Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Rules from the Hood... the Dubaihood

I thought it might be fun to share a few things that we’ve learned about Dubai.

Rules from the hood
  • Driving at night with your headlights turned ON is entirely optional. Turn signals aren’t ever needed either.
  • When at a red light it’s required to beep at the person in front of you about 0.5 seconds after the light turns green.
  • “Same same” explains a lot.
  • When you don’t know the answer it’s best to say “It is no problem.”
  • When a service company tells you “inshala” that means they have no freaking idea when they will get your problem fixed.
  • Oh and “It is no problem” means, in fact, there is a big problem.
  • Since there are no side walks, cross walks or walking bridges, it’s ok to play a human game of Frogger across a 10 line highway.
  • Learning patience is a must, otherwise you might find yourself deported.
  • There is absolutely no PDA. But it is ok for 2 grown men to hold hands.
  • Directions to a location always include at least 4 U-turns. And the directions to a location are never the same as leaving.
  • Sticking bare wires from a power tool into a power outlet is entirely normal for a worker who comes to fix something in your house.
  • Maps and GPS devices are pretty much useless because the roads change daily
  • When splitting a bill between 2 credit cards, just say “half-half”. And of course, if the group is splitting the bill 3 ways, you say, “half-half-half”
  • Mamsir and coffeetea are 1 word phrases
  • Where are you from and how long have you been here are the first 2 questions that you ask someone that you meet. The third is likely how long are you planning to stay?
  • If you miss your exit, it’s ok to back up on the highway. After all you’d have to go way out of your way and make several U-turns to fix your mistake.
  • Mall car parks are designed by people who don’t drive.
  • It’s important to look like a super model when you pick your kids up from school.