Yabu Dhabi Duuudes!

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.