The Sun'll Come Out...

Each morning when I leave for work, it is still dark.  However, it isn't too long before the sun is coming up over the dunes.  Just the other morning, the clouds were perfect and the way the rays came through was just beautiful. I thought I'd share:

Meet Jesse...

Jesse is my new roommate.  She is a Saluki mix and is just a real sweetheart.  She moved in today and is already making herself at home.  She's got her toys, her bed, and crate.  She loves sitting next to my feet and playing, but I'll have to wait for that.  She has decided that she needs some rest and is taking a snooze right now.

In the mean time-here are some pictures:

The First Time it Really Rains...

Alright-I've been in the UAE for 5 months now and last night is the first time, I have REALLY seen it rain.  I was with some friends at the Palm Rugby Club for our usual Wednesday Curry/Trivia outing.  We never do very well with the trivia, but always enjoy having dinner and being cheerleaders for each other as we deal with the hectic things that arise at school and life in general in the UAE.

Anyway, as we were leaving, it was raining and everything was wet.  I had just turned and told my friend, Brittni, to be careful on the steps, and that's when I went down and landed on top of my left foot and shin.  I was able to get back up and they some ice for it. 

This morning, it was bruised, swollen pretty good, and sore so I took the day off work and had to go to the hospital for my medical certificate.  There, I had to get x-rays (even though I knew nothing was broken) and some pain medicine.  NMC really was a good hospital-I got in and out in and hour and a half for 300 Drh (less than $90 for the ER visit, 4 x-rays and meds)! 

So, this morning, I am spending my time propped up on the couch with a pillow under my footand ice for the swelling, drinking my tea, and watching the same episode of CSI I've seen 10 times already...but thats another story.

Where's my camera when I really need it?

At home, of course!  Even if I did have it with me it would not have done me any good because I was driving when I actually saw the thing I so desperately wanted to snap a picture of...a camel walking down the highway!  Not just in the sand along the road, but in the lanes of traffic.  Luckily there were only a few cars around, but still!  This is the first time I've seen this, but hopefully not the last.

My friend, Joe, and I saw this as we were heading back from Dubai this afternoon and could not believe our eyes.  We've seen some crazy stuff here, but this takes the cake. 

Christmas in the USA

Well, its been quite a while since the last time I posted anything, and I do apologize.  I have had Internet issues in the UAE that have prevented me from being able to upload pictures and have a consistently reliable connection.  However, it is my New Year's Resolution to post more often, even if you don't always get pictures to go along with it. 

Anyway, here I sit at home in the US on Christmas morning to about 6 inches of snow outside!  This is something I can only get at home.  I also got to spend a terrific evening last night with my family-grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, husband, and kids-enjoying good food and the ever popular "Rob Your Neighbor" gift exchange. 

So, with just a few more days left before heading back to the UAE, I will be spending it doing some shopping, laundry, and packing for another long flight on Tuesday.  Hopefully I'll recover from the trip back in time to ring in the New Year right with some friends on Friday night before heading back to school on Sunday!

A Desert Safari

Wow!  This weekend was by far the best I have had since I’ve arrived in the UAE. 

On Friday, I went on a desert safari with several other teacher friends.  We were picked up in Al Ain and driven to the desert outside of Dubai.  The highlight of the entire trip was the fantastic dune bashing.  Driving up, down and sliding around on the dunes in the Pathfinder was like being on a rollercoaster ride!  It was so exciting to fly up one side and crash down the other side of the sand dunes.  At one point we took a break and stopped at a camel farm and were welcomed by the several camels who wanted to get to know us better.  They came right up to us to get their picture taken and to get rubbed on their noses and necks.  They were such curious and calm creatures.  We then continued with more careening through the desert until we came to a coral bed in the middle of nowhere to see the sunset.  When that was done, we headed to an Arabic camp for dinner, henna painting, and belly dancing to end the evening.  It was a great way to spend my birthday!

On Saturday, I spent much of the day at my new apartment getting things ready so that I can move in this week.  I have to say that after more than 7 weeks in a hotel, I am ready to clean, do laundry, cook, and live normal routine again in my own space.  I especially can’t wait to have a meal that I have prepared myself-perhaps Spaghetti, Black Bean Soup, Chicken Tarragon, or even real bacon and eggs for breakfast.

Anyway-here are some pictures of the safari. Enjoy and stay tuned...

New Apartment

Finally got the keys to my new apartment!  It is a cute little two bedroom, two bath place with a large kitchen, storage area, and living room area.  I have ordered furniture and appliances, and they will be arriving this week. 

For the meantime, I have left teh Hilton and am not staying at the Grand Mercure on Jebel Hafeet.  The views are fantastic!  the drive up the mountain reminds me a lot of driving through the canyon areas on Utah.

I wish I could upload my photos, but for some reason, that is not working right now.  So, they will be coming soon!