Today a 6.2 earthquake hit Iran around 3:00ish and aftershocks were felt in Dubai and other northern UAE areas measuring around 4.8. Lisa was at the Dubai Community Theatre with Kaleigh and Ashlyn waiting on their first drama lesson to start. Dwayne was at work in Dubai's Internet City. We were all completely oblivious to the aftershocks that evidently forced evacuations of thousands of people from Dubai's high rises and office buildings here! Iran is very susceptible to earthquakes and they happen frequently there...just not to this magnitude. It's amazing that Dubai doesn't get the aftershocks more often...we are so close to Iran...barely a stone's throw! Maybe a little too close...
Just wanted to say that everyone here is fine. Ignorance IS bliss, after all!
9.10.2008
9.04.2008
Dubai Heat Jokes
You know...it's so hot here that you really have to have a sense of humor about it. While we could have made up most of these based on experience, a few of them came from a Phoenix, Arizona jokester. Seems as though Phoenix and Dubai have a lot in common...weather wise!
90% of the below statements are actually true and we have experienced them!
The potatoes cook underground, and all you have to do to have lunch is to pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper.
It is normal to take a soft-cooler bag to the grocery store for your cold/frozen items.
Long sleeves actually do make sense in the sun.
The trees are whistling for the dogs.
You no longer associate bridges with water.
You can say 113 degrees without fainting.
You can make instant sun tea.
You learn that a seat belt makes a pretty good branding iron.
The temperature drops below 95, you feel a bit chilly.
Even the water in the toilet is hot.
You would give anything to be able to splash cold water on your face. Can't get it from the faucet!
The 4 seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!
You discover that during June - September, it takes only 2 fingers to drive your car.
You discover that you can get a sunburn through your car window. Even at maximum legal tinting.
You notice the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
Hot water now comes out of both taps. You have hot water and hotter water.
It's noon in July, kids are on summer vacation, and not one person is out on the streets.
You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
If the swimming pool doesn't have a cooler, you don't want to get in it.
You break a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m. before work.
No one would dream of putting vinyl upholstery in a car or not having air conditioning because you would be seriously burned or possibly die.
You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
Your children ask what that wet stuff is on the windshield because they don't remember rain.
You never check the weather status...because it is always the same. Except for that rain on the windshield during January.
9.01.2008
Ramadan
Today marks the first day of Ramadan for Muslims around the world. For those of us who live in a Muslim country, it impacts us too. Each Muslim country treats non-Muslims differently - - as far as what is expected of us during Ramadan. Some do not expect us to fast since we do not observe the Holiday. In the United Arab Emirates, non-Muslims must observe the fasting schedule in public. Wherever you are, there are aspects of Ramadan that you can celebrate as well, whether you are Muslim or not.
In Dubai, the next month for Muslims and non-Muslims alike can be a tough one. With temperatures soaring into the 110-115 degree range (43-47 C), frequent intake of water is essential. During Ramadan, no one (including us) is allowed to eat, drink, chew gum, etc. in public from dawn until sunset.
This means very few restaurants are open and most businesses have reduced working hours. The restaurants that are open offer take-away (take-out) only. But don't eat that meal in your car...you can get arrested. You must wait (for non-Muslims) until you are in your own home before eating. Many non-Muslim women typically have bottles of water in their purses which can be consumed in a dressing room or other "private" area such as a restroom stall. Also, if you purchase food items at a store, you must carry them in a bag that does not show the contents. Last year, Lisa was completely unaware of this rule and was guilty of walking across the street with a bottle of Diet Pepsi. She noticed the stares of some passersby and Dwayne graciously educated her on the "rule." Having this bottle of uncovered Diet Pepsi is a temptation to Muslims and is also a sign of disrespect.
Now, the above rules regarding eating and drinking do not affect children. While age ranges vary, most Muslims consider the age of 10 as the age when they can start fasting.
Many non-Muslims here use this month as a period in which they try to purify themselves physically and emotionally - whether through diet, prayer, or other means. Many Christian churches around the world have a specified prayer schedule (including ours) of certain things to focus on during this month.
Lisa has chosen to give up all sweets this month...even mints and juices. Gum is still on the menu, however. Just not in public.
Just for fun...here are some Ramadan ads. It's commercialized, also.
Burger King: http://www.thedubailife.com/images/RamadanBK.jpg
Coke: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2353/2085301152_3177151086.jpg?v=0
Lexus: http://www.thedubailife.com/images/ramadan_ad_lexus.jpg
McDonald's: http://www.thedubailife.com/images/macramadanad.jpg
Pepsi: http://smile93.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/pepsi-001.JPG
In Dubai, the next month for Muslims and non-Muslims alike can be a tough one. With temperatures soaring into the 110-115 degree range (43-47 C), frequent intake of water is essential. During Ramadan, no one (including us) is allowed to eat, drink, chew gum, etc. in public from dawn until sunset.
This means very few restaurants are open and most businesses have reduced working hours. The restaurants that are open offer take-away (take-out) only. But don't eat that meal in your car...you can get arrested. You must wait (for non-Muslims) until you are in your own home before eating. Many non-Muslim women typically have bottles of water in their purses which can be consumed in a dressing room or other "private" area such as a restroom stall. Also, if you purchase food items at a store, you must carry them in a bag that does not show the contents. Last year, Lisa was completely unaware of this rule and was guilty of walking across the street with a bottle of Diet Pepsi. She noticed the stares of some passersby and Dwayne graciously educated her on the "rule." Having this bottle of uncovered Diet Pepsi is a temptation to Muslims and is also a sign of disrespect.
Now, the above rules regarding eating and drinking do not affect children. While age ranges vary, most Muslims consider the age of 10 as the age when they can start fasting.
Many non-Muslims here use this month as a period in which they try to purify themselves physically and emotionally - whether through diet, prayer, or other means. Many Christian churches around the world have a specified prayer schedule (including ours) of certain things to focus on during this month.
Lisa has chosen to give up all sweets this month...even mints and juices. Gum is still on the menu, however. Just not in public.
Just for fun...here are some Ramadan ads. It's commercialized, also.
Burger King: http://www.thedubailife.com/images/RamadanBK.jpg
Coke: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2353/2085301152_3177151086.jpg?v=0
Lexus: http://www.thedubailife.com/images/ramadan_ad_lexus.jpg
McDonald's: http://www.thedubailife.com/images/macramadanad.jpg
Pepsi: http://smile93.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/pepsi-001.JPG
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