The Adventure Ends...

The first thing I will have to admit is that I don't know where to start, funny we have arrived at the end - and I don't know quite where to begin...
Well, lets give it a try and see where we go...I guess first we will finish with some updates from my exit from Dubai...

One of the first things regular readers (my mom most of all) want to know is did I collect my money from the hit and run that I shared the details with you about (Feb 22nd - CSI Dubai) last month. The answer is no. This guy Abdulaziz Alkhuwaiter, of Al Ain, stopped taking my phone calls, stopped answering my texts, and ignored my emails. Officer Ali, the policeman that was called by Abdulaziz and pulled rank on the officers that were investigating the accident, kept promising to help me, but in the end - he too just ignored my calls....the clock ran out. Now the amount was low (about $220), it just really makes me angry to know that these guys just stalled knowing I was powerless, and also knowing that I would be leaving in late March. All I have left to say is....KARMA!!!! (I can hope...lol).

One of the other things that I learned when leaving, it is virtually impossible to collect your various deposits...The first one involved my apartment. They told me to get my deposit back, The apartment management would need proof of all my bills being paid (Basically DEWA - Elec & water) and a final inspection for damages. Once they had both of those things, they need 24 hours to ready a check for me. So Dewa, needs 48 hours from when they do the final reading to produce a final bill. so, doing the math, I booked a stay for my last 3 days at the Holiday Inn in Dubai, and after Josseph came on Saturday morning with his moving crew to collect his loot (also known as my belongings) the fun started...First DEWA didn't show up, (I had sent two emails requesting my final reading per their websites instructions) so I headed to the local office in person. I was warmly received by a nice local lady employee, and she said that they sometimes just don't respond to the email requests as they should. After she heard my winy story of how I needed the final meter readings done on that same day, remarkably she made it happen. Meanwhile, back at Sandoval Garden apartments, the inspector came, walked through the apartment, and said it looks great, no damages. My final meter reading came in on Monday, my normal full month bill is 150 Dirhams, well this last reading shortened month - you guessed it 450 Dirhams...sigh. When they told me Monday afternoon, they said they can have it rechecked, but another 48 hours would be needed...yes I said, no, I need the proof of paying final bill...I cleared it, and headed to the real estate management office with my final bill receipt. When I got there, they told me they would be deducting $200 from my deposit for apartment damages (needed painting and cleaning). I said that it was cleared and he said, well I could appeal, but they would need 48 hours to recheck...yes, I once again, said no...just deduct it.

My leased car....yes, more issues, and as of now I still haven't received my deposit ($650). They will wire whatever they decide I am owed after a final inspection of my car....My cell phone had a credit left on it, I would need to go to the head office and request a refund...nope, no time....no refund...so, I
have decided that whittling down your deposits is almost an art form in Dubai....I wonder how much is lost each year on deposits....

It rained in Dubai on Monday and as I drove my leased car to turn it in, I almost wrecked it. Dubai decorates many of the streets intersections with marble or brick. Well, you can imagine how slick they get when it only rains 4 or 5 days a year. I lost control making a turn through one of those slick intersections and the car crossed three lanes and came within 3 feet of the center guard rail. Yes the damage could have been major, fortunately it was my lucky day. The cars around me avoided me, and I avoided the guard rail.

I had dinner at Texas Roadhouse, basically to say goodbye to Bhupali, Nikki, and the rest of my Darjeeling server buddies, and I was once again reminded by how bad of tippers the Arabs are (ok stereo typing isn't nice, but I call them as I see them). The bill at Bhupali's table was still there as I sat down. The three Arab gentlemen had paid their dinner bill of 537 Dirhams ($147)and left a tip of 3 Dirhams (81 cents). Now before you say that maybe they got bad service - I will share that Bhupali has won server of the month she is both cute and proficient.  I also can say, it is common for the Indian and Filipino servers to be stiffed by the diners because of their standing in Dubai. It is one of the sadder commentaries on life in the Middle East. I did get a warm goodbye from the servers, I will miss them.

I had some really touching goodbyes and well wishings from my former colleagues in the UAE. I am a sensitive old man, but I was genuinely choked up by several of them. Phone calls from many, like Hicham (Moroccan salesman that worked with me at Transmed), Mahesh (my engineer Side kick from Barakat) and maybe the most special, Suresh. Suresh had to return to India because his mother was having serious medical tests, and he needed to help make some serious decisions. He actually called me from India to appologize that he could not be there in person in Dubai to say goodbye.We both spoke with faltering voices. What a kind and wonderful gesture to call me when he was attending a family emergency. Suresh is such a kind and decent man, he inspires me to be more like him. God Bless him and his family....I can not keep my eyes dry as I recount how touched I was and am. I will miss Suresh.

My buddy Kumail was my chauffeur and companion for most of my last day. He had a brilliant suggestion when we had a couple hours to kill after Joseph, Kumail and I had one final meal at Texas Roadhouse, he said lets go see a movie, well what a great idea...So we went and saw Olympus has landed (Think Die Hard with a better actor than Bruce Willis)...well I loved it. It did have a interesting audience moment that I will share without ruining the movie for you - the basic premise of the movie is the white house is attacked by terrorists. In a scene in the movie where a TV news anchor is noting world reaction to the attack, he says "Great Britain, Germany, Canada (names a few more of our American Allies) send their condolences and pledge their support, while in the Middle East there is celebrations in the streets". Well that brought a reaction of laughter in the Middle Eastern movie theatre that I sat with Kumail in - it was an uncomfortable, yet sobering moment...Saying goodbye to Kumail and Joseph wasn't easy, I am going to miss those young men.

Kelly and her boyfriend Sami along with Reem treated me to my final Dubai dinner at the just opened Bennigans at Dubai Mall. I really enjoyed the dinner, and yes, more tough goodbyes, as Reem walked quickly away.
Kelly packed her car full of my bags (yes 4 plus a laptop) and we dropped Sami off and headed to the airport. Kelly dropped me off and I left my best friend in Dubai and headed in to the airport 5 hours before my flight time....it had been a long and draining day. Then who comes to babysit me at the airport, my boy Vinny...Kelly had texted him - He is just a great guy. He sat with me until 1 in the morning so that I wouldn't be by myself. I was and am blessed with some really great people while I was in Dubai. I got there a little shy of three years ago, determined to make a difference in the lives of people that I could effect by my actions. Little did I know that so many terrific people shared their love, trust and friendship with me. The people that I interacted with in the UAE have I think changed me and hopefully made me a better person. I will be forever grateful.

One of the things better in the Middle East than the USA is their airlines. My favorite airline ever is now Emirates Air. Their planes are clean, comfortable and spacious. The stewardesses are polite and attractive. Their individual entertainment systems are remarkable (on my final 14 hour flight I watched Lincoln and SkyFall-James Bond). The food is good and plentiful. Drinks (even libations) are free in economy. Why can't we have airlines that compare.... I did a final tribute (with Kelly's preflight encouragement) to my Indian buddies...i ordered the Chicken Curry for my dinner on the plane. I ate it all (it was actually tasty with just a little kick). Now I will admit that it gave me encouragement for a couple of quick trots to the bathroom...lol, I only wished that the middle aged (ok she was probably younger than me) Indian lady that sat next to me would have trotted to the bathroom...she did help keep me awake with her curry-licious gas bombs...Think spicy spoiled eggs...sigh... I didn't sleep on the plane and after getting my luggage (one of my $25 super sized suitcases - BTW weighed 48 lbs and I barely cleared the weight limit of 50 lbs.- was destroyed and it will be shot and put out of its misery after I get it unpacked) and clearing customs, I had a 6 hour drive to my parents home in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. I went to bed at 9pm and slept til after 9am the next day.

I know alot of you are curious as to what is next for me. I have accepted a great opportunity in Missouri and will be moving there on April 9th. The next chapter in my blessed life is about to be written, sadly the last chapter in my Great Adventure blog is being written. My email is JBruck1022@aol.com and my Facebook account (John Bruck) is ready for you to join. I want to thank all of you for reading this (I am not a writer, and I can only imagine how painful this was to read sometimes) and keeping up with me. I met my financial goals in Dubai, I landed a nice job in my return and I loved (yes Rodz had me at hello), lived, learned and even gained a couple of pounds living large on the other side of the globe. I lived in a beautiful city with gleaming sky scrapers, whose economy is growing and so many people come there for hopes for a
better life. I lived as one of the privileged and was fortunate enough to enjoy the affections of the less privileged.
 I am blessed, Thanks again... and goodbye for now....

Shamsudine and I

 

Bye, Bye Dubai...

This is my 156th Blog since I started this little adventure back in the Summer of 2010. I have had an awesome experience, working for two different companies and interacting with hundreds of different people - some from places that I couldn't have found on a map just 3 short years ago. As of this morning, there have been 9,351 different visits to read what was on my mind, or to check out what I am up to (or in the case of a few to see if someone they know over here is behaving, or spending way too much time with my old friend Dominic (I have to admit - he had great parties, attended by mostly hot women from the former Soviet Block and gay men - kept the odds way in his favor - of course an old annoying American like me, (unlike his gay party attenders) wanted the same girls that he did, but had no chance - yes I too was part of the proper party demographics lol). I know a few of the very regular readers - sometimes I would even share their thoughts on the blog. I was often surprised by the people that I had no idea read this blog....I would be having lunch with a business colleague (like Fadi Selwan) and have them lean across the table and say that they enjoyed something on my blog. Or being on a date with a younger lady (Fred claims that I will miss dating the mid-20 cuties more than anything else in Dubai, because that fountain is not available for me to drink from in the States - sadly, the three words I hate most come to mind - Fred is right), and have her ask "how Rodz is?", sadly not a great dinner date conversation. I know there are a lot of one time readers, googling about "IHOP", "Nipples", or "SYSCO" and being led to this blog...And I am somewhat surprised from where people are reading my blog from...
Country Page views

1. United States 5,799 2. United Arab Emirates 1,369 3. Germany 623 4. Singapore 177 5. Russia 174 6. United Kingdom 150 7. Japan 63 8. France 54 9. Slovenia 46 10. Canada 33
It is interesting to me that strangers that never have met me, see this blog and send me a note, but more rewarding are those friends that have stuck with me, prayed for me, cried with me (OK maybe I am getting carried away), and laughed with me..... Thank you all....You have encouraged me through some very tough and lonely times, but man how I have prospered both literally and figuratively by this adventure... I shared with you a few weeks ago that when I knew for sure that I was leaving this Mid Eastern paradise, that I would share my views on "Peace in the Middle East". Most of us Americans view Peace in the Middle East as a Palestinian/Israeli problem. I would submit that you are only half right. The Arab Spring that has seen long standing Authoritarian regimes overturned is very unstabilizing in the Region, especially as it pertains to American Interests. This is related to the bigger Sunni/Shia Muslim Sect issues, and I don't even want to pretend to understand it. I do feel like I have a grasp on the part of the "non peace" here as it pertains to Palestine and the Jewish State of Israel. Let me try and give you a quick run down of the issues as I see them... As World War II ended, the Allies had to solve the issue, of what to do with the Jews (post Nazi Holocaust) in Europe. They decided to create the Jewish state of Israel in the Holy lands of the Mideast. Now it was mostly dessert inhabited by Bedouins, but there were lots of Palestinians in the area also (Palestinian is a nationality -I didn't grasp this til I lived here - not a religion, there are many Palestinian Christians, they are not all Muslims.) These displaced Palestinians feel that this is their land, and that the Jews need to leave. Now I can certainly sympathize with their viewpoint, and how many of them feel that this land was stolen from their Ancestors. It is the same argument that Native American Indians can make in the United States. The problem with this viewpoint now, here in this part of the World is it is unrealistic. I am 50 years old, and beginning the twilight years of my life. If I would have been born in Jerusalem instead of Ohio, I would firmly and understandably feel that my homeland would be Israel. These millions of Israeli citizens are not leaving voluntarily, and unfortunately for my Middle Eastern Arab friends, they aren't leaving by force either. The Israeli's have shown themselves capable of defending their homes and land by themselves, and yes the American people and our military stand firmly behind them.   They showed their military prowess by winning the wars with the surrounding countries in in 1948, and then the more well known 6 day war in 1967 (military action begun by Israel after numerous cross border attacks by Palestinians from Egypt, Syria and Jordan. - sounds familiar huh). After Israel successfully defeated their neighbors, they kept their spoils of war - (West Bank and Gaza) to create a buffer from the Palestinians that have continued to fight to reclaim their homeland. In a nutshell...(if possible) - there will not be peace in this region unless a Palestinian state is created. What the Palestinians don't understand or trust is that America (and Americans) backs their desire for a creation of a state for them to live in Peace and worship in their Holy land and raise their children without fear of the Israeli army killing them in a raid. The problem is that the pathway for this to happen is a recognizing of Israel as a nation, and the understanding that the Jewish state of Israel will be protected also. Many Muslim leaders in the region hate that the Jews are infesting their land. they want Israel to cease, and they encourage instability as a way to beat these Jewish squatters and the evil American empire that backs them. I don't feel that they care about the Palestinians, they are a vehicle to justify their hate and desire to see a Muslim dominated region. So in summary, I say, the West must realize that there will be no peace without a Palestinian country, and the Palestinians must understand attacking and not recognizing the State of Israel, will continue the absence of a Palestinian homeland. Until the maps and the people of the region recognize and understand Israel is here to stay, and the Israeli's realize that they need to help the Palestinians create and form a peaceful neighbor there will be no peace. I have virtually no exposure to Israeli's here, but after countless interactions with Palestinians (lots of moderate ones here) have left me not very optimistic.  I hope that now when you hear our American politicians pontificate about Israel/Palestine that now you will have a better understanding to form your own viewpoints. There, I said it, and it won't be popular here.   My flight home to the greatest country in the World is approaching, and I have had some goodbye lunches and dinners with some of my new friends. Juan took me to dinner at Cheesecake Factory. He is now that area sales manager for Transmed in Abu Dhabi, is a brand new dad (2 weeks ago) and is doing a great job. Vineet continues to call and encourage and almost always shares his pre missing of me (very sweet man). Suresh (Barakats Abu Dhabi Rep) reminds me of Vineet with his kindness. If I have truly had the impact on their lives as these two profess I have had a successful 3 years here.   Kelly is taking me out to dinner and to the airport Tuesday evening, and I can tell you that there is no way that I will be able to say goodbye to her with shedding some tears. I have grown to love her and her unwavering friendship, and I admire her professionalism in business and I am so proud that she views me as a friend and mentor. We will be friends as long as she desires, I would not have been successful here without her. Joseph worked with me at Transmed and Barakat, and continues to fascinate me. I hope that I can continue that relationship. Kumail has quickly become my best Muslim friend, and I believe God has brought to me a friend that has helped me grow in my beliefs, and develop an understanding of others that don't share the same views as me. I will miss Hayley, but in many ways I already do. Sometimes keeping a friend of the opposite sex is harder than it should be. My Palestinian American friend Reem, continues to grow as a professional in this world (now manages the catering segment at Transmed) and she has grown closer with me with time....(we have already had two goodbye lunches - lol).... I will miss some of the waiters and waitresses that have I have befriended (The Darjeeling gals at Texas Roadhouse (Bhupali, Nikky, Swevta, and Archon), EE at Royal Garden (Thai Restaurant)... I have so many friends that in a way I am leaving behind, I hope that in some way I have touched their lives in a meaningful way (Like Fathuma and Josie - My sweet Kenyon Customer Service reps that are still working hard hoping for a better opportunity, Anupama Nair, the QA manager at Barakat that has invited me to her wedding in India (I hope I can go next year). Muzzy who's career has flourished due to his hard work at Transmed. I chatted with Rodz last night, yes we are still friendly, just not that friendly...lol, and I don't think she has come to realize that this is goodbye with somewhat of a finality to it - to most of my friends here. Not a see you soon.... Well, I hope I will see all of you soon, next week in fact, as I blog from my parents house in Virginia...Lots of stuff going on, to get me out of here by next Tuesday evening...God Bless you for sticking with me....See you next Friday...

998 Days, but Who's Counting

     Happy Friday from Dubai, the vacation "hot spot" on this side of the globe. I am trying to finish up my tour, and get out of town with a clean break. I am finding that it is a lot harder to leave here - than come here. The Visa is being cancelled, and the furniture has been sold (and money collected), and now to finish negotiating my way out of various contracts. I now feel like it is almost a business here to somehow get you to leave your deposits behind...33 months are completed, and in 11 days I get time off for good behavior and head home.

What I will miss most about Dubai, is not the resort weather (for 8 months of the year) or the 16 lane highways, or the mega malls, that are virtually small cities - Dubai Mall (88 restaurants, 2 barber shops, a full size grocery store, police station, numerous banks, money exchanges and stores - An indoor Aquarium, a "dancing water" show, a full size ice rink where they play professional hockey games), and that is just one of the many malls here. It won't be the aggressive driving, horns a blazing Arab drivers, or the timid Indian drivers (defensive driving is an art form). I will miss some quality people that I met in my three years here, that made me feel like I had become a special part of their life.

I negotiated an end to my apartment lease. I have to move out on March 23rd (next Saturday), in order to get my security deposit back. To get my deposit back from my DEWA (Water/Elect.) I have to give them two full business days after my final reading. Then I have to produce that final cleared/paid bill to my landlord to get my apartment deposit back. So my last three days here will be spent at a Holiday Inn. I fly out on Emirates air on a direct flight to Washington, DC early (2:20 am sigh) on March 27th. I will have been gone from America for 998 days, and yes I will have q-tips coming back with me lol....

You will find it hard to believe how expensive it is to mail a package from here. I had some papers that I wanted to mail back and save room in my suitcases. DHL quoted me $225 for a 12 pound box.
Ouch, I found out for $123 I can check a 3rd suitcase on my flight....no brainer. Nick left behind an old beat-up bag that I almost threw away...well it has one more flight in it...

I went to KM Trading (after shopping at two Luggage stores in Dubai Mall) and bought two very large Suitcases for $25 a piece. I am giving away a lot of clothes (don't make too many people my size over here) and have sold my furniture, appliances, and electronics.I made a deal with my good friend and former two time employee Joseph. I sold him a package deal, including my computer, TV, DVD player, Couch, chair, dining table, Refrig, Washer/dryer, bed and mattress. Well Joseph was telling Suresh about his purchase, and Suresh (on the right in below picture)

wanted to know who got my automatic dishwasher. Well Joseph came to me complaining that I had not included this in our "deal". After I enjoyed bantering with Jospeh, I explained that it came with the apartment, that I didn't own it. Now dish washers are like clothes dryers over here a true luxury. So, I thought, let's put one over on my good friend Suresh. So Joseph, Kumail and I conspired that when Suresh came over that evening, we would play with him a little (can never miss an opportunity to have a little fun) So when Suresh got to my flat, Joseph waited about 20 minutes, then asked me if "the dish washer was included in his deal". I of course (OK, I can be a little mean) said no, that it wasn't listed on his sheet, so that it was still for sale. Well Joseph pretended to be upset, and I turned to Suresh and asked if he wanted to buy it. Suresh said, well what do you want for it, and I said, well, I guess I would be happy with 100 Dirhams ($27), Suresh immediately got all wide eyed and said, "I will give you that for your dish washer", Kumail quickly joined in and said "John, I will give you 125" AED, Joseph said he would pay 150....lol - So Suresh made a downtrodden bid of 200 dirhams, before I knuckled under and told my friend that it wasn't mine to sell...we all enjoyed a good laugh amongst good friends.

Well for those of you that are wondering about my hit and run accident, and my luck in collecting the $250 it cost me to have my car repaired....well not much progress. Abdul.... has not answered any of my emails, SMS Phone messages or phone calls. I did call him from a different number, he answered and then hung up when I identified myself. I have called Officer Ali several times, no response. I am saddened that I am being taken advantage of, so I will continue to annoy them both until I leave. It is not about the money now - its the pound of flesh!

I am very grateful to how gracious JR (CEO of Barakat) has been to me following my resignation. He has left the door open to return to the same or similar post in the future, and let me hold on to my company cell phone, Insurance, and gas card after he had stopped requiring me to come to the office. He is very well known in the market as a kind and generous man, and I do appreciate his kindness.

Speaking of kindness, I visited Transmed last week to say goodbye to a few souls. I wanted to give my hand carved chess set to Fathuma (worked for me as a Customer Service Rep at Transmed). Well I got hugs and handshakes from so many of my old friends. One misunderstanding was addressed, my old pal Elie Saber. You remember Elie, his family hosted me for a couple of Christmas parties. He was a little hurt that I had blogged (who knew that he read the blog) that I would not return to his house after the last Christmas party debacle (I went back and read my December 28th post - I know he has just taken my remark the wrong way, I implied (from my perspective) that I wouldn't be invited back - I love the Saber family, I would gladly spend time with them anywhere. Hopefully Elie reads this and realizes it is a matter of translation...I am sorry I misbehaved at his party, I count him as one of those treasures that I met here, and that I sadly will be leaving behind. I also sat with Hani (Transmed CEO) for a few minutes and he was kind and gracious - it is nice to know that I have left both companies I worked for over here on good terms.

One more blog to go from Dubai, rest assured my flight is coming rapidly now....See you here next Friday...

Is Egypt America's Iran all over Again?

         A blog without a map, what more could a friend provide for you today...lol. Almost every week I get a note from one of you, making a comment about the blog. These comments are usually funny or are informative about what you-all enjoy(dating exploits/failures..lol - Danny) or don't enjoy (length - Rodz), or how something I write about brings back a memory of your own (Lee's love of Deviled Egg's) or all the maps, history, and politics (Dan S.) that are a little dry for you. So, I will bore you with history only for a brief moment today (see, I pay attention to you guys), and being a proud holder of a BA in History and Political Science from the newly renamed King University (It was King College for over 100 years, now becoming King University - doesn't fit fo me...now this is truly a boring topic for 95% of you...lol) I wanted to mention about the similarities that I see between Iran and Egypt.

 In 1941, the Shah of Iran took power from his father at the young age of 22 began ruling Iran. Early in his reign, the Shah (Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi) was a welcome change to the world and the people he ruled. His father (Reza Shah) was an ally of Germany and Adolph Hitler during the early stages of WWII, so Great Britain and Russia invaded Iran in 1941, and forced Reza to step down, but allowed his son to assume control. The Shah gradually increased his grip (banning opposition parties in 1949) and when Russia tried to reestablish control of Iran in the early 1960's, the Shah turned to the West (yes-America) and became an important ally against the Soviet Union during the "Cold War" of the 60's and 70's. He did modernize the country during this time, and actually encouraged many western friendly liberties (like woman's rights, and land reform). He was a King though, and many felt that Iran did not share the country's wealth with the people of Iran. In 1979, their was an Islamic fundamentalist uprising and the USA (under Democratic liberal Jimmy Carter) decided that more important than supporting our staunch ally in a volatile region, was to allow the people of Iran to choose their own destiny. What followed, was the fall of the Shah (ironically he fled to Egypt where he died in 1980) and the coming to power of the Ayatollah. The students stormed our American Embassy and we didn't end the conflict until the day Ronald Reagan took office (444 days later) in 1981. The country of Iran has become in time, one of the most feared regimes of the region, brutally controlling the freedom of their people and bitterly oppose America and our Ally's at every opportunity. Many feel, that if Iran were to secure nuclear weapons that WWIII could be triggered.

In 1981, another of our (America's) other strong Allys lost their leader to assassination. Anwar Sadat, the third President of Egypt, was Western friendly and had helped establish peace with Israel. He was killed by Islamists that were primarily upset with the peace treaty he had forged with Israel. His Vice President (Muhammad Hosni El Sayed Mubarak) succeeded him. Mubarak and the Egyptian military stayed in a close alliance with America and had good relations with Israel. He was not popular with his people, and had to maintain strict control. In 2011, Islamists took to the streets rioting and demanding the ouster of Mubarak. The USA (under Democratic liberal Barack Obama) decided not to support our close ally and let the people and Islamist of Egypt overthrow America's loyal friend Mubarak. In the last two years, the country has watched the anti Western Muslin Brotherhood, under the leadership of President Morsi take over. They have even sent agents into the UAE in an effort to destabilize the Pro West Government here.(they were arrested in late 2012 and have not been heard from since). The Egyption military has been purged of the western friendly Generals, and the Islamic State has now taken hold (there is still resistance, but it is slowly being stamped out by the Egyption Government.) The Obama administration allowed the gift of 200 American tanks and 20 F14 aircraft to be transferred to Egypt as we speak. We have gained a new adversary in the region and we are now giving them weapons to wage future wars with the west (and Israel). Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.... Ok, class is over for today....

Well, these incoherent ramblings from me are nearing an end. At the end of February, I decided that this cranky old American should move home. I gave my legally required 30 day notice to the very kind CEO (JR) of Barakat. I decided to turn my planned vacation ticket back to America, into a one way trip. It has been an interesting week as I have begun my farewell tour with friends and colleagues.

This has been a short blog (smile Rodz, it's not too long) - Next Friday, I will share the goodbyes and the difficulties of leaving. God Bless you, and thank you for your time....

United Arab Emirates 101

The World's biggest Annual Food Service Industry Trade Show was held this past week in Dubai. I attended a portion of all four days, mostly accompanying Mahesh(Building Engineer and Sidekick), Anu (QA Officer) and Harish (Butcher) as we looked for equipment for our new cut shop/butchery that will be opening along with Barakat's 78,000 sq. ft warehouse this fall. We found a lot of good fits for our facility and got to know each other a lot better.Mahesh is constantly snapping photo's - but I guess in reality, I like this. I spent the first year here taking lots of pictures, then in the last year I figure out how to add pictures for my blog, and I don't even know where my camera is. lol.

There was so many different companies from around the world showing off their Halal products. The Chef's Association had various culinary competitions (that's a chocolate carving above)...Just a big, big show. It was nice seeing some of my good American friends from suppliers and SYSCO.

March has finally arrived. It is exciting to me looking at the calendar everyday and realizing before April hits, I will have my feet back on the ground in the good ole USA. I am not looking forward to the 14 hour flight back to the States, but on the other hand I am really looking forward to that 14 hour flight home... What is the saying, "in like a lion, out like a lamb"? Well this lamb is ready to board the plane and get the heck out....

The UAE is a fascinating nation, that is very complex in its makeup and yet so simple in its governance. It is a Muslim state run Kingdom.

Located at the entrance to the oil rich Persian Gulf, it is probably one of our strongest non-NATO allies in the world. On a typical day, you can find your self driving down the highway, filled with SUV's (Gas fixed at a $1.67 a gallon makes big vehicles popular) and sports cars, listening to American pop music and radio announcer Ryan Seacrest on Virgin Radio as the air conditioning blows in your face, you wouldn't know you weren't in Los Angelas instead of the heart of the Middle East. The country feels extremely safe (I can honestly say my feeling of crime and it's effect on me is at a low point - I have never,ever felt safer). There is strict gun control, and just control in general. Just this past summer, a British citizen along with a Moroccan citizen got sentenced to death by firing squad for selling an undercover officer 3/4 of an ounce of marijuana. (an Emirate citizen was also involved - sentenced to 1 year in rehab). That case actually points out some of the sure realness of living here. You follow the law, and you live safely with a chance to make a good living (no income taxes), you get on the wrong side of the law, and the consequences are scary. You will spend prison time in very harsh conditions and if you survive that - deportation is a certainty.
Bloggers have also faced prison and deportation here (I try and choose my words carefully) and there is clearly control of the press by the government. I feel (please note that the word feel makes this an opinion) that the strictness of the laws means we have such low crime here. It is clearly a deterrent (another good example is DUI laws - a trace of (yes .001) of alcohol in your bloodstream, you have a minor accident you face 6 months in jail followed by deportation. Almost everyone realizes the penalty for drinking and driving so the hotel bars have tons of cabs waiting to take the expats home after their libations are consumed.
Non citizens (85% of the population here) can not buy land (The exception are the new man made islands off the Dubai coast) so we all rent. Rent pricing is somewhat controlled (only 5% increase allowed at renewal) but apartments are plentiful. Dubai is like Las Vegas without gambling. Plenty of free things to see and do, although the number one pastime is hanging out in the ginormous air conditioned malls. Coffee shops (the Arabs love to smoke Sheesha - tobacco and flavor mix - like grape or mint flavored tobacco) are everywhere. Most people don't drink soda - coffee, tea and juices are the drinks of choice. Most of the water is created at the desalination plants that pull their water from the Persian Gulf. Nobody drinks it, so the "bottled water" industry is huge here.
The military is aligned with the USA (we have a squadron of American fighter jets stationed outside of Abu Dhabi) and they actively support us in our missions around the region. There are only a few American expats (last estimate 5,000 in the whole UAE), but many residents from the region (number one is the Indian population - tons of Filipino's in the service industry. There is a vast difference in incomes between the haves and the have nots.
Tourism is big business in the oil poor Dubai. Abu Dhabi produces more than 3.2 million barrels of day and is sitting on a 99 year supply of reserves. It is the capitol of this 31 year old country and has bailed the other Emirates (there are 7 - Abu Dhabi - the largest, followed by Dubai) out of their financial issues. There is an obsession with having the biggest and best of everything here (great example - the mighty Burj Khalifa), It has 163 floors and was almost a third higher than the next tallest building when completed in in December 2009.

It truly is an engineering masterpiece.

The city of Dubai is very clean (especially the mall bathrooms) but not because of effort from the Arabs, but the number of people paid to keep everything spotless. The hotels are booming and new ones seem to open monthly catering to European and Asian tourist and Arabs of the Region coming to the UAE for a safe vacation spot away from the Arab spring instability of the Region. The top five and seven of the eight tallest hotels in the world are here (not counting the hotel located within the Burj Khalifa). It is an impressive place and should certainly be on your bucket list if you like to travel.

One of my mother's favorite sandwiches is an egg salad sandwich. For some unexplainable reason (boredom leading candidate), last night I decided to make deviled eggs. I took Mt. Olive sweet gherkins finely chopped three of them, boiled a half dozen eggs, added my Miracle Whip light to the hard boiled yolks, and pickles (touch of mustard) and walla! They were great - only missing a touch of celery salt and a dash of paprika for perfection...lol...I need a break.

I think my eyes have hit a wall. In the last few months there have been a few occasions when I can not read the menu at the restaurant. Fighting old age is no fun. Speaking of old, it is time for me to quit writing this tiring blog today....Grab a deviled egg, hit the shower and face the day! God (and Emirate security force) willing, see you next Friday!