First apartment buy

Since we're STILL living in a hotel (and out of suitcases) we haven't really bought a whole lot of stuff. The boxes we shipped are still sitting in the corner at the office. But, with word of "getting the keys" to our flat soon (we stopped by and it's still two weeks away from completion) we couldn't resist to start planning for the future.

Plus, we couldn't pass up the duck-green couch set.

Ta-da! Our first purchase:

She likes eating random weeds and ::spit:: ...

Miss America ain't got nothing on this contest.

another funny sign

So I thought that the Golden Shower sign was the holy grail of funny signs. and then, there it was, right outside the taxi window.... I was in such surprise that I didnt even get my camera out. So instead I dragged Elysia kicking and screaming half a block to take a photo of it. here you go

Al Fanar, revisited (for reals).

Since we now have a proper working camera.... look! You can now see what I've been talking about regarding Al Fanar — Abu Dhabi's only revolving restaurant. The place is quickly becoming my favorite place to dine (especially when it comes to appetizers). The view is also yummy too. I promise I'll stop talking about it after this. But while I'm at it, have a look.

Let the drooling begin. First the view:




Around and around we go.


And now for the important stuff:

Wes' appetizer. I can't remember what it was exactly... but I know goat cheese was a main ingredient.


A close-up of the super de-lish salmon dish.


Me looking goofy.


Dessert in the desert.


Elysia's old standby: Crème brûlée


Wes' new favorite: Ice melon soup. Yum.

Couldn't pass it up

Well, I lied. I couldn't wait until July for a car.
Today I signed the loan papers for a red 2006 Mini Cooper S!


This isn't the actual car but it looks just like it.

The deal we got on this car is insane. And my bargaining skills (thanks mom) seem to fit in perfectly in the Middle East. As does my car knowledge.

Today it gets inspected (I already know it needs new tires and breaks which is why I got a few thousand knocked off the price). It shouldn't need too much of anything else since it's a 2006 with low mileage.

What's even better? I'll have the car paid off in two years (or less).

Hooray!

26

Me being born. Jesus rising from the dead.
Coincidence? I think not.

Thanks UAE peoples

Thanks to the UAE friends who came to my birthday party. I had a blast and I don't think I could of asked for a better time. Lots of people came up to Wes and I to tell us what a great party it was. Bet it was the free booze ; )

Anyway, it was a great party to discover a lot about the people I work with. See who shows up. See who stays after the free booze is gone. See who is who really. If that makes sense to people in sober land.

All in all, had a great time.

Tomorrow Wes and I are hitting Dubai with Laura, Craig Neil and maybe some others. Art show, shopping... what a great birthday weekend.

xoxo

Pearl Jam and the East Coast

Just got a Pearl Jam Fan Club email about the boys touring the East Coast while I'm home.

DATE CITY/STATE VENUE       PRE-SALE DATE/TIME
Jun 16 Columbia, SC Colonial Ctr. March 24, 1pm PDT
Jun 17 Virginia Bch,VA Verizon Amp. March 25, 9am PDT
Jun 19 Camden, NJ Susquehanna March 25, 11am PDT
Jun 22 Washington, DC Verizon Center March 25, 1pm PDT

** June 12-15 Pearl Jam will perform at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in
Manchester, TN. Tickets are currently on sale through
http://www.bonnaroo.com

ONLY if there was a Michigan date! That would make life so much easier!
But if I went to Virginia, NJ or DC I could stay with people I know....

I have a few days to decide to secure my Ten Club tickets.

Commence party weekend

Wes and I are packing our bags for a long weekend away in one of the nicest hotels in Abu Dhabi. Staying at the Le Royal Meridien was my birthday request. As was the fancy full service suite (free booze/food, fruit basket, breakfast buffet and full access to the pool/spa area). Oh! And free Internet access!

Tomorrow night friends/co-workers are meeting up with us at Illusions night club for an exclusive party (tables reserved, of course).

Have I mentioned how much I'm loving the lifestyle here?

Sadly I'll be working my actual birthday but this weekend should make up for that.

Joining the rest of the crazies

It happened. I finally found 30 minutes to step out of the office and go over to the licensing department.

Tada! A new license with big Texas-like hair. That's what I get for going to bed with a wet head.

Next up: Buy a car. Well, that or lease one. Wes wants to buy a motorcycle. And I want a Mini Cooper. We'll see who wins (bet on me). I even went to the BMW dealership and got prices and drooled on the cars.

After some more bills are paid off we'll get transportation. My guess is July.

Homeward Bound

Wes and I will be in the US of A June 12-23rd. Our vacation request has been approved!

The only things planned (besides cuddling with my Cassie) are Mike and Kim's wedding June 13th (we'll be in East Lansing for the day/night), my mom has talked about taking a day trip to Cedar Point and I know my Dad wants to go to the MGM in Detroit for dinner. Oh, and I have to work on planning our wedding.

Other than that... we're open to whatever.

Sadly though, I don't think we'll have time for a Washington visit. Sorry West Coasters! We miss you.

A day in Dubai

Two weeks ago I went to Dubai with some co-workers for the Desert Rock Festival. Heading to the concert with me was my new sparkling camera.

Here's a few "test" shots:


Tallest building in the world... and they are still building. How tall will it get? Time will only tell. They haven't decided yet.


(Part of the) Dubai city skyline.


Not the best photo of it.. but across this body of water is the Burj Al Arab. What's that? The world's only 7 star hotel.


Indoor skiing... in the mall. And yes, that's real snow.


Onto the show! Here Marky Ramone gathers a crowd.


The kids in the mosh pit.


Craig and Lee love the show (and the beer).

Dirty or Clean? You decide.

What's that sign? What does it say? Golden.. golden what?


Oooohhhhh.....*

*And, no I did not Photoshop any of that. I ain't that good ; )

A lot of catching up to do

That's exactly what I have in store for me.

This is the latest start to a St. Patrick's Day my liver has ever seen.
Very sad.

Since March 17th has been crowned my favorite holiday (ever) and since the age of 21 I've always hit the bars at 6am (or open). And now, 7 p.m.? Very sad.

Next year I'll be making up for it though. That's where my plans to actually drink in Dublin come in...

I'm not ignoring you

Just a reminder...
I cannot check MySpace and Facebook at work. Nor can Wes.
It's blocked here.

And we do not have Internet at the hotel.

That being said, I cannot read any messages related to it. Not unless I go to some damn Internet cafe and we haven't had time.

So... if you wanna get in contact with me: elysia.a.smith@gmail.com or this blog.

Sorry.

Pukefest

If I see one more cockroach today I think I will throw up.

I am now unable to finish the lunch I was eating. Seeing a dead cockroach the size of a Post-It Note next to my chair is the most unappetizing thing EVER.

Funny thing is... my co-worker who just scooped it up and carried it out of the room has just come back with lunch. How does he do it?

A little word to T-town

Yo!

Tacoma peeps.

You'll be happy to know that my desk in Abu Dhabi is officially as messy as you remember it being in Tacoma... if not more.

My keyboard has acquired tomato soup stains. My desk is covered in proofs, books and magazines. My headphones and iPod cords are tangled into a million knots.

AHHHHHHH. The sweet sights of home.

Yet, there are no random crayons... (those haven't been purchased yet). Worry not, paints and ink pads have made their way out of the boxes.

Laughed so hard I cried

I can never complain about my job choice in life. Not many people can come to work and discover that their sole job that day is to compile Chuck Norrisism and create a poster like design with them. There is that and laughing so hard that you start crying. That's the mark of a great day.

A&L Editor: Elysia, this looks great but we have to change this one. We can't say that.
Me: Which one? The Def Leppard one? But it's true, he does only have one arm!
A&L Editor: Yes, but the drummer lost it in a car accident. We shouldn't say that Chuck Norris ripped it off to use as a back scratcher.

Then we just looked at each other and laughed until I cried.

What am I talking about? This statement:
"The Drummer for Def Leppard's only got one arm. Chuck Norris needed a back scratcher."

Still don't know what I'm talking about? Go here and see for yourself.
Happy birthday, Chuck.

Things to do this weekend

Who knows what will actually get done but here's my weekend wish list:

Drink, a lot: It's been a hard week with long long long work hours everyday. I deserve a drink (or two or three). Preferably one with an umbrella in it.

Get Sean his secret birthday gift: I've found it, I just need to pick it up now...

Go to Dubai and it's HUGE amazing mall: Maybe Wes and I will go to H&M and go skiing — I need pants and snow. I bet that thought has never been combined in one sentence.

Get Wes more Visafied: He got some paperwork yesterday... now the fun begins. Fingerprints, blood tests and a banking letter. Oh my.

Eat something tasty: Like I don't usually do that already. But I'm craving Al Fanar again for some reason. OK, not for "some reason" ... more like for the salmon appetizer. Totally amazing.

Get relaxed: I WILL go to yoga this weekend. I WILL use my gift certificate for a free hour massage. I would like to go to the beach.... sadly there are only so many hours in a day and days in a weekend.

If...

...this is true, I'll be in the Midwest at the beginning of August.

Tisk, tisk

Sorry for the lack of updates.

Wes and I have been working like crazy. Things are really picking up and we spend about 10-12 hours per day at the office. Wes even worked the weekend. Everything is really challenging because, well, we are both learning a ton of new stuff everyday. But it's great and there's never a dull moment.

While we were away...
Birthday plans got made: I've booked the best room dirhams can buy for my birthday. We'll be staying at the Le Royal Meridien on March 21st in a Royal Suite. Including in the price is a breakfast buffet in the morning, all we can drink/eat in the lounge from 7pm-9pm, full access to the hotel's pool facilities, a fruit basket and well... a giant room. I'll invite a few people as well to enjoy the party with us.

We bought a new camera: FINALLY! Photos from my trip to Duabi TK.

I started working out again, sort of: I started yoga sessions at a studio not far from work. It's totally kicking my ass.

A return to a concert-going life, sort of.

In about 10 minutes Elysia will head out to Dubai! FINALLY, right? I'm going there with a few guys from work to day two of the Desert Rock Festival. Wes is sad because he's working today. Sucks to be him.

Anyway, the big highlights of my day include Marky Ramone, Muse, a day in the sun, cold (legal) alcoholic beverages and not working.

not quite bootleggers...

While I was spending long hours at work, some sneaky people, (unnamed to protect their visa status, but probably easy to figure out for readers of this blog) visited a liquor store.
Since both of them lack the needed papers to purchase alcohol, and it is highly illegal to have it anywhere in your possession without a permit, this meant some sneakiness was required. There are some funny idiosyncrasies in the alcohol laws here. As was explained in a post a long time ago, it is legal for non-Muslims to buy and consume alcohol, but some caveats apply. The buyer is must have a permit for all alcohol served outside of hotels, where all the bars are located as there are no neighborhood pubs here. All alcohol purchases are heavily taxed, something like 18%. The stores where you get the alcohol are supposed to write your license information down and subtract the amount you bought from a preset limit for the month. This means that if you try to buy more than the limit, you must wait until the next month, and there is a $ limit for the year. You must also pay the really high tax and that tax applies against your limit. Assuming you make it through all these hurdles, it is illegal to transport it. Pretty much, you can buy it but then once you step out of the door, you are an illegal. It is always and VERY illegal to transport it in an auto, or anything else with wheels. Having any alcohol in a car is the same as drinking and driving, which means going to prison, and once you get out, deported.
Of course, the our heroes are smart, and brought along a wheelie bag to clunk everything around in. But, wait! they are even smarter than that! Why pay all the tax and deal with a limit on what you can buy when you can just go to a store that is ok with selling it illegally? If the legal issues are going to be just as much of a hassle and it cost so much more...
That is what makes this story so great. A heroic amount of alcohol, for a low low price of around 100$USD (thats 367Dhs for non-US readers)

The final tally:
3 bottles of wine
2 bottles of delicious Skyy Vodka (no cheap Royal Czar for us)
a bottle of Rum
and a 6 pack of Guinness!

And all this for the low low price of around 100USD (367Dhs)
Its going to be a great night! Thursday night is the beginning of the weekend for us here in the UAE, too bad for all you suckers who are working on Friday. You may feel free to leave some comments teasing us about having to work on Sunday!

For the copy editors in the house

My desk mate Lee, the business designer, is English. Not that we should hold that against him ;)...

Anyway, Lee has been making an effort to correct my English. Not so much to correct my grammar but more so the words I use for everyday things.

Me: Lee, do you have any more of those Cookies?
Lee: You mean biscuits.
Me: (Laughing) Whatever, give me some.
Lee: (Hands them over) These are biscuits, not cookies.
Me: What do you call chocolate chip cookies? Chocolate chip biscuits?
Lee: No, those are cookies.
Me: OK. So what makes a cookie a cookie?

He explains that a cookie is generally smaller and comprised of extras (chocolate, mint, etc.). Biscuits are Hob-Nobs and Digestives and other similar.... uh... edible objects.

Sure, everyone knows that the loo is bathroom, rubbish is trash and telly is television. But after spending two months with Lee... I've learned a ton of new terms for things I never knew were different in the first place. Words I am learning to replace include:

Nightstick: Long club/stick police use to hit people with or twirl.
The new term? Truncheon.

Thread: That stuff you use to sew on a button.
The new term? Cotton. Although it gets tricky when you cut off the cotton and then it becomes a thread of cotton.

Hood/trunk: That thing on the front/back of your car that covers the engine/storage space.
The new term? Bonnet/Boot.

Lee has also pointed me to this chart so I can brush up on my Cockney Rhyming Slang and to this test to see how many British words I know.

Before you know it I'll be using the term dog and bone... touch wood.

passport photos - a little more detail

E wrote that it was a big mistake not to get the photos before I came here. I disagree. She paid over 50$ for 12 of them in Michigan. I paid 50Dhs, which is about 13$ for 40 of them. Plus I got the awesome heart trading cards. I have noticed a few people around the newsroom who are collecting them. I may never be on a baseball card, but a passport photo card is good enough. Too bad my stats aren't on there!
Once we decide what sort of nice camera we are going to get I can start posting some real photos instead of the 'look angry so that if you ever do anything bad the government can run the photos in the news and make it look like you are deranged' look that they MAKE you do. No smiling in these photos!

Also, on a funnier note, one of the Canadians saw a scan of my passport, which is required to get a visa, and didn't believe it was real at first. his comment was 'That looks like a Colbert spoof!'

As for mustaches, check out this website!

Ill be on there in a few years. or maybe not.

How am I going to survive the summer?

Today it's 33 degrees Celsius. In America terms... that's 91.4 Fahrenheit. By 2p.m. it will be even hotter. There's not a cloud in the sky.


The Abu Dhabi 10-day forecast. Note the repeating "sunny" icon.

And again, just as a reminder, it's only March 4th.


Edit by Wes:
inside it is a cold 20 C. going from inside to outside back inside again is a shock, not so much the temp, but the blinding sun. It is enough to make anyone feel like a vampire. Some people have taken to wearing sunglasses constantly, not for a fashion statement, but just to keep our eyes from burning.

at least I am done moving equipment around for now, and only have to sit in training classes for some really obscure industry specific software package so I can help some of the few users who will be needing to deal with it.

Caffeine isn't helping at all today.

Maybe the spinning class tonight will.

Wes and mail

Since Wes works here now you can send mail directly to him.

That address again is:

Wes Mininger
C/O Abu Dhabi Media Company
English language newspaper
P.O. Box 791
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

Just like trading cards

Wes came to the Middle East without a large supply of passport photos. Needless to say, but, big mistake.

Not only do you need an official letter of approval to do anything here (open a bank account, get a drivers license, get an alcohol license, get your visa, etc.) but you need lots of passport photos accompanying said letters. Who knows what they do with them — they just need them.

Even on his first day at work HR asked him for multiple sets.

So a few days ago I instructed Wes to go across the street and get 40 made. Yes, 40.

This is the end result (now you can see his stash):


And this is the little extra bonus photo they threw in his packet:


Precious.

The big 2-6

My birthday is quickly approaching. T-minus 20 days and counting (21 if you count the actual day).

So, what's a girl in the desert to do for her birthday?

Let's see what our options are:
a.) Go to Dubai and go out to dinner/club.
b.) Do what most people here have been doing and do a big birthday dinner/drinks.
c.) Go to the bar and/or have a party.
d.) Something else.

While all sounds kinda appealing... I think I'm gonna do something else.

I'd love to take a flight somewhere and have a long weekend in another country but Wes doesn't have his residence visa yet and that makes it near impossible to leave (and come back). My other idea is to get a VERY nice hotel room in either the Royal Meridien or the Hilton. But I don't just want to stay at a hotel for a night. I want to stay on the highest/executive floor. You know, the floor that is all you can eat and drink. That totally makes it worth while.

Sadly the Emirates Palace is booked. But I don't really have $15,000 for a room anyway. We'll see what the Royal Meridien has today.