Sand Mountain

I like our car but I think we'll need something a little more rugged to take that mountain. This mountain caught my eye because it looks like the wind was blowing and blew all the sand against the side of it. It's hard to tell but that mountain is VERY big and yes, those are sand dunes decorating it.

Super Weather

We are entering into winter now and the weather is perfect for hanging out at the beach. The breeze is wonderful and the water is an absolutely glorious temperature. The above picture was taken at the beach by our apartment.

Eid Mubarak!

A very uncommon way of figuring out a long weekend. . .do I work or don’t I work was the question before starting work this week. We searched the web, listened to the radio and tried to find some notification of what was decided about the moon.

The UAE moon-sighting committee announced that Monday 23rd will be the first day of the Shawwal crescent for the Hijri year 1427, signifying the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Eid Al Fitr. Eid is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy. On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family and friends, give gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the holiday.

"Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair!"
("May every year find you in good health!")

"Eid Mubarak!"
("Blessed Eid!")

"Eid Saeed!"
("Happy Eid!")

Front Page 7Days

This was the front page of the 7Days newspaper – just a gentle reminder to respect the Muslim tradition of being especially modest during Ramadan. For the whole story:

http://www.7days.ae/2006/10/03/show-some-respect.html#continueStory

etisalat Ramadan Ad

These are two versions of Ads from our “7DAYS” paper (similar to Toronto’s Metro). Etisalat is our telephone provider.

“Ramadan Kareem!

You are faith, peace and generosity.

Ramadan Kareem!

Share the spirit of Ramadan with family and friends across the world. Enjoy reduced international call rates for the first three days of Ramadan."

Happy Birthday Heidi

Barry and I celebrated my birthday at Bussola - this is actually exactly where we sat but it was dark because we were there for dinner. In the background you can see The Palm Jumeirah.

Fulla ~ Abaya Barbie

I saw Fulla at the Hyper Panda the other day. At the time I didn't know she was so popular. "Best seller in Mideast: Barbie With a Prayer Mat.". For the story, here is the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/22/international/middleeast/22doll.html?ex=1285041600&en=72bb8cc089bf9435&ei=5090

Jumeirah Madinat

We visited the very popular Madinat Souk area. This area consists of restaurants, bars, clubs and shopping areas. The views of the Burj Al Arab are spectacular from here. Since its Ramadan the restaurants were closed for the afternoon but as soon as the sunsets this place will be bustling with people for Iftar. It was difficult to decide which pictures to post – click on the picture to see a larger version. Click this link to see the rest:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=8viudhy.8jjfb072&x=1&y=5h97pb

Things We Miss ~ 2nd Instalment

Things we miss!
- Beatrice Milk;
- an “American” clothes dryer;
- Sears service! Service here means around 100 phone calls (most of which ended in a “network busy” signal or a “number busy” signal), 1 wrong number and a 3 day wait which ends in two repair men from the wrong company sent to service our washer. Another 1 day wait and many more follow up calls to convince two people to come and finally fix the washer that has been serviced 5 times since its purchase in April.
- Tim Hortons!

Settled In Yet?

A friend recently asked if we had settled in yet and it got me to thinking what that really meant. Barry and I know which grocery store has the best produce, which grocery store has the best meat selection; we are en-route to knowing which mangos to buy (Pakistani, Kenyan, Egyptian) and what exactly IS that curious looking fruit and when is it ripe? We know which brand of dish soap is sudsier than the next and that water is .25fils cheaper at Carrefour than at Geant. We know which food court has KFC, which one has Hardey’s and I know if I’m craving a crepe I should go to Mercato! We have learnt what time to leave in the morning to avoid gridlock on Sheikh Zayed Road and have now accepted the fact that you have to pass your destination, turn around and head back to actually get there. We now understand “road surprises” are the norm and that not everyone knows about the art of shoulder checking. Although there is certainly more to discover, like where to get my hair cut and where will they not double dip that applicator, after reviewing all these little things in our daily routine, I think we can consider ourselves settled in.