Iftars, Souks and the MOE

Despite repeated attempts, obviously there are no pictures here yet. Let me reiterate that I cannot wait to have our own internet connection. But so much has been going on, and my head is overflowing with blog posts, so I will let you use your powers of visualization for now. We arrived in Dubai shortly after the beginning of Ramadan, which is a month long period of fasting and contemplation of self for Muslims. For non-Muslims, it means no eating or drinking in public from sun-up to sun down, and some really good sales at the malls. I hate to sound disrespectful, but its really hard not to be able to have a quick drink of water when you are out walking in the middle of a really hot day - and hungry, thirsty people make for crazy drivers!!

One fun benefit of Ramadan though, are Iftars - the nightly feasts that are held to end each day's fast. Right before school started, our school took us to an Iftar at Sezzam, a really nice restaurant in the Mall of the Emirates, that overlooks Ski Dubai. We have learned that everything in Dubai is the "tallest, biggest, fastest", you name it. And Iftars are no exception - it was a buffet the likes of which we have never seen before. Some food was delicious, some more interesting than tasty, but a really cool night.

Yesterday, some veteran teachers organized a "Big Bus Tour"of Dubai, that hits the same spots as the commercial tour, and we were able to see some of the old souks, the Dubai Museum which is housed in an old fort, and we crossed the Dubai Creek in a dhow- I think similar to the old fishing boats. We also got to learn all the best places to get drinks. Even though you have to have a license to purchase alcohol here, hotels with restaurant/bars are the only places who can just sell drinks, and there are a lot of them here... we made sure to file that information away safely.

And finally for today since my time is running short, after Ramadan comes Eid - a holiday to celebrate being able to eat and drink again - at least for us! And the Ministry of Education decided their Eid break should start a day early, which meant that all schools had to close too. We had 3 days on shortened schedule the first week with students, then a six day weekend, then a 3 day week last week on regular schedule. This week we are all in - 5 day week, regular schedule so there is a pretty good chance that by Thursday we will be wiped out! But so far, the kids are super nice, and the other teachers are helpful so the school front is looking good.

Will's nanny Calista, from Sri Lanka, is working out great. We are getting better - slowly - at understanding each other, and she does a great job with Will. His new crib finally got delivered yesterday, and he slept great last night. Except for the whole sitting in the hall to use the internet outside of school, things are coming together nicely. Happy Sunday to all - cross your fingers for better luck with pictures!