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!
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!
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