Have this tune in my head right now. I think it's akin to some little kid tune. The words to that tune in my head are "I'm coming ho-ome for Christmas." ("home" having two syllabus in this little ditty.)
Technically, I should have to be on the job a bit longer to take vacation days. But when I negotiated my contract, I said that I needed to be able to take off the last two weeks in December. They said yes. Really would have been a dealbreaker for me.
I love Christmas, and wanted to be home for that if possible. But most importantly, next week is Tim and my 25th wedding anniversary, and we absolutely were determined that we spend it together.
Tim and I had talked about doing something significant for such a big-number-year. Rent a cabin in the mountains for a few days and invite friends along was one idea. A trip somewhere was another idea. We have sort of made staying at the Mission Inn in Riverside for our anniversary a tradition these past few years, and thought about renting several rooms and inviting friends and family to experience the place with us. (If you haven't checked the Mission Inn out, at least check out their website to get an idea of just how many lights and decor they put up for Christmas. We recommend visiting during the week, as the weekend brings far more people out to see the place, whether it's a quick walk through or staying the night.)
As you can imagine, the big thing for this anniversary ended up being me coming home from Abu Dhabi. Will be wonderful to see Tim again, and super to see the pups. The pups already get excited when someone comes home even after just a short trip out of the house (Taicho with his full body wiggle, and Suki wagging her tail like crazy with a stuffed animal hanging out of her mouth.) So we're guessing it should quite the reaction when they see me on Friday night.
I just ran to the closest Souk to grab a couple of additional gifts. Outside the main entrance where cars pull up for valet, they have placed a large Christmas tree, covered with lights and ornaments, and oversized packages at the bottom of the tree. Smart of them -- Christmas is not a tradition to the country, but it is to the many of the Expats living here. Made me smile, and eager to be at home. Tim got a real tree and it's up, along with the garland on the outside of the house. Yay!
Now, please wish me well as I travel many many hours in coach tomorrow!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Time at the beach plus some Christmas shopping
In spite of the fact that the UAE is an Islamic country, you can find Christmas decor in many locations. With so many Expats living here, it really shouldn't be a surprise. But somehow (at least to me) it is a pleasant surprise everytime I run into Christmas decor. (Not literally run into, which is a good thing ...)
Saturday the 8th I was determined to finish my Christmas shopping. Ever since I arrived here, I knew that I wanted to find gifts from the UAE for our families. And since I'm on a plane to California on the 14th, this was my last weekend day to get that done.
But I also wanted mellow time as well.
So in the morning I headed down to the Corniche. Parked in a lot along the Corniche road, at 32nd street. (Friday and holiday parking is free, as Friday is a holy day here in the UAE; but even if you pay the meter as I did on Saturday, it is only 2 dirhams an hour ... that's just over 50 cents an hour. Cool.)
I had driven by the beaches, but had not gone on them yet. There are family beaches, where solo men are not allowed. (As a male, on the family beaches you have to be with your kids or with a woman, such as wife or sister or girlfriend, etc.) There are beaches that men can go to if they are solo.
I made my way across the Corniche roadway, and to one of the family beaches. It's 10 dirhams ($2.72 USD) to gain access to the beach. There is a ticket seller and security guard. The security guard business here is HUGE. If you want, you can use a lounge chair, large umbrella and small side table for 25 dirhams ($6.80 USD); you pay an employee after you pick out your chair, and he opens up the umbrella and situates the chair depending on if you want sun or shade. I opted for shade.
The beach has beautiful sand, and lies along a protected waterway. Swimming occurs within the buoys. Outside the buoys, a common site is water skiing and jet skiing. The water was a bit cooler than the last beach I visited (I'll refer you to the blog post where we took Grover to a beach). I enjoyed a blissful couple of hours, reading a book on my tablet. (I have a mix of serious and brain candy books going, as always. For today at the beach, opted for brain candy.)
I'll have to find another beach and water area where I can take photos; not allowed on this particular beach. (Photography is a bit more restrictive here; lots of government owned property, and, a sensitivity to privacy ... at least that is my understanding.)
Then I was ready for some Christmas gift shopping. I have been wanting to find gifts that are made here in the UAE. There are many stores that carry goods from India, Turkey, and some other countries, with lovely items for sale. But I really wanted something from here. I had done some research, and learned of the Khalifa Fund, which helps women earn an income through their hand crafted goods. I read that some of those goods were sold at the Central Souk ... so I went looking. I finally came upon this small canopy, akin to kiosks we find in malls, but smaller and more organic so to speak, and it was the place selling these hand crafted goods. The women receive the money for the sale of what they have made, and there are beautiful woven items, some with camel leather as part of the design. Success in my shopping ... finding some beautiful and unique items, and supporting this wonderful government initiative that empowers the women who make the items. The items even have tags that list the name of the person who made them, which is a lovely personal touch.
All in all, a nice way to spend the day.
Saturday the 8th I was determined to finish my Christmas shopping. Ever since I arrived here, I knew that I wanted to find gifts from the UAE for our families. And since I'm on a plane to California on the 14th, this was my last weekend day to get that done.
But I also wanted mellow time as well.
So in the morning I headed down to the Corniche. Parked in a lot along the Corniche road, at 32nd street. (Friday and holiday parking is free, as Friday is a holy day here in the UAE; but even if you pay the meter as I did on Saturday, it is only 2 dirhams an hour ... that's just over 50 cents an hour. Cool.)
I had driven by the beaches, but had not gone on them yet. There are family beaches, where solo men are not allowed. (As a male, on the family beaches you have to be with your kids or with a woman, such as wife or sister or girlfriend, etc.) There are beaches that men can go to if they are solo.
I made my way across the Corniche roadway, and to one of the family beaches. It's 10 dirhams ($2.72 USD) to gain access to the beach. There is a ticket seller and security guard. The security guard business here is HUGE. If you want, you can use a lounge chair, large umbrella and small side table for 25 dirhams ($6.80 USD); you pay an employee after you pick out your chair, and he opens up the umbrella and situates the chair depending on if you want sun or shade. I opted for shade.
The beach has beautiful sand, and lies along a protected waterway. Swimming occurs within the buoys. Outside the buoys, a common site is water skiing and jet skiing. The water was a bit cooler than the last beach I visited (I'll refer you to the blog post where we took Grover to a beach). I enjoyed a blissful couple of hours, reading a book on my tablet. (I have a mix of serious and brain candy books going, as always. For today at the beach, opted for brain candy.)
I'll have to find another beach and water area where I can take photos; not allowed on this particular beach. (Photography is a bit more restrictive here; lots of government owned property, and, a sensitivity to privacy ... at least that is my understanding.)
Then I was ready for some Christmas gift shopping. I have been wanting to find gifts that are made here in the UAE. There are many stores that carry goods from India, Turkey, and some other countries, with lovely items for sale. But I really wanted something from here. I had done some research, and learned of the Khalifa Fund, which helps women earn an income through their hand crafted goods. I read that some of those goods were sold at the Central Souk ... so I went looking. I finally came upon this small canopy, akin to kiosks we find in malls, but smaller and more organic so to speak, and it was the place selling these hand crafted goods. The women receive the money for the sale of what they have made, and there are beautiful woven items, some with camel leather as part of the design. Success in my shopping ... finding some beautiful and unique items, and supporting this wonderful government initiative that empowers the women who make the items. The items even have tags that list the name of the person who made them, which is a lovely personal touch.
All in all, a nice way to spend the day.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Witnessing national pride in two different countries
The reason I was in D.C. was for a NASPA Board meeting.
(If you're not familiar, that's a national professional organization for folks who work in Student Services / Student Affairs in higher education). I'm on the board, chairing the Community College Division.
It was great to see my NASPA colleagues. They are smart, energetic, fun, and so committed to making things better for fellow professionals and for students.
At one point during one of our meeting days, some of us had an hour break. Three of us decided fresh air sounded good. The NASPA office is very close to Union Station, and close to the Capitol. So we bundled up and took a walk, and ended up going all the way 'round the Capitol building.
I have been to D.C. before, and walked around this same area. And I love it every time.
As we walked around the parameter of the building, a large area was fenced off. Coming around the side that faces the Washington Monument, I could see the reason it was fenced off was that they were setting up the stands and risers for the Inauguration. It was simply so cool to see that. To picture the President taking the oath of office, and knowing that the Mall will be completely filled with people, well I found it exciting.
And now spending some time living outside of the United States, just like when I was able to vote here in Abu Dhabi in October, it just feels different, almost more special. To come back to the States, to walk in our nation's Capitol, to vote when you're across the Atlantic and then some, to stay connected becomes a need, it just feels necessary. (And for some reason using the words "need" and "necessary" in that sentence does not feel redundant.)
Another factor might be the experience of witnessing another country celebrate their founding, and to do so with such pride and exuberance.
While I was in D.C., the UAE was celebrating its 41st National Day. Seems ironic to me that my temporary residence is celebrating its founding at the same time I'm in a U.S. location that demonstrates our founding as a nation.
The UAE completely embraces its forming as a nation. I've never seen bigger flags (of the country) draping houses and office buildings, more rope lights hung from buildings, more decor on cars and on bridges and inside buildings. Red, white, black and green everywhere; pins and other depictions of the seven sheiks who came together; photos of the current president. It's something to behold. Schools -- I am sure every school -- does something special. To spread it out, celebrations happen throughout the week leading to National Day, and through the actual National Day. It is quite profound to witness such a collective passion and celebration. I would say it is very much like our 4th of July. And to think that it's an even younger country than the U.S., it's heartwarming to understand how seven emirates came together such a short time ago and have done so much already to modernize and build infrastructure for the long term.
While I appreciate the UAE's celebration, it also makes me all the more enamored and proud of my own country, and hope that in spite of the time difference I'll be able to watch the inauguration. Am sure the CNN and MSNBC channels here will be showing it.
(If you're not familiar, that's a national professional organization for folks who work in Student Services / Student Affairs in higher education). I'm on the board, chairing the Community College Division.
It was great to see my NASPA colleagues. They are smart, energetic, fun, and so committed to making things better for fellow professionals and for students.
At one point during one of our meeting days, some of us had an hour break. Three of us decided fresh air sounded good. The NASPA office is very close to Union Station, and close to the Capitol. So we bundled up and took a walk, and ended up going all the way 'round the Capitol building.
I have been to D.C. before, and walked around this same area. And I love it every time.
As we walked around the parameter of the building, a large area was fenced off. Coming around the side that faces the Washington Monument, I could see the reason it was fenced off was that they were setting up the stands and risers for the Inauguration. It was simply so cool to see that. To picture the President taking the oath of office, and knowing that the Mall will be completely filled with people, well I found it exciting.
And now spending some time living outside of the United States, just like when I was able to vote here in Abu Dhabi in October, it just feels different, almost more special. To come back to the States, to walk in our nation's Capitol, to vote when you're across the Atlantic and then some, to stay connected becomes a need, it just feels necessary. (And for some reason using the words "need" and "necessary" in that sentence does not feel redundant.)
Another factor might be the experience of witnessing another country celebrate their founding, and to do so with such pride and exuberance.
While I was in D.C., the UAE was celebrating its 41st National Day. Seems ironic to me that my temporary residence is celebrating its founding at the same time I'm in a U.S. location that demonstrates our founding as a nation.
The UAE completely embraces its forming as a nation. I've never seen bigger flags (of the country) draping houses and office buildings, more rope lights hung from buildings, more decor on cars and on bridges and inside buildings. Red, white, black and green everywhere; pins and other depictions of the seven sheiks who came together; photos of the current president. It's something to behold. Schools -- I am sure every school -- does something special. To spread it out, celebrations happen throughout the week leading to National Day, and through the actual National Day. It is quite profound to witness such a collective passion and celebration. I would say it is very much like our 4th of July. And to think that it's an even younger country than the U.S., it's heartwarming to understand how seven emirates came together such a short time ago and have done so much already to modernize and build infrastructure for the long term.
While I appreciate the UAE's celebration, it also makes me all the more enamored and proud of my own country, and hope that in spite of the time difference I'll be able to watch the inauguration. Am sure the CNN and MSNBC channels here will be showing it.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Weather is a relative thing
If you've spent time in Southern California, you know that there are really only a couple of seasons. Temperatures usually range from warm to cool (versus blazing hot and freezing cold). This past summer, we had a longer stretch of hot in August and September. And really cold to us is when the caytime temperature dips into the 50's in the winter months.
Here in Abu Dhabi, there is blazing hot and warm. I've been told by so many people (including Emiratis that grew up here!) that summer is beyond belief. I understand that at one point last August it hit about 130 degrees. Add in the heat index (humidity because of the Gulf), and you're talking 150 degrees. It is oppressive, by all descriptions.
Funny, for many years I swore (swore!) that I'd never move back to the heat and the desert. I grew up in Arizona, and I thought THAT was hot. So what do I do? Say yes to 15 months in Abu Dhabi. I am sure that come July and August I will be writing about the joys of air conditioning. So when you have that extreme, and the temps get into the 60's at night (as they are now) with a breeze off the water, you start to see people in sweaters and jackets. Me, I'm sitting on the beach under an umbrella with cropped pants and a short sleeved shirt.
So imagine how bundled up I was in Washington D.C., when the weather was ranging from 40's and low 50's last week. Was a fun change to me. Helped that it stayed sunny and we didn't have to deal with getting wet and soggy.
I had Tim bring me sweaters, gloves and my winter hat. From my sister Annie I borrowed scarves and fleece-lined jackets. Unless I end up travelling to some place cold in Europe, there is just no need for me to be hauling heavy cold-weather clothing 8437 miles.
But after my trip home to California the last two weeks of December, I am bringing some work clothes that I thought would be too warm to wear here. Because my brother wasn't kidding when he talked about how cold some of the air conditioning can be. And darned if it doesn't feel like there's a nip in the air here in the mornings and evenings.
It's all relative.
Come December 14th when I'm home for a bit, I'll probably be bundled up, and neighbors will wonder why I think it's so cold! Natives will roll their eyes and think "tourist".
Here in Abu Dhabi, there is blazing hot and warm. I've been told by so many people (including Emiratis that grew up here!) that summer is beyond belief. I understand that at one point last August it hit about 130 degrees. Add in the heat index (humidity because of the Gulf), and you're talking 150 degrees. It is oppressive, by all descriptions.
Funny, for many years I swore (swore!) that I'd never move back to the heat and the desert. I grew up in Arizona, and I thought THAT was hot. So what do I do? Say yes to 15 months in Abu Dhabi. I am sure that come July and August I will be writing about the joys of air conditioning. So when you have that extreme, and the temps get into the 60's at night (as they are now) with a breeze off the water, you start to see people in sweaters and jackets. Me, I'm sitting on the beach under an umbrella with cropped pants and a short sleeved shirt.
So imagine how bundled up I was in Washington D.C., when the weather was ranging from 40's and low 50's last week. Was a fun change to me. Helped that it stayed sunny and we didn't have to deal with getting wet and soggy.
I had Tim bring me sweaters, gloves and my winter hat. From my sister Annie I borrowed scarves and fleece-lined jackets. Unless I end up travelling to some place cold in Europe, there is just no need for me to be hauling heavy cold-weather clothing 8437 miles.
But after my trip home to California the last two weeks of December, I am bringing some work clothes that I thought would be too warm to wear here. Because my brother wasn't kidding when he talked about how cold some of the air conditioning can be. And darned if it doesn't feel like there's a nip in the air here in the mornings and evenings.
It's all relative.
Come December 14th when I'm home for a bit, I'll probably be bundled up, and neighbors will wonder why I think it's so cold! Natives will roll their eyes and think "tourist".
Friday, December 7, 2012
Day one in Washington D.C.
As I signed off in my previous post, it was so great to see Tim last weekend.
I had a NASPA board meeting in Washington D.C. (We have three in-person meetings every year, the rest are via conference call. The November/December meeting is always in D.C. at the NASPA offices.)
Tim and I timed our flights so that we arrived almost the same time into Reagan Airport, as well as left about the same time. (It's a smaller airport than Dulles, and about 5 miles from my sister's house, versus a ride of about 45 minutes to/from Dulles.) Tim arrived right before me, and was waiting in the non-ticketed area. Wonderful. Almost surreal after a two month separation.
I try to truly appreciate the instant communication we have these days. With Skype, we can talk and see each other. And emails are wonderfully convenient. And not that hand written letters aren't a lovely thing (thanks Tina!), as there is something extraordinary these days about the care and time taken to put pen to paper and write down thoughts, and then get that note in the mail. But I shudder at the thought of my computer going haywire and losing that technology tether!
Somehow, I wasn't as wonky as I thought I would be with jet lag. And thank goodness for that. We arrived Tuesday evening, and Wednesday was my planned day for padding, in case my body clock was backwards. Did wake up way too early on Wednesday, but managed the day without walking into any walls ;-) Tim and I had visited National Cathedral before, but he wanted to take more photos.
I absolutely love gothic cathedrals. The builders' tribute to God, reaching toward the sky; the light that makes the interior absolutely glow and shimmer when the sun streams through the colored glass; the vaulted ceilings and the flying buttresses ... for whatever reason they take my breath away. And bonus is when we visit a cathedral (anywhere) and music accompanies the visit. This time, one of the organist talked about the pipe organ and then played three different pieces. I had to sit and bask in the glow of both the colors on display and the music filling the space.
I will snag some photos from Tim and share them in another blog post. (Why I didn't download some from him when his computer was right next to mine, is a minor mystery.)
On a funny note, and tied to my earlier comment about technology ... at one point Tim and I were both on our laptops in different rooms at my sister's house, taking care of whatever ... and I hear the now-familiar Skype tune that someone is calling in. It's Tim. I cracked up, and so did my sister. Tim says it was a Pavlovian response -- that he saw I was online and went for the Skype icon.
I had a NASPA board meeting in Washington D.C. (We have three in-person meetings every year, the rest are via conference call. The November/December meeting is always in D.C. at the NASPA offices.)
Tim and I timed our flights so that we arrived almost the same time into Reagan Airport, as well as left about the same time. (It's a smaller airport than Dulles, and about 5 miles from my sister's house, versus a ride of about 45 minutes to/from Dulles.) Tim arrived right before me, and was waiting in the non-ticketed area. Wonderful. Almost surreal after a two month separation.
I try to truly appreciate the instant communication we have these days. With Skype, we can talk and see each other. And emails are wonderfully convenient. And not that hand written letters aren't a lovely thing (thanks Tina!), as there is something extraordinary these days about the care and time taken to put pen to paper and write down thoughts, and then get that note in the mail. But I shudder at the thought of my computer going haywire and losing that technology tether!
Somehow, I wasn't as wonky as I thought I would be with jet lag. And thank goodness for that. We arrived Tuesday evening, and Wednesday was my planned day for padding, in case my body clock was backwards. Did wake up way too early on Wednesday, but managed the day without walking into any walls ;-) Tim and I had visited National Cathedral before, but he wanted to take more photos.
I absolutely love gothic cathedrals. The builders' tribute to God, reaching toward the sky; the light that makes the interior absolutely glow and shimmer when the sun streams through the colored glass; the vaulted ceilings and the flying buttresses ... for whatever reason they take my breath away. And bonus is when we visit a cathedral (anywhere) and music accompanies the visit. This time, one of the organist talked about the pipe organ and then played three different pieces. I had to sit and bask in the glow of both the colors on display and the music filling the space.
I will snag some photos from Tim and share them in another blog post. (Why I didn't download some from him when his computer was right next to mine, is a minor mystery.)
On a funny note, and tied to my earlier comment about technology ... at one point Tim and I were both on our laptops in different rooms at my sister's house, taking care of whatever ... and I hear the now-familiar Skype tune that someone is calling in. It's Tim. I cracked up, and so did my sister. Tim says it was a Pavlovian response -- that he saw I was online and went for the Skype icon.
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