Atlantis

Atlantis Hotel

Dubai never ceases to amaze me. When we left I thought it could not get any more cutting edge than building a fully functional indoor ski slope or a hotel that boasts to have rooms for 100,000 bucks a night! But, in the few months we were gone, Dubai has produced places that are bigger, brighter, and more posh than anything they offered before.

One of those places is the newly opened Atlantis Hotel. Atlantis sits on the tip of the Palm Jumeirah, which is only one of the massive man made islands in Dubai. Before we left Dubai, we could only drive about a half a mile on the island and after a quick glance at our mere Honda MRV that was (gasp!) 2 years old, we were asked to turn the other way. Apparently, the island was only open for Ferraris, Porches, Bentleys, and other cars that cost more than most American homes.

The Palm

This is taken at the tip of the island. It took a lot of convincing from me to stop Axel from jumping that wall to go see what kind of fish were out there.

But, now that the Atlantis hotel is open to the 'public' (ie. those who are white and appear to have money), Axel and I enjoyed a very costly but delicious breakfast.

A very flattering photo of me eating and our grand consumption.

The entrance with Dale Chihuly art

The minute you walk into this hotel your jaw drops to the sparkling floors. It truly feels like you are under the sea. There are areas of the hotel that are open to the common folk (that I described above) and other's who have proof purchase of staying there for the night get to stroll the other unknown areas. Axel and I viewed the underwater aquarium containing a Whale Shark and many other impressive seawater creatures swimming around. They did a great job of making it appear like a lost city undersea. Incredible.

We then went to check out the water park with a clear water tube that passes through the shark tank. We didn't bring our bathing suits, which was a little disappointing. It was 75 dollars a pop, but I am sure it was worth it.

We finally strolled through the many posh stores. Most of the display models were wearing clothing that you would have to pay me to wear. The rich Russians that were there for a conference were not just looking, but buying, and lots of it.

As I drove away from the hotel I couldn't help but think of how different things are in Dubai. Dubai caters to those who have too much money and they don't know what to do with it. Believe it or not, Atlantis has a room (the area that connects the two large buildings together) for 1 MILLION DOLLARS A NIGHT! Who has that kind of money???? And why would they spend a million dollars to sleep in a bed and watch TV? I don't get it.

So, the next time you have a million dollars and you don't know what to do with it, you now know where to spend the night. Oh, and please invite me cause I told you all about it.

It is a small finder's fee, no?

Dubai Friends

The trip was a blast. I went into complete culture shock the minute I got off the plane. Things in Dubai glisten--the floors, the windows, the walls, and the toilet seats. It was hard on my eyes at first. Everything in Nepal is so dark. It was like someone just took a bottle of Lysol and poured it all over everything.

The other odd thing was the A/C. I forgot about how people there try to compensate for the heat outside by blaring their A/Cs. The taxi driver had his A/C going full blast and it was only 70 degrees outside. But I digress. I did the exactly same thing when I lived there too. I just noticed it now cause I don't even have that option in Kathmandu. It was strange to think I needed a sweater more in Dubai right now than in Nepal.

It was shocking how much Dubai changed since we left. The roads were completely different and Axel and I would pass a huge building and say 'Hey...That wasn't there before'. The taxi drivers don't even know how to go anywhere cause the routes continually change. I am not saying one taxi driver, I mean ALL taxi drivers.

I had so many interesting observations because I was now looking at Dubai through my Nepali lenses. I am not sure how the Nepalese maids or construction workers actually function in such a society. The culture shock was big for me. I can't imagine how it would seem for someone who comes from a small Nepali village where running water is a luxury. I really looked at the labourers differently. I have seen where they have come from and I see where they are now.

We got to see so many of our great friends while we were there. Our time was so limited and there were a million other people I would have loved to have seen. I guess we will just have to plan another trip!

Veronica and Andreas

Totally stolen from Vero's Facebook. Sorry, guys. I was having so much fun with you that we forgot the camera!

Our first night was spent with our very good friends Veronica and Andreas. They got married very shortly after Axel and I arrived in Dubai. Veronica is Chilean and the sweetest person I know. She has the most pure heart and I love to talk to her. I also got to be pregnant with Asa at the same time that she was pregnant with her first baby, Leonore. She is the cutest thing ever! She also worked at my daughter's school and graciously watched Heavah and Xavier while Axel and I took our trip to India.

Andreas is one of those unique guys who can speak several languages and claim a few nationalities. His mom was Chilean and German and his father is Iraqi. He has lived all over and I still don't know where he claims 'home'. He served his mission in Salt Lake City and is undoubtedly one of the nicest guys I know. The time passed so quickly during our visit and I am just hoping their next place of residence will be convenient enough so I can go see them!

Bishop and Kelli Allen

Axel and the Bishop in front of their carpet we coveted the entire time we were there. Kelly and I were too busy talking to take photos together.

When we moved to Dubai there was only one ward. It seemed every week it grew by 10 %. Within weeks of our arrival, they split the ward and Brother Allen became the Branch President of the Sharjah branch. Now, within two years, the Sharjah branch has become a ward that is now so big that they are talking about splitting it again. The other Dubai ward has been split as well. By next year, there could potentially be 2 wards and 2 new branches out of that one ward from 2 years ago! It is growing at a phenomenal rate. What is especially exciting about the growth is that several of the Filipino members are bringing their families to Dubai. There is nothing more awesome than that!

Bishop and Kelli Allen were the kindest people to us. Kelli would have me visit at her home with my cranky baby and she would swing him in her arms until he crashed. We would chat about politics, family, motherhood, etc. and those conversations were so therapeutic. She also always gave me great book recommendations. In fact, I am now stuck on Thousand Splendid Suns since I've left, thanks to her!

Bishop Allen is one of those people you could listen to for hours. He has so many stories from his many experiences that you always sit captivated in what he is saying. He gave Axel a blessing before we left Dubai and it truly spoke to our hearts. I am still pulling for the Bishop and Kelli to come out to Nepal so we can return the favour of having us crash at their home for the few days we were there!

Derek and Jennie White

It is funny how things work in life. You really never know when your paths will ever cross again. I met Jennie at my friend Kim's house in Delaware. Jennie had just had her second child, Kirsten and I just has my first son, Xavier. We ended up being in the same ward for quite sometime. When I told Derek and Jennie that Axel and I were destined to live overseas for the rest of our lives, they didn't really understand why. Jennie had no intention of ever going overseas and was baffled by Axel and my interest in the Middle East.

As fate would have it, they ended up moving to England. For Jennie, I am sure she thought this was a temporary move and hoped to go back stateside. I guess God had other plans because after Axel and I had lived in Dubai for a year, we received an email from Derek saying he had a job opportunity there. What a surprise! They packed up their life in England and moved to Dubai. So strange how things work.

Not only that, but Jennie was in dire need of a maid just around the time that Haleni headed back for Dubai. Now, Haleni works for Jennie. I am so happy for Haleni and Jennie! It worked out perfectly for both of them.

The Henrys, Derek, Us, and Jennie.

Tammy and Bill Henry

Both Tammy and Bill knew Axel long before they came to Dubai. They all grew up in the same ward in Michigan. Tammy sent me an email showing some apprehension of accepting a job in the Middle East, for obvious reasons. But, I replied -- 'Go for it!' They came out to visit before they moved to Dubai and it was so strange to be in a restaurant together discussing Axel's past and his family members. It was one of those times you look around and think, 'is this real?' They came here with their 6 kids and seem really happy with their life here. Bill is hilarious and Tammy is his perfect companion.

My one regret is that we didn't live closer to the Henrys cause they were always so fun to have around. Their kids are nice, confident, and full of personality. Heavah and Xavier LOVE them. I was so thankful they set aside a night for us to chat with them.

Haleni

On our last day we were so lucky enough to see Haleni. As I mentioned before, Haleni now works for Derek and Jennie. She seemed happy with her arrangement in Dubai and I was so happy to see her. It was fun to talk in Indonesian again and discuss things that were important to her. We talked everyday so it was definitely like seeing a long, lost friend. She was so sad we didn't bring the kids, but I have a feeling it won't be the last time we will see her.

Moving so much isn't always the easiest, but I am so thankful for the relationships that I have formed throughout the years. It is amazing to know so many people in so many different parts of the world. I have come to find out that the world gets smaller and smaller the more places you see and the more people you meet. Axel and I always joke by saying that no one will be at our funerals. Everyone lives too far away. That is why I am glad our friendships are eternal.

Getaway

Axel and I are leaving today back to this place:

We will be exploring this new place:

It is the new, largest mall in the world (12 million sq feet). Which will greatly compensate for the lack of shopping we have had here.

We will also be doing a lot of this:

Since they will have actual English movies and not just Bollywood flicks. Can't wait.

Finally, we will be eating a lot of this:

See you on Wednesday a few pounds heavier!

Poinsettia Trees

Our poinsettia trees are in full bloom right now. I am praying they will stay like this till Christmas. They are also my justification for listing to 'Winter Wonderland' right now.

Is it too early for setting up the Christmas tree?

Cause I am so ready.

Mr. President

                           

Let's face it, the president of the US is really just an ambassador  who is considered the face of America.  It has never been more clear to me since I moved overseas.  This is one of the reasons why Bush failed so miserably.  Can anyone dispute this?  Ironically, the only people who ever came up to me and said they loved Bush were two very scary looking Iranian women who held both thumbs up and said, 'We love 'da Bush'.  Good for them.

Sadly, since I have been overseas, especially in a Muslim country, I have been embarrassed by all the damage the US made in Iraq and the economy. Not to mention that when Bush came to Abu Dhabi he didn't even make a planned stop in Dubai because he had no idea where it was or why it was significant.  Are you kidding?  Has he been living under a rock for the past 5 years?  I suppose so. 

The feeling of embarrassment has finally subsided.  There is a glimmer of hope with our new choice of president.  Again, I am not naive to think that Barack Obama will change the entire world, but he will be a better face for America.  He has lived overseas as a child and that speaks volumes in my books.  Furthermore, he lived in a Muslim country, which tells me he has a little more understanding of what we are fighting against and what we are NOT fighting against.  I still wonder if Bush has any clue what a Sunni or a Shite really is.

Obama has made several claims that I am sure are just rhetoric, but one claim I believe is 'change'.  The simple fact that we now have a black president is change.  The fact that the world will take us a little more seriously is change.  What comes after this is anyone's guess but I have a feeling for better or worse, it will be a change.

Tihar and Remi

Axel's cousin, Remi has come to visit us. We are excited to have her here. She is doing a Physician's Assistant rotation in Kathmandu and we are thrilled to have her stay for almost a month. Remi's mom (Kris) is the next youngest sister of Wendy (Axel's mom).

Remi showed up during the most colourful and animated time in Kathmandu. The weather is fantastic and Hinduism is here in all its glory.

In fact, every day since Remi showed up we have had a puja. She has been a champ in spite of the unnerving conditions, new country and jetlag. Here is a rundown of the three days of Tihar.

Day/Puja #1 - Lakshmi Puja

This is one of the uses for the colours they sell on the road

Remi arrived the day of the biggest puja for Tihar--the Lakshmi puja. What is fun about this one is the fact that it is for girls only. I gave money to my maids and they did all the rest. It was really fun to have the little shrine in my house for my maids and they were sooooo happy that they could worship here. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and this puja is to get her to come to your house and bless you with wealth for the next year. Judging by they current state of the world, she might be on vacation. Actually, judging by the wealth of Nepal, I think if she were an American goddess she might have been 'downsized' a long time ago. I can see The Donald giving her the 'Your Fired' finger. Who knows, maybe this year will be different.

Remi fresh off the plane

The first of many tikas

Then the next day I had some extra powder left over from the night before so I decided to do my own puja writing. And got a lucky kiss out of the deal (from Axel, of course).

Day/Puja #2 - Cow Puja

One of our maids, Sarita invited us over to celebrate this puja with her and her family. We understood that this process would only take an hour and a half. We got there at about 6:30 and by 8 it became apparent the party was only getting started. We walked up 3 flights to the 'puja room' and they had decorated the mud floors with the colorful dies. We then lit some candles and placed them on top of a geranium. This was Xavier's favourite part. Getting to play with fire and then making things burn. How much funner could it get?

Asa trying to make his escape

After this we sat on the mud floor for another hour ceremony of throwing flowers, rice and getting tika'ed while the whole family stared at us talking about only Lakshmi knows what... Remi sat there like a pro. I was impressed with her openness and willingness to participate.

FINALLY the tika ceremony was over and they gave us a basket of sweets, as that is what Lakshmi likes. It is hard for any culture or country to give Americans 'sweet' food and not disappoint them. I mean, if there is one thing we Americans do well it is deserts and candies. Nepal has a ways to go...

When the food came out we all looked at each other. Really? A boiled/fried egg? Something that resembled a doughnut but evidently wasn't (again, after Tim Hortons, everything else is just a let down), yogurt (I think), and some fish taken from a local lake that looked like this:

We all ate it and Remi and Xavier shared one fish. Thinking this was finally the end, I started to gather the kids only to hear that dinner hadn't even served yet! By this time it was 9:30pm (which is the Nepali equivalent to midnight in the US) and the kids were done. But, we smiled as they dished us a ginormous daal bhat.

Xavier doing what he does best

While eating I innocently asked what one item was only to receive the reply, 'fried goat lung'. I learned my lesson very quickly and didn't question what any of the other items were. Honestly it wasn't that bad. I was looking around for Indiana Jones and Short Round. No Snake Surprise either thank goodness.

But the experience was amazing and the people were gracious and very nice to invite us into their home. By 10:30pm we were all dead. If we weren't persistent, we would have been there all night. The night ended with fireworks and a Nepali band that started playing at 1AM just down the road. You know, when you hear a local band start singing 'Born To Be Wild' at 2PM loud enough to wake the dead, you just have to look at your spouse and laugh. This is some good overseas livin'.

Day/Puja #3 - Bull Puja

The following afternoon we went to our other maid's house; Kopila's and her family for their brother/sister puja. It was quite similar except this one we all got colourful tikas. The sisters are supposed to give tikas to their brothers and the brothers to their sisters. I must say, I wish we had something similar in our culture because it was so fun to see the siblings show honour and respect as they tika'ed each other. Heavah gave one to Xay and Xay gave one to Dona and Heavah.

Asa showing how he feels about getting tika'ed--again

Still ticked off & Xavier cross-eyed--again!

Even more pissed

Fine!

A little calmer about the tika

BUT still making sure no one tikas him again

The puja was followed up with, what else, another plate of sweets and another plate of daal bhat. Xavier opted out of the meal and subsequently ran outside and puked. The whole scene was soon followed up with Remi bowing out of the conversation with a..."I hate to say it, but I think if I don't leave soon, I will also be puking outside too". No more was said and we were out the door. On the way home we realized it was probably the fish they shared the night before. That was all they both could think about. Isn't it strange you can eat 10 different things and when you puke somehow you think of only one. Usually the culprit.

Both Xavier and Remi didn't have such a fun night.

We are really glad to have Remi here. She is great with the kids and so easy to have around. All house guests should be as easy as she is.

Welcome to Nepal Remi!