dragons' taxi

Most of the taxi drivers that I’ve come across in Dubai are from Pakistan, with a large proportion coming from the North West frontier province. I always make an effort to engage with the driver, it helps to pass the journey and also is a factor in if they deserve a tip or not.

I feel like one of the dragons from dragons den, stroking my beard whilst listening to the drivers perspective on the weather, politics, or sports. Thinking if they deserve a tip, or is it the case that “I’m out” and they only get the exact fare.

Sandstorm

Experienced sandstorms today in Dubai, strong gusty winds just descended on the city from nowhere bringing carnage and mayhem. As I was walking back to my apartment the visibility at 1pm was below 100m.

The gale force winds made walking a challenge and the fine sand particles were blowing everywhere. My face was sandblasted, it really feels worn out and rugged now. The youthful looks are weathering away with the extreme and rugged climate of the desert.

My laundry also got hit, with my clothes all strewn across the floor covered in dust and dirt as the clothes drying racks took a tumble. Fortunately the ultra strong pegs managed to keep my boxer shorts from flying off. Can you imagine that? The Basant kite flying festival in Dubai but with chaddis !

The ultra fine sand and dust even managed to work its way into my wallet, now that’s a first…

Dark side of the Dubai dream

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12246979

material world

Dubai is a paradoxical place, the tallest building, the biggest shopping malls, definitely the blingiest capital of the world. Yet despite all the wealth, the flash cars, the glitz and the glamour you see real extremes in every day life.

In the last fortnight I’ve come across three cases of people coming up to me and asking for money, they all appear to be in a desperate situation. Their fraught faces and despondent eyes express a very distressing image, I offer them whatever help I can, and in the process appreciate how fortunate I am.

In a materialistic society where we are constantly striving for more, more & even more it’s worth remembering and helping those who not so privileged.

Beirut Bomb

Went for a shish tawook at a Lebanese restaurant in Dubai and it was a culinary delight, absolutely succulent and tasty.

One hour later I’m sitting in the metro train and suddenly stomach cramps start, I can sense a bomb ticking off in my gut. HELP  GET ME OUT OF HERE !!!

Three more stops to go, and I’m adopting the brace position ready for an emergency landing. The journey now goes into slow motion, every second feels like a minute, every minute like an hour. This is so painful, I’m in agony now, the Beirut Bomb is about to go off, getting back to my apartment is mission impossible.

I’m at my physical limits, but mentally the hero inside me manages to focus and gets me home just in time………….

It doesn't matter If you're black or white

My hair was growing out of control, unless I applied the super mega strong hair gel to hold it down it was defying gravity and beginning to look like a very bad afro. So decided that it’s time to head down town to Bur Dubai and get a hair cut from a traditional desi barbers shop.

Walking down Musalla Street I counted over a dozen barbers shops within a distance of 100 yards, this was clearly going to be a case of playing Russian Roulette with my hair & the barbers shop.  I decided to go for the pragmatic approach and choose the busiest shop, this surely must be the best? I mean it’s like asking the audience on who wants to be a millionaire.

                                                   

Once I was in the shop and firmly seated in the big leather seat it transpired to me that the people in the store were not actually customers but partaking in a community meeting. Overhead the tv blared out bollywood videos and the politics of the world were being discussed in this little shop.

However what really shocked me was the chap seated to my right, he was a Sri Lankan gentleman with a very dark complexion. Jet Black is probably a shade too light for him, and he was happily sitting back with a face mask on. I enquired as to the nature of the mask, was this to clear out his blackheads?  not that anyone would notice them. The barber replied no, it was skin lightening cream.

Looking up at the shelves it all made sense, the multicoloured jars of creams, lotions & potions gave it an appearance of a candy shop. This was a modern day barbers shop catering for the personal grooming needs of the metrosexual man living in Dubai. That's all fine and good, but the colour lightening is damn crazy, I mean it doesn't matter If you're black or white. just be yourself……..having said that next weekend I think I’ll work on my tan.

Bachelor on the beach

Every morning I look out of my apartment window and see the beautiful Arabian gulf shores, so decided it's about time I visited Jumeirah beach.  I packed my digital camera and took a taxi to Jumeirah beach park, it's a fantastic park surrounded with gardens, play areas, bbq areas, picnic tables and a lovely sandy beach.

 With my chappals in my hand, trousers rolled up, I was casually strolling across the white sandy beach heading towards the calm waters of the Arabian gulf when I heard a loud whistle go off. Looking back I noticed that the life guard was calling me back.

What ever could be the matter, I thought to myself...I mean  my camera was safely stored away as no beach photography is permitted. I was doing nothing wrong, just minding my own business. what  possibly could he want ?

Well to my suprise I learnt that bachelors (UAE terminology for men on their own) and not permitted on the beach unless they are wearing swimming trunks, and then they have to be in the sea. So either I needed to fly my family over or buy a pair of swimming trunks. I played the Borat part again..."I am-a Brit, I'm-a new in town, I like-a you" and it worked. I was allowed to paddle in the sea and was told that I could come back at 07:00 any morning to take photos on the beach  too.

Now off to buy some speeodo's.