My People

Yesterday was a relaxed one.  After breakfast, I walked to a nearby mall.  The concept of malls is quite different here.  You don't walk into a building with the stores opening up as you walk along the corridors.  Instead, most of the stores at this mall, open from the outside, along walkways.

Friendship Mall

Friendship Mall 2

It has been a wonderful trip.  The people have been exceptionally warm and gracious.  They made it easy to feel at home here.  I wonder if I'm feeling this way because of the way they have embraced me, sort of like a long lost relative, or if in fact, everyone leaves here with this impression.

Below are some random pictures.

Local coffee shop that looks remarkably similar to Starbucks,
down to the logo and uniform.

It's pretty close to being a Starbuck's, right?

Mini stove, about two feet high, seen for sale in the grocery store.

This gadget cleans your shoes.  Although hard to see,
there are rollers that turn around when you put your foot under them
and brushes your shoes clean.
I saw this for the first time in Moscow.

I was fascinated by this scaffolding that is made of tree branches.

This is what the scaffolding looks like up close,
but these limbs are tied where they meet.
That doesn't appear to be the case on with the
ones around the large building.

This is the street my hotel is on.
Not much to look at, lots of construction,
but the hotel is nice.

I'm headed back home this afternoon.  I cut the trip short, so that I would have a couple of days off before going back to work.

I will leave here with smiles and fond memories.

Side note - I regularly read travel sites, and came across one that recommended the Scottevest.  Made for men and women, it is a vest that has 22 pockets, to store things you need while traveling.  I used it for the first time on this trip, and I was able to eliminate the large purse I usually use.  There are little tabs on most of the pockets, for suggested use.  Somehow the weight is evenly distributed and so it doesn't weigh you down.  I absolutely love this vest and highly recommend it.  I purchased mine from Amazon.

Side note 2 - In 2008, I had some raised moles removed from my neck by laser. That was so successful, I asked to have some minuscule ones removed from my face.  I was warned the laser might just aggravate the issue, but decided to do it anyway.  Well, the dark spots the laser created were much larger than the ones I was trying to get rid of.  So, the doctor was right.  I tried every medicine and remedy known to man to get rid of them, to no avail.  Medicine was even compounded for me specifically, but still no luck.  On a whim, I ordered Ambi Fade Cream from Amazon, and the results have been remarkable.  It has lightened the spots, and after about two months of use, they are almost gone, without the Michael Jackson bleached look.  What's funny is that, for those of you familiar with Ebony magazine, you might remember seeing the ads for Ambi.  I remember them from as early as about 40 years ago.  Anyway, I highly recommend this product, too.

Until next time, farewell from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Cougar?

OK.

First.

When I think of old women with young guys, Pampers come to mind.  How could you seriously consider going out with someone whose diaper you could have changed?

Yes.

I know.

Guys do it all the time and are proud when they snag a young girl.

Anyway.

It's happen to me.  Three times now.  Young guys seemingly interested.  Even after I told them I could be their momma, and had kids older than them.

Flattered?

No.  There must be ulterior motives.

Now, considering I haven't had a date since the new millennium, you'd think I'd jump at the chance.

But, no.

I'm still stuck on why?

Maybe they've got "momma issues?"

I'm holding out for a guy who knows who the Spinners, the Temptations, and Aretha are, without having to spend the next half hour trying to explain it to him.

Asking a lot?

Is that why it's taken so long?

Who knows?

In the mean time, never say never, but . . .

I don't see Pampers in my future.

Relatives . . . in Ethiopia?

I landed in Addis Ababa mid-day yesterday, but I was too tired to do any exploring.

At the airport, and here at the hotel, folks thought I was Ethiopian.  In fact, the African-Americans back in the US, look like they were transported directly from here.  The resemblance to people back home is remarkable.

Quite a difference from my Moscow experience.

The folks I've come in contact with have been friendly and kind.  They really seem to appreciate visitors to their country.

I arranged to have a guide last night, and this morning I was off to see the sights. The first stop was a beautiful church.

Bole Medhane Alem Orthodox Church

The ceiling of the church

People praying in the church

An interesting thing was seeing people outside the church, as well as in church, earnestly praying.  Religion seems to be a central part of the lives of the people. This is a majority Christian country, with about one third Muslim.  There are even Ethiopian Jews.  I noticed a grade school that was called "Jerusalem School," and thus the explanation about the Jews.  It was also noted that many have moved to Israel.

The next stop was the National Museum of Ethiopia.  It seemed old and run down, but to be fair, I think it was under renovation, as large portion of it were cut off from viewing.  I was there to see "Lucy."  She's believed to have lived 3.2 million years ago.

Lucy's bones

Lucy's bones 2

A plaque outside her room.

We then passed by Addis Ababa University.

Addis Ababa University

Headed up Mt. Entoto.

Going up Mt. Entoto to visit another church

Entoto Maryam Church on the mountain

Close-up of decorative window?

Next stop, Lion Zoo.  Not the best.  Sounds like one of them is protesting.

                                    

I am lion. Hear me roar!

We then went by the American Embassy.  The campus is huge and well-guarded.  I tried to get pictures, but no dice.  I didn't want to risk being detained because of photographs.

Last stop was to a nice hotel, where we had a traditional meal.  

Hotel restaurant.  The big pink coved basket is where the food is served.

Serving basket

Three different meats, spinach and potatoes on a sponge-like bread.
You break off a piece of this bread, and scoop up the other stuff.

And that was my day in the land of my people.

As always, thanks for taking this journey with me.

Smart Guys - CORRECTED

Sorry folks.  I understand you couldn't open the link.  Here it is again, this time taken directly from the Huffington Post.

Enjoy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/07/jon-stewart-george-carlin-interview_n_3032418.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

Smart Guys

Below is a video clip of Jon Stewart interviewing George Carlin in 1997.  I've always known that comedians were quick, but many are smarter than your average bears. These two are, for sure.

From the Huffington Post.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=os-phOgsGHY#!

Calendars

One day last year, I was covering a class of second graders, and I asked several of them when there birthday was.  To my surprise, they didn't know.  I mentioned this to someone else, and was told it's because they follow the Islamic calendar, and the dates are fluid, not constant, like ours.

So, for instance, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic year.  Last year it began July 19th and ran through Aug 19th.  This year, Ramadan will begin July 8th and run thru August 7th.

This was further brought home when I was sitting in an office, waiting to be served, and noticed a calendar with two sets of dates.  I inquired about it, and was told it represented both the Islamic calendar and the Western calendar.  For example, April 1st for us, was March 20th on the Islamic calendar.  April 11th for us was April 1st on the Islamic one.

Very, very interesting.

I googled it and found an easy to understand explanation of the differences in the calendars and how, or why, they came to be.

It's found on WiseGeek.com.

http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-difference-between-the-western-islamic-and-jewish-calendars.htm

I prove everyday just how much I don't know.

Here's wishing you a wonderful Saturday.

Song for Mama

This 12 year old, wrote this song for her mother, who was just diagnosed with breast cancer.

Out of the mouth of babes . . .

Hat tip to the Huffington Post.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LD0_qaDuAAY

Miscellaneous Moscow

Thankfully the videos uploaded of the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  I've also included the video links where they can be watched on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulJVnozVtio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsbsuIdWYl8

Below are some still shots of this.

And now, another word about the "lock trees."  These locks are put there by newlyweds.  They paint and decorate them, add them to the tree, and throw the keys in the river to symbolize their lasting love.

Altogether now . . . aaaaaaaaawwwwwww.

No word on what happens if they split up.

Another "happy" church below.  The colors are so inviting.

Finally, my overall impressions of the city.

The attitude of the people I met was very pleasant.  They realize they have something the world wants to see, but they haven't made any concessions in the way they do things to accommodate that.  Hence, the wacky taxi service and the lack of info in any other language to help you to understand where you are and where you want to go.

I kinda like this though.

Although I think when they figure out how profitable tourism could be, they may change all that.

The kid who was our tour guide was the owner of this tour company.  So, it appears the younger folks better understand that this is an untapped market well worth pursuing.

Isn't that true of many young folks all over the world?

I'm glad I went.

It was well worth it.  I can't wait to compare notes with one my teachers who was also there this week with her family.


Below the first video is a look at what appeared to be very typical housing.  There were miles and miles of these complexes along the road to the airport.

This video is of single family homes in the suburbs.

Until next time . . .

до свидания (goodbye)

From Russia, With Love - Part 2

On my way out of the hotel today to resume my Moscow excursion, I picked up a map that offered free guided tours.  I registered using my phone, asked the taxi driver to take me to the starting point, and off I went on a walking tour of the Red Square area.

Remember, it's cold as a booger bear here, but walking was a terrific way to see everything up close.  The guide was a great guy, personable, warm and very informative.

The tour began in this public square, which is about two blocks from Red Square.

This church is across the street from our starting point.  It is a beautiful, bright pinkish, rose color.  We learned the history, then we went inside.  Ladies had to cover our heads, guys had to take off everything on their heads.  The rooms inside were small and sectioned off.  But most impressive was the gold that was everywhere.  Framing pictures, built into the walls, etc.  Interestingly, the church had no pews.  You are expected to stand during the service, with benches against the wall for those not able to stand for health reasons.

Like the UAE with a mosque on every corner, Moscow seems to have a church on every block.

Here's another one.

This building above is being renovated.  Look above the blue line, and below the grey area, and you'll see a tarp that is painted on the outside to look like the building.  I saw this a lot and thought it was a clever way to hide the work being done.

This is Lenin’s Mausoleum.  They could learn a thing or two about burying the dead from the Egyptians.  The pyramids are definitely cooler than this dome.

This picture and the third one down, I found online.  I couldn't capture the scope of it with my camera.  This building is across the way from the dome, and looks like a very serious office building.  It is not.  It is a fabulous mall, filled with every high-end store imaginable.  It's called the GUM.  Check it out below.

One of the last things we did was visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and watched the changing of the guards.  It was amazing.  I have videos, but I'm having trouble uploading them.

As the tour ended, I asked our guide for the best place to get a taxi, and he suggested I take the subway.  I did and loved it.  When I was going to purchase the ticket, a wonderful woman asked if she could help and she and her grandchild not only walked me through the process, but insisted I stay with them.  They exited one stop ahead of me.  They were a Godsend.  This subway has to be one of the cleanest, and most efficient in the world.  I'm so glad I rode it.  I felt like a local.  It cost 30 rubles to travel the same distance that cost 1500 rubles by taxi.  

As we were chatting, the guide also mentioned that he had just come back San Francisco, where he was a part of a conference at Stanford on improving relations between the US and Russia.

Small world.

I'm headed home tomorrow, for a day, and then to Ethiopia.

More soon.

From Russia, With Love

I arrived in Moscow late last night.  It was a five-hour flight, with no change in time zones.  A real treat.

When I got to the gate at the Dubai airport, there were only two passengers, including me.  By the time we boarded the plane, there were almost 500.  With the flight crew, we were at 500.  A very full flight.

Side note - Many of the passengers had two or more bags from airport shopping, in addition to their carryon.  No problem.  No questions asked.  When I flew to Kenya, there were gate agents with a scale and a gizmo to measure the size of the bags. There was a very strict carryon policy that was definitely enforced.  Now, the upside of all this, is that Kenyan flight was the most efficient I've ever been on.  We were on and off that plane in no time, and our bags were waiting for us in baggage claim.

Not so here.

It took forever to get our bags, but once in hand, I headed toward the exit, where someone asked if I needed a cab.  After we figured out where I was going, I was told it would take about an hour to get there.

Although it was dark, the landscape remind me of the Coney Island, in New York. There were lots of high rise apartment buildings, and not much else.  Austere.

Thankfully, the trip took less than an hour, and I settled into my hotel room and quickly went to sleep.

At 10:00 this morning, I was off, headed into the city to begin my Big Bus Tour.  I love these because they give you a panoramic view of the city.  I'm not sure if this service is new to this city or what, but not many people knew anything about it or where the hop on and off stops were located.

In the mean time, I asked to be dropped off at Red Square where I knew there was a bus stop somewhere near.  It was here that I feasted on the majesty of the area. The buildings are regal and "happy."  There is no other word to describe St. Basil's Cathedral.  Pictures just don't do it justice.  It is truly spectacular!

When I left Al Ain yesterday, it was 99 degrees.  It was 37 here today.  A bitter, damp, cold 37 degrees.  Gumbo weather, for sure.

Below are trees made of locks.  Super, super cool.  They lined a canal running through the city.

As always, thanks for taking this journey with me.

From Russia, with love.

Ambassadors

When Ben and Frankie were little guys, I used to remind them that no matter where they were, or what they were doing, someone was watching them.  As such, they needed to be mindful to be on their best behavior.

I used to also say, "You are ambassadors.  You represent me.  You represent your school.  You represent your city (mostly stated when they played away games). You represent black folks.  Like it or not, you are the 'stand in' for young black males everywhere.  A heavy burden?  Maybe.  Not so much though, if you're doing the right thing anyway."

So given that broad definition that we can apply to anyone, we're all ambassadors, aren't we?

That's especially true here, where we have people from all over the world.

We represent our countries, our states, our schools, our families, and our religions, etc.

The reason I chose to visit Egypt first, was because of the wonderful guys I met who were Egyptian.  I wanted more of what they had to offer.  And thankfully, the trip didn't disappoint.  I met fabulous folks on this journey.

They were my Egyptian ambassadors.

Likewise, I've all but replaced another country on my list because of they way the folks act that I've come in contact with.  I can't imagine dealing with a whole country of people like this.

Is it fair to judge on this scale?

No, of course not.

But we do it everyday.

I've been reminded a lot recently, of the times when I was married, and Frank would stop strangers on the street, telling them about God.  I was never comfortable with this "witnessing."

I'd much rather let my actions speak for me.  If I'm doing the right thing, living in peace, helping others, then I felt (and still feel) that my actions speak louder than anything I could say to convince someone to follow me.

Likewise, I view other religions through their followers.  Are these folks I want to emulate?  Are they treating people they way I want to be treated?  Do I want to "buy" what they're selling?

Ambassadors.

All of us.

How are we representing our world?

Until next time.

Cheers.

Having Fun?

Watch the kid's expressions.  They're priceless.  I wish I knew what the man (his father?) is saying.

Nature or nurture?

Whatever it is, this kid has talent galore.

Enjoy!

http://www.wimp.com/pianokid/

The Jetson's

This car is giving Luther a run for his money.

The Google Boys have done it again.

http://biertijd.com/mediaplayer/?itemid=39089

Families

There's this great Microsoft commercial that features two brothers, a year or two apart, and it shows the fun and sibling rivalry as they grow up through the years. It ends with them still competing as grown men.

It reminded me of the men in my world.

In many ways, your siblings know you best.  They have been with you from the beginning.  There is the exception, of course.  It doesn't hold true when there are many years that separate you.  But, for the most part, if you grow up together, it does.

What, or who, makes a family?

Brothers, sisters, moms and dads?  Extended relatives?

The people you meet in life, that you connect with on a deeper level, can't they be considered family, too?

What makes some folks better at being families than others?

Forrest and I were chatting about the recent death of a dear friend of his.  And we marveled at what a wonderful man he was, but we also noted that his whole family were just "good people."  People who made you a better person by knowing them.

Why are some people better at being families than others?  What did this family do that made such an extraordinary difference in how they all turned out?

If, we as families, basically all start off the same, why don't we end up in the same place?

Why are some families so dysfunctional you wonder how they made it all at?  And others, like this family friend's, made it look easy and are models for us all?

Here's to families everywhere, trying to figure this out, and doing the best we can.

Powerful Letter

This was written by an Iraqi War veteran, to Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney.  It is as touching as it is damning.

http://www.truthdig.com/dig/item/the_last_letter_20130318/

Petty People in Charge

Petty people + power = where stupidity reigns supreme.

http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2013/03/19/the-journey-home/

Spock's Message

Although this was written in 1968, the message is apropos for today.  "Spock" responds to an interracial kid on fitting in.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/13/spock-teenage-outcast_n_2863113.html

Makeup & Stilettos

When you see women with makeup on, it's usually layer upon layer of it.  Like they're made up for the stage, or like Forrest says, that "embalmed" look.

Side note - I can't remember if I've written about the use of makeup here, and of course, I'm too lazy to go back and check.  So, if this is a repeat, please forgive me.

I'm still surprised when I see a woman all dolled up.  Especially since, on the one hand, they go to great lengths to cover up so they won't be seen, but then many wear makeup that makes you take a second look and go  . . . hmmmm.

Every mall has at least a half dozen stores that sell makeup exclusively, and they do brisk business.

Shoes, namely stilettos, are popular with the locals, too.

I was reminded of this when I noticed someone at work with heavy makeup and shoes with six-inch heels.  Of course, I was then curious to know what she had on under her abaya.  Designer clothes, too?

I think most women dress up to be seen or noticed by guys, but since dating in the true sense doesn't happen here, what's the point?  Are they dressing to be noticed by other women, maybe?

The malls are also filled with stores selling formal wear.  Some of it pretty risqué. These are worn to weddings, where only women are in attendance, until late in the evening when the groom shows up.

They start this practice young.  When we have special programs, our girls as young as first grade, wear formal floor-length dresses with full makeup.  Reminds me of "Toddlers & Tiaras."

So, when it comes to makeup and shoes, our worlds are not that different.

Emma

Thirty seconds of fun, thanks to a French-made commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RRDSj62tlvQ

A Sigh of Relief

My Mom used to say, "Tell me who you follow, and I'll tell you who you are."  I didn't really get this one until I had Ben and Frankie, and even then, it didn't gel until they were off to college.

It all came together for me when I met their friends.  It was only then that I could breathe a sigh of relief, and rest in the knowledge that they had chosen their friends wisely.

A deliberate act or a fluke?

No matter.

As parents we stumble along, praying that we get things right.  Sometimes we do. Sometimes we don't.

Should we earn an "A" for effort?

Maybe.

Probably . . . because . . .

Parenthood is no joke.

As wonderful as it is, I think it's the hardest job we'll ever have.

Somehow, if you're lucky/fortunate/blessed, once your kids grow up, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

That's when the real fun begins.

She's My Hero!

Watch this granny dance and listen close as she gets in the car.  I love her!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/06/dancing-nana-grandma-dances-video_n_2823349.html

Questions?

If you know someone who is cheating in a relationship, do you expose them, or let the certainty of karma take it's course?

When the dirt is all out there for everyone to see, do you continue to embrace that person, or kick them to the curb for their indiscretions?

What if this person is family?

What if the aggrieved is family?

Do you shop around for a hit man?

Or do you do the humane thing and forgive?

Is there any indiscretion that we should deem unforgivable?

Do kids from broken homes make better mates because they want to be better than the disfunction they witnessed and were inescapably a part of?

Or, do they make the same mistakes because they were never taught how to create, or be a part of, a caring, positive environment?

Finally, why do people screw around in the first place?

Is it just because they can?

Or, is it because they think something is missing, and so they look for greener pastures?

How much of their inner conflict is based not on what their mate is or isn't doing, but on their own shortcomings that they have refused to deal with?

I know you're thinking . . . I missed my calling.

I should have been a shrink.

You can stop rolling your eyes now.

Think about it though.

They're master at asking questions (although I'm not claiming to be).  As part of their training, do they have a mandatory class on questioning strategies to get people to give up and share their deep dark secrets?  Does this trait help them in their own relationships?  Or is it an annoying tick their mate has to deal with?

OK.

Maybe psychiatry/psychology is not my thing, but it sure is interesting looking from the outside in.

What are some of your questions?

Last Words

The link below from Salon features famous last words.  Interesting.

http://www.salon.com/2013/03/07/famous_and_infamous_last_words/

Classic Quotes

Hat tip to Roz for sharing this.  It's the closing remarks of an email.  I've cherry picked the best to share with you.

TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN,

YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE.

SO - ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.

 

~Your kids are becoming you......but your grandchildren are perfect!

 

~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!

 

~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.

 

~You sleep better on a lounge chair with theTV blaring than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep".

 

~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..

 

~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... ???

 

~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

 

~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet.... 2 of which you will never wear again.

 

 

~~~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!

 

Stay well, "OLD FRIEND!"

 

 

The Corniche

The Corniche is a beautifully designed stretch of beach that I pass every time I drive to Abu Dhabi.  Below is a link with pictures of it.  Take the time to read the captions. They speak volumes to the way of life here.

http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/tourism/in-pictures-abu-dhabi-corniche#1

Chris Tucker and the Russian Embassy

Last Thursday I trekked to Abu Dhabi to see the comedian, Chris Tucker.  What a treat that was!  Surprisingly, there were lots of local men and women.  I kept thinking, do they know this guy?  Do they know that he can be risqué?  And if, or rather, when he is, is that going to be a problem?

Nope.  Not at all.

They were lapping it up.  It helps that Chris comes off as the cool kid that everyone wants to hang with.  Some of his best material were the local jokes.  Again, the crowd loved him.

Now to the Russian Embassy.

I'm headed to Moscow for Spring Break, and so is one of my teachers and her family. She asked if I've gotten my visa.  Of course, I hadn't thought about it because in most places you can pick them up at the airport when you land.

Anyway, thank God for this lady.  In order to visit Russia, you have to go online and get an "invitation" to visit the country, and complete a lengthy application.  Without her help, I would have been up a creek.  She also shared the GPS coordinates, which was critical to finding the place.

Interestingly, it is not anywhere near Embassy Row, where most are located.  It is housed in a large, old nondescript building surrounded by storefronts.  The only clue that you've found the place are the guards posted at every corner.  They were kinda cute.  Very laid back.  Teddy bearish.

Inside, the place was manned by Russians, unlike the American Embassy, which didn't have an American in sight.

There were Russian speaking folks there for visas, too.  Not sure why they needed them.

Here's is how it works.

You present your paperwork to a clerk, who checks it, and when its all good, she takes your passport and gives you a bill for the services.

Here's the wild part.

They don't handle any money directly.  You have to go to their bank where they have an account, deposit the money, bring back the receipt, wait for a while for them to complete everything, and then you're done.  My friend suggested I park Luther and take a cab to the bank and back.  Again, this was great advice.  It took a total of two hours, although with all of the running around, it seemed a lot longer. The only branch of the bank open after hours is in Abu Dhabi Mall.  What a madhouse that was!

Anyway, thankfully, with the visa in hand, I'm ready to go.  Come April 2nd, I'll be on my way.  The following week I'm headed to Ethiopia.  You can be sure I'm checking their visa requirements as soon as I post this.

Things have been crazy busy at work, so the break will be a welcome reprieve.

Hope that all is well in your world.

More soon.

Cheers.

Good Doggy!

This was forwarded to me from Roz.  Huge thanks to her for sharing this clip of this amazingly helpful pooch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=P9Fyey4D5hg

Jailed

A woman in Abu Dhabi was jailed for handing out bibles.  Probably not the smartest thing to do in a Muslim country.

http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/courts/abu-dhabi-woman-accused-of-proselytising?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Daily%2BNewsletter%2B28-02-2013

Chastity Explained

A very interesting and surprising article on a recent study by researchers at CUNY about religious affiliation and pre-martial sex.  It was found on "The Dish."

http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2013/02/24/which-religions-are-the-most-chaste/

Global Warming?

Hat tip to Forrest for sharing this video.  It's four minutes.  Stay with it to understand the enormity of what we're witnessing.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/hC3VTgIPoGU?rel=0

Presentation is Everything

We had another celebration at school today, and with it came a parade of many cakes.  Beautiful, layered, decorative, and inviting . . .

. . . until it was time to eat them.

I should mention that utensils are not used to cut the cakes, so after the first fist digs in, your appetite for the cake diminishes completely.

The kids are darling, though.  They want to share with everyone, especially the adults in the building, so many of them came by my office with boxes of the remnants of the beautiful cakes that were.

Thankfully, I brought some veggies to munch on and I could show the kids I was dieting, when they insisted that I partake of their goodies.

This whole scene is reminiscent of the traditional meals we've had, where these huge woks are filled to overflowing with food, and everyone digs in.  Most of the time there will be a serving spoon, but if there isn't one, you just scoop things up with the flat bread that is served with every meal.

These experiences have taught me that presentation is everything, and even chocolate is a turn off once it becomes finger/fist food.

Long Day

Have you ever had one of those mind-numbing meetings where two hours felt like twenty . . .

. . . in labor?

How is it that we folks who are teachers, who stand in front of people everyday, can be so out-of-touch with our audience?

Do we not see their glassy eyes?  Or do we just choose to ignore them and plow on?

Is it not obvious when some of us (OK, me) get five cups of coffee, four more than usual, just to stay awake?

And the restroom runs?

I lost count.

It was a painfully long day.

Here's hoping that yours is not.

My Toilet Fascination

Yes.

My toilet fascination is a bit strange.

OK.

It's really strange.

But in the spirit of discovering something new . . . in toilets, check this out.

http://www.nytimes.com/video/2011/10/12/technology/personaltech/100000001071311/the-toilet-of-tomorrow.html?VI-D-E-OB-AD-TXT-NA-ROS-0912-NA

GPA vs. FTA

Anybody else wonder if this kid's GPA (grade point average) is as prodigious as his FTA (free throws attempted)?

http://www.nytimes.com/video/2013/02/16/sports/100000002069966/big-talent-tiny-point-guard.html?emc=eta1

Addresses Are Coming!

This was the headline news in today's paper.  All the Western ex-pats are rejoicing!

http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/every-home-in-abu-dhabi-to-have-its-own-address?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Daily%2BNewsletter%2B17-02-2013

Tattoos, Phones and Cameras

I think tattoos are silly.

I know.

No one cares what I think, but I wanted it on record.

I'm not a fan.

Interestingly, I've yet to see tattoos on anyone in my travels.  Although, to be fair, I can't say I was looking for them per se.  I'm guessing they're more prevalent in Europe.

I understand many tattoos are meaningful and touching.  The thing is, many of what was meaningful in my 20's, seems down right stupid in my 50's.  If I would have indulged then, I'd be spending a mint to get them removed now.

But that's me.

Old school through and through.

Now to mobile phones -

As I've shared before, this area is keeping Blackberry phones alive.  There appears to be more Blackberry mobiles than iPhones, by a long shot.  And, if not Blackberry, some other android platform phones have flooded the market.

Whatever the phone, they all seem to have cameras and they are used profusely. Interestingly, local women usually cover up when we pull out our cameras, but they take pictures of each other at will.  In fact, everything that is done, is captured by picture.  It serves as proof that it happened.

Speaking of old school -

For those of you old enough to remember Walter Cronkite, he used to sign off his newscast like this:

"And that's the way it is."

I would add, "in the UAE."

More soon.

Inshallah.

All Kinds of Love

The following story was emailed to me from my dear friend Ann.  Huge thanks to her for sharing this incredible story.  I think it's fitting for this day we set aside for love.

Happy Valentine's Day!

SOMETHING IN THE UNIVERSE THAT IS MUCH GREATER AND DEEPER THAN HUMAN INTELLIGENCE.

THE ELEPHANT'S JOURNEY TO PAY RESPECT, BUT HOW DID THEY KNOW?

Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa and author of 3 books including the bestseller The Elephant Whisperer, bravelyrescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities, including the courageous rescue of Baghdad Zoo animals during U.S. invasion in 2003.

.

On March 7, 2012 Lawrence Anthony died.

He is remembered and missed by his wife, 2 sons, 2 grandsons and numerous elephants.

Two days after his passing, the wild elephants showed up at his home led by two large matriarchs.

Separate wild herds arrived in droves to say goodbye to their beloved man-friend.

A total of 31 elephants had patiently walked over 12 miles to get to his South African House.

Witnessing this spectacle, humans were obviously in awe not only because of the supreme intelligence and precise timing that these elephants sensed about Lawrence's passing, but also because of the profound memory and emotion the beloved animals evoked in such an organized way:

Walking slowly - for days - Making their way in a solemn one-by-one queue from their habitat to his house.

So, how after Anthony’s death, did the reserve’s elephants — grazing miles away in distant parts of the park — know?

“A good man died suddenly,” says Rabbi Leila Gal Berner, Ph.D., “and from miles and miles away, two herds of elephants,sensing that they had lost a beloved human friend, moved in a solemn, almost ‘funereal’ procession to make a call on the bereaved family at the deceased man’s home.” “If there ever were a time, when we can truly sense the wondrous ‘interconnectedness of all beings,’ it is when we reflect on the elephants of Thula Thula.

A man’s heart’s stops, and hundreds of elephants’ hearts are grieving.

This man’s oh-so-abundantly loving heart offered healing to these elephants, and now, they came to pay loving homage to their friend.”

Lawrence's wife, Francoise, was especially touched, knowing that the elephants had not been to his house prior to that day for well over 3 years!

But yet they knew where they were going.

The elephants obviously wanted to pay their deep respects, honoring their friend who'd saved their lives - so much respect thatthey stayed for 2 days 2 nights without eating anything.

Then one morning, they left, making their long journey back.

Teen Jeopardy

I'm not a fan of game shows, but this Teen Jeopardy video clip is a keeper.

Enjoy!

http://www.salon.com/2013/02/13/best_final_jeopardy_answer_ever/

Science & Random Thoughts

I'm tickled every time I visit one of the book stores because - front and center - are ready made science projects.  The student simply has to choose which experiment he/she is going to purchase.

Learning is optional.

If it can be purchased here, it is.

Random thoughts:

---There is a field just outside of Dubai that is dedicated to rugby.  It's called "The Sevens."

---The national airlines for Abu Dhabi is Ethiad.  The one for Dubai is Emirates.

---The president of the UAE has his own airport.  It is in Abu Dhabi, near the commercial airfield.

HQ Building in Abu Dhabi.  It looks like a giant frisbee.
I noticed it last week for the first time.  Hard to miss, though.

---As I've mentioned before, the roads and highways here are great.  Whoever planned this was a forward thinker.  The roadways are wide, at least six lanes across.  All signs are in Arabic and English.  Thank God!

---The mountain, Jabel Hafeet, located in Al Ain, can be seen 15 miles out because the road that runs through it is lit up like a Christmas Tree.  It's a majestic view.

---I just cooked a store bought personal pan pizza for dinner. The challenge is, I'm never sure of the temperature setting of the oven.  There are no numbers on the knob, so it's anybody's guess.  I knew the pizza was done when I smelled it burning.

I've learned to appreciate a home cooked meal.  Even a burnt one.

Here's hoping you have a terrific day.

Riveting Post

Not mine, the one linked below of the atrocities of rapist/priests of the Catholic Church.  It is fitting, given word of the pending resignation of Pope.

http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2013/02/04/nostra-maxima-culpa/

Language Acquisition

An intriguing TED Talk on language.

True confession . . . I'm not sure I understood much of it, but it was fascinating nonetheless.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deb-roy/the-birth-of-a-word_b_2639625.html

Bald Heads, Labor Camps & Immigrants

It is rare to see a guy with a bald head.  In fact, seeing one today reminded me of just how rare it is.

Maybe it's because most of the guys I see working are young, 20-30 years old.  But the older guys tend to have heads full of hair, too.

Maybe it's their nationality.  Most of the ex-pat men are from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, etc. . . . our darker Asian brothers.

Maybe it's because their heads were shave as infants, which is a custom of many of these countries, including here.  The results are folks with really full, thick hair.

Of course, my observations do not include the Emiratis, as their heads, for both men and women, are covered with scarves, so we never see their hair.  Every now and then, if a guy has long hair, it peeks out.  And a few of the women will have bangs, and you can see those, but it's rare.  The ladies' faces are usually covered from just above their eyebrows, to just below their mouths.  Some Arab/Muslim women wear a tight head wrap, with another scarf on top of that, usually a different color. These are pinned down and stay put.  Most of the women just wrap a scarf around their head, but it slips, so they re-wrap it throughout the day.  Personally, having to deal with that, would be annoying to me.

Side note - Most of the ex-pat men live in labor camps.  They are located throughout the city.  They are cramped quarters, with many sharing the living space.  They are transported to work via large white school buses.

Side note 2 - There was a local deadly accident with one of the buses a couple of days ago.  A large truck, heavy with building materials, hit a bus, trapping many of the men, resulting in 24 deaths.  This was the worst traffic accident in UAE history. The men were all ex-pats, 16 from Bangladesh.

Many sacrifices are made, by people all over the world, in search of a better life.

Isn't that how the US came to be?

We, a land of immigrants, have now decided we don't want any more?  How do we slam the door that others held wide open for us?

We're better than this.

Here's hoping the pending legislation will reflect that welcoming spirit to all who land on our shores, wherever they come from.

He Thinks!

Great response by Kareem Abdul Jabbar to an article he wrote about the HBO show, "Girls."  This is from the Huffington Post "Black Voices."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kareem-abduljabbar/kareem-abdul-jabbar-girls-review_b_2615824.html?utm_hp_ref=black-voices&ir=Black%20Voices

Lest We Forget

From the Huffington Post, "Black Voices."

1968 Olympics - Tommy Smith & John Carlos

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/02/black-history-month-photo_n_2606091.html#slide=2055901

Gumbo

Today I made a gumbo that turned out great.  That's no easy feat for me.  Even with the roux mix, which simplifies the process considerably, I still have managed to mess it up.

But not today.

Today, this one is perfect.

It has lots of green onions, dried shrimp, which really enhances the flavor, and lots of skinless, boneless chicken.

For those of you who might be unfamiliar with gumbo, it's a cross between soup and stew.  It has the consistency of a broth, with the variety of ingredients like a stew. The roux is the key to a successful gumbo.  It is typically made by browning flour and oil together until it turns a deep brown.  This process requires constant stirring, because it can and does burn very quickly if unattended.  Then you fill the pot up with water.  I added green onions, dried shrimp (usually found in Asian markets), and chicken.  You can also add fresh shrimp, sausages, okra, and anything else that suits your fancy.  You bring all of this to a boil, then let it simmer for a couple of hours or until the meat is "falling apart" tender.

Voila!

That's it!

Grab a bowl of rice, and pour the gumbo over it.

Yummy!

It's especially nice when it's cold outside, but in Southeast Texas (where I'm from) and Southern Louisiana, it's served all year long, even in the hot, humid summers.

I looked online for a recipe to share, but most of them included things I don't use, like white or yellow onions (I use green onions or scallions), garlic (Never!  I can't stand the smell of it), celery, and tomatoes (nope and nope).

But this is what makes this dish unique.  It's easy to make it yours by adding or deleting ingredients.

Experiment.  Have fun with it.

But do try it.  It's worth the effort.

Bon appétit!