Sunday Scribblings #165 - Covert

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

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. 

 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"?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

This week I am very grateful for the following:

1. 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!). 
2. 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!
3. 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.)
4. For the delicious Indian tea that I have recently discovered, a cup of which I am savouring as I type. 
5. For the dress that I managed to find last weekend to wear tomorrow night. 

First Booking Through Thursday Attempt

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

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

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

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. 

1. 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). 
2. 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). 
3. 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)
4. 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. 
5. Arrive safely at your destination, despite the sighs, tongue clickings and other indicators of annoyance from the driver. 
6. 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

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

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

What I am thankful for today:

1. For the opportunity to speak to my grandparents on my Grandfather's Birthday, on 5 May!
   
2. For the new friends that I have met this week
   
3. For finding a place close to home that has great coffee (still have to drive there though)
   
4. 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
   
5.  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!

1. 
   

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

Moley & The Professor

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!

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

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!