aware of rising water levels if venturing outside or driving in the rain.

4. If you experience leaks, control the interior damage as quickly as possible.
 Move any items that have not yet gotten wet.
If furniture or other items cannot be moved, cover them with plastic sheets to protect them from the water.
Collect dripping water in a leak proof container and make sure the container is on a solid surface.

If you haven’t already done so, we strongly encourage you to obtain insurance to cover your personal belongings in the event of damage. The cost of these policies is extremely reasonable, and one can be obtained simply and easily. Khidmah has worked with several companies in the market, and we will be happy to supply you with contact details if you don’t have a policy in place.


Bet you wish some of you knew this back in Blenheim & out at a certain School!

Night at the Ballet

Broke and on a budget I find myself sitting in the Emirates Palace Hotel Auditorium awaiting the beginning of the ballet.

Arriving at the sumptuous palace grounds in my new car I just had to try out the valet parking.  After all, I now have a car worthy of sitting up there with all those others (or in my mind anyway!).  I probably won’t be able to afford to retrieve the car after the show but who cares?

So no ‘self-park’ for me.  The only downside was that I was alone and there was no-one there to witness my arrival at the front doors.  Oh well!  That’s life.

Suitably attired - what does one wear to the ballet? - I stroll through the palace with my valet ticket in hand.  One could get used to being acknowledged by all these men in uniform or smart suits.

But back to the reason for my visit.  Why am I here?  To fulfill another bucket list item - see Swan Lake performed by the Moscow Ballet.  I bought tickets on Groupon, my best friend for deals.

Our cheap seats are in the balcony and first come, first served, so I arrive early.  Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm start.  I should have taxied then I could of had a glass of wine but opted for a 20 dirham lemonade instead, wishing I hadn’t when I found out I couldn’t take the drink in so had to drink it quickly.

Not being much of a socialite, I wasn’t sure what to wear.  Furs (as in Russia) were out so I opted for a smart long dress worn with a short black jacket with a black Dolce & Cabana (or is it Dior) scarf.  I’m still not brand name savvy, a crime in this country.  The dress code  in the cheaper seats alongside me is more casual but lots are dressed up to the nines downstairs.  The majority of women are wearing short dresses - mainly LBD’s (little black dresses).

While choosing my seat on the balcony a fight nearly erupts behind me.  It might be first come, first served, but two ladies are arguing about who ‘saved’ the seat between them first.  As it’s first come, first served, neither should have!

So now I’m in the front row of the balcony - reminds me of when we had our sisters weekend in Auckland and went to Mama Mia.  After being in my seat waiting for half an hour I realise the seat isn’t the most comfortable as it’s really just a well upholstered kitchen chair.  Should have opted for the row behind with the large armchair type seating.  Another issue is that there is no space to get out so I had to inelegantly stand on my chair and step over the back of it onto the walkway.  On either side I’m flanked by young girls all dressed up in with I consider to be very old-fashioned clothes.  The family on my left all have big bows in their hair and very dowdy dresses.  They look like they’ve stepped out of the ‘80s or some other era.

MAGICAL!  The only word I can use to describe the ballet.  When 22 dancers took the floor in their snowy white tutus, sparkling under the lights, I could only stare in spellbound wonder.  Now I understand what the attraction is towards learning ballet.  Thoughts of my younger sister kept entering my head and I wished she could be here with me tonight experiencing this visually spectacular performance.  Not knowing much about ballet etiquette I clapped vigorously whenever a solo performance finished.  However, it was the group of swans that took my breath away with their synchronized movements and what must have been painful positions that they maintained for some time.

I am always overawed by the interior of the Palace Hotel.  I don’t think I will ever tire of visiting there and my first visit to the auditorium was no exception with it's lavish decoration.

3 hours and 4 acts later the performance ended and I phoned the number on my valet ticket to order my car, thinking that way it would be ready by the time I arrived back at the front doors.

As we were down two flights of stairs the escalator was crowded with people all trying to leave.  I opted for the four sets of stairs, which I’d just walked down on the other side to get down from the balcony to this floor to go back up.  So it was slow going as even the stairs were crowded.

On arriving back up on the ground floor I am amazed at how many people, including local Emirate men, are out having a coffee or drink.  The place is crowded and only gets worse as I make my way to the front doors.

Eagerly I scan the vehicles to see if mine has arrived.  The crowd surges each time a car arrives.  The locals get their 4WDs first - all white!  The valet boss man seems to be driving them so I’m sure there is some system here.  I’m about last to get mine - and I’m still unsure of how much to tip.  I scan the crowd to see what notes others are holding in their hands and see a variety.  Never sure if there is a set fee I have 20 dirhams in 5's (which looks cheap) and a 50 dirham note in the other hand.

Finally my car arrives and is parked over the other side so I am able to discretely ask the driver if there is a set charge - no it’s free madam!  So I give him the fist full of fives and he politely says no need madam but takes it anyway.  Reminder to self - always have a 10 or 20 for valet parking.  I usually pay 10 dirhams at our training hotel but see many others only giving 5 dirhams ($1.70).  Hardly worth standing out all day in the heat to park my car.  Then you get the locals who probably tip 100 dirhams so no wonder their cars are parked outside on display and come up so quickly.

All in all a great night out at the ballet.  Tops off a great week which started with a fabulous massage downstairs and a facial - another Groupon special.

Then tonight I’m off to visit my friends who have just had a baby boy this week, 3 weeks early.  I’ve made a plate of pikelets to take up.

And did I mention the weather?  It’s fabulous here at the moment and I’ve been out walking most days or nights.  We even had a bit of a storm yesterday (lucky I was still down in the playground talking to my friend & hadn’t started my walk) which started as a sand storm but I wonder if it was the tail end of the typhoon as once it cleared even the big barriers around the road outside had collapsed.  It’s incredible watching the power of the wind from 28 floors up.

I wonder what this week will bring?