Friday knights

Although it wasn't much of a 'happening' evening, I was out and about tonight, and there were a couple of funny things going on.

Well - the usual AD plates cruising around Jumeira (and trying to avoid eye contact with any of 'em, though some of the cars are pretty damn amazing), I noticed a LOT of police patrols stopping cars, for whatever reason. A few metres on, I noticed a blond guy doing some kind of jiggle on the pavement, attempting to catch a taxi - only that his 'thumbs up' was directed to each passenger's car passing by. He did look like he was in a state, and I was concerned about the potential state he might be in not only if he unknowingly mistook the cops for a taxi, but also because he was literally on the edge - of the road. The guy's mates shoulda been there for him.

I nipped into a petrol station to get some stuff - and, as usual, greeted with a loud "Good evening, ma'am!" to which you do have to respond to, out of courtesy. I couldn't be bothered to flex my jaws this time, so I just gave the Philipino gentleman a pleasant glance (are petrol station staff trained to belt out a greeting to everyone who walks in? It's very annoying at times). The funniest thing was when two truck drivers walked in, and the same gent greeted them with a "Hello, boss" to which the response was "chai"...The Philipino gent confirmed, in what sounded to me, a perfect accent, "Dow chai?" (2 teas?)

It's so refreshing to see a live and real example of tolerance amongst different nationalities in Dubai. We all have different ways of communicating, but to learn a few basic expressions and mannerisms in another person's language/culture does wonders to break the barriers - and, perhaps, create a few laughs.

We've all read about the recent UAE identity conference, and I've read letters to the local press on the subject - mostly from expats - saying residents of the UAE should learn Arabic to integrate into local society. Comments on the same subject can be found here, on the UAE Community blog. Gulf News' "Xpress" paper makes a concerted effort to provide translations of everyday phrases of languages widely used in the UAE.

On the way home, the shawarma shops were busy as usual (for that time of night) with a string of AD supercars waiting in line.

That's my Friday knights story!