Christmas '09 @ Atlantis

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Harees

I had the greatest pleasure of discovering harees.

Harees is a local food in UAE and there is no restarant in UAE that serves the local food except for kitchens that cater to events. If you want to eat harees, you have to buy the whole pot.

Harees is made of wheat made very fine, chicken or lamb, and cream. It takes a professional to make a really yummy harees. Naturally, the best one is available at the Sheikh's palace.

I mentioned this to my colleague in the office and she told me that she already tried harees and she has a friend that usually gives her some during Eid. Well, Eid Al Adha came up and true to her word, she gave me a small portion in a small bowl so I can try it.

When I saw it, it looked like oatmeal. Harees is best eaten steaming hot so I heated it in a saucepan. The smell was like mocha-ish which I thought was a bit weird for something that looks so creamy. When I tasted it...ooooohhh sooooo yummmmmmy!!!! My knees buckled and there grew a smile on my face. It was so beautiful, the taste is like no other! Well, it reminded me of Gerber baby food because there was practically nothing to chew in it. That aside, the experience of tasting harees was simply exquisite!

I have a roommate and I debated whether to leave her some or not. Out of the goodness of my heart, I decided to leave her some because it's not like you can buy it anywhere, right? Would it be needless to say it became my dinner the next day? LOL! I offered her the rare opportunity but she didn't touch it up to lunch the next day. There is no way I will let something precious go to waste!

Pat, pat, pat...for my tummy!

When your car wouldn't start, who will you call?

After attending a social gathering one fine Friday afternoon, my friend Vanessa and I headed back to her car so she can drop me off at home. When we reached the car, Van noticed that the lights were left on. It didn't surprise her that the car wouldn't start.

A seemingly nice Arab guy whose car was parked in front of us noticed our distress. He offered to help. We told him the car wouldn't start and after checking, he said he needed cables because the battery got drained. We checked the trunk, no cables. He has no cables. So, Van and I started calling people we knew who lives around the area and might have cables. No luck. The guy couldn't help us anymore so he left.

Fortunately, Jane, our friend whom we visited, has the right cables. So, we got the cables and we were faced with the next problem...another car's battery. Van's car was parked facing the sidewalk and then it goes down to the street. We needed a 4x4 to get on to the pavement to get close to our car's nose. Jane's car was a Toyota Previa but the pavement was too high for her car. Van hailed a couple of taxis but they only drove away.

The blessing came in the form of a Honda CR-V. The Indian driver was willing to help us because it also meant he can take our parking space when we leave. Finally, problem solved and everybody was happy!

When I reached home, it dawned on me how few people I knew where I live. I live in Abu Shagara, Sharjah and I'm surrounded by a lot of residential buildings. I don't know my neighbors! The only two people I called were (1) a company driver, and (2) the GM of our F&B company. They were the only people that came to mind whom I know lives near and have a car. Yet, in the end, the person who helped us willingly was a total stranger! It's bittersweet to realize that we may have friends in great numbers but when they're too far, they cannot come to our aid during emergencies.

Therefore, it is always much better to have neighbors as our friends, too. After all, building good relationships help grow our world and that makes it a better place for us ;-)

Healthy Arabic Pizza

There's a very popular Arabic snack called manakish. It is a Levantine food that originated in Lebanon. It is similar to a pizza but the bread is paper-thin flat. Classic toppings are thyme (za'atar), cheese (jubna), and minced meat (lamb eat). These days, there are a variety of manakish toppings like potato, curry and spinach.

Well, I had the great honor of meeting Abu Ashraf who comes from the third generation of manakish makers in Syria. Learning from his father, he is now teaching his sons the art of making manakish.

First, he showed us the siopao-like doughs. It went into an automated roller so it came out small and flat. Then it went into it the second time so it got flatter and bigger. Abu Ashraf stretched it a bit and threw it to the next counter for toppings. He had this basin of akkawi cheese which he spread all over the dough. After a few seconds, he put it in the stone oven lined up with high fire on both sides. He made three more kinds which are tomato with a tinge of chili, za'atar, and minced meat. All these were done under ten minutes!

Manakish is best eaten while it's hot partnered with cool 7-Up or Pepsi for a smooth slide down the throat. Ooooh soooo yummylicious! I don't think anyone could resist a freshly baked bread served hot right in front of you and straight from the oven. It is like tasting a piece of heaven. Zaid! (Arabic for 'alright')

The Big Deal With First-Born Sons

Abu Ashraf means Father of Ashraf, his first-born son.
Umm Fahd (pronounced Fahad) means Mother of Fahd, her first-born son.

It's funny how Arab parents lose their names as soon as the first son is born. But, when you're a sheikh, you're still called a sheikh. Lucky fellow!

In every culture, there is a significant bearing to the father when his wife bears a son. This concept dates back in biblical times. The first-born son is believed to have the blood flowing purest and strongest in them. They belong to God. This is also why the first born in cattles are sacrificed as an offering to God. The very reason having a son is such a big deal is because of this belief and it is so ingrained in our subconscious that it is practically true in every country or culture.

Attached to being the first-born son are privileges based on this concept. They have the greatest share in paternal love. They are next to the father in every way. They hold a certain authority over the younger siblings. They get extra special blessings at their father's death. They automatically succeed their father as the next head of the family. They even get double portion of blessings among their younger brothers.

As a woman, thank God this is not always true anymore!

What happens when the first born is a girl? Well, nothing really. She will not have the same privileges as the first born son. At best, she'll be considered the first bundle of joy. Because, when she comes of age, she'll marry a man and she will be duty-bound to her husband. All the privileges will come to waste. It is very reasonable when you think about it. But, with some traditions dying over time, empowered women rose above the social issue of gender bias by fighting for women's rights. This paved the way of equality among men and women.

Still, it is amazing how this prehistoric concept has remnants of practice at this day and age. Great value is still attached to first-born sons. In countries that still have ruling families like England, Spain and even UAE, the first born son inherits the title of ruler or king. And specially with Arab people, parents get new names as soon as the first son becomes part of the family. Of course, they still write their real names in the forms but among Arabs, they are called differently. And I guess having a son is such a great honor to a family that they want to announce to everyone that hey, this Mum & Dad got a son!

The Cheating Hyena In Sheep's Skin

There's a dishonest Indian guy in True Fit Tailoring & Emb. tailoring shop near where I live in Abu Shagara, Sharjah. Whenever I need some trousers or shirt altered, I go to that shop. Today, I had two sleeveless blouses that needed alteration. The manager was there and I was quoted properly (at Dhs 5 a piece) and given a receipt.

The first time I went there was May this year. I asked how much they charge to alter clothes and this Indian guy said Dhs 5 per piece. I went back after probably a month and a half with four pairs of trousers. When I was about to pay, he said it was changed to Dhs 10 each. So, I tried to negotiate and we reached Dhs 7 each. I paid it in full and asked for a receipt. He said he can't give me one. I asked him how was I supposed to claim my trousers without a receipt? So, he gave me a business card and wrote that I fully paid for the four trousers and I could claim after 2 days. I insisted on getting a copy of the receipt but he said I'll get one when I claim the trousers. I came back after two days, got my trousers and asked for a receipt. This time, he said first-time customers don't get a receipt. What the fudge is that??

Well, the second time I needed trousers altered, my friend and I connived to outsmart this Indian guy. We both went to the shop but she came in alone and empty. I waited outside with the items. Sure enough, the Indian guy quoted alterations at Dhs 5 per piece. Then she got the trousers from me, came back in and paid in full. Oh, how sweet!

The next time I had trousers for alteration again, it was my friend who went there. When she goes there, she's not being overcharged...and she gets a receipt!

I suspect that, that Indian guy overcharges people when he is alone in the shop. The first time I had my trousers altered, he was alone. Just today, when I came in he was with the owner.

Tsk, tsk. To think that the Muslims' holy month of Ramadan just finished. Had he instantly forgotten to be good? Next time I come in there, I'll only give my items when there are other people around.

What The Fudge!?!

Today is my fiance's birthday and it upsets me that we are in the middle of a misunderstanding that sprung from my decision to embrace Christianity.



What is it about religion (or the lack of belief in it) that makes people self-righteous? No matter who I talked to who has a different faith, they totally believe with their whole mind and spirit that they are in the right.

By what standard or known yard stick is it measured that makes it right? I had a friend who told me that it is useless to talk about religion because nobody wins. I don't judge or find it offensive when someone has a different faith than mine. If we came from a different culture and we grew up in a different environment, then it is but natural that we will have a different set of beliefs. I have no right to condemn someone just because they believe differently. This calls for deeper understanding and a wider perspective of things.

No religion teaches people to do wrong or harm anyone. Individuals choose to do what they want or what they believe they need to do even if it is not according to their faith. Self-righteousness prevents people from admitting their social responsibility and accountability. Pride blinds people from seeing the bare truth.

We are equipped with minds and we were born with an innate sense of goodness. We have freedom to choose and therefore we should choose wisely. Our choices dictate the outcome, not religion. It is crucial that before we make decisions, we have to think of the consequences. We are responsible to our own self and to the people around us. It is irresponsible to think that the people around us are only our family, our neighborhood, our friends, and our colleagues at work. The people around us also encompasses neighboring nations and the rest of the world. This doesn't mean we should be compelled to do something about it when we don't have the means. It only means we have to consider them and if we can be of help, then we should help them.

Religion is not supposed to make anyone feel guilty or oppressed. It is a guide on how to live our life and how to live it with others. Religion does not dictate our actions. It serves as a guide on how to act if we want to do the right thing. It is still our choice to do what is right or wrong. Is there a religion that tells us not to choose wisely?

The natural calamities happening in this world does not stem from religion. They occur naturally. Religion does not run the course on how the world moves, how the trees grow, how volcanoes erupt, etc. When such disasters happen, what do we do? Do we not help others if we are spared from harm? Do we not try to recover if we are the one suffering? People who won battles against cancer or disabilities become inspiration to people who are struggling to recover. If there are no such people, where can we get the inspiration? It is irresponsible to blame religion on this. Our thoughts control our emotions. The more we feed negativity to it, the more we will feel worse.

Wars and violent attacks are man-made, including extortion of money from poor people. No religion teaches war nor cheat our fellowmen. People hide behind their religions to justify their cause. It is ignorance of our Holy Book (be it the Bible, or Koran, etc) that sways us from doing what is wise, right and just. Man twist the words and their meaning to achieve their goals. We should use our minds and our conscience before we accept the words of others. We have to be responsible!

Unfortunate events are opportunities of inspiration. To obtuse people, they are simply meaningless events and they conveniently blame religion.

I think it is high time for people to fully grasp what they believe in before making a stand. Respect other peoples' choices instead of throwing insults to something you cannot even fathom. It is futile. Grow up and extend your minds further than your beliefs! Personally, I acknowledge God and I accept Christ in my life so I stand for Christiantiy. Please respect my belief as I respect yours.

Life-Altering Words

I'm sure we all had our moments when we finally say "Aha!" to that elusive thought that kept nagging our consciousness. Some of us would even feel a liberating rush of enlightenment. Mine happened last night at my friend's house after three years of soul-searching.

When I was 28 yrs old, I realized that something was wrong with me and it was crucial that I identify it. Without it, I'd be incomplete. I knew this for a fact because I cannot seem to "connect" with everything around me. I felt so detached that I did a self-audit on myself. I realized that I don't react to situations as any normal human being. At work, my colleagues got excited when we won a pitch and I only felt relieved. My friend got married and it was a very joyous occasion. I struggled expressing my happines for her and I ended up pretending I was elated for her. My aunt who practically raised me and my brothers and sisters died and I felt indifferent when I should've been woeful of the loss.

I felt like a zombie. No feelings at all and I didn't know why. It bothered me and I psyscho-analyzed myself. I still didn't know why.

I went through the motions of living and met Vivien Mangalindan two years later. She became my life coach. She tried to heal me until I got stuck and couldn't move on from there. There was that missing thing that was blocking me from being my authentic self. She sensed that it exists and she persevered to help me identify it. I still couldn't remember. She thought I was molested during my childhood and was just too ashamed to admit it but I know I was never molested and deep inside, I know that's just not it. At least, her help made me a much better person and who knew better in life. But it was not complete.

After a year, I attended the Landmark Education series. It pointed out how badly I needed to release that baggage that was hindering me from moving forward. I tried my best. I made peace with my family and my ex-boyfriend, I tried to say "I love you" to people I care about (never mind that it felt really awkward), I forgave myself for my shortcomings, and I forgave others for the wrong they have done to me. I tried to remember all the "baggages" so I could let go of them. I desired for that total freedom. But that elusive one thing kept stopping me. I know I've improved personally after my period with Vivien and much better after the Landmark Education. Still, it was not complete.

Two years ago, I had the opportunity to work in Dubai and I grabbed that chance. I thought I'll be okay since I started feeling connected with people...not as much as I know I should be because sometimes I pretend to feel but, off I went.

Last night was my Eureka! moment. And my gosh, it was just a magnificent awakening! I participated in this activity organized by born-again Christians of Victory Fellowship called "Experiencing Victory." The leader of my cell group, Mary Anne, prepared me and my friend Vanessa to this activity through Bible study. We did the last step at Vanessa's house. I chose to participate because I was yearning for the truth and I was open to take whatever avenue was before me. I believe that all things happen for a reason and every circumstance is an opportunity for learning.

Part of the activity was to identify everything what they call curses in one's life. We even had a checklist to help us identify them. After identifying each, we prayed for forgiveness to all of them. Vanessa felt her liberation from all these evil things. I couldn't get the same feeling. I confessed this to Mary Anne. There was still something blocking me and I couldn't identify it. I told her that it has been stopping me for the past three years! She tried to help me remember but I just couldn't so she said that before going to bed, I meditate on Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Then we prayed to God for forgiveness and blessings. She urged me to pray to God to reveal what it was that was blocking me. I was so focused on my prayer and ignored the tears that were streaming down my face. Then, it was my friend's turn to say hers and while she was saying her prayers, God suddenly helped me realize what it was that was blocking me.



I had to laugh because I almost ruined myself with a vow I made when I was in Grade 1. I vowed to never cry again. Thank you, God, for having pity on me and finally revealing what it was that was preventing me to be the person You want me to be!

The memory of my childhood came rushing back. When I was little, I cried easily. I remember that sometimes I cried for no apparent reason. One time when I was in kindergarten, my Mom dropped me off at the playhouse and handed me to my teacher. They talked a bit and then she started to leave. I followed her and the teacher followed me. I didn't want my Mom to leave me. I saw her got out through the gate and I followed her until the teacher stopped me at the gate. She told me to stay and that I shouldn't worry because my Mom will pick me up afterwards. So, I stayed and sat on the steps watching my Mom got smaller and smaller the farther she went away. I started crying even though I knew she loves me and will come back for me.

The defining moment was when I was in Grade 1 and I was sitting at the yellow octagon table with my classmates. I was very scared and so I started to cry. One of the girls got irritated and asked me why I kept crying and told me to just stop it. I knew that I had to because there was no reason for me to cry. So, I willed myself to stop crying and made a vow to never cry again. I even imagined stamping that vow to my heart to always remember to never shed a tear.

I didn't cry until my first boyfriend died and the loss was just so devastating that I couldn't stop the tears from falling. I was 27 yrs old.

I've trained myself so well to keep that promise. As a child, I unknowingly took on the consequences of becoming emotion-less. Through the years, it hardened my heart until I became unfeeling and devoid of emotions. Mary Anne said that my heart became callous. Vanessa added that probably weeds started to grow on it! It is such a sad picture to imagine of a human heart capable of loving to snuff the life out of it. How naive I was to let myself get ruined this way.

It was no surprise to me then why I am not happy with my writings. I wrote a testimonial for my dear friend Vanessa because I think her life is one inspiring story. I told her about this. I also told her I'll let her read it when I'm ready because I know that there's something missing in it. I wanted everyone who will read it to feel moved and inspired with her story but how could that be when it didn't even create an impact on me when I read it? Now, I know why!

As a believer of God's words, my soul was saved from further destruction. I am so deeply touched by God's love to open my heart and my eyes. He let me see things with sunlight clarity when He made me realize why I felt so detached to life around me.

I never thought that simple negative words could have a life-long impact and one that could bring devastating effects.

So, be careful with the words you utter. A simple "You're stupid!" is already a curse you've bestowed on your fellow human being and whether you realize it or not, you have a hand on preventing that person from reaching his/her full potential to perform his/her divine purpose in life.

Ramadan Timing

This is my third Ramadan in the UAE and I keep forgetting that shops are closed for Iftar (breaking of fast).


As a Catholic, I do my normal routines except I don't show myself chewing and I cover my shoulders and hips appropriately in consideration of the Muslims' holy month. No sexy clothing!

Then I needed to buy a new umbrella and a blue sewing thread at this shop called The Gift Village. I also needed to buy a kilo of almonds at the Choithram Supermarket. And I also remembered to re-stock on oatmeal and fresh milk.

I was very conscious of the time. Iftar is at 6:00 pm and most shops will start opening by then. I went out at past 6:30 pm. I walked going to Choithram first and bought my almonds. Next stop was at The Gift Village. On my way there I saw the Italian ice cream bar just opened and inviting customers to come in. I took note that they offer wi-fi connection. I might need that in the future, who knows. I reached The Gift Village and found it was locked. They are closed for Iftar break from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Darn it! I looked at my watch and it was only 6:56 pm. I can't bear to wait 'til they open under 36 degrees C!

I headed to Amber Centre (another supermarket) instead and decided to get oatmeal and milk before going home. I was beginning to perspire and feel sticky with all that walking. Five minutes later, I reached Amber and saw people standing outside. It's still on Iftar break. I checked the time and it's still more than twenty minutes before they open.

That's it! I'm not happy to feel I'm constantly in a sauna so I went home to the comfort of cool air and a comfy sofa to watch whatever's on TV.

Having not finished my to-dos, I'll be needing to prepare my mind again to go out in the heat and shop...maybe tomorrow, Inshallah!

Muslims and Christians can co-exist peacefully in a Muslim country. While Muslims fast, Christians sacrifice...we're used to that! I just need to remember.

UAE Driver's License: SUCCESS!

Praise God! Al hamdrilah! I did it! Success!

I had to endure hours and hours of waiting but knowing I passed, I didn't care about the time as long as I walk out of the UAE Traffice Office with my driving license in hand.

The night before, I've been praying that God let me pass the test because I didn't want to pay another Dhs 65 to take it the second time. I even made a pact that if He lets me pass, I'll be happy to donate the Dhs 65 as tithe on this Friday's service. Well, after all this, I've decided to give Dhs 100 because He is worth much more than that.

Now that I have it and it's valid for ten years, I look back at what I had to endure and thought it was all worth while. My test was scheduled at 9 am and I got there at 8:45 am. After waiting for about an hour, my name was called and together with two other ladies, we proceeded to the test car. Two lady instructors were with us.

I was the second to take the wheel and I just followed instructions. With the car parked on the right shoulder, I went to the left-most lane. I was told to make a u-turn so I slowed down when I reached it. After the road was cleared, I went in and got into the middle lane. The instructor shouted, "Petrol, petrol!" so I slammed the gas pedal. She told me to make a full roundabout. I slowed down upon reaching it and entered when it was safe. After practically making a u-turn, she shouted again, "Petrol, petrol!" so I made a full step on the gas. After a while, she told me to "change an." I thought I heard her say 'change hand' so I had to ask, "Change what?" And she said, "layn, layn!" Then I understood that she wanted me to change lane! But, it was too late since we were approaching the roundabout and there were a lot of cars in the que and there was a truck on my right. So, she said, "Kahlas! Go full roundabout." And so, I did.

I went to the left-most lane and she told me to "change layn" and I did. Then she said, "After the pavement, go to the right and park." Then it was the last girl's turn.

When that was done, we went back to the room and waited for our name to be called again. When the instructor called my name, she asked me, "What's your mistake?" I said, "I don't know." She said, "Too much speed. You pass." Then she gave me a receipt with Arabic written on it. Woohoo!

Then I was told to go to Rooom 18. I went there and asked a police in uniform, "What I do now, please?" He turned to ask a local guy wearing a kandura and the local asked for my paper. He then asked me, "When you finish test?" I said, "Today." Then he shook his head and asked "How long you wait here? One hour? Thirty minutes?" So I replied, "Oh maybe only three minutes." He gave me back the receipt and instructed me to go to Room 16 and another guy will come.

Ok, I went to Room 16 and there were a lot of ladies waiting. I asked one lady beside me what we were waiting for and she said she doesn't know. After another hour, a man came with papers in hand. He called names and luckily, I was one of them. Then we went to Room 18 to sign in their logbook and was given instructions to go to the last building and present the paper, the receipt with Arabic written on it, a photocopy of our passport and visa, and one photo...and be ready to pay Dhs 135.

So we went to the last building and gave all the requirements to this lady. I was called to pay the Dhs 135 after about 45 minutes. I checked my watch and it was already past 11 am. I thought I could probably be back in the office at 1 or past 1 pm.

I left the Traffic Office at almost 2 pm! Actually, I was the last soul waiting for my driver's license. Apparently, they had technical problems. The network had problems and the printer won't print. Hence, the loooooong wait.

Anyways, I reached home before 2:15 pm. Just in time for lunch.

Good experience? I'd say compare to others, mine would rate to be a very, very good! Some women with me had to take more than 2 tries before they passed the test. A friend of mine failed her first try because the instructor she got was very strict. Now, she's scheduled to take her second try on August 20.

Getting a UAE driver's license can be easy or difficult, depending on how the facilitators want you to get one. I had a hard time getting approval on my application but it was a breeze to past the test. My friend had a breeze getting her application approved but failed on her driving test the first time. Some are having a worse experience! Was it luck on my part? I think my prayers helped...big time!

Inconsistencies Can Be Confusing

There is an Islamic law that prohibits men from wearing gold and silk. The article that follows was extracted from Gulf News, one of UAE's leading newspaper. I'm just wondering why this Islamic law is only enforced in Sharjah. It seems that the United Arab of Emirates is not united in this particular law at all.



Sharjah Police Enforce Old Law Against Men Wearing Accessories
By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter (Gulf News)
Published: July 21, 2009, 22:45


Sharjah: Thirteen-year-old Mohammad was with a group of friends in Al Qasba area when he was reportedly approached by a police officer and taken to the police headquarters. His silver necklace had to go.

Another resident, Jeril Jaison Varghese, says he was in front of the Multiplex in Mega Mall to watch a movie when a CID officer asked him for his identification.

"I was taken to the Sharjah Police office inside the mall by a security guy from the mall. My silver bracelet was confiscated by the CID," he said.

When Varghese asked why his bracelet was being taken away, he says, police said men are not allowed to wear bracelets or any fashion accessories in Sharjah malls even if it is silver and not gold.

"When did this rule come into being? There was no public notification and no posters in the mall notifying people of this rule," Varghese said. Another resident said on Saturday CID confiscated his friend's silver bracelet while they were in a mall.

"Is there a rule in Sharjah that authorises the CID to confiscate fashion accessories other than gold from residents and their children from malls?" asked Aji Alexander.

A Mexican mother who recently shifted to the UAE and is now living in Sharjah said her 14-year-old son was scared when he was stopped by police who shouted at him for wearing diamond earrings.

"Police were rude... We have no clue that such things are not allowed here," the mother said. "I am not allowing my son to go to Al Qasba again. My son is a very decent and polite boy," she said.

"If people are not offending the laws of the country and are not acting like women by wearing such accessories so why are police taking such action?" she asked.

Mohammad from Sudan said his 18-year old nephew who came from Abu Dhabi to visit his grandmother in Sharjah was taken last week to the headquarters for wearing a silver necklace.

"The boy was afraid. He was standing in front of his grandmother's house when police took him to the CID. After three hours he contacted us," said Mohammad. Residents said Sharjah authorities should inform people who wish to come here that men must not wear fashion accessories.

"Tourist companies should inform the public. Information booklets should be handed to people at the country's entry points. They should advertise that in all malls and entertainment areas such as Al Qasba which we believe are safe places for our children to spend time," said a resident.

"We are aware of the decency law in Sharjah, but wearing silver bracelets, necklaces, or even earrings in a decent way is not against the law," said a resident.

A senior CID official told Gulf News that police are implementing an eight-year-old decency law.

"Men are not allowed to wear such accessories. Everybody is aware of that," he said. "We are informing people through the media and people should be aware of that," he said.

Islam forbids men from wearing gold and silk.

The Emirati

Hussain is in his 50s and a regular visitor of our office. He only comes whenever his new utilities bill arrives. He is an Emirati and a dear friend of my boss ever since they were kids. They practically grew up together. I suspect Hussain is using their friendship to get money from my boss to pay his utilities bill.

My boss, being a sheikh, is naturally well-off compared to Hussain. I don't know much about his background since we don't really talk. He doesn't speak English, for one thing. What I heard from my boss was he has a son who is now working and making lots of money. He refuses to give him money because of this. Besides, Hussain can always ask his son to pay his bill. Old habits die hard, I guess.

But today, he was forced to talk to me because the Indian office boy who knows a little Arabic went out to pray and my boss' personal assistant was on leave. The only people left were the receptionist and myself.

He went to me and gave me a copy of his SEWA (Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority) bill for the month of June. He said (and this much I understood) that Ijaz (the office driver) asked for the original as instructed by my boss and so Hussain showed me the original bill but gave me a photocopy. What I understood from him was he needs the original to pay SEWA that's why he can only give me the photocopy. That's his only business for coming to our office so he could've left right away but, he has this reputation of lingering and talking incessantly.

Talking to him was stressful. I felt like I needed to decode the words that came out of his mouth and make sense of it all. He was looking for my boss' PA and I told him that she is sick. To this he said, "I pray her [his hand pointing to her desk], Inshallah!" So I said thank you. Then he got his phone and showed me the picture of his son in a car (all grown up and working now), and another picture of his son holding a baby girl. He said that she is his "grandson-girl." Next he showed me the picture of my boss and he said that he is his friend. He kissed his phone three times and told me to tell my boss "many salam salam." Salam means "hello" in Arabic.

Before he left, he said again "Photocopy give you" and so I said "Yes, I have the photocopy." Then he said "You believe me I give you photocopy." I replied with "Of course, I believe you! I'm holding it, look!"

If I have recorded our conversation and let you hear it, you'll probably feel frustrated because of the jumbled words, his sense of distrust to you, and how it goes around in circles.

I just wanted him to leave me so I told him to come back tomorrow so he can speak with the PA and I will give her the photocopy. Then he said, "Susan, you are nice. You will help me, ok, please?" Naturally, I said yes. Then he kept repeating he always prays for my boss and he will pray for the PA. He told me if I help him, the One above will bless me. He kept ranting with these things and I just nodded my head and say thank you...just so he would already leave!

Finally, he stood up and headed to the door. He paused and said thank you and "Tomorrow." I said, "Yes, tomorrow." He walked away and after a few steps came back. This time, he was asking me to call the office boy. I told him I don't know his number. From the look on his face, I'd say he thought I didn't understand him. He was starting to sound upset and kept saying telephone number and pointing to the office pantry. I asked him "You want Waqas' number?" He grumbled with "Uhh." So I told him "I don't know." He got upset again. This went on a couple of times more. To end it, I told him to just come back tomorrow. He mentioned that he'll have dialysis tomorrow and "call me" and was pointing to the pantry. I just nodded and kept saying yes to everything he said.

Finally, he left.

I don't really understand those kind of local people. The government gives them allowance. When an Emirati works for the government, he is even given a plot of land and an allowance to build himself a house. He is given two years to build the house or else he forfeits the land and the allowance. Never will you see a local here living in the streets. They are well-kept by the government. They get all sorts of allowances. It was reported that the locals comprise only 20% of the entire UAE population. The rest are expats (Arab expats, Indians, Westerners, and other Asians). The expats work their butt off and pay all sorts of fees for the benefit of the locals. Then I see people like him asking for charity.

Will my boss give him money to pay his bill? Not right away. Eventually, yes. How about my salary? He'll release it when he wants to. It's been over two months now since I got my Feb-09 salary and I'm still wondering when I'll get my next pay check!

24/7...NOT!

How can you say a business runs 24/7 when they still close on a specific hour?

Maybe this only happens in Sharjah so I don't know about the other emirates. There's a big supermarket chain in UAE called Spinneys. The branch along King Faisal Road claims they are open 24/7. BUT they close on Fridays at 12 nn and resumes at 1:30 pm.

You only happen to know this by accident. There is no signage that says they close every Friday on that specific time. Why? Because it is a given that you know it is the Muslims' holy hour of prayer. They just advertise the shop is open 24/7. So, if you're new and need to make a quick trip to the grocery, you'll be in bad luck. Then again, even if you're an old timer who never needed to shop on Fridays, you'll probably never know...until!

Misleading. Very.

What to do, yani? Go with the (inefficient) flow?

Cannibals?!?

Every Friday after church service and whenever possible, I attend what the group calls OG or Outreach Group. It's a born-again Christian activity and I attend the meeting even if I'm a Catholic.

In one of the meetings, after discussing the Bible, the group leader shared what he heard in his office (he works at DNATA, a travel service company owned by Emirates Airlines which was recently bought by Etihad Airlines). He said that there was news about a Chinese family living in International City kidnapping a Bangladeshi. They chopped his body and ate it.

Interestingly, just a month before, I also heard a similar incident from this Indian guy in the same group who has a friend at the police department (that police was in-charge of getting the fingerprints). He said that he went to visit a friend who was in jail and before going home, had a chat with his police friend. The police said that they heard a report of another Asian living in Karama, Dubai who called an electrician and a Pakistani came over. The family chopped him up, ate him, and stored the other pieces in the freezer.

It seems like the practice of cannibalism is coming back. The scarier part is, this kind of story is not supposed to get published and it never will because it will scare off tourists and expats. But what about people already living in Dubai? They need to be aware so they can be cautious. I live in Sharjah which is an emirate adjacent to Dubai but it doesn't mean the cannibals only live in Dubai...they can recruit people from anywhere.

How will authorities protect people from this kind of unawareness?

UAE Driver's License Signal Tests

In continuation to yesterday's experience, I woke up early this morning to get to the Sharjah Police HQ to take my test.

I got there at about 9:30 am and gave my papers to an Emirati lady requesting that I take the test today. She asked me if I have the handbook and I said yes so I asked again if I can take the test today and she said no and to come back on Sunday. I asked maybe it's possible today and she said again no. This afternoon? Again, no. I begged that I take the test today because I am ready to take the test. She spoke to another Emirati and they were talking in Arabic and she came back to me to say ok and pointing told me to go to room number eight. I said my thanks and went where she pointed. I couldn't see room #8. I saw men's waiting room and it was full and a sign saying "Gate 4." I came back to her and said I'm sorry I couldn't find room #8. She smiled and turned to another Emirati and they giggled and turned to me and pointing to the same direction she said that I go to room #19.

I finally found it, it was the small room on the corner with a sign saying testing room. I knocked once and opened the door. I saw a wall full of traffic signs, chairs, a desk at the end of the room with a police officer facilitating an oral exam to a lady wearing an abaya. When he saw me, he said that I wait outside.

So, I waited outside and reviewed my traffic signs. A few minutes later, the lady in the abaya went out and I proceeded inside. The police got my paper and made me sit facing the wall of traffic signs. He had a switch board to his left and turned on the light to a traffic sign. He asked me what it was and I said no-entry. This went on for a few moments, he was lighting different traffic signs at random. Maybe after ten traffic signs, he signed my papers, said good, and instructed me to go to the cashier.

The whole test took only less than five minutes! And to think that the girl wanted me to come another day for this. It was costing me Dhs 17 each way and to someone who is only getting her salary every five months, this is expensive!

Anyways, I proceeded to the cashier and paid Dhs 65 and I was scheduled to come back on the 29th at 9 am for my actual driving test. I am so relieved I got that out of the way!

Again, the saga continues....

Ramblings on Michael Jackson's Memorial Service

CBS News covered the much awaited and much anticipated memorial service of Michael Jackson. Big personalities attended the service and some even made touching and well-written eulogies. If MJ heard them all, he will feel loved, respected both as a person and as an artist, and he'll probably realize how big his contribution is to humanity.

Unfortunately, it is when we die when people say the nicest things about us.

It is no secret that MJ mutilated himself because he felt he didn't look good enough or he wasn't good enough. Where did these ideas come from? I believe a family has the gigantic part of laying the foundation of a child's morale and esteem. For MJ, he was told by his own family that he was ugly which led him to do a lot of cosmetic surgery.

The public recognized his musical and artistic genius but for MJ, it didn't really matter since he perceived that his own family didn't think the same way. His childhood (or seeming childhood) was anchored to what his family told him and because it's family, he naturally believed it and so he grew up with the belief that he is ugly and therefore not good enough. It is a great shame for a human being to carry on this untruth up to his grave.

On the other side of it, that belief drove MJ to always do his best. It created an obsession to always prove himself to his family (but it also led him to do physical harm to himself). I think that if his family came up to him and admitted that they were wrong to tell him he's ugly, then who knows, maybe MJ might stop the cosmetic surgery.

In the memorial service, a lot of people said things like MJ was a very caring person, a giver, sincere, honest, a genius, a lover of life, etc. There are some whom I felt were sincere eulogies while others wrote their speeches on what would sound great for MJ because of the things he had done but not the kind that would gush from his heart. Martin Luther King III and his sister Bernice spoke about MJ's greatness and his contribution to humanity but failed to know MJ as a person and his motive for doing such greatness. It seemed to me a grandstanding performance on behalf of MJ. The Reverend also said a lot of things to the same effect and some were so fantastic while others have hit the bull's eye they got applauded. But I liked the real and sincere eulogies of Brooke Shields and Magic Johnson. Theirs was the sneek peaks of the real MJ nobody ever knew like how he loved having fun...sort of like wanting to go back to being a child and experience childhood; how he loved to laugh; and how simple he really was like asking his chef to order for him a bucket of KFC as related by Magic Johnson.

The fact still remains that MJ as a person is loved and will always be loved by his fans. It didn't matter how many cosmetic surgeries he has had or that his real color was black. It was how he gave himself through his contributions, his songs, and the things he shared with family and friends that counted the most and that will forever live in the hearts of those who truly loved him when he was alive.

MJ loved and respected life and it is evident in his music and compositions: "We Are The World," "Heal The World," "You Are Not Alone," "Black or White," "Human Nature," "Will You Be There," and the list goes on!

To Micheal Jackson, I may have never known you as a person nor as an artist but I have complete and most sincere love and respect to all your works. I am sorry for all the untruths hurled to you but in your purest of heart, you never stopped caring for those who are in real need of your contributions be it through your music or your financial donations. The world should rightfully grieve for we have lost not just the King of Pop, but also a human being who truly cared towards fellow human beings.

God bless you, Michael Jackson!

Getting a UAE Driver's License

It's been a long while since my last entry but I thought of writing again to get back to my journal writing.

I'll share my experience of applying for a driver's license in the UAE.

I heard that you can only apply for your driver's license in the emirate where your visa was issued. In my special case (but not unique), I was issued a Dubai visa but I work and live in Sharjah (another emirate).

It doesn't matter to me where my UAE license gets issued since it will be acknowledged by the whole of UAE. It matters when there is a significant cost involved AND the process I have to go through just to get one.

I insisted to apply in Sharjah. First, they will acknowledge my valid driver's license in the Philippines. Second, it will only cost Dhs 110 to "open file" and, third, the process is much quicker: medical (less than 10 minutes), theoretical exam (maybe less than 30 mins) and finally, the actual driving test with a police officer who will either pass or fail me. If I pass, I get the license card within the day. Easy, right?

If I will apply in Dubai, it will cost me about Dhs 500 just open a file then a few refresher lessons that'll cost me at least Dhs 80 each (maybe more) and then a driving test with an instructor before finally doing the actual driving with an RTA officer (RTA is Dubai's Road Transport Authority). So, I'm not happy with the amount I will have to shell out PLUS the amount of time I'll spend re-learning what I already know. And the Dubai driving schools are very notorious for delaying schedules. I have a friend who has been trying to get a driver's license for over a year!

So, I got my documents sorted out before going to the Sharjah Police Traffic & Licensing Office: (1) letter from the company requesting a driver's license file be opened for me, (2) original and photocopy of my passport and visa, (3) letter from the company certifying that I work and live in Sharjah, (4) a copy of the tenancy contract where I live, and (5) two copies of passport size pictures.

I got there and waited for the front girl (an Emirati) to check if my papers are in order. After much ado, she finally gave me a form in Arabic and instructed me to go to the typing center then come back. After about ten minutes, I came back with the filled up form and gave it to the Emirati woman. She told me to sit down and wait. After like thirty minutes or so, she called me and said that I need to present the original tenancy contract. I came back after two days and presented the original tenancy contract. I was again told to wait. Maybe thirty minutes or so has passed and I was called to be told that they won't approve my application because the police officers said I should apply in Dubai. The guy who requested for the tenancy contract happened to be a sheikh and a cousin of my boss but unfortunately, he left for vacation that day and will come back after two weeks. But another Emirati suggested that I go to a Major Hassan, the Director of Driving Licenses, and get his approval. I went up to his office and my papers were sent inside. After maybe 15 minutes, he came out and told me that the letter certifying I live and work in Sharjah should specifically state the exact address of where I live, apart from the original tenancy contract. Okay, fine. I don't want to argue on that.

I came back the next day, which was a Tuesday, with the new letter. I arrived at about 9:30 am. I went to his office and was told to come back at 11 because he hasn't arrived yet. So, I waited 'til 11 and when I got there, I was told to come back at 1:30 because he still hasn't arrived. I decided to go back to the office and to return that afternoon. At the office, I decided to call first just in case he decided not to turn up at all. Good thing I called because it turned out that he'll not be going to the office at all!

In the next two days, I called his office trying to find out what time I can go there and it was always the same...he hasn't arrived or he's busy come the next day. I was told to go on Sunday (the first working day of the week) at 11 am. Of course, I called first and naturally, I was told he's not coming. Monday, I called again and persistently until I was given his direct line. I finally got hold of him and I set an appointment with him. He said to come after 10 am. Tuesday, I decided to leave at 10:45 am just in case he's late. I reasoned that if I get there at 11 am, I can wait until 1 pm. Usually he disappears at 1:30 pm so I thought I can definitely wait for two hours or so. Well, I arrived at 11:30 am and was told to come back after 15 or 20 minutes because he was in a meeting. So, I waited in the ladies' section and rang him at 11:50. When he answered, he said he can't anymore because he's in a meeting and besides, he told me to come at 10 am and it's almost 12 nn now. I reminded him that he told me to come after 10 am and if he would please spare me two minutes only. So he agreed and after five minutes, my papers were finally approved!

Then the Emirati girl processed my papers again and I was shown to a room for eyesight test and blood test. Those took less than ten minutes. My papers went back to the Emirati for more processing so I waited. At past 1 pm, I was called to pay the Dhs 110 and they finally opened my file. BUT, the office handling the scheduling of exam was already closed so I have to go back again the next day.

Aaarrrgggghhh!!!!!

I'm going back tomorrow so the saga continues.....