Stocking Up

Well, you're due in from Vermont this evening so in preparation I've cleaned the apartment and stocked up on food. Looks like this will be the final posting for now. Signing off ...

Lunch Time

Just like Dawn, I take a packed lunch with me into the office each day.

Tile Art

During my evening ramblings yesterday I came across this board that someone threw out. It looked to me like it was some kind of sample board that a store used to display ceramic tiles. I would have liked to take it to our apartment and have it mounted on a wall but it was, as you might imagine, quite heavy. Seems a shame to just trash the thing.

The Central Souk

Around sunset I like to walk around and explore Abu Dhabi a bit. Last evening during my ramblings I was walking by the new Central Souk and decided to try the door. Lo and behold it opened! and I entered into an air-conditioned, dimly lit, oasis replete with free coffee and dates. I think my pre-judgment of the souk was harsh as it's actually a pleasant place. There's a new produce store already open, and a new Udupi restaurant on the way ...

50 Fils

Remember the other day we were at a store and when I got my change the cashier shorted me 50 fils, saying she didn't have it? I told you that never happenend to me before. Well last night I was exploring the co-op near the new Central Market and when making a few purchases (lemon almonds, dried figs, and Jordanian green olives) the total came to 20 dhs and 50 fils and the cashier told me to just give her 20 dhs. Sometimes it does all come out in the wash. By the way, that co-op is a good store and we should shop there more often.

Blackberry Ban

I'm sure you've heard by now that come October Blackberry service will be suspended in the UAE. The National has had numerous articles on the subject and also some letters to the editor from readers.

Reflection on Self-Portrait

Not really an extraordinary self-portrait, but check out the reflection I accidentally captured in the window.

2 August 2010: Lounge About

Yesterday I woke up feeling tired. It occurred to me that I rarely just stay in bed all day so that's what I did (accompanied by 2 books). Here's a quote I came across in The Behaviour of Moths during my all day lounge about: "Sometimes ... I'll stay in bed all day, quite happy thinking my thoughts, undisturbed and unnoticed."

90/10

That's me in my new shirt. As part of my new 90/10 life practice I'm going to wear it all the time.

New Do

Recognize this guy who works at a store near bin Salama? The store has a new sign and he shaved his head.

Mawaqif

I snapped this photo for you since you seem more and more fascinated with the Abu Dhabi parking situation.

1 August 2010

To save money, I've been trying to use buses instead of taxis. This morning I took the #5 bus to Donald's to check on his apartment and go for a morning swim. After busing south to take care of my TB report at the medical clinic, I came to Zayed University (where I am now) to study and create this blog. PS That will be it for blog postings for today. Signing off now ...

Oops

I forgot to post the video store photo in the previous blog posting so here it is.

Early Evening (Still 31 July)

After my little siesta, I head over to the local produce store to buy some fruit. I think the Indian clerk there was a little surprised I took his photo. As the sun set and the heat lessened somewhat I ventured out to snap a few more photos and to pick up a DVD at the local video store.

Lunch Time

Arriving home from my morning swim, I prepare some sencha tea and sit down to study French/Arabic. The two are kind of combined right now since the book I'm using teaches Arabic in French. For lunch I have a combo you probably wouldn't really like: brown rice with yeast flakes, olive oil, tofu, and seaweed( that's the ingredient you wouldn't like). After language study and lunch it's time for a little siesta ...

After the Beach ...

After dropping off the recyclables at the beach, time to bike over to Donald's apartment to check on things and take a swim. By the way, it's not too bad biking from our apartment to Donald's. I started his car, which as you can see from the photo is still very dusty. In the morning there's been nobody at the pool which makes it very nice for doing laps. Then, after my morning swim, I stopped at Abela's for some tofu, seaweed, oat bran, and various other items we probably don't really need right now.

31 July: The Morning After

Actually I have my photos a little out of order. As you know, I do yoga and then have breakfast. In this case it was a Duncan Wong set followed by oat bran and an orange. Then it was time to pack up the recyclables and head off on my bike to the beach to get rid of them in the appropriate containers (of course we're never really sure this stuff actually gets recycled but at least we try).

30 July 2010: The Night before Dawn Flies

Here are a few photos I took the night before you flew to Vermont. If you recall, the night was a bit awkward as you didn't really want to go out in the heat before departing for the airport, then later, I had a hissy because you were watching TV instead of chatting with me before your departure (I admit that my sensitivity is due at least in part to the possibility that I'm currently going through male menopause). By the way, I know you wanted me to create a WowTripadvisor video for you but I opted for a blog instead because I enjoy including text. Hope you don't mind too much. PS You'll likely see a few of the same Abu Dhabi photo postings on my other blog as well.