heartstrings 43.0: the joys of Abu Dhabi life... except not

I've had a lot of time to think about the summer ahead and leaving the Doo-ville for 6 weeks. There are things that I will miss whilst away but there are definitely things I will not miss. At work last week, I compiled a list of things I will not be seeing in the US of A (or even the UK for that matter) and this weekend in Dubai, I added to that last. And on my way to work this morning... another addition.

So without further adieu, the top things I will not be seeing in the summer of 2013:

• stop signs being optional 
• crossing 4 lanes of traffic in a split second to make a left (or right) turn at an intersection
• driving against traffic down the wrong side of the road
• reversing in the middle of the road - or highway for that matter
• full stops in the middle of a busy road
• bump driving
• going 20 km/h over the speed limit so that you can stay alive
• flashing lights in your rear view mirror so the car behind you doesn't have to stop going a bizillion miles an hour
• hearing some impatient soul blow their horn the instant the light turns green
• drag race starts off of a green light so you don't get hit from behind (or beeped at)
• passing on the shoulder because people can't be bothered to put their foot on the break until you have time to get over 
• someone honking their horn for a Starbucks worker to come out to their car (that is parked in the middle of the street and behind parked cars) so they can have their order taken. 
• someone else pumping the petrol into your car or serving your coffee at the petrol station 
• refunds not being optional (you are lucky to get your money back in this country)
• when you use your turn signal it ensures the person behind you in the lane you would like to merge into will automatically speed up so you can not get over. 
• no car washes during your mall/grocery store excursions
• snapping of fingers to get service of any kind from people
• sun visors in the back windshield of someone's car
• honking of the horn for literally 30 seconds - 1 minute in a parking garage because someone is taking "too long" to get into their car/move their car
• children not wearing seat belts - anywhere and at any speed.
• looking back in your rear view mirror and spotting a toddler driving the car with daddy 
• waiting hours at the bank just to see the teller 
• nobody's job will be to bring/make tea for anyone at their job
• I will have to push my own elevator buttons
• preparing to turn at a light with two turning lanes and seeing a car/truck doing a u-turn from the outer turning lane (they should be u-turning from the inner lane) 
• a sweets/candy/ice cream shop everywhere you walk
• a phone/data refill card 
• SAND/sandstorms
• screaming children in malls/stores and their parents just walking away or ignoring them

Heartstrings 42.0: African celebrations!

Happy Monday, y'all! It's my last working Monday in the UAE... woo-hoo!

This past weekend I had my last trip to Dubai before heading back home to celebrate a friend's birthday... African style. After much teeter-tottering with what to wear to this themed birthday celebration, I finally found a maxi dress at New Look the day before the festivities.

Jo is a wonderful planner, I must say... everything from the invitation (which was laid out in three acts with descriptions) to the events and attire.

Act I: Tribes (African cuisine) located inside the Mall of the Emirates. It was hard to select a dish to devour in this place because everything sounded so wonderful. In the end, I decided upon the 1/2 Equatorial Chicken with herb roasted potatoes and it was ah-mazing! The flavors and tenderness of the meat were out of this world. I know everyone who ate was extremely satisfied with their meal - all 11 or 12 of us.

We arrived around 4:00 and didn't leave until 7:00... conversation was good amongst the mix of Jo's friends. After finishing up our eating, the restaurant had a little birthday celebration for Mama Afrika (as we called Jo). It was tons of fun! They beat the drums, yelled, and danced for several minutes (hope the video works below - it's about 2:30 minutes of awesomeness). They really got into it and it made Cathy and I really want to go to Africa - which I will one day.

They gave her a wonderful looking cake and after splitting the bill; we left to head over to the Madinat Jumeriah for an African music show. On our way back to my car, Jo turned a lot of heads... every step she took, her skirt would flow back and make it look like she was gliding on the floor. She literally was like an African Queen; so Cathy and I walked behind her and declared ourselves to be her royal subjects - or Princesses :)

having some H20 outside and enjoying the view of the Madinat Jumeriah and the Burj al Arab hotel (if you look closely, you can see the helicopter landing pad on the top of the hotel).

Act 2: Under African Skies located in the Madinat Jumeriah

This show was a wonderful mix of all the music South Africa has and mixed with the cultural/societal/political events that have occurred over the past 60-70 years. The performers seemed to really love what they were doing, which makes the experience even better. Their faces were full of delight and pride for their country as they danced and sung their hearts out. The faces and hand motions were such fun to watch... there is something really special and almost serene about watching these dancers perform. I learned a lot about their culture and hardships the country has faced throughout this narrated song and dance performance.

Interesting tidbit: did you know that the song, 'Wimoweh,' ('The Lion Sleeps Tonight' from the Lion King) was a huge hit back in the 40s - it sold around 100,000 copies and then the South African writer sold the rights for 10 shillings (which at the time was around $2.00). That's crazy to think about... $2 and look at how far it went!

After the cast performed their encore... we hit up Starbucks for a late night pick me up. The girls were heading on to Act 3 at the Media One hotel to dance the morning away to a DJ that was playing some African Beats... this gal was headed back to Abu Dhabi that night, so we parted ways. But before leaving the souk, we ran into the cast of Under African Skies as they were snacking on some ice cream. They were so gracious and nice, genuine people to stick around and talk to us and take pictures with us (as I'm sure they were exhausted... even though they said they weren't).

One thing's for certain after watching this performance, I realized how stuck we are in America of our own culture and interests that we don't take the time to really get to experience the joy that other countries have to offer. These people are enjoying their theater experience as they get to travel around the world and share their love and their country with other people. They're not in it for the fame and fortune, but for the sheer love of what they do and their country. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have been given while over here to really experience the world and the people in it.