Where my ladies at? Michael calls it the Abu Dhabi sausage fest and my UAE book confirms it: at least 73% of the adult population is male! I think the percentage is higher over the summer because those who can, leave. I've learned that society is divided into three parts: the Emiratis, the "first world" expats, and the "third country" nationals. Please note that I did not come up with these terms. Apparently they are used in contracts and are part of the language here. Most of the expats who are here for an extended period of time, come with their families, but the third country nationals, come to work alone and send money home. The majority that I've encountered come from India, Pakistan and I have seen both men and women from the Philippines.
I am used to it now, but when I was first walking around, I felt intimidated by the fact that at any given moment, I was the only woman I could see. Given my Law and Order SVU training, you can imagine some of my fears. I found comfort in my kick boxing abilities. :)
I did find my girls in various social clubs, such as the Abu Dhabi Ladies and Expat Woman. I attended a couple of "coffees" and noticed that I am the only dark skinned person in the room. The only reason I paid attention to this, is that for my own comfort and safety, I want to look, act, and talk like a westerner so that (to put it bluntly) I am not mistaken for somebody's Indian maid. Michael and I were warned on our first night here that Emiratis (especially the men) can get away with anything here and that the law sides with them regardless of who is at fault. I was also advised that people tend to be slightly intimidated by westerners. Only the Indian cab drivers ask me where I am from, confirming that fact that I look way more Indian than I do Argentine (no matter what my Mom tries to tell me when I share these thoughts with her). I think I pull off the USA look easily with my dark sun glasses and "don't mess with me" attitude, even when I am walking to yoga in my work-out clothes. My idea about possibly blending in over here has backfired because unless I am wearing a black abaya (full body covering) and shayla (head covering) and can pass for an Emirati woman the rest does not seem to go in my favor. It may be the areas I have explored. I am hoping to expand by visiting the Damas Latinas for example, or having dinner with my Gator friend and his Indian wife.
I did enjoy a nice tour of the Zayed Mosque which was organized by the Expat Woman and I will add my pictures for you to marvel at the architecture. Although, I am afraid it is impossible to do it justice with a camera.
By the way, is anybody reading this?
Oh and Pizza Hut is just as bad here as it is there - no extra exotic toppings.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
FAQs
Some of you have asked me little questions here and there so I figured I would post the answers for all. Feel free to take your time reading. No need to get through all of this in one day! :)
What can you wear?
After walking around, I have discovered that you can wear whatever you want. There are so many foreigners here that anything goes. The malls are full of Western and European stores carrying the latest fashions. The issue is how much attention you want to draw to yourself. I've been sticking to capri pants and tops that cover most of my shoulders. There is no way I would take a shawl anywhere right now because of the heat. I continue to be intrigued by the Emirati women who are covered in black and carrying Gucci purses.
What's the weather like?
Anybody who tells you that in Abu Dhabi you have dry desert heat it lying! Yesterday it was 115 degrees and humid. It is less humid than in the ATL, but still - it's hot! My UAE book says that you can experience up to 100% humidity all year round, even though it does not rain. We are in the middle of summer, and you can expect to be drenched in sweat every time you step foot outside. The heat slaps you in the face and at certain times of the day it is unbearable. The mornings are decent and apparently the Shamal wind, which originates in Pakistan and blows through Iraq and Iran, keeps things breezy at this time of year. I jogged along the water and didn't pass out! I've never been one to sweat just walking around, but I do here! It's all about the sweat-shower-sweat-shower rotation and my only goal is not to stink - ever.
Does the sky ever turn blue?
This was my question for Marshall, Michael's co-worker. He has been here for 7 weeks and has yet to see a blue sky or a drop of rain. A constant haze covers the cloudless sky and apart from all of you, I think I miss the sky the most.
Can you go to the store, grab a 6 pack, and come back to the room?
No. I can take a cab to African and Eastern (A&E) and buy a case of either Bud, Miller, Fosters, Heineken, Strongbow (yay), Corona and something called Elephant beer for 116 dirhams ($32). The store also sells reasonably priced wine from around the world, including Argentine malbec, and hard liquor. I asked, and there is no limit to how much you can buy and no tax. Its packed in an unlabeled black bag that makes you feel like you are doing something wrong. You also can't take it in your car without a personal liquor license so you have to go in a cab. The Elephant beer was on sale and Michael wanted to try it. It is Danish and has a 7.2% alc by vol so regardless of the first sip, by the end of the 16 oz can, it goes down nice and smooth! My trip to A&E was my first solo cab ride and you can imagine me carrying a case of beer and two bottles of wine in a black plastic bag and waiting for a cab in 115 degree heat! Anything for beer, right?
Hows Michael's job?
Michael has been working his butt off. He goes in around 7 and leaves around 6. He is still working on getting the ball rolling and things are getting better every day. He needs to get his team on the same page since they come from different parts of the world and do things in a slightly different way. He also works with locals that are very inexperienced and need a lot of extra guidance. Of course, they are already way behind on the project, so who knows how long we will actually be here. To keep him grounded, there is a poster of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan (Zayed the Great) right in his cube! He was the first president and is seen as the founding father of the UAE. He was president for 33 years and his picture is everywhere. Michael was told that he could take it down, but he would not dare. Don't you all want George Washington looking over your shoulders? :)
Can we watch football?
The Gator Nation spreads far and wide. I met my first Florida Gator at the local supermarket! I've never felt more at home. He was there with me in 96 (the good old days with Danny and Steve). He gave us his card and we hope to get together with him and his wife. Could be our first non-office related friends! The sad part- he said there is nowhere to watch football here. Fortunately, one of Michael's co-workers is a huge SEC fan and has a Sling Box set up at home. He has promised that we will watch all the games (in real time) at his apartment!
How's the food?
I'm still exploring this and do not want to report prematurely. I asked one of Michael's Emirati co-workers to suggest local places to eat. The guide books and magazines cater to expats and focus on restaurants in hotels which are excellent, but I want to get down and dirty with local cuisine. She made me a spreadsheet and I'm excited to eat my way through it! When it comes to eating, you know I like to be thorough.
What are the typical toppings in a Subway sub or Pizza Hut pizza?
We've been wondering the same thing! Michael is hoping for lamb pizza, but I'm not sure. I'll let you know by the end of the week!
All in all, for having been here a week and a half, I feel pretty good. We're still getting situated and figuring out the basics like getting cell phones and learning which hole to put the laundry detergent in on these European washing machines. Things I had down pat before like which aisle has what in the supermarket need to be re-learned. Everything is new and mentally and emotionally stimulating. Some things are becoming automatic again like finding my way back to the hotel from various parts of the city and turning right when I get off the elevator to walk to my room. Slowly but surely, Hilton room 609 is becoming home and we've even entertained our new friends - twice!
Lots of love and peace in the Middle East! (seriously)
What can you wear?
After walking around, I have discovered that you can wear whatever you want. There are so many foreigners here that anything goes. The malls are full of Western and European stores carrying the latest fashions. The issue is how much attention you want to draw to yourself. I've been sticking to capri pants and tops that cover most of my shoulders. There is no way I would take a shawl anywhere right now because of the heat. I continue to be intrigued by the Emirati women who are covered in black and carrying Gucci purses.
What's the weather like?
Anybody who tells you that in Abu Dhabi you have dry desert heat it lying! Yesterday it was 115 degrees and humid. It is less humid than in the ATL, but still - it's hot! My UAE book says that you can experience up to 100% humidity all year round, even though it does not rain. We are in the middle of summer, and you can expect to be drenched in sweat every time you step foot outside. The heat slaps you in the face and at certain times of the day it is unbearable. The mornings are decent and apparently the Shamal wind, which originates in Pakistan and blows through Iraq and Iran, keeps things breezy at this time of year. I jogged along the water and didn't pass out! I've never been one to sweat just walking around, but I do here! It's all about the sweat-shower-sweat-shower rotation and my only goal is not to stink - ever.
Does the sky ever turn blue?
This was my question for Marshall, Michael's co-worker. He has been here for 7 weeks and has yet to see a blue sky or a drop of rain. A constant haze covers the cloudless sky and apart from all of you, I think I miss the sky the most.
Can you go to the store, grab a 6 pack, and come back to the room?
No. I can take a cab to African and Eastern (A&E) and buy a case of either Bud, Miller, Fosters, Heineken, Strongbow (yay), Corona and something called Elephant beer for 116 dirhams ($32). The store also sells reasonably priced wine from around the world, including Argentine malbec, and hard liquor. I asked, and there is no limit to how much you can buy and no tax. Its packed in an unlabeled black bag that makes you feel like you are doing something wrong. You also can't take it in your car without a personal liquor license so you have to go in a cab. The Elephant beer was on sale and Michael wanted to try it. It is Danish and has a 7.2% alc by vol so regardless of the first sip, by the end of the 16 oz can, it goes down nice and smooth! My trip to A&E was my first solo cab ride and you can imagine me carrying a case of beer and two bottles of wine in a black plastic bag and waiting for a cab in 115 degree heat! Anything for beer, right?
Hows Michael's job?
Michael has been working his butt off. He goes in around 7 and leaves around 6. He is still working on getting the ball rolling and things are getting better every day. He needs to get his team on the same page since they come from different parts of the world and do things in a slightly different way. He also works with locals that are very inexperienced and need a lot of extra guidance. Of course, they are already way behind on the project, so who knows how long we will actually be here. To keep him grounded, there is a poster of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan (Zayed the Great) right in his cube! He was the first president and is seen as the founding father of the UAE. He was president for 33 years and his picture is everywhere. Michael was told that he could take it down, but he would not dare. Don't you all want George Washington looking over your shoulders? :)
Can we watch football?
The Gator Nation spreads far and wide. I met my first Florida Gator at the local supermarket! I've never felt more at home. He was there with me in 96 (the good old days with Danny and Steve). He gave us his card and we hope to get together with him and his wife. Could be our first non-office related friends! The sad part- he said there is nowhere to watch football here. Fortunately, one of Michael's co-workers is a huge SEC fan and has a Sling Box set up at home. He has promised that we will watch all the games (in real time) at his apartment!
How's the food?
I'm still exploring this and do not want to report prematurely. I asked one of Michael's Emirati co-workers to suggest local places to eat. The guide books and magazines cater to expats and focus on restaurants in hotels which are excellent, but I want to get down and dirty with local cuisine. She made me a spreadsheet and I'm excited to eat my way through it! When it comes to eating, you know I like to be thorough.
What are the typical toppings in a Subway sub or Pizza Hut pizza?
We've been wondering the same thing! Michael is hoping for lamb pizza, but I'm not sure. I'll let you know by the end of the week!
All in all, for having been here a week and a half, I feel pretty good. We're still getting situated and figuring out the basics like getting cell phones and learning which hole to put the laundry detergent in on these European washing machines. Things I had down pat before like which aisle has what in the supermarket need to be re-learned. Everything is new and mentally and emotionally stimulating. Some things are becoming automatic again like finding my way back to the hotel from various parts of the city and turning right when I get off the elevator to walk to my room. Slowly but surely, Hilton room 609 is becoming home and we've even entertained our new friends - twice!
Lots of love and peace in the Middle East! (seriously)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Vacon
Of course I'm going to start my blog talking about food. It just wouldn't be me if I didn't. Vacon is a term my good friend coined when I shared with her that this morning Michael and I ate Veal Bacon for breakfast. Looks like bacon- tastes like vacon and believe it or not, it does the trick.
Yes- we are now in Abu Dhabi and Atlanta, Georgia feels far away. By popular request, I am starting this blog and here comes my disclosure. I will never claim to be an expert on this city, country or culture nor would I want you to think that my experiences would be your experiences if you came. As in- you may not get to try Vacon and more importantly you may not feel what I feel or think what I think while I am here. I am worried about representing this place for you and feel a sense of responsibility. What you will read are MY thoughts, opinions, feelings, and experiences that should by no means be the end all be all on Abu Dhabi. If you happen to compare notes with others, please share so all of us can benefit from different perspectives.
We have stayed around our area these past couple of days. It has taken a while to recover from the trip and the time difference. Last week I found myself sleeping all day and staying up all night. It was great for chatting with friends (those of you who have gotten on Skype- nudge, nudge) but it did not make for good exploring. Now I am even sleeping through the 4:30 am prayer call from the nearby mosque!
Since we are taking lots of pictures, I have created a Web Album. Click on the album to view a larger version of the photos and their captions. I think you can even order prints Mama J! :)
Yes- we are now in Abu Dhabi and Atlanta, Georgia feels far away. By popular request, I am starting this blog and here comes my disclosure. I will never claim to be an expert on this city, country or culture nor would I want you to think that my experiences would be your experiences if you came. As in- you may not get to try Vacon and more importantly you may not feel what I feel or think what I think while I am here. I am worried about representing this place for you and feel a sense of responsibility. What you will read are MY thoughts, opinions, feelings, and experiences that should by no means be the end all be all on Abu Dhabi. If you happen to compare notes with others, please share so all of us can benefit from different perspectives.
We have stayed around our area these past couple of days. It has taken a while to recover from the trip and the time difference. Last week I found myself sleeping all day and staying up all night. It was great for chatting with friends (those of you who have gotten on Skype- nudge, nudge) but it did not make for good exploring. Now I am even sleeping through the 4:30 am prayer call from the nearby mosque!
Since we are taking lots of pictures, I have created a Web Album. Click on the album to view a larger version of the photos and their captions. I think you can even order prints Mama J! :)
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