June

I apologize. I've gotten a little slack on my blog. I've been here 8 months and I guess the new is wearing off Dubai and most days are getting pretty routine. Every now and then I still raise my eyebrows at something. I have also done a little travelling this month, so that gets in the way too. July will be no better.

The Dubai Mall has been screening a popular local kids cartoon called "Freej." It is being shown on a big screen with English subtitles, and there is a big pile of bean bag chairs for kids to sit on. I watched about 5 mins today and it was a little disturbing. The first line I saw said "Open the damn door!" The episode also dealt with characters possessed by different spirits, including ex-pats who wanted freehold property and executive positions. Of course, these demons were exorcised in due course. None of the kids seemed to be laughing, so I guess I'm wondering who the program is really aimed at. If you want to learn more go here.

Working at DXB, I do get to stroll the ramp just about everyday. It's getting pretty toasty these days and I'm just amazed that these guys can work on the ramp in this weather. I've been in the belly of a few planes and it heats up in a hurry when a plane is just sitting. Unlike ATL, the ramp workers in DXB don't wear shorts. Also, all the tugs have black seats and steering wheels and most have no cover over the seating area. Then again, when I worked summers on the ramp in Macon, GA it was one of the best jobs I ever had--hope that's what these guys at DXB are feeling.

So far, none of the big Middle Eastern airlines belong to any of the big code-share alliances. EgyptAir belongs to the Star Alliance; Royal Jordanian is OneWorld are the only 2 I have noticed. I wonder why no one has paired up with Emirates? (thought Emirates miles can be applied to United mileage plans). I wonder if it's Emirates resisting? Same for Etihad in Abu Dhabi. As for my SkyTeam, I do have a few choices. Delta, of course, but they are a one-trick pony. KLM can get me to the USA; so can Air France (absolutely the worst air line); Kenya Air gets me to Niarobi and other points in Africa; and China Southern can get me to China.

Rents have tumbled in Dubai. From the absolute peak when I signed my lease in November, rents have fallen almost 50%. I hope my landlord is in a dealing mood in the next couple months when I go to re-negotiate. I like my place here, but I'm not so much in love that I won't move--there are alot of nice places available around here. I will probably stay in the Downtown Burj Dubai area though.

I got Max an Omani flag for his collection. It was hand-tailored. It is also missing the official emblem from the red vertical panel. I guess I'm going to have to make a 3rd trip to Oman. That's ok, Muscat is on my short list of places to visit.

Being American, ice is a pretty important part of my diet. Usually, it's no problem to get ice in a drink when I am out and about--sometimes it's only one cube, but you can get ice. For home, forget icemakers, ice cube trays are too much hassle, so I purchase a bag of ice and keep it in the freezer. My freezer is pretty small, so it's pretty important to dedicate so much space to ice--it's that important! If you're curious, a large bag of ice cost 3.75aed (about a $1); pretty reasonable.

That's about all for June. It's gotten hot (105-110+) and the last couple days the humidity has kicked in--good time to get out of town for a few weeks.