$15!! Fifteen dollars. One-Five! Aha, that's right... you read it correctly....that's how much it took to fill up the car yesterday! AND, that's full service - you get to stay in your car and you can even talk on your mobile! The catch? You have to pay by cash. There are still a lot of expats who haven't figured that one out yet and it is too funny to watch their olympic 100m sprint to the only ATM, while long lines of cars pile up behind them.
Speaking of lines, we are learning after a week of commuting to and from school (we can't sign up for bus service until we have a permanent place to live) that there are certain times you shouldn't even try to be on the road. Expat mothers are the worst road ragers out there. One minute they sit in cafe's sipping their double Macchiato Latte, demure and pleasant. Next minute they're jacked up on caffeine and speeding down Al Safouh Road like Tina Turner in MadMax: Thunderdome! Behind their Victoria Beckham sunglasses, evil looks are shot towards anyone who gets betweem them and their little Jimmy who is waiting to be picked up at the school gate. It's like their giant 4x4s all of a sudden have flame throwers, nails and wicked spikes coming out of the fenders, as they shoot past you on the shoulder (which by the way is not a paved shoulder but more a desert in itself). I'm thinking about joining the PTA so I can confront them and tell them JUST how un-becoming this behavior is! Big mistake of the Dubai government to put Zoloft on the "banned drugs list"...these women need a dose in a BIG way.
That brings me to the topic of drugs. We downloaded a long list of medication which is banned and absolute cause for 4 years in jail if caught with it...yet going to a pharmacy we learned that you can get what would be prescription drugs in the US or UK, over the counter. Take Melatonin for example...could not get it in UK, not on prescription - not even allowed in UK. Got it right over the counter (from under the counter) in the mall pharmacy. This strange "over-the-counter-from-under-the-counter" culture has us baffled.
I'm delighted to see that so many of you commented on my previous blog postings. Writing keeps me calm, which delights Aric, as I otherwise would stress over the unsettled situation we find ourselves in at the moment. Next...stay tuned for house hunting story.
4 comments:
As people who paid $92 for the last tank of gas, let me tell you...so very jealous of the gas prices. That's amazing!
I'm surprised by the banned drugs, never thought about the differences from country to country regarding simple OTC things like melatonin. Interesting.
I'm loving your blog already, Pia and glad it makes you feel good to write. I'm checking in everyday at least once to see what you have to say!
Hiya guys,
Am so loving the blogs Pia, keep it up.It allows some of us to dream!
We loved the bit about the bug eyed road raged mothers doing the drop off and pick ups. At least that sort of behaviour seems to be wide spread and not just experienced in the UK.
We hope you all begin to feel settled soon.
Looking forward to tuning into the next blog after work. Keep it up Pia, it's great!!
Gina and Darren
sounds like caffeine should be added to the banned drug list there! love the blog- it's great to hear your perspective on living in a different cultural society.
Pia, Aric and boys,
Couldn't think of better ambassadors. Hope you are able to acclimate soon and enjoy the experience. Would love to join you for a bit. I will be in the UK and Poland in a few weeks but sadly you are all far from the UK and no chance for a visit. $15 would get you 3.5 gallons here today. Keep the pictures and blogs entries coming. I will check often and send you some pics when I can.
We are looking at a dive trip to Cozumel in the Feb time frame that used to be school vacation for Aidan and Hunter. Any chance you may be able to join in the fun?
By the way….We are feeling first hand (well maybe second hand) the issues of “the war”. Elaine’s oldest, Ken, is on his way to Afghanistan in October for a one year tour. We are both worried and proud of his sacrifice and dedication to service for all of us in the USA and abroad. We also share your perspective on getting past the atrocities of history knowing no great thing was ever accomplished looking backward. In the meantime, give thanks for our freedom, say a prayer for our sons & daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, …..and pray also that all will come home well, respected and admired for their efforts on our behalf.
John & Elaine
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