Rain, Rain Go Away...

As mentioned in a previous post, it does rain in the desert. November-February tend to be the wetter months, but random storms are known to occur outside of the 'winter' months. I snapped these shots several weeks ago (using my mobile camera) when the UAE was hit with a series of rainstorms that our storm sewers simply couldn't accommodate. I was on my way home from work, and couldn't believe the amount of standing water.



Later that same evening, there was so much water in the Khalidiya part of town that parked sedans were victims of the 'wake' caused by moving traffic. Many of them had water splashing midway up the door.



My students reacted to the rain much the way kids in the U.S. respond to snow. They were happy to dance around and enjoy it while it lasted.



This man made-do with whatever was handy. The poor guy was splashed repeatedly by passing traffic.

A Thursday Night at the Captain's Arse

Well, that's how a friend of mine refers to The Captain's Arms, a local pub that's jumping once the weather turns cooler in Abu Dhabi. Like almost all liquor-serving establishments, it's located in a hotel (private clubs can serve, as well). These photos, taken with my camera phone after a few tasty pints, are of a 3 man band that starts in the Italian restaurant directly beside the Captain's Arms (Papagallo's) and eventually wanders over to pub's customers playing pretty much any song you request. Give them a 20 or 30 dirhams, and they'll hang around your table for a few extra songs.

The Dune Buggy

Oh, how the 'kids' love these! They zip, they zoom, and they generally annoy...especially if you're in the desert and trying to keep your activity of duning a safe one. I posted a cooler dune buggy shot here.

Though it's not Abu Dhabi...

I felt it worthy of a post. These photos were taken by my mother in Ohio. If you haven't seen the stories, the east coast of the US (all the way down to Florida) has been hit with record-breaking lows, while up north they've been dumped on with snow. My parents live in what Great Lakes folks like to call the snow belt. These photos are evidence of the snow belt.


Those are deck chairs and table covered in snow.

Springtime in Seattle

...it's not, but the weather last Saturday certainly felt like it. It rained on and off, and air was damp. I shivered in my fleece!


Entering Wadi Madbah in Oman

The day started when we left Abu Dhabi city for Al Ain (a town over 100 km from Abu Dhabi city but still located in the emirate) and crossed the UAE border at an Omani town called Buraimi. The goal of Saturday's trip? Wadi bashing. These dried up riverbeds (mostly dried up and sometimes prone to flash flooding) make for a bumpy ride, but the scenery is a pleasant break from the desert and sea. While the photo of my car shown above is on a passable stretch of land for most sedans, the rest of this wadi, named Wadi Madbah, would likely cause serious damage to the chassis if not to the tires.


Pools of clear, cool water only here for a short time
Now, Wadi Madbah hosts the UAE's largest waterfall. Why no photos, you ask? Well, in short, stupid shoes. I should have had on proper hiking boots or at least an athletic shoe. Guess I'll have to make a trip back. :)


Taken from the plateau, some 600 meters above sea level

Never too late for that Christmas post, right??

I would have blogged sooner, but I had family visiting from home. Naturally, my blogging was delayed (even more than usual). So, here are a few photos taken from Christmas morning. Two friends came up from Fujeirah for the weekend to celebrate with my visitors and me. I'm just coming off the sugar high now...


Busting out the Christmas carols. Note to self: Limit mulled wine consumption before attempting even the most basic of carols.


Ah, the tree. Can you smell the pine? Didn't think so. It's been up since just after Thanksgiving, and I think I'll keep it up until January 8.


My loot. I got some fantastic gifts, including the UAE Offroad book and a picnic basket that will make me the poshest duner the UAE has ever seen. Pardon me, but do you have any Grey Poupon?


If you've never seen The Christmas Story ("You'll shoot your eye out, kid!") then add this one to next year's list.


I made Snickers Surprise (Surprise! There's a mini Snickers bar inside) and the usual sugar cookies for the Christmas Eve get-together at my place. Making them reminded me of my good friend Terrie, all the way back in North Bend, Washington.

Down Time

Desert driving is an exhilirating sport packed with high levels of adrenaline and nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat excitement.