Sandstorms!

Yes! I've passed the 6-month milestone in Dubai! Without realizing it, I've been here for 24 weeks! 

On my 26th week here, a sandstorm finally occurred!

Before I came to Dubai, I thought sandstorms are like whirlwinds. A big wind comes, sweeps up all the sands, and blows it all over the place, like a localized tornado. And if you look out of the window, you can see nothing but brown sand, flying all around. Sand grains knocking on your windows to let them in. That's what I thought.

As usual, I have a distorted sense of reality. My first sandstorm in Dubai, wasn't anything like that at all. In fact, it was far from it. It came gradually, like dew that forms in dawn, or the sun that sets so slowly, that before you even realize it, it's suddenly dark. One day, I woke up, looked out of the window and noticed a really foggy skyline. I couldn't see buildings that were 1 kilometre away. When I walked out of the apartment, the wind was stronger than usual, and sand particles flew into my eyes. I wished I had goggles to shield them at that time, but who does that? People usually just covered their eyes, or looked away. So, that's just what I did. 

The temperature was slightly high too. I think it was about 25 degrees Celsius. For the past few weeks, it felt like 20 degrees Celsius, and I frequently had to put on an overcoat to keep warm. But today, I didn't need it. 

So, that was my first sandstorm in Dubai. Mild, gentle, subtle. 

And I thought, "This is it? That's what you call a sandstorm?"

I was secretly, silently disappointed. It wasn't as exciting as I had imagined it to be. 

Well, obviously, the movies takes the most extreme of events and exaggerate it to several bigger proportions. Otherwise, who would watch them? They stretch your imagination to capture your short attention span.

Oh! I just found out too, that sandstorms can occur across the whole city of Dubai, which spans across about 4100 square kilometres. And I thought it was a localized event, probably covering only about an area of 1 sqkm. 

Apparently, everything I assumed about sand storms were misguided. The sand particles in sandstorms, are not big, but so miniscule, that you won't even realize they're there until they hit and irritate your eyes. They have to be. That's why they're so light that they can be lifted up by the wind. 

A friend tells me that sandstorms, signify the change of seasons, from winter to summer. When seasons change, phenomena occurs. Animals migrate, flowers bloom or wilt, and the seas swell. In Dubai, obviously void of flora and fauna, the only vast, immense natural item being sands, are nature's way of telling us, "Listen up, people! We're changing seasons soon! Tuck away your jackets, and be prepared to stay indoors."

And to think that, just a month ago, the highest mountain in UAE was covered in snow (Link here)! It's approaching summer now? Wow... it is almost unthinkable! 

As a typical Malaysian, we have a high tendency to accept everything as it is. We seldom question the natural events around us. If it rains, we say, "Wow! It's raining! That's great! It'll cool down the heat!" If it's sunny, we say, "ooooh... it's a good day to dry my clothings today. The clothings can dry within an hour." If there's thunder and lightning, we wonder, "Somebody must have made the Gods angry today."

*Footnote: Ok, ok.. the last statement applies to just myself.

We don't wonder, "Oh! Why does it rain?" or "How is rain formed?" Most of us, are just not interested at all. What value does this type of knowledge carry? There're more important things to focus on. 

Nevertheless, after settling down here, I realize now that while it is good we accept things just as they are, but even more important, is understanding why and how it occurs, to prepare for the days ahead, and to improve the quality of our lives. 

The starting point of knowledge, is through questions. So, ask, and never stop wondering. 

*Note:
More on Dubai Sandstorm here. 

Camel Races

Interesting Facts about Camel Races or Camels 

Q: Did you know that the former UAE President, had 14,000 camels and 9,000 staff for the camels!   


Q: Can camels race? 
A: Of course they can! All animals can race! 


Q: What makes camels run fast? 
A: Their long legs. They're light and agile!


Q; How many types of racing camels are there?
A: Mainly 3 types: Oman camels, Sudanese camels and Arabian Peninsula camels.


Q: Apart from the UAE and Middle East countries, are camel races held anywhere else? 
A: Yes. They're also held annually in Germany and Australia. 


Q: Why do camels play such an important role in the Middle East?
A: It's a source of food, transportation, entertainment, and preservation of the Arabic Heritage. 


Q: How fast can camels run?
A: They can complete 10km in 18 minutes! 


Q: Did you know that there's even a camel beauty contest? Yup yup yup! They do! So, what's the judging criteria? 

A: Generally, camel beauty is based on 7 criteria:
     i) Size: The bigger the body the better
    ii) Length: Long and big lips
   iii) Thickness: Legs should be thick
   iv) Shape: Pointed face and nose
   v) Attractiveness: A long neck
   vi) Colour: Shiny and black wool
   vii) Connection: Humps should be connected to the thighs
(Latest news! Camel Contest in Abu Dhabi)

Q: How many toes does a camel have in its hoof?
A: Two! (This is how a camel's hoof look like. It's split into two!)

Q: Any advantage for the split hoofs?
A: There is! It helps to stop them from sinking into the sand.

Interesting fact:
In the past, people used to race alongside with camels too!!!
(http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/the-rich-history-of-camel-racing)
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Reference Sites:



1. http://www.dcrc.ae/?p=1
2. http://www.dubaifaqs.com/things-to-do-in-dubai.php
3. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8506946.stm
4. http://www.myoasisliving.com/images/pdf/download_emirati_culture.php?
5. http://wanttoknowit.com/what-do-camels-eat/

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Counter Enclaves

One of the most peculiar things that I've noticed on the UAE map is a small, solid circle in Fujairah, facing the Arabian Sea. Ever since I was exposed to maps, I have always wondered about countries that exists within countries. Until I came to the UAE, that is. 

One day, I was reading The National (link here), and found out that such countries were called Counter Enclaves. In the article, it explained about how such countries came about; how is it that the whole region around can belong to country A, while it belonged to Country B, or is a country by its own. 

Counter Enclave in UAE

So, how did these counter enclaves or counter-counter enclaves came about? Well, because some pledged different political alliance than all its neighbours around it; some - because they wanted to protect their resources; and some, just wanted to remain kings in their own region. 

If you think long and hard about it, it's a strange feeling. If I were the citizen of the enclave country, it would be really hard to travel around. Everywhere I go, I can only move within the confined limits of my country's borders. Whenever I want to go out, say, about 10km away from the city centre, I would have to bring my passport with me. Since my country is small, facilities are limited. If I wanted more resources, I would have to venture out into the neighbouring country. Short term, it seems interesting. Long term, it'd be a teeny, weeny bit tedious. 

Anyhow, I hope I'd get an opportunity to visit such a place one day. Haha. 

Lately, I've been wandering around town. Somehow, I ended up at one of the universities at Academic City in Dubai. As I walked up the stairs, I stared out of the window and looked around. Lo and behold! All I could see was sand, sand, sand, everywhere I turned! It reminded me so much of my alma mater, that I resolved, if I ever wanted to pursue my Masters, I will definitely do it in the UK. 

What was I doing there? Well, I shared with the students on my experience of simulation, how addictive it is. Being students, they have the innate ability to be cynical. They raised their eyebrows, smiled the Johnny Depp way and said, "Yeah, Jean. We think it's addictive too." 

Expecting this response, I created a special video about my favourite job - dynamic simulation! Just to entice them into loving simulation, which encompassed 99% of my life for the past 3 years. 

The soundtrack is from Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu No.4 in C-Sharp Op.66. Conducting simulation is just like this song. We need to have high imagination, trust our gut, be alert and observant. Above all, we need to be calm and level-headed. 

This, is a tribute to all my mentors who taught me that the way to excel in something, is through asking and enjoying the process, each and every step of it. Thank you to all who made it possible!  Enjoy! 

Fujairah on A Friday

Among all the Emirates, Fujairah is one of the most hilly areas. It has lots of peaks and valleys. In fact, its name means 'Stone Mountains'. Well, I suppose it looks like Grand Canyon, or Yellowstone Mountains in the US. Having never stepped into such a setting before, I hungrily accepted a spontaneous invitation by a friend to visit Fujairah on a one day trip. 

It turned out to be a real surprise. Perhaps, I've been accustomed to the sights in Dubai - tall  buildings, shiny surfaces, customized shops catering for every single need. The whole city hums with activities around the clock. 

On the contrary, in Fujairah, the land is so barren. Void of greens, people and buildings. Low rise buildings spring up by the roadside; sharp, poky shrubs dot sparsely across the rocky mountains (it still amazes me how is it possible that these are the only plants that manage to survive this terrain); and of course, big, heavy boulder chips resting on the foot of these hills. If I were stationed here, I would probably fade into existence. 

Fortunately, the Masafi Friday Market is pretty interesting. It sells all kinds of toys, plants, carpets and fruits! Here, one can't but help but appreciate the presence of bright colours amidst the dull and barren hills. 

Well, I shall say no more. Let the pictures speak for themselves. 

Typical Fujairah Scenery

Plain Desert

Mountains

Rocks, Boulders and Little Stones

Driving through the Mountains

Masafi Market

Toys!

Date Palm Trees

Nursery! 

The only place where you'll see cactus in UAE...

Fruits! Bright red, Fresh Greens and Delightful Oranges!

Flowers - Sunny and Joyful!

Persian Carpets, Kashmir Carpets, Indian Carpets

Al-Madhab Spring Park

Date Palm Tree

Hot Spring! 

Al Hail Fort

Donkeys! So cute!!!! Look at their ears!

(Reminds me so much of Donkey in Shrek - the cartoon series)

Remains of the Al-Hail Fort

Road to the Fort

Oasis around the Fort

Signs of Greens = Signs of Life

Mountains all around the Fort

Hut

Age of this fort? 

1300 to 300 BC (Iron Age)

It is one thing to read about places, and another to physically walk out, touch its soil, inhale its air and absorb everything around it. 

Here, for the first time, I saw little local children playing, creating games on these hills, running effortlessly up and down the rocks. As we stood on the grounds of this fortress, an archaeological site well preserved for four millenniums, it dawned upon me that all that's available here, are just mountains. Everywhere I turn, that's all I see. I, am surrounded by them.  It's barren. It's deserted. There's nothing here. 

What then, was this fortress used to protect? Who would want to invade these lands?What were the Sheikh's of the Iron Age protecting? Who were they protecting it from? The fortress is not very tall either. It's so hard to spot enemies in this dusty terrain. With limited range of vision, by the time the enemy came, it would have been too late for defence. How did they protect the city? Where exactly was the city?

The questions circle around my head, like eagles flying above the skies. Yet, there are no answers. When I retire, I will be an archaeologist. Dusting grounds, searching for clues, to the questions about origin of humanity, resurfacing stories that have been pushed behind our minds, a long, long time ago. 

Living in Dubai, can sometimes seem like living in a glass castle. At the beck of your call, with the promising sight of dollar bills, you'll have people literally running to serve you hand, foot and mouth (manicure, pedicure and restaurants). There's a high degree of freedom, and a variety of ways to pampering and entertaining oneself. The treatment accorded, is often that commonly reserved for royalty in other parts of the world. For a first timer, this can be shocking. After a while, one becomes accustomed to it. Life is so carpeted here. You'd be forgiven if you think that this, is, heaven. 

It is no wonder then, often said that Dubai is the number one place to work for expatriates. One never realizes the truth this phrase holds until one ventures out of Dubai. Anywhere outside Dubai, one is reminded of human race's trials and tribulations. In Turkey, I saw how the economy had taken a turn for the worse. In Fujeirah, I realized that not all cities in the UAE consist of high rise buildings. Along the way to Oman, the land looked really barren, except for the dates plantation. In Tanzania, the simplicity of the locals put us to shame for wanting much more out of life. 

Dubai then, is a place for one to forget all of one's troubles. Here, one learns of the many luxuries that can be bought with cash. Yet, at the same time, one easily forgets that it is always the intangible elements that counts.  A reassuring word; a heart-warming smile; a tight, loving hug; a song from the soul... In Dubai, seeking for this items seem like a search for a needle in the haystack. 

Because, here, most feel as if they're living on borrowed time. We know, we won't be here forever. We know, this is just temporary. We know, it is here, that we can access to parts of the world, we'd never visit, if we weren't based here. It ignites a strong desire in us to visit every country and continent, from Europe, to Africa to Central Asia and of course, Gulf region. It makes us more appreciative of the little things in life. It makes us more open to new ideas and suggestions. It makes us more receptive to new cultures. It transforms us into self-reflective creatures and in many ways, enhance our sense of identity, and strengthens our characters. Here, you get an idea of what it'd be like, if globalization were to take place on every corner of the globe. It is here, one truly lives. That, is why, I love Dubai. 

Today, I no longer ask, "What's the meaning of life?" For these are extremely futile attempts. Some, search for eternity, and never find the answers. And what would be gained, by asking these questions? Except to confuse ourselves further?

Instead, I ask, "How shall I live life to the fullest every second?" 

For, life is short. It is unpredictable. It is spontaneous. This, is life. Embrace it. Celebrate it and love it. For like an eternal spring of youth, it is temperamental and unpredictable.