Things I will never get used to

Working in the Arab world has it's ups and downs, it's left turns, it's right turns, and turns that make no logical sense to anyone involved except to the person who is telling me such things. Here they are:

No left turns here. U turns only by turning right. This is a frustration that drives you mad in the UAE.

The workweek being Sunday - Thursday. No matter how long you experience it, it just goes against your own conscious. Waking up on Sunday morning to go to work leaves me feel robbed of my weekend, even though I had two days off with Fri and Sat.

To fill up your tank with gas costs about $7-10.

I joined a local gym for the month, and in the midst of working out the music stopped and all the other men left their weights. It was prayer time, and they all joined together kneeling and bowing towards Mecca, chanting their prayers. This was in the middle of the weight room people - what a sight! I continued on my work out but went about it in a quiet/subtler way - I didn't know what to do! Ha.

'Insha Allah' - for those that know, they know.

Fresh fruit stands on every corner. Freshly squeezed Juice is offered as well. For $1 you can get fresh orange juice and 3 peaches. Great snack.

The friendliness of these people. It really does put our culture of acceptance (or non-acceptance) to shame. These people smile, say hello and invite you into their homes to make you feel welcomed. How do we treat Arabs with Osama beards back in North America?

Hearing the calls to prayer from all speakers from all the Mosques is always interesting. The sounds echo throughout the entire city, and with this happening 5times a day, it is a constant reminder that you are indeed in another world.

It is another world, and I'm glad to be experiencing it.