Spring Break and more

It has been some time since my last post due to some technology issues, but it appears to have been corrected.  We had two weeks off for the end of the term break and I decided to hang around and take some day trips instead of a formal vacation.  Two friends and I went to Dubai to one of the several amazing malls.  We went to the Dubai Mall which requires a map and several days to manage.  It is not a place to pop in and out of. We spent the day browsing through some of the most extravagant stores. By the way...Harry Winston's and Tiffany's don't allow photos to be taken, the jewelry speaks for itself.

We had a nice time trying on earrings and bracelets. We sat outside next to the famous Dubai Fountains for lunch at PF Chang's.  Unfortunately, we did not get to see them "perform" to the music of Michael Jackson, Celine Dion and Andre Bocelli. They were designed and choreographed by the engineers that constructed the fountains in Vegas.  Still on the list of things to do.

 

A few days later I decided to venture back to the mall on my own.  Major step trying to recall the directions, but once again I surprised myself and got there without incident.  One of the perks of mall shopping here is that you can also get your car washed while you are inside.  The parking system is also unique.  The garages are as large as the lots at Disney.  Many people take pictures of the space with their cellphones so they can find their way back after their shopping spree.  Above each space is a light which turns red when the space is occupied and green when it is available.  The movie theater is another unique experience.  When you purchase your ticket you also select your seat.  It is like choosing your seat on a plane. You can rent a "sofa room" and watch the movie like you are in the comfort of your own home.  We went to see OZ in 3D, which I was not a fan of.  Ticket price for a matinee was $13.50 USD.  The snack counter sells complete meals and picnic type sandwiches and drinks.

 

A few days later a friend asked me to do her a favor and take a visiting relative to the airport, so it was back to Dubai once again.  This time we decided to visit the Gold and Spice Souk on the waterfront.  Not 100% sure on how to get there so we went to a different mall and took a cab. Which was smart because it wasn't a direct route. The Spice Souk was pretty much all the usually spices found here in different packaging.  Each vendor claimed to have the best.  They are very persistent and inquisitive.  They wanted to know where we were from and when we said the US, they smiled and said "Obama!" This is another tourist attraction so there were many groups of camera toting individuals with sunburned faces roaming around with us.

 



A few blocks away the scene was a totally different story.  Many of the shoppers and browsers were tourists or westerners.  Police presence was obvious and something we don't see every day here.  The gold was over the top and the diamonds in the store windows could compete with the diamond district's selection in New York.  Again the salesmen were out in full force hoping to lore us in with promises of the best prices.  We enjoyed the experience, but left without a purchase.  There was just to much to chose from.

 Now where would I wear something like this?

 

I am pretty sure these are the special necklaces for weddings in this country.  I know the woman who wears it will need assistance when she stands or attempts to walk.

 

We stopped for dinner and then went onto the airport.  It started to drizzle which was a first for us since we arrived in August. It was also very windy so we weren't sure if flights would be taking off. Rather than make a return trip to the airport we decided to hang around until we got the call that she was in the air.  We went to the outlet malls and wondered around until we learned Kristin was on her way back to Atlanta. Leaving the mall gave us another surprise, a thunder storm.  This made the hour drive home a challenge.  Since rain is not the norm, drivers are not the best.  They continue to speed and pass illegally on the shoulder of the road. The following day the puddles were tremendous and not going anywhere soon.  No drainage.

 

Another trip was to visit Fujairah, one of the seven emirates that makes up the UAE.  It's about two hours from here.  We went with the weekend social group and some friends from work.  Our first stop, Friday Market on main street.  The produce was the same at each stand, but grilled corn on the cob and coconut water were the popular sale items.

 

 

My friends Sherry and Cammie.

 

Next stop the former palace of the ruling family of Fujairah.  The story goes that they lived there until the 70s.  Transportation to the nearest town was by donkey and took about 3 hours.  Later we saw many donkeys running freely across the roadways.  I guess they are looking for work.

 

 

 

Final stop on our day long trip was to watch a local custom of Bull Pushing.  Best way to describe this activity is sumo wrestling for bulls.  They are matched up by weight, they are brought to the center of the arena by their owner.  Heads are lowered and the bulls begin pushing one another with their heads.  The MC of the event hits them with a bamboo cane to get them riled up.  The arena is fenced in on only three sides.  We stood outside the second fence, those on the opposite side sat on camp chairs with an unobstructed view.  All was good until one bull had had enough and took off toward the unfenced side of the field.  In a flash all the spectators jumped up and ran.  The runaway was secured without injury to anyone. The parking lot looked like a scene from a drive in movie.  SUVs were backed in to spaces and kids sat on the roof eating cotton candy and chips. The announcer was very enthusiastically commenting on each bulls' move.  Even though we had no idea what was being said we did understand the excitement with which he spoke.

 

The group stopped at a Lebanese family style restaurant before we headed back to Al Ain. Our table finished our meal and decided to head out.  The group leader wasn't 100% sure of the directions she gave us, but we decide to start home anyway.  Taking this shortcut was supposed to shave off 45 minutes of our return trip.  It was a long day so we were happy to take this opportunity to get home sooner rather than later.  Off we went, fingers crossed and itunes playing.  We had our doubts, but we didn't turn back or get turned around and finally reached a familiar road and the way home.  We had a lot of laughs and it was a great day spent learning first hand about the culture.

 







 

 



Old Souk, Al Ain

The weekend started off with a early visit to the Old Souk in Town Centre of Al Ain. The vendors beginning selling at 6am and several are there until 10pm, daily.  Being a Friday morning I assumed it would be pretty quiet.  Much to my surprise there was a mosque located right next door to the entrance of the souk.  First stop, produce aisle...there was such an abundance of vegetables and fruits.  The variety was pretty spectacular and impressively stacked in a small space. It seemed odd to be taking so many pictures of the same vegetables and we did get a lot of stares, but the colors were to good to pass up.

 

 

 

Outside we came upon a woman that is a regular at the Souk.  We were told she travels there everyday and can be found in the same spot.  She brings with her many homemade items.  This morning she took the time to explain her wares and their uses.  She had honey, henna and frankincense that she passed around the group of about 25 people.  She explained that she has been wearing her burka since the day she married, because she believes a woman's beauty is in her eyes and that should be the main focus on her face, her eyes.  She also allowed us to take her pictures, which is also a rarity. 

 

Next, we went back inside to the fish market and there we were entertained by Amar, our guide and his knowledge of the various fish for sale.  The vendors were encouraging him as he showed us the fresh catch for sale.

 

 

 

 

As we strolled along we saw various dry spices being sold and then the area that sells the camel blankets, muzzles, and other colorful accessories.  Some of the ropes were being braided as we stood and watched.  There was even camel shampoo for sale.

 dry spices

 

 

 dry spices

 

Our last stop before the end of our educational tour was outside where tobacco was being sold.  The leaves were right there on the sidewalk and the man selling took a great interest in our group.  He asked who we were and when our guide mentioned we were mostly teachers, he asked our guide to tells us we had "better do a good job of teaching our children."  Then we learned about the change in tobacco and cigarette smoking.  Nowadays those that still smoke use a thin pipe rather than cigarettes.  The morning ended and we were encouraged to come back and shop whenever we pleased. 

tobacco leaves

 

 

 

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

High Tea

March is a busy month for birthdays.  Between the family in the USA and friends here in the UAE, there are a total of 8 birthdays to celebrate.  This weekend was no exception.  Three of my co-workers here in the UAE were celebrating their birthdays so we decided something special was needed to commemorate the occasion. The Emirates Palace offers a pretty special deal and the venue is pretty special too.  We, however, chose to go to the 74th floor of the Etihad Towers to look out over the city of Abu Dhabi while we sipped tea and ate our finger sandwiches.

Emirates Palace from above

 

 Abu Dhabi skyline

 

 Finger Sandwiches

 

 Dessert in the desert

 

 Laura and Sherry, two of our birthday girls

 

From the moment we stepped into the elevator and zipped to the 74th floor we were showed the most attention imaginable.  We were escorted to a table for 8 after taking a stroll around the floor to view the sights from each window.  In true form we all commented on the dirty windows and what a shame it was that no one managed to keep them cleaner for our viewing pleasure.  Then I remembered that Tom Cruise only works on windows in Dubai.

 

After we made our tea selection, an attentive staff hoovered around the table and saw to our every need.  Two of the birthday girls received beautiful bouquets of white roses, which were received with large smiles and much appreciation followed by a decant chocolate cake that we all enjoyed. After a few more photos ops, we reluctantly left with the promise to return for the next birthday celebration, but unfortunately we have to wait until September. I'm sure we will find an excuse to return before then.

 

 

 

 

Let's Just Say I've Been to the Mountains!

Friday, February 8th Beehive Tombs and Wadi Dam - Oman

A beautiful day to be out and about.  The social group known as Al Ain Weekends organized a 2 day trip to Oman to hike and explore the striking geology.  It was truly breathtaking.  Day 2 we hiked to Jebel Shams and this actually took my breath away.  It was a gorgeous area with a great deal of history, but the "hike" was more like a rock climbing experience for me. 
Let's begin with Friday's excursion to the Beehive Tombs in Al Ayn. There are 21 tombs in varying state of repair, lined up along the upper edge of the ridge with Jebel Misht in the background. (Jebel means mountain) The tombs are believed to date back to early 3rd millennium BC and are built from local limestone.  Each tomb measures 5 meters across with a triangular entrance.  As it was mentioned while there, "we have caskets, and they had tombs." Bodies were placed inside and when necessary remains were moved to the side or back to make room for new "residents."

From there we traveled a little further to an oasis where we had a picnic lunch. We also toured a town made of mud.  A collection of abandoned homes constructed from mud with a mixture of shell.  Doors still hung in their frames, but I am unsure of when the town was constructed.

 

 

Our final stop for the day was Wadi Dam. We walked for awhile and actually make it across the dam as there was no water there.  The group that toured here two years ago told us that they actually swam in the waters that were flowing over the dam.  What I saw was a far cry from that.  There was one pool that didn't appear to be very deep.  There was water following into the pool and fish were visible from the rock were I sat to take pictures.  Two members of the group were brave enough to jump into the cold water for a brief dip.

 

 

 

Last stop of the night was our hotel.  A hot shower and lights out for me.  It was a long day in the sun and I was asleep by 7:30.  I felt like I was back in elementary school, but I knew the alarm would be going off early the next morning.

Another beautiful day.  After a buffet breakfast at the hotel and a quick check out we drove a short distance up the road to Bahla Fort.  It was pretty impressive from the road and we all started taking pictures almost immediately.  Unfortunately, it was closed.  Hours of Operations were Thursdays and Fridays.  Bummer! We did learn from our fearless leader and trip organizer that the fort was orginally built in the 3rd millennium BC, however, it has been under renovation recently.  This area also promotes a souk and pottery factories that will have to be visited at a later date.  Way to much to get in this particular trip.

On the road up to Jebel Shams and As Sab Cliff Walk, we stopped briefly at Wadi Ghul to view two abandoned villages. Below was a productive oasis and fields where the locals grow produce to market. We, along with several other sightseers snapped a few pictures before we continued to the top of the mountain. The road was a winding one which begins paved and then turns into dirt, rocks and lots of bumps.  Now I understand the need for a SUV.  We arrived at the top in an area called Al Khitaym. There is a family that lives in two dwellings at the top of this mountain. They come out at the sight of hikers to sell their hand woven rugs, blankets, bracelets and key chains. They were also selling "fossils," but to me they just looked like rocks.  I didn't buy anything because that meant I would have had to carry it.

Now keep in mind that the email informing us of this hike said: Not for those who are afraid of heights. I don't believe I have a fear, but I'm not one who will willing go out on a cliff if I don't have too.  So, I asked some friends at work who had done this very hike and they both told me the heights not too bad.  What I didn't ask was what is the walk like...

The email also stated and I quote: This is a relatively level walk with a slight downhill going in and the reverse coming back.  Because of the height of about 6000 feet it tends to be cooler then at the bottom. What the email didn't say was that the donkey path which began as dirt turns into a conglomeration of rocks in various shapes and sizes.  The larger ones were beneficial to me so I could grip them as I stepped up and over the medium and smaller sized rocks. Did I mention this was a 5 hour hike?  We were walking along this cliff, or death wish, as I later began calling it in my mind to the village of As Sab which was built under a rock overhang on the opposite side of our starting point. It was about 3.5 km along the west flank of the canyon below known as Wadi Nakhr.  This area has been nicknamed as the "Grand Canyon Walk." Maybe I should have read this email a little more closely.  The total hike should take between 4 and 5 hours. Noticed I said should!

The village was the home of about 15 families who left just over 30 years ago and moved to Khitaym and Nakhar and now Ghul. It was well protected against enemies and had a good water supply.  The houses that remain are primarily built of stone.  There are eight different crops grown on the terraces above the village and dangle down the cliff. The water pool that supplied them is also located above he village and fronts a cave.

 

So here is where my story gets interesting.  I am second in line as we depart the starting point and we are traveling at a pretty good clip. I am impressed with myself after the first turn when I notice there is no railing between the path and the canyon below.  I am not exaggerating when I say the path was a mere foot away from the drop off and in some places you climbed over a boulder that took part of your body over the side.  I was comfortable, wasn't focused on the height because I was too concerned with the path that had now turned into a rock conglomeration.  Needless to say my pace slowly considerable and before I knew it I was at the end of the pack with the woman designated to bring up the rear.  She was the official sweeper and took her job very seriously.  Her finger was wrapped around that walky talky ready for action.  Did I mention we were asked to sign a release form before we left the UAE?   Yes, that should have clicked in my brain, but I am a little slower as I age. Anyway...we were about 2/3 of the way to the village when disaster struck.  I am gently watching my steps, but misjudged my footing and down I go.  Both knees hit the rocks hard. One hand goes down and lucky I don't move any further, but when I lift my head up I notice I am head first down the side of the mountain.  Like I say, luckily I hit the rock and didn't move.  I manage to right myself and sit for a moment to regain some composure and wonder if someone wasn't watching over me at that very moment.  We had passed an area where tradition dictates that hikers add a stone to some exsisting pyramids for good luck.  I swear I added a stone and that may have been my saving grace.  Now I am up on my feet and surveying the damages.  I feel my legs shaking and my confidence has taken a harder blow. Now I am paranoid about the remaining portion of the hike and doubting myself with each advancement.  One knee is bleeding, but I am ignoring it while I imagine the pretty shades of blue it will soon be turning.  Naturally, all the parties around are asking me if I am okay and want to continue.  Finally, I know when I am beaten and I mumble it's best that I turn back.  Without hesitation the sweeper calls ahead to tell them that she and I will be turning back. There are words of encouragement and reassurances that we are almost there, but I knew that once there the distance back has now become greater.  I shake my head and begin singing to myself "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger" and reminding myself to put one foot in front of the other.  The trek back is painful and we make frequent stops along the way.  Sally, the sweeper is trying to make light of it all, reassuring me that I will get there the next time.  In true form I am agreeing with her and nodding my head when in reality I am thinking "there is no freaking way you will every get me up here again!" We are passed several times by members of our group and others.  One twosome of guys walk by and we exchange greetings. He is wearing a Boston Red Sox cap and tells us he is grateful to be on this path and not back in Beantown which was knee deep in snow according to Facebook postings he had read before he began his hike.  Then his friend starts laughing and says that can add another day to their vacation as a result of the snow because their office was closed on Friday.  They wave good bye and continue on. 

 

 

Finally, we are can see the last bend on the path, unfortunately it is all up hill.  My thighs are burning and one arm is sun burnt, but I have to keep going because I drove to Oman with a family of three and my bag is in their car with my car keys and I have to go to work tomorrow, and still have to write my lesson plans....this is what I am thinking about as I try to get myself off this god damn mountain.  It's no wonder I don't sleep at night, I can't turn off my mind.

 

The other 22 individuals are waiting for us.  For a moment I felt like I had just crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon, except rather than flashbulbs or clapping spectators, I was greeted by a goat that proceeded to following me to the car!  As I briefly summarized this story for my sister, she offered this..."at least you did it." Yes, I did!

 

 

 

It's Off to the Races

Yesterday was a beautiful day and we planned to go to the nearby camel races.  Races are held each Friday morning from 6:30 am to 9:30 am.  This early start lets the riders and owners get to pray on time.  Getting up early on your day off is not something I really wanted to do, but the races have been on my "to do" list since we arrived in Al Ain. The camels range in age from 2 years old up to 5 years old.  The younger the camel the farther they will run.  This is a huge part of the culture here and it is as competitive as horse racing in the states.  Winners advance to the next level.  The better known races are held in Dubai and the winning purse is substancial.  The owner also gets a Land Rover.  The winner camel is treated like royalty and can be sold at a later date for as much as 1,000,000 UAE. At the local track the riders are used to seeing the tourists arrive in their rental cars with their zoom lens and millions of questions.  Yesterday after we arrived we learned, much to our disappointment that the race had been cancelled.  However, the riders were gracious enough to allow us some photos.  Some of the kids in the group even got to sit on one of the camels.  Since it was still early a few of us went to the local breakfast place to grab a bite and talk.  Nice day even though the main event didn't take place.  The racing season lasts until March, so I'm sure we will make another Friday trip in the near future.

 

 

 

National Day

On December 2, 1971, the United Arab Emirates was formed. Prior to that the area was known as the Empty Quarter and the land was seen as a commodity. Many conflicts took place, but Sheik Zayed, who became the first president of the UAE saw the importance of maintaining independence for the people of this area.  There has been tremendous changes to the area and as a result many nationalities can be found here now. Each year the locals go all out to show their pride for this young country.  About a week or two before National Day, I witnessed the changes being made to the streets of Al Ain.  The palm trees were wrapped in lights and the centers of the roundabouts now had more distracting items in them.  Some serious cash was spent on decorating the cars and the faces of the sheiks could be seen EVERYWHERE.  My students began arriving with some classroom decorations and then some embellishments to their uniforms. I asked how much were they allowed to wear and was told not to limit anything.  It was a bit much.  See for yourself.

This is a co-worker's car decorated for National Day 2012

 

 

National Day Assembly - Those are girls dressed in military uniforms

This is the start of the National Day parade.

  The staff, students and some mothers rode the two school buses through the streets of Bu Kariyyah.  The police accompanied us and other decorated vehicles followed.  Safety is not a top priority here.  Children were encouraged to stand on the seats and held flags out the open windows.  They also sprayed Silly String out the window and Snow in a Can. The town, thankfully it's small, so the ride was brief.  The girls sang and chanted, while boys from the neighborhood rode their quads and dirt bikes recklessly down the sidewalks.  I went home at took some aspirin.  We had two additional days off from school, so the following week was a short three day week. Attendance was low so the students went home early each day.  

Parade

 

Flat Stanley came all the way from Florida and got to participate in National Day. Here he is with some 2nd graders who are showing their pride with their colorful outfits. The girls started wearing some of these items about two weeks before the official day.