Dune

A day before the National Day celebration Amy and I were invited to go "Dune Bashing" with our new friends Zach and Sarah. Dune bashing is essentially the Emirati version of muddin', or rootin' or whatever you call off-roading.

42

This past Monday marked the 42 anniversary of the United Arab Emirates. It is a big deal over here, and it should be. The UAE is one of the newest countries on earth, and in 42 years they have completely re-imagined their country.

 

Mos Eisley Cantina

Amy and I were in Dubai last weekend, and I couldn't help but think the Dubai Mall reminds me of the Mos Eisley Cantina. It's not dangerous, and no, it's not dirty or gritty. But it is different. The mall is a strange amalgam of international shops, services, restaurants, and most importantly people. It's diverse. As a matter of fact, I think it contains the most diverse population of people under one roof anywhere in the world. It helps that the roof is one of the largest on the planet... but still. On this visit to the mall the interior had been completely covered with tens of thousands handcrafted butterflies. It was incredible to see, and very beautiful.

Two Weeks In Country

So I have been in the UAE for two weeks now, and I have to say things have been great. Amy did an incredible job setting up the apartment and having everything ready to go by the time I arrived. I didn't really have to do anything other than unpack my bags. And aside from a lot of time spent in government buildings processing my residence visa, we were able to get out and see Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Al Ain is roughly an hour and a half from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, so they make perfect weekend trips. 

The most interesting man in the Richmond airport...

I don't always fly to the UAE, but when I do, I make sure I look like a million dirham.