And Snow by any other name...

They actually had snow in the UAE this week...for only the second time that anyone can remember. Snow fell on the mountains in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), about an hour drive north of Dubai. They say the local dialect in that region doesn't even have a word for snow.

Ricky and I played golf in RAK last week. Tower Links was a pretty nice track which sits in a dry river bed...not sure what happens if and when they get a big rain. RAK is a small city squeezed against the shore by some pretty tall mountains. We didn't see too much of RAK. Looks like a couple developments on the shoreline. And there were several Palaces over looking the golf course.

To get to RAK, you have to drive thru Sharjah, which is a large city butting up against the north side of Dubai. Sharjah is dirty, with poor infrastructure and massive traffic problems--and the source of many of Dubai's traffic problems. Sharjah is also alot cheaper place to live--so every evening the Northbound highways in Dubai get jammed with folks trying to get home to Sharjah. We drove about 30km out of our way to avoid the miles-long traffic jam on the way home. (to be fair, Sharjah is supposed to have some great art museums--so someday I will probably venture a daytrip).

We also drove thru Ajmin, just north of Sharjah; and also Umm al-Quwain, which is the home of the Barracuda Resort, which has a liquor store. You will hear quite a few folks referring to making a 'Barracuda Run.' Liquor is apparently cheaper than in Dubai and not limited in quantities you can purchase (when I get my liquor permit in a few weeks, I will be limited to buying about $300 of alcohol per month--based on my salary). The only catch about the Barracuda is you have to bring the alcohol back thru Sharjah, which is zero tolerance on the possession of alcohol. Your chances of getting stopped are slim, but if you do (due to accident, traffic stop, mechanical breakdown) you can plan on losing your purchase and spending some time in jail if you do get caught.

For now, I will let others make the Barracuda Runs.

If anyone is keeping count, In the Dubai Mall/Old Town complex there are now 4 Caribou Coffees and 4 (soon to be 5) Starbucks. Also there is a Costa Coffee, Seattles Best, 2nd Cup, and about a dozen other Coffee shops. Also 3 Gelatto shops and 3 Cold Stone Creameries. And one Krispy Kreme.

Atlanta Tower, Middle Eastern Division

Gary, Ricky, and Don...Irish Village, Dubai

We had a small reunion in Dubai this week. Gary, who retired a year ago from ATL, has been working at Baghdad Center for the past year. He was able to schedule a free day in Dubai while travelling home this week and spend his time with Ricky and I (Many thanks to his wife for sharing a valuable day with us).

We enjoyed catching up and sharing all the oddities of our respective locales and jobs, catching up on things back home, and just swapping some old war stories. Controllers are a tight fellowship...probably due to spending hours and hours elbow to elbow working hundreds of thousands of airplanes, trusting each other and watching out for each other.

It's always nice to see a friendly face so far from home...makes the world seem a little smaller, if only for one night.

Lightening strikes twice

Another shot of the thunderstorm Wednesday night...from the front page of The National; the daily English language paper from Abu Dhabi.

It's not always 90 degrees and sunny

And for my next trick...

It's nice to know that there are some things that you can always depend on, no matter where you are in the world; like the sun rising; death and taxes; Falcons will never have back to back winning seasons; and when you wash your car, it's going to rain.

I washed my car Monday (Actually I paid to have it washed, which is a service offered at most of the malls here. Usually, you park your car and when you get out there is a gentleman asking you "car wash?" Of course, with the Yaris, I didn't care how much of a protective layer accumulated on the car. But, I guess I will try to keep the Tundra presentable. So, 50aed, $14 to get the Tundra washed).

Tuesday I had a day off, I packed up my golf clubs and headed out to play some golf in Ras Al Khaimah, about 90 mins up the coast. I made it about 2 blocks and the rain started falling...and it looked still darker where I was headed, so I circled the block, stopped for coffee, groceries, then headed home.

First real rain in about 2 months falls on my only day off this week (training class scheduled for next 2 days)...I have calculated the odds of rain on my one day off in the UAE, after a carwash, and I have come up with 482,037 to 1. Too bad gambling isn't legal here.

Workin for a livin...sorta

I'm enjoying my new work schedule. It's better in just about every way from what I worked with the FAA. We work six days in a row (kinda) and then have 4 days off (kinda)...instead of the 6 on, 1 off I worked for most of my last 2 years with the FAA.

Our work cycle last 10 days. We start with two day shifts, 6am-1pm, 3rd and 4th day are evening shifts, 1pm-10pm. 5th and 6th days we go in at 10pm and work until 6am, so we actually getting off work at 6am on the 7th day. Then we are off on day 8, 9, and 10.

I like that we rotate shifts with long breaks between shifts, instead of 8-10 hrs turn arounds with the FAA.

I like that after the 2nd day shift you can go out for a night on the town and sleep in a little before your 1-10 the next day. or you can even go out after your 1-10 shifts and still get some sleep.

Another advantage is when you take 6 days off, you get a 13-14 day break. And we get 6 work cycles a year for vacation.

We also have our work day laid out for us...we know what position we will be working at what time. 2-3 people are on break at any given time, so if you are scheduled a break at the beginning or end of the shift you can come in late or leave early.

I guess the disadvantage of the work schedule is that you are essentially doing rotating days off--so it's hard to plan anything week to week (eg. softball games on Sat night..I will be missing some every now and then). It is also very hard to keep up with what day of the week it is. Compounding this is I'm still not used to the idea of Friday-Saturdays being weekends in Dubai; and I still have to keep in mind that Sat-Sun is the weekend back home--I feel like every week has a 3-day weekend. Try wrapping your mind around that.

All in all, it's nice to have time to get things done during the week and it just makes for a fairly relaxing life and Dubai is a nice place to relax.

Siesta time...nite all!

Random Firings

They show Mythbusters and How It’s Made and a lot of my other favorites over here—except the narration has been changed to a British accent, which on MythBusters, especially, seems a bit odd, since all the cast still has their American accents. Can’t wait to see the Deadliest Catch!

They actually had Bass Fishing on TV here last week—some tournament in Detroit (taped this summer, I assume).

‘I was double checking to avoid duplication’ Added to my list of favorite useful quotes.

I have been watching the World Dart Championships…the crowds are over the top crazy! Picture Oktoberfest meets Mardi Gras. I think the arena announcer is pretty cool too. This may give Bowling a run for it’s money, RE. Check it out.

There is a softball diamond a few blocks away from here…new season starts in about 3 weeks. Good thing I packed my glove.

Tonight at Caribou, I met a Dentist named Dr. Swallow. He and his wife are from the UK and have set up practice here. I may give them a try—they say the hygienist is pretty hot.

I went to the world’s largest mall on a mission for 2 items…Golf shoes and a UV fliter lens to protect the lens of my Canon SLR. I failed miserably. One golf store with absolutely no shoes on sale. Didn’t like the feel of the Callaways; didn’t have Footjoy in my size. There is a NIKE store, Adidas store, Reebock store, Puma store, and a Greg Norman store…none carried golf shoes. The filter was even more surprising…4 different electronic stores that carry the camera—no filters. Even the Canon store had no filters. I guess they are going on my list of things to buy on the next trip home (though I think I will find golf shoes before then).

Oman Am I Lost!

I took a road trip today. My plan was to drive to Al Ain, a desert oasis town about 90 mins inland and then continue into Oman--drive to the Indian Ocean and return to Dubai via the highway thru Hatta...seemed easy enough.

I made it to Al Ain easily enough and I drove up Jabel Hafeet because it was there. I then drove back down and headed towards Oman. I took the truck route rather than driving back in Al Ain and then to the border--may have been my first mistake. The truck route went thru an area of Camel Ranches (I guess they are called ranches?) and they were everywhere along the route. I finally arrived at the UAE checkpoint and showed my passport and paperwork for the car, was passed to the next station, which was immigration. Here I had to get out of the truck and go into the immigration building. The only 2 people in the building were two typists who took no interest in my arrival. I wandered around and verified they were the only 2 in the building. I walked up to the typist and asked if this is where I started the process. They acted like I wasn't even there. Finally, an official looking Emirati walked in and waved me towards the typist, who all of the sudden didn't mind paying attention to me. They typed, I paid 60 dhms, then walked to the window now occupied by the Emirati. He passed me thru, got back in my car and drove away. As I left the border station, I came to a Police checkpoint that looked empty, so I steered right and followed some trucks that looked like they knew where they were going--another mistake. Turns out I should have gone thru the police checkpoint which would have steered me towards the road that headed to the Indian Ocean. Ignorance is bliss though and I drove off into Oman. About 20km later I arrived at the Oman border station. I showed my passport and auto insurance showing Omani coverage; paid another 60 dhms (or 6 ROIs) for my visa, and I proceeded to the police checkpoint. At the police checkpoint, the officer asked me if I had room for 2 passengers (I should mention that this borderstation is in the middle of the Oman equivelant of Death Valley). I said 'sure' and 2 Omanis jumped in. They spoke no english and they couldn't show me on the map where they wanted to go, but we drove on--not like there were alot of options on the choice of wich road--there is only one road. They called a friend who spoke a little English and handed me the phone. I never did understand where he said they wanted to go; and I told him what my travel plans were. That was when he asked to talk to his friend again--who he probably told 'the stupid American doesn't know where the hell he is.' Not much was said after that. We drove on about 10 km and came to a military checkpoint--still in the middle of nowhere--and my passengers got out at the checkpoint. I drove about another 10 km and finally came to a road sign and traffic circle which offered the first clue that I may not be where I thought I was. After a few mins pouring over the map, I finally figured out where I was. The only way for me to reach the Indian Ocean would be to back track back into the UAE and correct my mistake or continue south for about 400kms to Muscat...neither option was palatable, so I turned right and headed to Mazyed to reenter the UAE and head back to Dubai.

Still a fun, interesting day...enjoy the pics

Somber 2009

Due to the anewed troubles in Gaza this week, Sheik Mo cancelled all New Years celebrations to show support for the Palestinians. Then on top of that, Sheik Rashid, the ruler of the Emirate of Umm Al Qaiwain passed away, so we are in the middle of 3 days of mourning--mostly noticeable by the dirges and classical music being played on all the radio stations.

Mission Accomplished!

In the words of our outgoing Commander-in-Chief, "Mission Accomplished." I guess to be technical, he never did actually say it, but he owned it. As for me, I will say 'Mission Accomplished!!!" I have my Toyota Tundra and it is legally prowling the streets of Dubai.

When I left for home on Dec 20th, for Christmas vacation, I was told that the truck would be clearing thru Customs on the 21st and would be delivered that afternoon. I paid the Customs Duty Tax ($1100) and I had my friend Rod handle the delivery. Well, no delivery on the 21st. Nothing on the 22nd. 23rd? Nope. I got a call on Christmas Eve from the Customs Broker, who explained to me that the container had gotten lost for 3 days. They had finally tracked it down and things would be moving ahead now. I told him I didn't know what Rod's schedule was and I would be home on the 27th. After work on the 27th, I dropped by broker's office and paid an additional $800 for storage charges, but I did see the Truck in the parking lot...dusty, but none the worse for the trip. Later that afternoon they delivered the Truck via flatbed; and a few hours later they delivered the boxes and other items that had been stored in the truck. I was still missing one piece of paperwork, and since the 28th was a public holiday (Arabic New Year), I would have to wait until the 29th to pick it up--and that turned into the 30th before he actually had it in hand at the office. It was a GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Clearance document.

When I saw the paper, I got a little concerned because at the bottom they had typed "cannot confirm that vehicle meets GCC Standards" Uh ohhh.

Well, I had my truck, but it had no plates, so I just parked the Beast in the parking garage.

Also, while all this was going on, I was still trying to nail down some Auto Insurance for the truck. I made a few inquiries, but the only company that seemed responsive was AXA. Since the truck is not sold in the Arabian Gulf, AXA said I needed to get a letter from Toyota saying spare parts were available. I got the letter. I also needed a 'no-claim' letter from my insurer in the USA, and I put that in motion. They finally sent me a quote...$300 for Liability only. They wouldn't provide Collision. Well, I went back to Toyota and asked who they used when they set up their buyers with insurance. I was given vague directions to a building in Deira (he mentioned Dnata, Nissan, Al Hiassum, third floor). Well, I had a general idea of where it was, so I drove down there, circled a couple blocks, I saw Nissan, I saw Dnata, I found a parking space, went into a Used Car dealership that was owned by the same company that owned the Toyota dealership and asked again about inusrance. He told me to walk a couple blocks past the Nissan dealer to the Al Hiassum building. I went up to the third floor and found the Arab Insurance office. After a couple inquiries, I found a lady who would talk to me. I explained what I needed and she took my paperwork and asked a couple fellow workers some things in Arabic. Then she asked for my Drivers License, took one look, and told me it was less than a year old and they couldn't insure me. Say what? I briefly tried to argue, but it was obvious that this was their way of saying they didn't want to deal with me. So I went back to AXA on the way home and paid for liability only. I will have to keep looking around for a comprehensive plan.

So, now I have the truck and all the paperwork, it's time to get the Beast street legal. Now, the RTA website says vehicles less than 2 yrs old don't need to be inspected. I wasn't sure, but I had a feeling that didn't apply to my truck. I drove down to the registration office and found out that, yes, I would have to bring the vehicle in for testing. So I called a towing service, they met me within 30 mins at my apartment and loaded up the truck. 200 dhms later the truck was offloaded at the testing center. The process was pretty painless. Get a number, drop the truck at a garage bay, wait 20 mins for your number to be called and get your inspection certificate. Then you take your paperwork to a typist, who types up your documentation in Arabic (15 dhm fee). Take another number and finally pay 400 dhm registration fee. Then you go to the plate factory (another desk) and get your plates. For 10 dhms they will fix the plates to your vehicle--the plates do not have holes for bolts. The 'fixer' taps holes with a screwdriver and hammer and screws on the plates.

I also went next door to the gas station and got a Salik toll card--called and activated it, and I declared myself 'street legal.' Mission Accomplished!!

Total cost was about $5500 USD. I had budgeted for about $4500, but the extra $800 storage costs kind of blew thru that. I blame the shipper in the US for that since the bungled the paperwork and caused the delay. I'm not thru with them, but I doubt I will get any satisfation other than reporting them to the BBB (which it looks like I will have to wait until I'm in the USA to do).

One last note that I classify as one of those minor details that you just never think about...I knew I would have trouble with the GPS system--I'm still trying to track down a DVD for the system with local maps; but one thing I didn't think abut was the radio. In the US, we use the odd numbered frequencies (99.1 99.3 99.5, etc); but here they use the even and the odd, so I can't receive Dubai 92.0 or COAST 103.2 or any other 'even' stations. I really only have 2 English language stations I can pick up. Virgin Radio has a satellite system that I think is available here--The line up isn't very extensive and I think it's only available as a hand held system--not for auto. I'm checking around to see if anyone at work is using it.

Also, after a couple months in the Yaris...the truck is huge!