Sandcastles & Green Balloons

Booking Through Thursday - Grammar

2010-03-06T21:35:00.006+04:00

In honor of National Grammar Day … it IS “March Fourth” after all … do you have any grammar books? Punctuation? Writing guidelines? Style books?

More importantly, have you read them?

How do you feel about grammar in general? Important? Vital? Unnecessary? Fussy?

I have never heard of National Grammar Day - cute concept!

I used to refer to a style and writing guide when I was in primary school, and had dreams of becoming the next Enid Blyton.

I have lots of grammar books, but honestly haven't read any of them. They are sitting in storage boxes for the time being, until we find our way back home, and I am ready to try my hand at some serious writing.

Grammar is vital. As some other responses have commented, a correct understanding of grammar (from the perspectives of both writer and reader) ensures that the right message is communicated. Unfortunately for me, I was one of the unlucky ones that went through school with the bare minimum of grammatical training - the little bit I have picked up has been gleaned from reading books, and a pedantic mother!

Verbally I am less concerned about precise grammar, because the tone of voice can carry almost as much meaning as the actual words. I have to admit, though, there are some grammatical slips that make my eyes water.

Booking Through Thursday: Reflection on 2009 Reads

2009-12-31T13:59:00.003+04:00

It’s the last day of the year, and you know what that means … nostalgia and looking back.

What were your favorite books of the year? (Books that were new to you in 2009, if not necessarily published this year.)

I don't have any favorites, because I have read so many great books this year (at least until I started work again) One of the stand-outs though was "The Four Hour Work Week" By Tim Ferris - does this really need any further comment? It is inspiring to say the least, and something I want to work towards!

A surprise like was "Crime and Punishment" by Dostoyevsky - had been putting this book off for so long as I had assumed it would be a chore to read it. However, it turned out to be delightful, and one of my all time favs.

And I was excited to find "The Law and the Lady" by Wilkie Collins in a Borders store over here - I can read his books over and over again.

I hope that next year's reflection on books read wont be solely dedicated to dry legal journals.

Booking Through Thursday - History

2009-12-26T14:48:00.002+04:00

Given the choice, which do you prefer? Real history? Or historical fiction? (Assume, for the purposes of this discussion that they are equally well-written and engaging.)

I have a dilemma when reading historical works - I always feel that to understand what I am reading, I really should have a better understanding of some earlier chapter of history. But where should I actually start? At the dawn of time and work my way down the ages?

Last year I read a book called "A Short History of the 20th Century" (by Bill Bryson, I think...). This easy to read, novel sized work provided a snapshot of all the momentous events of the century, and while it left me wanting more detailed analysis, it gives a great framework for understanding the context of those events.

I don't really go for historical fiction, although I enjoy the stories, I am concerned, as other responses have suggested, that I might pick up erroneous ideas of history - my historical knowledge is sadly lacking, I don't need to fill the void with errors! In some cases though, historical fiction can open your mind to the real impact that history has had on real people. When I read "The 19th Wife" by David Ebershoff, I realised I had never considered what it would be like on a daily basis to live in a polygamous relationship and I was deeply touched by the emotions that the female characters underwent as the first, second or third wife. Historical fiction is able to go behind the the names, dates and numbers, to look at the personal aspect of history.

Some of the best historical insight to be gained is through autobiographies that provide a strong sense of history - "Wild Swans" springs to mind. I really enjoy this kind of work, where you gain an insight into the history of a certain time, and a very vivid personal account of the way that those events effect everyday people.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 26 December 2009

2009-12-26T13:07:00.002+04:00

FOR TODAY
26 December 2009

Outside my window...isolated patches of blue, plenty of billowing cloud
I am thinking...how nice it is to have a lazy day to relax and enjoy quiet time with AV
I am thankful for...not feeling too homesick for the first Christmas away from family
From the kitchen...leftover roast meat and vegetables
I am wearing...comfy new pj's and ug boots
I am creating...abstract plans about becoming more creative
I am going...out for coffee later with AV
I am reading...What's Wrong With the World - Chesterton
I am hoping...for a less stressful work week this week
I am hearing...the fridge rattling and my husband clicking keys on his computer
Around the house...books lying open, empty tea cups and candles
One of my favorite things...my new dressing gown - toasty warm

I am pondering these words... "The sky must be invoked; and to begin everything with the weather is a sort of pagan way of beginning everything with prayer." Chesterton, What's Wrong With the World.
A few plans for the rest of the week: gym at least 3 times this week to work off Christmas excesses, finishing my book
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...our Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve, and the warm glow of candles.

Play along at The Simple Woman's Daybook: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

I'm Back!

2009-12-19T11:07:00.002+04:00

Hello Lovely people,

I have missed blogging so much since I started work. It is a full time job and then some, with additional stress to bring home in the evenings and on weekends, and honestly, it hasn't left me with much energy to do anything much in my personal life.

That needs to change.

Since I came back from my recent trip home to Australia, I have been waking up much earlier, going to the gym and having a bit of quiet time before work. I am thinking this should become blog and reading time.

Anyway, that's the plan. Maybe even a resolution for New Year?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-12-19T08:58:00.004+04:00

Outside my window...5 minutes ago, sheeting rain (in the desert no less!) now, clearing blue and some wispy cloud. Love it.
I am thinking...about how to make this Advent and Christmas time a special one away from home and in a foreign country.I am thankful for...the lovely time we had on our recent trip home, catching up with beautiful family and wonderful friends
From the kitchen...it is still relatively early - so just a steaming mug of tea so far
I am wearing...3/4 trackies a tank and a pashmina
I am creating...a dent in the housework that built up over the last week
I am going...to church later in the day

I am reading..."Calm at Work" by Paul Wilson - we'll see
I am hoping...that there will be more rain later in the day - it seems to have cleared completely now
I am hearing...hindi music, constructions noise from next door, and the winding down whir of the washing machine
Around the house...things are everywhere, washing hanging on the dryer, suitcases waiting to be stored, several pairs of flip flops scattered about
One of my favorite things...the candle burning down to almost nothing beside me
A few plans for the rest of the week: work, work, work and a nice dinner for hubby when he comes home on Monday
Here is picture for thought I am sharing... beautiful wide open aussie spaces

This was my first entry for the Simple Woman's Daybook. To join in, visit http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Going to Goa!

2009-08-28T20:15:00.003+04:00

I am going to India! Yay!!!! I have been wanting to go for so long, and now I have an opportunity. Unfortunately it is for work, not for pleasure, and so I can't bring AL with me. I think he is a little envious.

Our work is holding a retreat in Goa, and I am lucky enough to have been invited along. I heard it is the monsoon season over there right now, and I can't wait to see rain again. The forecast for all of next week is rain and thunderstorms!

Hopefully I have an opportunity to take some pictures, because it has been way too long since I had the camera out, and I really want to show you all some more scenes from this part of the world.

Now...what to pack...

The Countdown has begun

2009-08-21T15:18:00.002+04:00

Well, actually for me, the countdown began a while ago. But in 19 days, the Dubai Metro will officially open! Yay!! There is a stop right outside my apartment, and one right outside the zone where I work, so commuting will become much easier. No hanging around for hours after work if AL has to work back or gets stuck in traffic - I can pop on home and have dinner waiting for him.

Also, weekends are going to be better, because we won't need to worry about finding a car park at our favourite end of town, and all the malls have a station next to them.

I am looking forward to being mobile again, and getting out and about to meet people without relying on cabs or kind friends to pick me up.

I am just hoping that the station near our apartment opens on time - not sure I can bear waiting another 6 months for my ticket to freedom!

Will have to add some pictures of the near complete stations soon!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Its Off to Work We Go

2009-08-17T07:19:00.002+04:00

It is incredible how quickly you settle back in to the daily grind of getting up, having a shower, swallowing some tea and breakfast (if you're good!) and walking out the door. Clocking in at work, making a tea while your computer switches on, then switching off almost everything personal about you while your eyes glaze over in the soft blue glare. Clocking out at 10 minutes past leaving time (if you're lucky) and heading home to a messy house that needs sweeping, but maybe tomorrow, falling into bed and dreaming about the day that was and the day that is to come.

Sorry I haven't posted lately...

2009-08-12T07:40:00.001+04:00

I know, it has been ages since I posted anything. I feel really bad, but there has just been no time.

I have a new job, which is a relief at least on the financial side of things. But I miss my free time to read and write and browse other people's offerings.

Don't get me wrong, I read and write a lot at work, and I guess you could say I follow other people's offerings as well - their complaints and legal disputes and litigious bickering.

The Court Rules are certainly not as riveting as The 13th Tale, for example and writing letters to the other side, while often involving a little imagination, do not really spur the creative spirit.

Oh well.

By the way, I am writing this in my blogger tool in Gmail, so keen to see how it works. Its great because I don't have to wait for my blog to load to be able to give a quick update.

Anyway, hopefully some more updates shortly. Will have to make more of an effort to find interesting things to experience and blog about.

Booking Through Thursday - Preferences

2009-07-23T22:36:00.002+04:00

Which do you prefer? (Quick answers–we’ll do more detail at some later date)

Reading something frivolous? Or something serious? Serious!
Paperbacks? Or hardcovers? Paperbacks.
Fiction? Or Nonfiction? More likely to read fiction
Poetry? Or Prose? Prose
Biographies? Or Autobiographies? Biographies
History? Or Historical Fiction? History
Series? Or Stand-alones? Usually stand-alones.
Classics? Or best-sellers? Classics.
Lurid, fruity prose? Or straight-forward, basic prose? Lurid & fruity, as long as there is a purpose to it!
Plots? Or Stream-of-Consciousness? Got to have a plot. Think Dickensian plots.
Long books? Or Short? Long.
Illustrated? Or Non-illustrated? Either.
Borrowed? Or Owned? Owned.
New? Or Used? New if I can afford it.

Bet some of the regualrs could have guessed my responses!

Booking Through Thursday - TBR

2009-07-16T11:59:00.002+04:00

Follow-up to last week’s question:

Do you keep all your unread books together, like books in a waiting room? Or are they scattered throughout your shelves, mingling like party-goers waiting for the host to come along?

No, all my books are kept together, whether I have read them or not. After taking the photograph for the last Booking Through Thursday response, I did put all the "to be read" books at the front of the shelf, and all the "read" books at the back. I don't know how long that will last though. It is convenient, because when I need a new book, I can see at a glance the choices I have. I like the "books in a waiting room" analogy, although that would imply there was some method about which book I would choose to read next, (Mrs Dalloway, this way please!) and that is not something I have ever been able to do - a choice of reading material is very spontaneous for me, and reflects my mood more than anything.

Booking Through Thursday - Unread

2009-07-09T19:47:00.003+04:00

This is the prompt today: “So here today I present to you an Unread Books Challenge. Give me the list or take a picture of all the books you have stacked on your bedside table, hidden under the bed or standing in your shelf – the books you have not read, but keep meaning to. The books that begin to weigh on your mind. The books that make you cover your ears in conversation and say, ‘No! Don’t give me another book to read! I can’t finish the ones I have!’ “

This is not truly reflective of my "to be read" pile - you have to bear in mind that I am living in a new country, and so do not have all my books with me. These ones are mainly used books that I have collected from sales while here. The 2 piles on the right are the ones I intend to read ASAP, and the ones on the left, I will get around to eventually! A very mixed selection, so always a lot of choice. I don't mind how big my TBR pile gets - it is good to have the right book to hand when the need arises.

Book Club - The Island

2009-07-06T21:45:00.004+04:00

We had our 4th bookclub meeting last night. Our book was "The Island" by Victoria Hislop. It is a novel about discovering family secrets, including the taint of leprosy and murder! I was dreading reading it - it just sounded like the worst kind of chic-lit, but I made the effort, and although it was a very light read, I quite enjoyed the plot of the book. The writing style was a bit amatuerish though, and could have done with a bit more editing I think.

Surprisingly most people in the group didn't really enjoy the book, even those that had been looking forward to it so much.

Today I read a book called "Even a Moron with a Dream" by Pathman Senathirajah, a network marketing guru from Malaysia. It is a book designed to inspire people to pursue their dreams, with a particular look at network marketing. He definitely has some interesting ideas, although I don't agree with some of the things he says. I did like his point about taking small steps every day towards your dream, just so that you get things moving, and prove to yourself and others that you are working for this goal and not just wishing out loud.

I am still trying to get through "Bliss" - it is not really doing it for me. I think my reward when I finish it will be to read "Vanity Fair".

Booking Through Thursday - Celebrities

2009-07-02T12:44:00.003+04:00

Do you read celebrity memoirs? Which ones have you read or do you want to read? Which nonexistent celebrity memoirs would you like to see?

In high school music class we were encouraged to read about famous musicians and to report on them to the class. I remember reading about Ray Charles. I had no idea who Ray Charles was at the time, but remember taking his autobiography with me on a camping trip during the holidays, and I was so blown away by his story.

Last year I read the autobiography of Sidney Poitier, which was incredibly well written and insightful.

I don't go out of my way though to read celebrity memoirs usually, as they are often just read like "I did this, and the I did this and then that went wrong and then I did this..." Unless very well written and honest, and not just a fleshed out version of a career, autobiography can be a bit tedious and self-serving. Much prefer to read biographies about celebrities.

Can't think of any celeb whose life story I am dying to read right now...it seems like as soon as a person gains any sort of fame or notoriety these days there is a rush to put out a book about them. So, no, am more than happy to wait for the next celebrity read to fall into my lap.

Sunday Scribblings - Boys and Their Toys

2009-06-29T16:10:00.006+04:00

The prompt this week is "Toys". A bit late I know, but was sick all day yesterday and didn't feel up to being creative. Not sure I'm much better today, but here goes:

The two women seated themselves in the shade of the verandah and watched their husbands inspecting the glistening new tractor, wondering how long it would be before mud spatters besmirched the shiny red paint.

The older woman nudged her daughter-in-law and grinned at the sight of her 3 year old grandson who was following the proceedings, kicking the tyres in an experimental way, hands on hips and trying to maintain a serious face. His eyes sparkled with delight though, as he was hoisted into the cabin, his own dusty tractor tucked under one arm, forgotten momentarily.

Booking Through Thursday - Hot!

2009-06-25T20:24:00.003+04:00

Now that summer is here (in the northern hemisphere, anyway), what is the most “Summery” book you can think of? The one that captures the essence of summer for you?

(I’m not asking for you to list your ideal “beach reading,” you understand, but the book that you can read at any time of year but that evokes “summer.”)

I can't really think of a book that evokes summer for me.

Hmmmmm. Thinking, thinking.

Nope. The only thing I can come up with is The Wind in the Willows. Thinking about the book itself doesn't immediately conjure summer images. However when reading the descriptions of the changing seasons, I can almost smell the grass, and feel the warmth of the sun.

Thinking about summer, though, makes me think about long holidays from school or uni, spent lying under a cloudless sky on prickly green grass, with a Charles Dickens, or Jane Austen novel, or sometimes a motivational book.

I miss having a patch of grass out the back!

Happy Birthday AL!

2009-06-22T09:57:00.002+04:00

To my beautiful husband who celebrates his Birthday today - all my love and best wishes for a wonderful day, and a happy and successful year ahead.

Thank-you for the joy that you have brought to my life, for the laughter that we share, the support through challenges and the daily companionship.

I love you!

Sunday Scribblings - Vision

2009-06-21T22:59:00.003+04:00

This week's prompt for Sunday Scribbling is Vision.

Always healthy, always strong.

No pills or potions.

Just sensible eating and a generous pinch of common sense.

No walking stick, no need for glasses.

Perfect vision.

Until the day the world went dark.

Happy Birthday Inge!

2009-06-18T12:30:00.002+04:00

A big birthday hug for my German teacher from High School who celebrates her birthday today! Learning German was an experience that opened a whole new world to me, and which helped shape the wonderful life that I have today! Herzliche Glueckwuensch Zum Geburtstag, Inge!

Booking Through Thursday - Sci Fi/Fantasy

2009-06-18T11:04:00.004+04:00

This week's prompt: One of my favorite sci-fi authors (Sharon Lee) has declared June 23rd Fantasy and Science Fiction Writers Day.

As she puts it:

So! In my Official Capacity as a writer of science fiction and fantasy, I hereby proclaim June 23 Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Day! A day of celebration and wonder! A day for all of us readers of science fiction and fantasy to reach out and say thank you to our favorite writers. A day, perhaps, to blog about our favorite sf/f writers. A day to reflect upon how written science fiction and fantasy has changed your life.

So … what might you do on the 23rd to celebrate? Do you even read fantasy/sci-fi? Why? Why not?

I haven't read much Science Fiction, but recently I picked up some Stephen Baxter at a used book sale. I have to say I am struggling a bit to finish it. Maybe I just need to find the right author. I am looking forward to reading some other comments on this topic to hopefully get some new reading ideas.

Fantasy on the other hand, I love! I read a lot of fantasy in high school, for some reason our school library was well stocked in that department. I don't really remember any of it, or even the authors, but do remember it was an enjoyable read. I love being able to escape into a different world, one where good is very good and evil is recognised as just that. Where an ordinary person is compelled by circumstances to become a champion of good, and where (at least in all the fantasy I have read!) good always defeats evil.

I only discovered Lord of the Rings in uni, when my brother gave me the trilogy as a Christmas gift. The first time I read it, I didn't really enjoy it. But then a few months later I was stuck with nothing to read, and turned to Tolkein, thinking it would at least fill up my spare time. This second reading, however, changed my view completely - all of a sudden, I loved LOTR! I still enjoy re-reading it from time to time.

At around the same time, a friend gave me Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and as soon as I got to the end I rushed out to buy the rest that had been published up to that date.

More recently I discovered Sergei Lukyanenko's Night Watch. I thought this was like Harry Potter for adults, and again had to rush out and read the rest of the series. I love how he twisted perceptions of who was good and bad, what was right and wrong, and what was merely compromise.

That's about it though - I would like to read more fantasy, but there are just so many authors out there, and I don't know where to start - recommendations warmly welcomed! As for what I will do on the 23rd to celebrate Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer's Day, I don't know. Would love to re-read some of these authors, but I don't have any of their titles with me. Will have to go digging and see if I can find any fantasy in my TBR stash. Or maybe I will try my hand at some fantasy writing - that would be an appropriate challenge...

A Four-Legged House Guest

2009-06-17T20:14:00.003+04:00

This is my new house guest! Isn't he sweet? I wish he could stay forever, but I am just minding him for my friend while she is on a trip.

After arriving, "Puss" spent about 2 hours sound asleep in his cage. Occasionally he would enjoy a cuddle when I went to check on him, but I couldn't entice him out. Finally, hearing his toy rattle, he crept out with his belly almost touching the ground and explored the rest of the apartment. He is now fully acquainted with all the window sills in the place, has been on and under the bed, walked along the sink and kitchen bench tops, and is now chilling out in front of the tv. Literally. I can't change the channel because he is lying in front of the sensor!

He seems to enjoy the view of the lake construction from the windowsills, and spent most of the afternoon up there behind the curtains. Oh, and he likes cooking too. Jumped up on the stove which fortunately wasn't switched on. So I locked him in the guest washroom while I was cooking - don't want him to go home with burnt paws.

Red Car Saga

2009-06-11T22:25:00.003+04:00

A bit of drama this morning: AL managed to lock the car key inside the car, with his laptop etc while he checked the water under the bonnet.

We called several garages who quoted us AED150 and AED300 respectively, to come out and jimmy the door, before one mechanic told us that you are meant to call the police to unlock a vehicle. We gave the police a call, and they told me they would send someone out. We waited for ages, and finally the guy called looking for directions. We went down to the road to show him where to go.

The funniest guy, he turned up in the police rescue truck, beaming and apologising profusely for the delay. He blamed traffic, but I suspect he took a wrong turn somewhere. We hopped up into the cab and drove up to the car park - I know, we should have asked him to put the lights and sirens on, but it was already a little embarassing!

He spent about 10 minutes trying to break into the car with his bits of wire and metal, and though I was paying close attention I still don't know how he finally got the door unlocked!

What was really worrying - it was at least 5 minutes after the first attempt to break in that the car alarm sounded - I'm sure a professional car thief would be driving away in it by then! I am interested to know how long it really would take a thief to break in.

Of course after the door was opened, we discovered that the battery was dead.

We provided a bit of entertainment for the morning - building security came to investigate what was happening, then a random guy from the car park ambled over and had a good look, before handing AL his coffee cup and getting involved. I don't know, you hear stories about how unfriendly people are in Dubai, but we are so often surprised by the real interest that people show when you have a spot of bother. We had dinner just the other night with a lovely couple who helped us out when we had an earlier problem with the car.

It would almost be a shame if we were to get a brand spankin new car - I don't know what we would find to laugh about, and we would certainly have

fewer dinner companions!

Looks so sweet and innocent, right? Wrong!!

Booking Through Thursday - Niche

2009-06-11T10:43:00.002+04:00

This week's prompt: There are certain types of books that I more or less assume all readers read (Novels for example). But then there are books that only YOU read. Instructional manuals for fly-fishing. How-to books for spinning yarn. How to cook the perfect souffle. Rebuilding car engines in three easy steps. Dog training for dummies. Rewiring your house without electrocuting yourself. Tips on how to build a NASCAR course in your backyard. Stuff like that. What niche books do YOU read?

I will read pretty much anything that seems to be relevant to me at the time- I have been known to read dry business books, trading books, become a millionaire type books (I'm reading One Minute Millionaire at the moment) camera manuals, even self-help titles... None of these are really niche type books though, at least I don't think so. The business section in a bookstore is one of the most popular sections, and there are lots of camera enthusiasts out there.

Maybe the closest read I had to a niche read is a book called Beauty Sleep. I can't remember the author's name, but it was about, obviously, how to get a good night's sleep as well as the way that we can actually change our appearance and lose weight by getting the right amount of sleep. It was very interesting, had some good suggestions, but...I am still an insomniac!

Oh, actually I have just thought of a couple more books that would probably fall into this category, but which I haven't read yet. The first is a book about how to listen to music. Can't remember the title or the author, but it teaches the reader to analyse a piece of music intelligently to be able to define what it is they like or dislike about a piece.

The second is a book about the history and meaning of colour as used in art, and the way that certain colours were developed in the art world. Wish I could remember the title.

I think those qualify as niche titles, although I can't really claim them as my own niche reads yet!

Sunday Scribblings - Soulmates

2009-06-07T23:21:00.004+04:00

I married my soulmate.

From the first day we met we were great friends, and it blossomed from there.

It is so amazing to love someone who is so different to you, and yet you just "click" and you complement each other; you get each other's weird sense of humour (no-one else gets my humour) you make up stories that only the 2 of you can share, you don't need whole senstences...you don't even need words a lot of the time!

My most amazing soulmate story: I was telling AL about seeing the complete works of Shakespeare in a bookstore, and how I had decided not to buy it as I was a bit short of cash at that time. I thought he had a funny look on his face, but didn't think too much about it. Later, he pulled out a copy of the complete works of Shakespeare that he had been planning to give me that night!

I do feel a bit uncomfortable sometimes the way that "popular culture" (for want of a more descriptive name) bandies the idea of a soul mate around. No matter how great the person, every relationship takes work. It seems to me that the idea of a perfect match, that elusive soul mate, is an excuse for people to leave realtionships that could be amazing with a bit of work from both sides.

Remember the episode of the Simpsons, where Homer goes looking for his soul mate, only to find that she was at home waiting for him?

Rooftop Swimming

2009-06-06T21:35:00.002+04:00

The best thing about high daytime temperatures and high night-time humidity is the bath water temperature of the swimming pool.

This evening we headed up to the rooftop swimming pool in our building, and pretty much had it to ourselves. Seems like most of the residents prefer to swim when the sun is out. I tend to roast in the sun though, so love swimming at night. A very full looking moon was on the rise, and we had a beautiful view of it glowing behind a bunch of construction cranes for a while. Will definitely have to make more use of the pool as summer progresses.

Nothing To Blog About

2009-06-05T23:46:00.002+04:00

I've been a bit slack with my blogging this week. Actually very slack. I have only responded to blog prompts, and haven't actually written anything off my own bat. Mainly because I have had such a quiet week - I just realised today that I haven't left the building since last Saturday! I mean I have been up to the gym and things like that, but haven't actually been out anywhere else. So nothing much to blog about during the week.

Today we went to the Outlet Mall, a bit of a drive out of town, but this time we didn't get lost on the way out there - a big achievment. We were looking for business shirts for AL, but of course I got in on the action too. Found a couple of great shirts for AED 28, which is about $11 Australian! Plus a pair of cut-offs for about $25 Aussie! I'm sure they aren't the best quality, but for the price...

AL also managaed to find some great business shirts for AED 60, ($24) each. A pretty successful trip out, especially as he found the colours he was looking for.

I also found a Van Heusen store that has fabulous business attire for women...just need a job to match.

Booking Through Thursday - 15 Sticky Books

2009-06-04T10:56:00.004+04:00

This week's prompt: "This can be a quick one. Don’t take too long to think about it. Fifteen books you’ve read that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than 15 minutes.”

Okay, by now you have probably worked out that I am a bit of a stickler for the classics. It just seems to me that they have more "meat" to them, and therefore the characters, and the storylines stick to me more. I have however included some awesome books that are somewhat more recent, that I do believe will stick to me, and that I will definitely revisit (revisiting a book is, for me, the ultimate test of a book's worth).

Here they are in no particular order:

Pride and Prejudice
Harry Potter series
Lord Of the Rings
Great Expectations
Little Women
Emma
Shantaram
The Book Thief
The Moonstone
Wild Swans
Mao's Last Dancer
Folk of the Faraway Tree
Bleak House
Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz
The Wind in the Willows

In keeping with the theme of "Sticky", when I was younger, I used to love reading the Brownie books (I can't remember who wrote them). I used to make myself a huge bowl of popcorn, drizzle it with sticky honey, curl up in the bean bag with the latest Brownie book from the library, and read and munch and daydream to my heart's content.

Sunday Scribblings #165 - Covert

2009-05-31T17:44:00.003+04:00

A furtive glance on all sides, and the black-clad stranger in the neighboring yard crept closer to the open window on the ground floor. He froze as he glimpsed me, framed in my bathroom window next door. His sharp, cunning face and maliciously flashing amber eyes softened promptly into a look of innocent unconcern.

I stepped back from my window, feigning inattention, waited, then stole another glance. The dark stranger was again covertly observing his surroundings. I was just in time to see him spring lightly onto the stool outside the window. Again, he looked around, but I drew back and he didn't see me.

Stealthily, one step into the gloomy window recess, then another; he wiggled his soft little body through the security bars, then swift as lightning his black back paws and shiny black tail disappeared too.

No doubt the cat burglar was after the resident feline's lunch.

Soaring Temperatures

2009-05-30T15:59:00.003+04:00

Summer is well and truly here, and the temperatures are starting to climb. It has been hot for the last few weeks, but now the humidity is starting to creep up as well. So far it seems as though we have a dry heat during the day, and then the humidity creeps up in the evening, which is quite bearable.

Today however, we have been hovering around 42 degrees, with around 27% humidity. According to the Weather Network, if you take into consideration the temperature and the humidity, it feels like 49 degrees. Ouch.

We are starting to use the air conditioner much more during the day now, although when I am here by myself I find I don't need it. It is nice to have it going at night though so we sleep comfortably.

2009-05-30T01:10:00.003+04:00

I discovered this on Missy's blog just now and thought I would give it a go.

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to Storytime with Tonya and Friends
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

This is from Consider The Lillies, by Iain Crichton Smith:

"The Devil could be charming when he liked, even when or especially when he was pulling down while pretending to build."

Interesting. Am still only at chapter 3 of this book, so still have this sentence to look forward to. It is interesting to speculate about the context in which it will be used.

Did Somebody Say "Used Book Sale"?

2009-05-30T00:00:00.004+04:00

Yes, they sure did! Another used book sale, for another worthy charity. This time it was for Helping Hands, which assists labourers, maids and others, who lose their jobs, don't get paid, or who have had problems with employers. It is a very worthy cause, and in that spirit we bought up big. It was held at the Lakes Club, not far from where we live, so nice and convenient, and air-conditioned premises. The AC has become an important factor; the temperatures are over 40 degrees every day now, and the humidity is creeping up slowly. Must remember to put suncream on my feet when I wear flip-flops!

But I digress. This is my latest haul. I am so excited because I found some really great titles. Couldn't believe that other people were passing over these...

Amongst the loot are travel guides for Paris and London - two cities on my wish list. Hopefully sometime next year we will be able to venture to Europe...but like everyone else, we are subject to the changing economic situation, so it might just be the daydreaming and the travel guides for now!

My First Blogging Award - And A Literary One At That

2009-05-29T22:22:00.003+04:00

I am very new to blogging, and have been enjoying myself immensely sharing some of my adventures, re-kindling a love of writing, and sharing my love for reading. So I feel incredibly honored that Missy @ Missy's Book Nook has presented me with this award.

The Literary Blog Award acknowledges bloggers who energize and inspire reading by going the extra mile! These amazing bloggers make reading fun, and enhance the delight of reading!

The Rules:

1) Put the logo on your blog/post.

2) Nominate up to 9 blogs.

3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4) Let them know that they have been nominated by commenting on their blog.

5) Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

I am going to nominate 2 people for this awesome award. I discovered their blogs in the last couple of weeks through the Booking Through Thursday meme, and was delighted with their style of writing and their thoughtful insights into the world of reading.

Accordingly, I would like to present the Literary Blogging Award to:

1. Becca @ Bookstack, and

2. Both Eyes Book Blog

Booking Through Thursday #3

2009-05-28T16:58:00.003+04:00

This week's prompt: Is there a book that you wish you could “unread”? One that you disliked so thoroughly you wish you could just forget that you ever read it?

Interesting question. I can't think of a specific book that I have wanted to unread. It seems to me that the only book that is worth or deserves "unreading" is one that is not remembered, or has failed to leave an impression. A book that has wasted your time.

Or perhaps the desire to unread a book stems from a wish to forget something traumatic or emotional that a book has raised in the reader. But in this instance it is clear that the book has made an impression, that it had a certain impact on the reader, which is, after all, what an author sets out to do. Despite the discomfort the content may have caused, we sometimes learn the most from these type of books.

For a book to be published, then someone at least thinks there is merit in the story or the writing or both. A high school teacher once challenged us that if we didn't appreciate a book, chances were we hadn't understood it. Not sure about pulp fiction, but I do believe this holds true of literature. A failure on our part to fully appreciate the value of a literary work shouldn't, and fortunately can't, condemn that work to be "unread".

Paws Crossed

2009-05-24T22:13:00.002+04:00

I had a meeting with another recruitment agent today - same agencyy, different area of work. It seemed to go well, but as I have been hearing constantly, there is not much work available. Nevertheless she is going to forward my resume on in the hope that someone may be interested. Am keeping my paws crossed but not holding my breath.

More Local Fare

2009-05-23T14:14:00.007+04:00

I love going to the older part of Dubai, somehow it feels more real to me than the newly developed areas around the marina. Of course by any other standards, old Dubai is not particularly old at all, but it certainly has a more unique and earthy flavour than new Dubai.

The gold souk area is always great for a visit and comes alive and sparkly after dusk. Plenty of bling on display and hustlers trying to sell "good copy" bags, watches and sunglasses. They try to catch your eye and follow you down the street crying "handbags madam? Luis Vuitton, Fendi, Prada, Gucci......." the other labels fade into silence as you wander away.

There are plenty of cats in this area, a trifle on the thin side, and some of them so sleepy from the heat that you almost tread on them before they acknowledge you. Still, they look healthier than their counterparts in Asia. One gorgeous specimen we saw loitering by the garbage cans was jet black with enormous amber eyes, just like our neighbour's cat back home in Bondi.

We had dinner with friends last night at one of the local "eating shops" in the souk area. It doesn't look very stylish, and I'm pretty sure they don't get many westerners in there, but the people are friendly, and the Indian food served is sooo authentic. Yum. It is just like home cooking! For 12 dirhams you get all you can eat and more. I was full for the rest of the evening.

I should have taken a picture of the tray of food that we had, but being hungry I ate before I remembered my camera. But this is the condiment tray after dinner:

We also wandered around Nasser Square, which is a bunch of low priced shops selling shoes, clothing, souvenirs and the obligatory handbags. It has a market feel to it, although they are proper shops. This is the spot to have a relaxing juice, or a fresh coconut. Sitting outside in the humid evening air watching people from all walks of life stroll by, listening to cars toot and motorbikes roar, I could almost imagine I was back in Thailand.

A trip to the souks is not complete without a 1 dirham trip across the creek in an abra and back. It is especially wonderful at night time, when the water sparkles with reflections from the surrounding lights, and the dhow cruise boats sail by like floating christmas trees. The stampede to get on and off the abra always makes me wonder why no-one falls in - hope that it wont be me one day!

Booking Through Thursday #2

2009-05-21T16:25:00.004+04:00

This week's prompt is : What book would you love to be able to read again for the first time?

This is an easy one for me to answer because I have thought about this many times. Pride and Prejudice. I read it at a fairly young age, old enough to appreciate the story line but a bit young to really appreciate on a critical level the writing style, humour and intelligence of the author. And I have read it so many times since, that I could recite whole chunks of it verbatim!

I would love to be able to read this story with fresh adult eyes, and discover the witty wonder of this masterpiece for the first time.

It's Not All Glamour

2009-05-18T22:15:00.004+04:00

It's not all glamour leading an expat life. Today is a fine example - a quiet one at home while AL is at work. A bit of internet surfing and blog following. Some cleaning. Half an hour at the gym. A bit of tv. Some cooking. And AL still at work at 10.20pm. Or maybe on his way home? Or about to come through the door?

Just wanted to make sure no-one thinks this is all about glamorous parties and camel rides! There are episodes of normalcy scattered frequently between the fun.

I'm not complaining; it gives me a chance to read a lot. I just finished reading Dumas' The Black Tulip. This was such an amazing book. It is kind of predictable I guess, but I still enjoyed it. It is very similar to The Count of Monte Cristo, which I also loved, and like The Count, its focus is a man falsely imprisoned, and surrounded by intrigue. It is a much shorter book, though, with far fewer characters. So much easier to get into and to follow.

I have quite a few books to choose from, but somehow am not quite sure what I want to read now. Should probably choose something a little more modern for variety, but reading the classics spoils my palate for modern literature! Hmmmmm decisions, decisions.

Sunday Scribblings - Disconnected

2009-05-17T21:37:00.002+04:00

This week's prompt for Sunday Scribblings is - Disconnected

For an entire month after arriving here I felt disconnected from family, friends, and the rest of the world.

We had stepped into the world's fastest growing city, but had at least expected to find the basics in our new apartment. There was no internet connection, no telephone connection, no television. No mail services. Obviously this lack of even basic communications made me feel isolated from my family - no email, no skype, no post. And with no news or current affairs, out of touch with the rest of the world. No repeats of the Simpsons, or Aussie crime dramas to fill the time.

Nowhere to walk. There were no footpaths - just construction and dust and noise. And a 10 lane freeway. Usually I love to walk everywhere to explore a new city, to get a feel for the way that the people live, and to feel like a part of the community, as though, even if temporarily, I belong.

Disconnection from so many elements of my life for one entire month.

Thankfully the connection of internet has seen me reconnect with much of my world.

On a lighter note: people here in Dubai have apparently had their electricity disconnected for - wait for it - paying their bills too early!

Only in Dubai!

Dinner & Dancing

2009-05-17T18:10:00.002+04:00

Friday night was the annual dinner for AL's work. We got all dressed up, had a fantastic evening with great food and great company. After a rather long award ceremony, the DJ started up, and we danced more than we have danced in years. (Except in the privacy of our own home!!).

Funniest event of the night - someone tapping AL on the shoulder saying, I think you live in my building - we met you in the sauna! He he he, we were all looking much more formal at the party!

I have added a picture of me in my dress to the collection of photos on the right - have a look if you want. Bearing in mind that it was around 3 in the morning when the shot was taken! AL and I forgot to have a photo taken together, so it is just me!

Changes!

2009-05-15T13:40:00.004+04:00

We are having a lazy Friday morning and afternoon, before we head out to the formal dinner later this evening. And I can't help myself - I love fiddling with things! Especially my blog!

The previous layout was a little bit hard to read, but just changing the colours around didn't come up with anything inspiring. I found this design at Cutest Blog on the Block. They have some lovely designs - check them out via the link top left of this blog!

So what does everyone think? A bit easier on the eyes? Post a comment below!

Thankful Thursday

2009-05-14T21:29:00.002+04:00

This week I am very grateful for the following:

All the visitors to my blog in the last week, friends, family and new blogosphere friends. For those of you who don't know me personally, a very special welcome, and I hope you enjoy following along with our Dubai adventures (or lack of!).
The company that provides us with our internet, landline and TV connection - their staff have fixed our problem with a minimum of fuss. I have to admit I was surprised by the level of service and helpfulness!
For beautiful friends who email job vacancies or who cut out clippings and send them home with AL. (Even if I am inherently unqualified for the roles.)
For the delicious Indian tea that I have recently discovered, a cup of which I am savouring as I type.
For the dress that I managed to find last weekend to wear tomorrow night.

First Booking Through Thursday Attempt

2009-05-14T13:11:00.006+04:00

Mariel suggested this week's question:Book Gluttony! Are your eyes bigger than your book belly? Do you have a habit of buying up books far quicker than you could possibly read them? Have you had to curb your book buying habits until you can catch up with yourself? Or are you a controlled buyer, only purchasing books when you have run out of things to read?

Aaaaaaaah, Mariel, how did you know! Yes I confess - though a voracious reader, I can't keep up with the number of books that I buy. And I will admit to walking into certain big name bookstores, and glancing around with a greedy eye!

I used to work in one such big name bookstore. When staff discount day rolled around my husband (who shamelessly supports and even feeds my addiction) and I would make several visits after work, and each time stumble home with bulging shopping bags, and happy hearts. We excused our greedy buying habits because we knew such wonderful days would not last forever - and indeed with our relocation to the desert, they have come to an end.

But...I have discovered something better than staff discount days. Used book sales. Just last week, we bought about 20 pre-loved tomes for the cost of a single brand new book! And the best thing is, the profits from these used book sales go to very worthy charities here in Dubai.

I do not curb my book buying habits - I do not feel a need to. My ultimate dream is to have our own house, with a massive, old-fashioned library, a place of reference and reflection, somewhere to go for a cup of tea or a glass of red, a quiet read. No doubt at least one purring cat, maybe a fireplace, definitely one of those old-fashioned day bed/sofa things. So every book purchase I make, I view as an investment in this ultimate dream.

Others would call it book gluttony!

The Joker in the Pack

2009-05-13T19:18:00.002+04:00

I finished reading Jostein Gaarder's "The Solitaire Mystery" today. I had read it before, but decided to re-read it as I could only vaguely remember that I had enjoyed it first time around.

It is a lovely story, suitable for a young adult reader, just awakening to the wonders of the world and the eternal philosophical questions, and equally suited to an adult, whether jaded by force of habit and oblivious to the wonder of the world, or one who is a bit of a joker.

12 year old Hans Thomas and his Dad embark on a quest from Norway to Greece in search of Hans Thomas' mother, who left them some 8 years earlier "to find herself". His Dad is a whimsical man, liking his philosophy and his booze. He has a quirky hobby of collecting the joker from packs of playing cards. He defines a joker as someone who "experiences life as a crazy adventure...every single day", who experiences "life as a fairytale, every single day". Like a joker in a pack of cards, he feels that he doesn't quite belong anywhere, doesn't quite fit with the rest of the world, and is therefore able to sit outside the world, observe, and comment upon its doings.

During their journey, Hans Thomas meets a midget and a baker, who put him on the path to learning the great secret of the mysterious island, where a pack of cards sprung to life from the imagination of a ship-wrecked sailor.

The book contains elements of mystery and fairytale, and seamlessly weaves philosophical questions into the mix. Essentially the author is calling upon all of us to wake up to the magic and mystery of our very existence; forget about seeking mystery and thrills in the unknown of the supernatural and outer space, and awaken to the thrill and beauty of life itself.

The beautiful imagery and captivating ideas of this grown up fairytale allow the author and his protagonists to challenge the reader's perception of coincidence and destiny, about who we are and where we come from, in such a way that complex philosophical ideas appear simple, and within our grasp.

Trust me when I say the philosophical musings are part of the fun, and after finishing this book you will look around at the world with fresh eyes and a new delight, hoping that you, too, are a joker in the pack of cards.

The Big Bang

2009-05-11T20:51:00.002+04:00

Not a sound you want to hear when your washing machine is mid way through its wash cycle. It was more of a clunk, really, and made me jump violently. For a while I thought it was just the machine breaking down - just one of the many things to go wrong in this brand new apartment. But then I realised my computer wasn't charging, and that I was no longer connected to the web. Now it was time to panic. Also realised the fridge wasn't running, and most importantly, I couldn't boil the kettle! Ahhhhhh!

Checked the mains, and flicked the little blue switch that was down. Nothing happened. There was one other switch that was down, but couldn't tell what it was connected to, and being a bit nervous of all things electrical, decided to ask the boys downstairs to come and have a look. Of course it took just one flick of that little switch, but better safe than sorry.

That's the good thing about Dubai - there is someone that you can go to for simple questions like that. Very important when you can't just call your Dad or brother for help!

Of course, I still don't know what made everything short in the first place...so chances are it will happen again tomorrow.

How to Catch a Cab in Dubai

2009-05-10T22:56:00.003+04:00

There are some things I love about Dubai...and there are things I hate. One of the things I hate is trying to get to church when AL has to work late, and I have to get a cab. For some reason cab drivers do not like to take the shortest route to the church (well ok, there is a reason...more money) and try to argue with me about the amount of traffic they will encounter going the back way. The driver tonight tried to tell me he didn't know the back way. Luckily after a few such attempts in the past, I have rehearsed what I do in these situations. So, here is how to catch a cab in Dubai.

Flag the cab down. This is not difficult, there are cab drivers everywhere in this city (except outside the church when I need to get home, but that is another story).
Do not get into the cab. Open the back door, say hello nicely but firmly, and ask whether they will take you to the place you want to go, and the route you want to go (if applicable).
If they say yes, get in. If they um and ah, suggest that if they don't know how to get there, you will give them directions. At this point they will begrudginly accept - after all a fare is a fare, right, and you have made it clear it is your way or the highway (but the highway without you as a fare ha ha)
If they have previously suggested they don't know any back way, you must proceed to give detailed instructions...all the way. Even though it is clear they know how to get there.
Arrive safely at your destination, despite the sighs, tongue clickings and other indicators of annoyance from the driver.
Pay the fare and walk away, feeling satisfied that for once, you got your way!

I did this tonight, and had a good, albeit silent chuckle every time I issued a direction, as I am positive the guy knew the back way to the church, but he had said he didn't so he had to play along.

I am now in control of my destination, and the journey too!

Feline Friends & Breaking the Golden Rule

2009-05-09T17:39:00.005+04:00

Yesterday, at the relatively early hour of 10.30am (early at least for a Friday morning) AL and I set off for the used book sale in support of the charity Feline Friends. How appropriate - a charity that combines two of my most favourite things! We spent half an hour browsing and came away with the following treasures:

Hours of good reading. Even though I haven't finished the books I got from the used book sale at our Church. Luckily for me, the last books that people want to read seem to be the classics - so I always walk away with all of those, and if I am lucky, some of the better modern literature too. There is a lot of pulp fiction to wade through before you find the little bits of literary treasure. It seems like it is going to be much cheaper for me to buy books this way, than to pay to sign up with the library on a yearly basis, and I get to add to my collection for that glorious day when I have my own library inside our very own house. One day...

Guess what, I found a dress for the work dinner we are attending. After only 4 hours of searching through EVERY shop in the biggest mall in Dubai, I found it! My husband is a very patient man. One thing I have learnt on this shopping expedition though - I either have to put on a bit of weight to fill out a size 10, or lose a bit so that I can get the zips done up on an 8! It makes life difficult being between sizes. If it looks alright on the night, I might post a photo of me actually wearing the dress. We'll see.

To celebrate finding the dress, we thought we would have a cup of tea outside and then watch the Dubai Mall Fountain, which neither of us had seen before. When we got to the restaurant we were told it was the official opening of the Dubai Mall Fountain, so we decided to have dinner there and wait around to see it. It is quite a spectacular sight, with the jets of water from the fountain lit up with different lighting effects, and put to music. People ooohed and aaaahed, and some who were standing close got quite wet. I would love to show you some photos, but I broke the golden rule for photographers- always always always carry your camera with you. I could not believe that I had left it at home, and even condecended to take some (terrible) shots with my phone. Sorry. But if you want to have a look at the action, there is a great video on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYMCwojoOQM

We were sitting in a restaurant in the building to the left of the screen, and directly in front of us and across the water (out of the shot unfortunately) is the Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, yet to be completed. I think they say the fountain is also the world's tallest, as in the height that the jets of water reach. It was spectacular watching these jets of water climb higher and higher into the air against the backdrop of the Burj.

The End of Another Week

2009-05-07T20:42:00.004+04:00

This week has gone by so quickly, I had no idea that I had barely posted on here! It is a good sign, because it means that I have been busy, or at least busier!

This week I got out of my comfort zone and met up with a couple of people who I had been in contact with on an online forum. They are all nice people, and it was good to see some different parts of Dubai. I met up with one group of people at a local club called The Lakes. It is a gorgeous setting, with 2 great swimming pools, a lovely restaurant area, gym and squash courts. Nothing active though - just a coffee catch up! It is good to know we have those kind of facilities in the area.

I also met up with an aussie girl who has just arrived in Dubai. We found a great place in one of the malls that serves delicious tea in a proper teapot, and then AL joined us for dinner. I am hoping she will be able to get me a job at her company.

Oh yeah, I have also been busy looking for a dress for the annual dinner at AL's work - we are going shopping tomorrow at the Outlet Mall - cross your paws for me!

Thankful Thursday 2

2009-05-07T19:20:00.004+04:00

What I am thankful for today:

For the opportunity to speak to my grandparents on my Grandfather's Birthday, on 5 May!
For the new friends that I have met this week
For finding a place close to home that has great coffee (still have to drive there though)
For things to look forward to - like the used book sale we are going to tomorrow, in support of the charity set up to re-home abandoned cats
That my two "boys" are so well looked after by my family, even though I can't have them here - the proof is in the pictures!

Awwwww, so cute. Thanks to Mum and SD for the photos.

Moley & The Professor

2009-05-04T23:58:00.002+04:00

AL and I have just finished reading The Wind in the Willows, or Moley, as we affectionately refer to it, in honour of the gorgeous little character of Mole, created by Kenneth Graham. I now realise I only ever read the abridged pictorial edition of Wind in the Willows, and had no idea just how detailed and wonderful the original was. Reading it of course brought to mind the beautiful illustrations of the children's version, and in particular Rat's little home in the riverbank. I remember wanting to live in Rat's hole, it looked so cosy and sweet! And of course the handsome, the clever, the popular Toad, and his love of fast cars, had us chuckling away.

Last night I also finished The Professor by Charlotte Bronte. Beautifully written, but the story of course cannot top that masterpiece, Jane Eyre! And silly me, I had forgotten that I had already read it some time ago, and bought it at the second hand book sale. Still, it was worth the re-read.

I have now started the 19th Wife by David Ebershoff - a bit of a change-up to my usual taste. I am reading it for book club, otherwise wouldn't have bothered with it. Still, I am a fair way through it, and have to say the subject is gripping, although the writing style is jarring after dipping in Bronte's work! The book traces the history of polygamy in the Mormon church through the eyes of the 19th wife of the second "prophet" (set in the 1800's) and a young man brought up within the sect and later expelled, whose mother, also a 19th wife, has been accused of murdering her husband (set in current times). I'm not sure it is the kind of book you can enjoy - the subject matter is horrifying. Nevertheless it is thought-provoking.

Desert Safari!

2009-05-03T13:03:00.009+04:00

Alright, so a little bit later than promised, but things got a bit hectic yesterday, and I didn't get around to posting. Well, I admit, I did sleep in until....a despicable hour, and then went to the gym, and then went to church and by the time we did that and got a few groceries on the way home, well it was too late to be fiddling with my blog. But as promised, details of the desert safari.

Friday afternoon we were picked up outside our building by our driver, and the rest of our group and headed off for our first desert adventure. It doesn't take long to get out into the desert from here, and before long we were seeing beautiful landscapes such as the following:

I had not anticipated how breathtakingly beautiful the desert would be. Even here, where it is so obviously inhabited, and you can see power lines, and empty bottles etc.

We were very lucky with the weather - it was hot, around 40 degrees I think, but not humid, so quite bearable, and we were able to stand around and take photos and lap up the scenery. It was quite windy, so of course within 5 minutes we were covered in a fine sand that sticks all over your face and clogs up your hair. But after all, we wanted a real desert experience, and this was it.

Part of the fun of the safari, and no doubt for some, the best part, is hooning around in 4-wheel drives across the sand dunes. I was a bit worried about hitting my head and getting sick, especially as AL and I were sitting in the back, but it was actually very comfortable, and a lot of fun! The worst thing about the experience is that there are so many others out there as well. You definitely do not get a sense of the peace and space of the desert, as there are any number of 4-wheel drives out there doing the same thing. Still it is worth doing, and being able to watch the other cars gives you an idea of what you have been doing yourself. This photo shows some of the sand dune action. It was taken from the car window, so there is a bit of reflection from the glass.

Another activity you can try on the safari is sand boarding! This is AL on his second attempt down the slope! He did pretty well. The kids in the group of course are always the best at these activities. Some of the adults barely made it over the edge of the slope, and ended up sliding down on their backsides! No doubt with trousers full of sand for the rest of the outing!

Our driver next took us to have a look at some camels. This is what I was looking forward to. The are the funniest animals - don't seem to care about anything going on around them, and not happy at all to do anything for their handlers. They look so exotic to me, and it is breathtaking to see them walking about loose in the desert. These "little" guys were quite playful while we were watching them - I do not know how they get so twisted up - all legs:

We were then driven to a camp where we took a short camel ride (just round in a very small circle - still one girl managed to fall off, and no, it wasn't me!) tried on the local costume, browsed some souvenirs and had a delicious BBQ dinner, followed by entertainment by a belly dancer.

There are more photos of our desert safari to be viewd by taking a peek at my pictures, on the right hand side of this blog! I hope you enjoy them.

A Quick Update Before Bed - Desert Safari

2009-05-01T23:23:00.004+04:00

It is getting late here, and we have had a big day on our first desert safari in the UAE. I can't go to bed however without showing you just 2 of my photos to keep you interested!

This gorgeous guy is one of the local residents of the desert, and I have to say, not very interested in anything that we had to offer him:

And this photo showcases some of the sand duning action:

More photos and plenty more details to come tomorrow! Suffice to say, we had an awesome desert experience!

Thankful Thursday

2009-04-30T20:16:00.002+04:00

Okay, I got this idea from another blog that I have been reading lately. It is based on the idea that we can benefit greatly by acknowledging regularly the wonderful things that happen to us each day, sometimes just the little things, the minutiae that tend to get lost in negativity and despair if we don't consciously seek them out. The general idea is that each day you write down in your journal or your blog 5 things that you are grateful for.

I know that I will not manage to do this every day, but how about every Thursday, making it Thankful Thursday? I think it is particularly apt, given that Thursday here in the United Arab Emirates is the last day of the working week, so a good time for a recap, and lets face it, who can be negative in the face of the weekend? Let's see, what am I thankful for this Thursday?:

Well, it is Thursday, so the whole weekend with AL is stretching out before me - I am definitely thankful for that!;
Having things to look forward to. Tomorrow we are going on a desert safari with some friends;
I have been in contact with several women today who are keen to meet up for coffee, and who are in the same position as me;
Gmail chat - I love it. I have chatted with my Mum and my brother SD (ha ha SD, named but not identified!) in the last couple of days and heard all the family news.
I am especially greatful that the best Australian lamb seems to be exported to the UAE - we love the chops and the roast here, it has now become a Thursday night staple.

See, Thursday is a good day to do the gratitude thing!

Stay posted, tomorrow we are going on the desert safari, and no doubt there will be lots of pretty pictures added to the collection!

Dangling Man - Saul Bellow

2009-04-28T20:59:00.002+04:00

Last night I finished reading Dangling Man by Saul Bellow. For such a small book it has certainly taken me a while to get through it. I find this to be the case with a lot of the "thin" books out there - light to carry around, but lots to think about while you are reading. Not necessarily a lot of plot, more contemplation and observation, not really suited to a skim read.

This story is narrated through the journal of Joseph, a young man who has quit his job to enlist in the army, only to find that his call-up is delayed by a series of incidents. The book deals with his mental and emotional state as he waits around, or "dangles," unable or unwilling to obtain employment as a result of the uncertainty of his call-up.

He writes "I have thought of going to work, but I am unwilling to admit that I do not know how to use my freedom and have to embrace the flunkydom of a job because I have no resources - in a word, no character."

I find this quote very appealing - so many of us when at work or study, dream of the things we could accomplish or the hobbies that we could pick up, if only we had more time. And yet for many, including myself, spare time becomes wasted time. What do we have to show for ourselves at the end of a week of "leisure" time? Do we actually pick up these skills or spend that extra time with loved ones, or, do we spend it watching television? For Joseph, life revolves around the few short excursions taken each day for meals, and the "ritualistic" dissection of the daily paper, from the comics to the news, the gossip pages, recipes and puzzles.

Another quote: "Three o'clock, and nothing has happened to me; three o'clock and the dark is already setting in; three o'clock and the postman has bobbed by for the last time and left nothing in my box. I have read the paper and looked into a book, I have had a few random thoughts..."

Ahhhhhh! This sounds like my day sometimes! Although I do manage to read a lot, and I am looking for jobs and sending applications... When AL comes home and asks what I have been doing with myself, I sometimes find myself scratching to describe how the hours passed...routine chores -half an hour...tv 1 hour...reading...several hours...internet - never mind! Unlike Joseph, I do manage to finish the books that I start, and enjoy them too, and I am taking the opportunity to enjoy this time for reading, because once I have a job...

Booklover's Heaven

2009-04-27T17:10:00.003+04:00

I have just discovered a link in my online bookclub to a number of books that you can download for free as copyright has expired! The site has links to over 1,700 books, most of which are classics or quality literature. Yay!! I thought the downside would be a slow download speed, but no, it opens almost immediately. This will definitely save me some money. The first book I have downloaded is Edith Nesbit's "The Magic City".

The Book Club

2009-04-26T23:00:00.003+04:00

Just arrived back from our first book club meeting. Glad I ventured out - the girls are all lovely, some of them in situations like mine (ie job-hunting), others who are working, others who are stay-at-home mums.

The taste in books varies, but for the most part not too bad. Sometimes there may be a little chic-lit, but most of it will be bestseller literature. I can live with that. Won't be recommending any of the classics, I don't think a book club is the best forum for discussing the classics. It needs to be light and pithy, with some good issues for discussion.

The first book we will read is The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff. Reviews have been good, but lets wait and see.

2009-04-26T17:00:00.003+04:00

One more picture to share with you of Dubai at night. This is a building across from AL's work. The whole area looks lovely at night. It is heavily edited though, as the original shot was not very good. Still, I like it - looks more like a canvas than a photo, or am I deluding myself?

Going to a bookclub meeting tonight. It is the first one for this area. Hopefully the other women have similar taste in reading material - will go crazy if I have to read chic-lit. At least it will get me out of the house!

Evening Out

2009-04-25T02:03:00.004+04:00

After time spent together at the gym, sauna and pool this morning, AL and I ruined all our good work at dinner. Good company and good food - nothing beats it. We joined AL's workmates and another friend at an Indian restaurant in Karama. The evening wasn't without its glitches. We ordered the food, and then AL and workmate went to pick up the friend, while the 2 girls minded the table. Would have been great except that the food arrived almost immediately, but the boys spent about 40 minutes looking for a park. A not very impressed waiter agreed to reheat the food for us. Nice food and very strong chai! Yummy. People were queuing up at the door to get a table at this restaurant!

It was nice to walk around after dinner and just get a feel for Karama and the people, and the little shops and restaurants. Really miss being able to just walk around the block or down the street for some vicarious consumerism, or just to buy a bottle of milk.

After dinner, and after several wrong turns, we ended up at Um Suquiem beach, where I proceeded to take the long awaited night shots of the Burj Al Arab:

Not a masterpiece, but at least I have the Burj Al Arab in my collection now. No doubt many more shots will follow.

Repairs

2009-04-24T00:29:00.003+04:00

The maintenance "boys" turned up today and decided that our rising damp problem is a result of the silicon between the bath and the tiles leaking. They removed all of the old silicon, and replaced it, and scraped all the blistering paint from the walls. Hopefully this prevents the problem recurring. Now we are just waiting for the painter to come and retouch the walls.

I joined an online bookclub - the site itself hosts thousands of groups, including one called book-a-holics. Needless to say, I joined that one! I am in good company there, with lots of people who share my taste in reading.

Yes, I spend way too much time online!

Blue Sky Dubai

2009-04-22T20:29:00.003+04:00

The sky above Dubai today was the clearest, most gorgeous hue that I have seen here since arriving. Not a sandstorm in sight! It is amazing that the colour of the sky can have such an impact on mood - everything looks so much fresher and cleaner under a blue sky. I even caught a glimpse of green grass at the golf club, and could see further into the distance than I ever have yet.

Hopefully the weekend is just as clear so we can at last get some quality shots of the Burj Al Arab, without the haze of a sandstorm ruining the clarity of the image.

This is the view from our balcony - look at that colour!

The Biggest Leap!

2009-04-21T23:48:00.003+04:00

The biggest leap when moving to a new place is.....trusting your locks to a new and untried hairdresser. Well, I took that big step today, very nervous, despite the glowing recommendations I had read about this particular salon.

Sigh of relief. The stylist is amazing. He barely asked me what I wanted, and yet I walked away with the perfect cut, the right highlights, and cheaper than initially quoted! (Still expensive, but less than I had expected.) AL likes the new style too.

The Cost of Rapid Development, First Hand!

2009-04-20T18:13:00.004+04:00

With pressure to construct tower blocks and indeed whole communities quickly, it stands to reason that some corners will be cut along the way. We are starting to experience that first hand in our apartment.

On Saturday for the first time I noticed some blistering on the wall connected to the bathroom, then on Sunday I noticed some on the wall that separates the living room and the bathroom. Today, it looks like this:

Yikes. I think it will be a big job to get this fixed. Suspect that the tiles and grout that went in were not water proof. Bear in mind that we are the first tenants in the property, and have only been here 2 months!

On a positive note, went to the gym today and had a great workout - 20 mins cardio and about 15 mins light weights (very light!). Now if I could just cut back on the junk food....

Sometimes it is hard to be so far from home

2009-04-19T16:35:00.001+04:00

Found out today that my brother is in hospital. The doctors suspect meningitis, but he thinks it is a repeat of a bout of cerebral malaria he suffered in PNG. Would be nice to be at home and able to offer support to him and to my parents. At least I got a chance to speak to my Mum and Dad, and offered them a little support over the phone.

My Grandfather is in hospital too - suspected broken ribs. Between the pair of them the family will be busy with hospital visits!!

Oh, and apologies for the dreadful formatting on the previous post. Not sure exactly what went wrong, but will endeavour to avoid it in future posts!

Welcome to my blog!!

2009-04-18T22:01:00.009+04:00

Welcome all to my very first post on my very first blog! Thanks for taking a peek at it, and please bear with me as I navigate the ins and outs. No doubt the layout will change constantly as I experiment with new ideas and formats.

A bit of background to get us started:
I'm an aussie expat, living in Dubai with my husband, who was lucky enough to get a great job over here at a time when so many are being made redundant. I'm still looking for work, so I have enough time on my hands to create and maintain a blog, and to read the blogs of others!

You can expect to see a lot of photos of Dubai, as we continue to explore this amazing city and its surrounds, and to read a lot about our experiences here. Who knows, I may even branch out to share my own brand of wisdom!

For now, let's stick with the experiences! We went to a social event today organised by my husband's (let's call him AL) work. A whole crowd of us gathered at the Atlantis hotel for a fantastic meal at Kaleidoscope restaurant. The buffet was amazing - such a variety of food and so fresh. I managed 2 helpings plus dessert, while some had 3 helpings, dessert and room to spare!After lunch we visited the Lost Chambers - an aquarium. Actually you can see a lot of the aquarium from inside the hotel without paying the AED100 entrance fee, but AL and I have always loved these places and had a great time peering in at the fish, stingrays and the whale shark. Take a look at some of the pictures:

The jellyfish looked simply stunning - there were some great electric blue ones as well, but lighting is always difficult in an aquarium, and this was about the best shot I could come up with of the jellyfish.

According to the information brochure, this is a miner's suit, worn to protect miners when they journeyed to the centre of the earth.

I've always loved starfish - it is so weird to touch them though!

My friend here is a bit blurry, but he is such a cool character, he deserves a place on the blog!

Majestic stingrays always provide a spectacle.

Just beautiful!

Part of the ceiling at Atlantis hotel!