Crazy compound capers

Larry was so astounded by this that he actually wrote a post this time, of course I had to actually post it for him, but that is ok.

I came home after work yesterday and heard the drama that unfolded during the day.

Seems our security guard was yelling at our lifeguard for using toilet paper for "cleaning his backside". The security guard was angry and told the lifeguard that is is not for him, it is only for the residents... The lifeguard had enough and head-butted the security guard. It couldn't stop there. Since they were in the gym, the security guard grabbed a dumbbell and cracked the lifeguard on the head. A bit later with blood everywhere and an ambulance and the police on the scene, they were both taken away, probably to be deported.

Other details that came out. From a caste ranking, the security guard out-ranked the lifeguard and the grounds keeper. Seems the security guard has been bullying for a while. The security guard has been shaving money from the grounds keeper. The grounds keeper was earning extra cash by washing cars for various neighbors. The security guard believed it was his right to take a slice of the cash for "giving the grounds keeper the opportunity to wash various cars." Also found out that the security guard has been demanding that the lifeguard and the grounds keeper leave the stall door open while using the toilet (no specific reason provided). We heard above that he further demanded that they not use the toilet paper that is right there in the stall. The alternative is the hose mounted to the wall. Picture this - take a kitchen sink hose and mount it to the side wall next to the toilet. That is the "clean your backside" tool in every bathroom everywhere in this country. To each his own, but not for me.

So we will see today when the day shift starts, who is back or if it is an all new crew. Chances are it will be an all new crew and we will never see nor hear from the security guard and lifeguard again. The grounds keeper disappeared a few weeks back. I am now guessing he protested to the income shaving and was sent packing...

You gotta be f'ing kidding me. This is pretty much my daily phrase here.

Ray feeding at Aquaventure

Dani's friend Tyler's birthday gift to Dani was to feed the rays at the Atlantis water park. As it turned out we all ended up going - Thanks Tyler!! It was a very cool experience. All of the girls were afraid at first. Rays have teeth, but not that kind that can bite you. Feeding them is much like holding something up to a vacuum cleaner hose. You hold your hand flat and they suck the food up into their mouths. It was strange to feel them hoovering up your legs, butt and belly. 

What an amazing experience. I highly recommend it if you ever get a chance to do this!

  

  

  

  

Adventures in Dubai

I haven't written in a while about the craziness of Dubai so here's one just for fun... We've been on a kick to try new things, things that we can't easily do in the US. So we decided to go to a cricket match. For those of you who don't know, a cricket match can last a whole day, the players even have tea breaks. Because of that we went to a "20's" match which is shorter - means they only get 20 overs - whatever that means. Four couples from our compound bought tickets. The day of the event we found out that alcohol is not served in the new cricket stadium... puts a kink in the plan, but we forge on. At least we'd save money because no cab would be need.

Night of the event one of the baby sitters is over 30 mins late - typical. So we are late heading to the event. We cruise along, getting closer then traffic comes to a complete stop. There is a huge round about near the stadium and the traffic lights are not working - fun, fun. We laugh and carry-on while sitting there. Wave at the buses of workers nearby (who stare and stare). There is a guy behind us who gets out of his car and starts kicking the construction barriers at the side of the road - oh boy, this is gonna be a good night. The boys are restless so they decide they can walk thru the sand and get there faster. The girls turn up the music and sing and dance in the car while waiting. At least we are entertaining ourselves.

Traffic eventually starts moving a litte faster. We catch up to the boys, but they are on the other side of an 8 lane freeway. They decide to make a run for it - which by the way, crossing an 8 late freeway is VERY usual in Dubai. Workes are killed every day by being hit by cars on the freeway. They make it across safely but decide not to get in the car, they can still walk there faster. So the girls head for the car park. Only to find out there is NO parking lot (switching here, back and forth from British to American English). Everyone is parked in the sand, every which way, blocking the person who just parked in front of them. The stadium only opened a few weeks before and, which is typical for Dubai, the stadium is open but not finished! We can't find a suitable parking space and by now we are over 90 minutes late to the event. We decide to abandon ship and head for a bar. Afer all we can still salvage this evening.

We drive all the way back home and walk to an area with restaurants and bars. On the way we have to walk through an area where lawn sprinklers are running. We're hot, it'd be fun to get wet - right? We run through whooping it up only to realize it's sewer water they are using to water the grass!!! (again often used in Dubai, hey it is actually good for the grass and economical). Now we are hot, stinky and in serious need of a drink.

We decide on a nice roof top bar. We have a few drinks and chat. One of the couples with us is leaving the next day to move to Singapour. We are all sad they are leaving, but again, that's Dubai, lots of coming and going. We took a picture of us drinking and sent it to the guys. Haha... we have beer and you don't! They eventually join us. Cricket was interesting, but slow so they left a little early.

On the way home we pick up a few chicken swarmas and then order Burger King when we get home - yes they deliver - how funny is that? Burger King delivering.... just can't imagine that in the states. We crack open a bottle of champagne to comiserate our friends leaving and eat our food. We pop in the movie Saw 5 - totally gross movie. Finally at 2am we decide it's bedtime.

What a fun night and we got in a couple of must do's - Cricket match, running across the freeway, and getting sprayed with sewer water. Ah, adventures in Dubai.

Happy 12th Birthday Dani!

Dani ended up with multiple celebrations this year. On her actual b-day we had a family day. She woke up to 12 happy birthday signs posted around the villa and a big number 12 made out of paper on the kitchen table. Off to school for the day where her friends had decorated her locker (how sweet is that?). That evening we went out to Friday's where they sang happy birthday and Dani opened her present from us - money towards an itouch for which she's been saving. 

The next day we celebrate with our compound friends - Bethan, Megan, Immy, and Lila. We took all 6 kids to dinner and bowling. It was fun! 

Then over the weekend we took Dani and her school friends to a water park in Umm Al Quwain (one of the 7 emirates of the UAE) - Tyler, Laura, Mira, Mimi and Natalie. Elle also brought along her friend Olivia. It was a great day! 

  

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY DANI!!!

Elle's swim meet

Elle participated on the elementary swim meet between Royal Dubai School and Dubai American Academy. She took two 1st place ribbons, 1 second and 2 third place ribbons. The first place ribbons were from the freestyle 25m and 50m. The other events were relays, 2 of which were with older kids. We are so proud of her!

  

  

Here is a video of Elle winning the 50m race.