Almost banged my first camel...lol

       Before I get too deep into this edition, please feel free to use the search tool in the upper left hand corner for "camel" and it will bring back the Jan. 14, 2013 posting that I shared my story with Kumail and Camel banging. Probably my favorite posting. Yesterday, while leaving my office for lunch, I noticed trucks stopped and blocking the two right lanes on the 3 lane freeway that leads you out of my office park. I did what most ignorant Westerners would do, I swung out into the left lane to bypass the stopped traffic. Just as I came even with the trucks I slammed on my brakes as several camels were crossing the highway at their own leisurely pace. I wish I would have snapped a picture as these magnificent animals were less than 10 feet in front of my car. Luckily, I did not bang my first camel, and I stayed out of the slammer. It did get me to thinking, what do you call a group of camels? Are they a herd? Or maybe a harem...lol. So I almost plowed into a harem of camels...I can hear my explanation to Rodz now.
        Speaking of Rodz, her quest to get a visa is coming to some sort of climax today. It seems that our American "original certified" marriage certificate from Missouri is not "stamped". It does have the county seal, and is notarized, but that's not good enough for the local authorities. After our human resources "PRO" tried to get it accepted, I had to go to Emeriti immigration to meet with the officer in charge. He originally said not acceptable, but then changed his mind when I shared with him what a raised seal is and how that is more valid than a simple stamp. So, he agreed that it was fine as long as we got the Dubai authorities to "stamp" it. Unfortunately, they refused. They said I would have to go to the American Embassy or consulate and get them to stamp the certificate. So, I made an appointment on Thursday, and proceeded to the Bur Dubai (old downtown) area where the American consulate is located (the Embassy is in the Capital of Abu Dhabi). After a lengthy wait (appointment? ha ha ha), I met with a staff member who said they weren't allowed to stamp the document, that I would have to have it couriered back to the states and John Kerry would "stamp" it - no wonder we are losing the war on terror, our state Department is busy stamping marriage certificates and college degrees to keep the Arab world happy. I was presented with a possible alternative, if I would pay $50, they would stamp an affidavit that I could write saying that I got married and the attached document is true. So I wrote it, they stamped and sealed it in four different places and my companies PRO is working on getting it approved...fingers crossed, if it doesn't work, Rodz will have to leave the UAE for at least 21 days, flying back to the Philippines at my expense. I guess you will have a good update next time I sit down and write an update.

Rodz at Joe's Crab Shack, Dubai Mall Jan. 2016
 

           Rodz and I have continued our quest of trying to keep the new American concepts in business. Rodz had a big bucket of Queen crab legs, and didn't do too much damage to her bib...lol. We have found ourselves at Olive Garden frequently, where I enjoy the bottomless soup and salad bar for a Dubai sized price of $13.33. Rodz typically eats a meal and has salad, so I guess only one of us is dieting.
           Time to run, I promise to check in again soon...