Jet Lass

Less than 6 months on, I dare to write and update about things going-on, which amount to the usual goings-on.   Spurred on by some fans, I am inspired by a comment I saw somewhere about 'relaxing and escaping', and, arguably, the best remedy of which is to 'ignore'.  Would you agree? I don't.

Back in Dubai, the first experience is the roads, and no fear of AD plates but it seems the taxi drivers are the sinners to the max, undertaking, overtaking and whatever to the max.  It's no easy feat getting used to the driving again after a massive holiday, but I am glad I got accustomed to it after no less than one evening out when I was set for jetlag recovery.
 

Cars again

Dubai has got to be one of the super-glitz places for car-spotting. How do you appreciate a good-looking car? Master the art of a slight-honk, especially if you have a beautiful car yourself. A slick matt-paint finish or minimal car digit plate might get you a honk in return. Whatever's in fashion, I guess.

Today I spotted several AMGs and again, I saw a super BMW with those front-bumpers maxed to the front (i.e. heavy bumper) - great artwork words cannot describe. (I just edited to add AD grey plate)

GMC is an automobile that is a positive beauty on the roads, especially if it is shiny and black. If the driver looks comfortable in their purchase, it makes the car look even better.

I saw a Merc and had to do a double-take: it was a super-Merc - white with gold at the bottom, resembling a race-car. I then saw some kind of Mustang or the likes distributing a heavy engine-noise, looking like it could be an art exhibit...gold with a rear bumper.

Peep, peep!

Fun and Fab NY!

This is the 2nd time I have refrained from sending Happy NY messages to plenty of people in my phonebook. I have never sent bulk messages but tailor them to each recipient (to or for? My English is getting atrocious). I did send a couple of messages to people who I am regularly in touch with or want to spend more time with.

This is also the first time I have not been unhappy or contemplating the past; more looking to the future and very excited about it, with no resolution as I feel as I have achieved a lot and just need to 'keep going'. I have learned a lot about myself lately and know what I can handle and what I can't - the only thing I need to improve is blocking the baloney out of my life and move on swiftly without looking back or doubting my decision to do so.

There are people I want to call or contact that I don't have much time to meet or keep in touch with regularly yet I realise I hesitate as I don't want the conversation or contact to drag on too long. There are people I respect and admire, appreciate and am inspired by that I want to call for a simple hello but I don't as I don't know a) if I'll talk too long b) I won't really know if they will be offended if I just keep the call 1 or 2 minutes max. Perhaps I should just pick up the phone and dial and learn to keep it sweet and short.

This year I should dance, sing, write and mingle more. I hope to have enough energy to do the things I want to do and to make the time to do them.

Wonder what your plans are for keeping yourself upbeat and happy this year?

I wish you all a very Happy New Year and all the best for 2012. I hope it's going to be a fab year for YOU - and me too :)

H20-happy

Just a little something I wanted to share; has anyone realised water dispensers could be a germ-haven, or am I wrong?

Next time you fill up a bottle, remember someone else may have put their mouth to the bottle when filling theirs...

I wonder if there's any way to make it impossible for the spread of germs while helping oneself from the dispenser...I thought the actual nozzle (or whatever it's called) could be inbuilt, but that doesn't seem to be a solution since there would still be some contact with an area someone else's bottle may have touched. Oh yes, could have one of those mechanisms that an automatic drinks machines employs...but that would increase cost...no money, no honey, no healthy water? ;-)

We are update u

There is absolutely no point in sharing mundane day-to-day news with anyone including myself, but here goes anyway. I've been trying to think and to write but of course nothing comes to mind. That's because nothing new has happened. I think about what has happened and nothing has changed. I wrote a post about how I introduced Feng Shui into my life, but the very next day something absolutely terrible happened, so I guess what I was trying to achieve actually backfired on me, so no Feng Shui for me for the time being, except trying to recreate order in my life in other ways. Life is tough but I have become happy again. I remember the last time someone asked me if I was happy, and I remember I was happy then and why...and a year onwards I've managed to get back to that state of affairs: at least for today, which is why pen goes to paper...I will have nothing to remember if I don't record it! The only highlight before the summer that I can remember is having some form of mild entertainment in the RTA signs...but somehow this attraction has died down. I'm trying to focus on getting the things I don't have in my life and being happy with what I have. Most importantly I'm trying not to get bored, stay fit and healthy, and surround myself with nice people. Perhaps lower expectations...for as long as this can last! And I'm just getting the hang of twitter...not that I'll be opening an account! Once I figure that out, I'll educate myself about what I-phone is, then I-pad...then I-phone 5 whatever that is! I'm suddenly finding technology interesting - no choice, really!

Still alive?

I really can't stand it when people ask 'You still alive?' What the heck are you supposed to answer to that? No, I am dead? I usually cut off ties with anyone who says this or similar kinds of silly remarks as it's a sign of things to come. Another expression I can't stand is 'Still surviving.' (I don't know, perhaps someone could enlighten me as to whether this is the correct response to 'Are you still alive?'). Actually it used to really get on my nerves until I found that I started to understand what it means to be 'still surviving', or rather, to be in a position to be able to have to use such a statement. Why would anyone say or admit such a negative thing about themselves? Or think it? Anyway I've heard it so many times that I even started to think about it and allowed myself to feel like I am just 'surviving' too! And that truly sucks. But I would never (be seen dead?) expressing it verbally.

Over the past 6 months absolutely nothing exciting has happened for me, just the usual monotonous stuff. I do hope I'm not the only one with a completely boring life at the moment with no interesting people around me! It's like I usually have to 'spring clean' some element of my life more often than necessary and I really do wish there was stability over a longer period - this is when I'm quite happy. And of course, when I'm on holiday to get away from it all. Reading through my past posts reminds me of the good times and those with hidden meanings only I can decipher: the ones which give me goosebumps.

I've been listening to the radio a lot and can now recognise Alexander's voice: great :) Non-techie that I am, I even managed to listen to a recording of a radio interview featuring both him and seabee! Nice to put a face to the name...and just the gent I pictured him to be...

I don't read anyone else's blogs anymore apart from theirs and also those from the 'good old days' but I don't see updates of the latter on RSS...if anyone could recommend blogs worth reading please let me know as I'm terrible at 'random browsing'.

Perfumes & Pills

Discount perfume shops, you always gotta smell what you buy before you buy them, especially if it's too good to be true. I spot a captivating scent that's been discontinued ages ago on the market, and the tester's lost its cap. So the attendant tries to give me a tester on a tissue because I really don't want my hand stabbed with the end of this bottle. I can hardly smell it, but either the tissue smells good, or the perfume does.

I question its authenticity to the lady trying to sell it to me, after I explain it's one of my old faves, and amazement it's on sale. I know what perfume smells like when it's been in the sun, and I have no reason to wear it again. 'It's a bestseller,' she retorts. 'Yes, I think, in your shop' (after she doesn't somewhat comprehend the fact that the perfume has been off the shelves in the main market for years - and smells like strong distillant on my slender wrists).

It's not the first time I've seen customers walk to this till with exuberance on their faces, and I would have longed to be one of those, happily walking away. This original smell is full of gardens of jasmine and tuberose...unbeatable to the trained nose.

I stated my concerns to the till-meister, who confirmed he could provide a guarantee in case I wasn't happy with my purchase. He didn't expect me to ask him to save us all troubles opening the package prior to all triumphs. As expected, it didn't smell much grander than the scent on the tissue, but I had been willing to buy it if it had smelt half of what it was like half an hour before - if only the grand cashmaster hadn't pulled a sour face on me walking away promising to come back in that time.

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Afflicted with temporary bad health, I passed by a pharmacy and tested my odds. I prefer to restore myself back to health using my good old immune system, which eventually worked miracles and wonders. Thank my lucky stars, it was entirely temporary.

I walked into the place, expecting a sound physician of sorts. 'Are you a qualified pharmacist?' I asked. 'Yes,' he said, after getting off the phone after a loud banter. He wasn't in a white labcoat, but sported a nametag which I couldn't make out until the time he rose up until my arrival.

'I think I have x, can I do without anti-biotics?'
Yes, but you need to take anti-biotics.
'Can my fever reduce if I don't want to take any anti-biotics?'
Yes, you can take these...
'Can I get better without any medicine at all?'
How can you become better with no medicine' (laughing and shouting)
'Can you please not shout...surely there are ways to get better without medicine and pills, that's why I'm asking?'
You need to take medicine to get better. And take NON-VEG because meat and chicken increases your temperature.

Right, there's no other way, Mr. Beef & Chicken, after feeling better overnight.

Dollars, Dirhams, Cash

My favourite is Mayfair.

SO where do all these cars come from?

Yes, I can get home alive, for today.

A black Super-Merc came in front of me in a single-lane exit. Driving along, white car behind. ALWAYS looking back, right, left, all around - my driving teacher taught me to look 'to the road ahead'. Car behind screeches with brakes.

Land Cruiser overtakes from the right on 80 kph road, crossing from right over a slow, white car. I move to avoid danger, he does the thank you light. It is appreciated. Always thank you.

Content and Happy

It's not the first time I've escaped, hoping to forget and forgive everything that crossed our path and stood in our way.

Now I am in a distant land, no more distant than I'd feel you are near me.

Don't think though, that just because I am far, that you are the only thing on my mind, like some kind of permanent scar. You are one in a million, and you are fixed in my brain, just one cell I think will evaporate, if not glued to my existence for today.

I can hide all I Iike and you can non-exist all I like and you like or don't like, does it really matter how much we like or not, or that we just like?

The sun really burned my skin wildly in this hot sun. So red, it just laughed all the way, bronze to the Bentley's satisfaction. Roaring, but I don't see the German-mobil...I wouldn't even recognise you in the dark.

So ancient times are done, and these wonders of the world that I witness without you have no place with you in them. You are not there, cannot and won't be there, and I am nobody to want you here.

Waltzing and silent-tangoing all around the green grass leading upto the park, I see some stone statues. Around them, it's almost like goats follow 1000 years ago. I look with sorrow, as if I have missed something like tomorrow.

Goodbye Number X

'Your eyes look different today,' he gazes at me, sincerely puzzled for once.
'Really? How?' I ask, hoping for some kind of response.

I have more than a million visuals running through my head when I finally said goodbye to him, and it took more than a trillion pictures rehearsing the way I would say goodbye.

No, I just knew it would be best to have a face-to-face goodbye, and thank you very much, but I just can't see your face anymore and play your games, without an 'I love you' somewhere on the horizon; read my words: I can't cry that, and leaving smudge marks on your clothes tonight for once, and knowing you would afterwards say 'don't worry' won't do anything to alleviate my own worry - nor would it smudge my character, which you won't succeed at.

Would it mean crying a thousand tears, envisioning the roadside lamps, lining up in their geometrical fashion, dotting up the streets, with his heart in full vision? Or would it mean mine, being crushed blindly, in hindsight?

So I could not follow him, but he has always followed me, without me knowing. On the day and eve of goodbye, the pleasant soul ensued my presence, without an inkling of me knowing it, only, wondering what he is doing, so closely behind...so I wonder...

The story goes, I promised him a certain goodbye (in English, it means our eyes locked, leaving no stone unturned).

After years, I convinced him the coming days never happened, and our heart is as one, but our intentions shall never realise...

So we part, and he races me from the back, me never recognising it's him, until I signal to the right, letting him overtake.

He followed me all the way, taking the long route back home, peeping as he overtook. In a flash, I decided to acknowledge him one last time, then indicated...I was going home.

So it was him, after all.

Cars & beautiful cars

So, what is it that I love about cars? Maybe somebody can type it out for me. How about feeling and sensing the roar of a SUPER-MOBILE (short for super-automobile) when it's approaching on the road, obviously going to overtake, and then, almost by gut instinct, switching off the music to just hear the engine, the indescribable roar that takes one to the stars, and back to reality, when that speeds up...

The sight of those beautiful contours racing up, or approaching, the headlights, even not on, just the vision of that automobile, especially when it's noticed, I just do a private salute and watch the car overtake, taking my so-called hat off. Being female doesn't help, but I do love cars - maybe I can write a post about the matt, black British car I spotted? Oh, the tires were beautiful...

Healthy food on-the-go

I find myself not the only one on an Abu Dhabi commute. Thursday it is, and I am hungry for lunch, dissatisfyingly succumbing to an off-like tasting sausage, whopped on top of a Greek salad, on request. The latter platter was served upon a casual query of whether they served a salad or not - there was none at the counter, and they said no, then they said yes - then announced they can 'make one in 2 minutes'.

Yes, please, head nodding in agreement, turning towards cashier.

Hopefully sensing the rush while topping tomatoes et al - 'Bilees, Maganda!'

A smile breaks out: 'Ma'am you speak Tagalog....'

How fat can I get eating sausage every day?

Cars, cars and cars

I feel like blushing when I say this, but I do love cars. I cannot pinpoint exactly what I like about them, but in a non-technical description, I can safely assert that make, model and plate are prominent factors in my preference with regard to decision-making. Smooth contours that are aligned with the design, and 'angles' of the contours that blend into the wholeness of the design contribute in shaping my preference for the car - its whole 'impression' matters in this decision, from a visual perspective.

The roaring of engines is another art descriptive.

What is my no. 1 car and its colour? Guess!

Beauty .2

The general consensus is that one should 'walk on by' when one is stared at. It is very difficult to do when eyes are directing, or preying, towards ones presence from all angles perceivable; it is the direction of those angles that can sometimes be most worrying, or causes for concern.

Retracting the attention could be achieved via the addition of debatably customary big, black shades (a reflective pair is always useful in providing the aggressor with a Narcissitic image of themselves - note, I didn't say 'himself'), or its equivalent, and constant repetition of the following may be somewhat advantageous:

"There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about."

Oscar Wilde

Decorational Glitz - ME time

Lately I haven't had much of 'me-time' as my life has been swamped in many a pursuit, and plenty of crocodiles - the nasty type. Just a few days (I can even name the date) after writing the last post, ironically just the very thing I was trying to avoid like the plague came straight into my life, i.e. messed up situations. Thank goodness certain horrors have now passed, which is why I'm quite enjoying 'me-time' and discovering whatever that is supposed to mean. I certainly haven't 'found myself' as I didn't go anywhere. Well, I did, and it was a dream come true; a fairy-tale destination truly fit for a Princess. I heard writing helps the intellect, so perhaps I will find my brain. At least my heart could have a much-needed rest: or I should lock it away for the rest of the summer and truly award myself a break.

I've been reading books no longer in print, listening to songs I like from artists people have probably never heard of (on continuous repeat) and generally trying to avoid negative headlines. I don't mind the heat so much as the humidity, which is ever so unpleasant - for obvious, vanity reasons. If I could waltz around town in a pair of jogging bottoms and a T-shirt I wouldn't really mind. But you can't even do that on the weekend in your local shop.

I had a perfect 'me-weekend' last weekend where I went on a little outing all by myself to one of my secret spots...it was just really pleasant to choose to be somewhere on my own and not have to feel guilty or sad at not having the company of a friend to join me - the best thing is that I was left in peace and felt secure, unlike most times I am unaccompanied - or in a busy place.

It's nice to think about 'me' for a change - it's almost like an escape. I do like the word 'escapade'...

Yalla, here goes with a post. There used to be a time when there was always something to say, and share here but I find it's all been said and done before, so I don't like to repeat as that's unoriginal. But it doesn't mean those things don't go through my head. Like the frustration of dealing with morons and triple-morons, and the toll it can take on my blood pressure. I don't own one of those pump things yet and thank goodness it seems like I'm still a fresh, young bunny.

Talking about fresh, I've applied some feng shui tricks in my home that I took off the Internet, and it's worked in mysterious ways; almost immediately. What I am debating is whether it's the actual art and science of feng shui that has brought results, or whether it's the effort and focus in the mindset of trying something new which I believed in and changes I welcomed that invited minor shifts in my world. Hmm. I think a lot of the principles came to me naturally and I started choosing colours and placements of objects in my home that I felt were conducive to my goals, and it made sense after I researched my choices were right. So that's a new thing in my life. Less complications, more beauty and peace, and order.

I'd like to think I've been making the right choices for a while now; perhaps a reason why I don't seem to have much to say regarding the same kinds of issues I used to write about. Maybe I'm growing older and see things for what they are, and if I can't change them, I'd rather find a way of adapting to them or ignoring, or seeking out those things that work for me. I've successfully committed myself to dating the proper, old-fashioned way, and I'm really enjoying meeting the right kind of people like this. I'm so sensitive to messed-up people and situations now that I avoid them altogether like the plague.

Desert Flower

I do love typing a new hello and a new post. Just writing and recording gives me a new lease of life, let's say. And it hasn't been easy to post regularly in the last year, and now, things have changed, I'm back to my Princess-self, and you will hear about my daily goings-on (however interesting they may be) and what's taking shape in my new life.

I may be just a set of words at this time when you're reading me, but I would like to get back to the personality I may have lost, through not writing and interacting, like I did do before.

I have things to say but I wonder, how important are they? Does it make a difference to say Salik is a toll I am happy to pay, and that I love the fact Dubai Mall has everything to offer at your doorstep, and that service is pretty good at the moment?

No, no. I'm on a roll and ready to go. What can I write that makes anyone read this think 'Oh, yes, good to read that, reminds me of something I am going through, glad she conquered that.'

There are flowers in the desert that bloom; just the other day I saw some jasmine-smelling ones that look so beautiful you feel like taking into your hand and saying yes, I see you are there, and are my friend in the desert. The stems were upright and green, and the fragrant flowers edging on their success, blunt and tall. I have a story to tell, through their delicate fragrance, beautiful look and the fact you are there to have in your hand, if you would like to pick them, and tell the world your story.

Tired

I would like to acknowledge the lameness of writing a post straight after the other, but it can't be helped, following the strange pattern of events that ensued today. At least I found some kind of noteworthy sequence worth documenting. Or I am tired.

This all happened because I was tired in a way that had repercussions in my thought process (unknown at the time) and effects in my behaviour - a link which I have not noticed previously in day-to-day affairs.

It starts with me opening a new bank account. Boy, have times changed. I must be one of those people whose stories you wouldn't believe: everything was done in the promised time - from the call, to all the pins, to the delivery of cards and immediate texts and emails confirming complete activation. Can this be true?! Oh, no. I think, 'this can wait, I'm in a hurry,' but nevertheless, stop to ask the lady at an empty counter a very basic question, when she clearly misunderstands the question (I should have known, the amount of time she was taking, typing into the computer as if it's the most arduous task on earth) and blurts out my balance in front of everyone. So then, I have yet to experience the perfect customer service experience, and I wish, with the way things had gone with this bank, that the end result was smooth. Sadly, the end result spoiled the total result. But I'm not complaining. Because if it was totally smooth sailing, I would probably have thought it was a fluke. So there.

That got me thinking - isn't it so inappropriate and demonstrative of utter incompetency, even if a client asks their balance over the counter, to blurt it out so all others can hear? How is this done in other countries? I wonder.

With this question in mind, I was imagining how, for example, a British bank would be in action, and found myself, for the first time ever, walking to my car's passenger's seat with key in hand. The steering's on the left - I had to laugh to myself. Gosh, I must be tired. Currency exchange and cars!

That was when I got to my next destination, and pressed the down button on the lift - which would have taken me deeper into the parking lot. It's really weird I didn't even notice until someone else came along. Perfect opportunity for chit-chat, but the buffoon was not a master at that - unfortunately for him.

From banking to customer service, to cars and parking lots - on the way to the bank, I noticed a very sleek and beautiful AMG model I believe was displayed at the Dubai Autoshow parking up next to me - perhaps I am connecting experiences too much, or my tiredness is automatically seeing connections based on experiences!

Or my mind needs some relief from boredom and boring connections. It could be that.

Automobiles are so much fun

I must say, driving standards have really improved. Has anybody noticed the far right lane is now more free? That's where I spend my early mornings and evenings, happily self-awarding myself the 'good driver badge'. And what is it with the 'baby on board' signs? If anybody could tell me where to get a 'Lady on Board' sign, perhaps it would actually get some results. Yeah, I don't mean with the guy in the white, dusty Corolla this morning, and the oversized teddy dangling from the dashboard window. Not as odd a sight as the new Beetle with fake flowers neatly arranged along the back...

I was never a radio fan either, but I've started listening to Virgin Radio in the mornings, and boy, those guys are cool. They are so hilarious; I didn't expect crazy humour to be possible while simultaneously meeting the usual guidelines, and so the lady laughs to herself whizzing past the sand dunes as they engage equally crazy listeners in competitions designed to make you lose and others giggle hysterically.

Does anybody else sing in their cars?

Beauty

It was an unpredictable day. It was like you cast your nets, but you don't know if you're going to go fishing or not.

Yes, so I could sail with the words I describe about the place I'd like to be, which is carefree, warm and in the distance, watching the waves and enjoying the atmosphere.

I settle in a place which is in the sunset, music not even audible but reachable in your senses.

Every song you want to sing, every tune that rings through your mind, the tones vibrate your pulse, and the words nearly capture the feeling you want to convey.

The essence of the story is unknown and the beauty travels for miles. Rivers, bridges, you go up, you go down. It's what you see in your eyes and the story you want to tell.

The Process of Elimination

I need to get this off my chest. Hmm.

Sometimes I kind of forget to do updates, so here's one for you guys who were interested in the post about the guy I dumped and was trying to forget (not the Skinny Suburbanite, this one).

I will never forget the old adage 'time heals' when going through what seems unbearable pain during the actual crisis - because it does for me, especially if the pain was not worth it in the first place and I look back and think 'What the heck was I thinking of?'

Of course there are moments well-defined in 'phases', in which you let go of someone, and those faded away gradually, as I recognised his behaviours for what they were: of no interest towards me in the way I had desired - but he was no long-term match-in-the-making to start off with anyway. I have not contacted him once since he returned from abroad but decided to keep communication open, and it's led to him directly asking for you know what, and boy, does that make me feel like breaking off contact completely. Yes, OK, it's a given that that would be on the cards, but since we've been done, I have vowed I will not indulge in these excesses because it would hinder my efforts to lead to someone worthy of my affections in the long-term. So him jumping on me in this manner does not tie in with my strategic moves, shall we say.

I am not even going to be angry at realising what he really thinks of me by assuming I'd fall for his weak game because my shortcomings in the past allowed for them. I've toughened myself up in the interim, but his contact reinforces my understanding of what I want in a future relationship, and what I should not sacrifice to preserve my sense of self-worth. Because I can see that if we were still together, by now I would be wrapped around his little finger with his advances, suffocating in a world of delusion without my emotions realising that I was, in fact, being manipulated, and allowing myself to be. How shrouded one's vision can get when one's head is in the clouds and one's heart is yet again succumbing to the pleasures of the world...and the men in it.

I'm not being dramatic - I was just trying to convey accurately how I feel and what I'm doing about it to make sure history does not repeat itself, and that I achieve balance. The only way I can do that is to keep eliminating the rubbish from my life because so far, it has brought good results. I've had to banish emotional thinking from my decision-making, and gain the strength to do so by visualising outcomes favourable to my future goals. I've introduced new, productive activities to my routine, replacing the old ones, and I feel much better for it.

Crunch: Cool vs. Crazy

I'm not going to ask 'is it me' because that is a very silly question in the first place, and the answer to that anyway is 'No, it clearly isn't'. Not only has the Credit Crunch (capitalised, and no pun intended) seemed to bring out the worst in people, but on the odd occasion, they've even turned away my cash.

They say, 'Businesses are desperate and begging us for work', but is this cheap argument manipulating the Crunch a justified reason for buyers to throw moody tantrums? Sometimes I wonder how some of the companies I know of still succeed assuming they employ a consistent approach when dealing with customers/staff and suppliers. Unfortunately, it seems you either have to put up with their agression or pack up. I choose not to consider the motto 'If you can't beat 'em, join' em' because my conscience wouldn't allow me to lower my standards to their expectations, otherwise what would make me different?

Might I just add that if you speak a brand of English that sounds like some kind of knitting gone wrong that you've left me to unravel, isn't it acceptable to have the option of asking you to repeat slower so I can understand your terms? Oh, no. The accountants had gone home (punctually of course), so you cannot take my order. Nevermind, when I ask to read the contract again, you throw it accross the desk and pitch me the pen as if it's some kind of ball game. And when I threaten I'm going to take my business elsewhere because of your attitude, your screeching manager invites me to do so.

There are, however, some really cool people out there who maintain their coolness despite the troubles that even they themselves are probably facing. People's jobs are on the line, and they still remain cheerful and deliver great customer service. It's at times like these that you value companies that don't cut corners and continue to provide you with the service you expect - perhaps not better, but at least you know where you stand - and this customer confidence will pay off in the long-term.

The Skinny Suburbanite

So finally I tracked him down...I have no idea why, all these years, he was nowhere to be found on the Internet. Of course, I could have found out through mutual contacts what his number was after I lost it...but now I think I have it, I am not sure whether it's a good idea to call until I'm clear about my motives for doing so, and accepting that going ahead will have some degree of emotional consequence - either on his part, or mine - or both. Well, he did write me one of those long, heartbroken letters after I vanished - the kind a girl would dream of having...you know, the one where a man is pining after you...

Why I'd want to get back in touch is because I've been trying to for such a long time, as first and foremost, I realised with maturity that leaving him in the way I did was disrespectful and selfish. At that age, you're not really thinking a 'sit-down chat' is what is required when ending a relationship that has to end anyway because you're going back home. So I did what I thought was decent, and assumed it would come to an abrupt end in any case since my departure date was fixed since the day I arrived. But no, I didn't realise that completely breaking off contact with him after a whirlwind romance (complete with sell-by date) would leave him in a state of despair. I was so nonchalant about it: after all, what was the point in having strong feelings for him when there was no future to begin with?


I suppose it was just like in the movies...like a classic love tale: so much so, that I feel I've had my fill of romance to last me a lifetime...red roses and love letters at breakfast; leisurely strolls in the park; weekend escapades up and down the country; singing songs on the guitar (that bit made me cringe every time!) - our first date was watching the fireworks at the beach under the stars, for heaven's sake! To top it all off, we had the obligatory 'photo' taken after dinner at his parents' house! By that time, towards the end, I found myself in a surreal world - simply being in the body of 'the girl' who has a dream-man at her doorstep, yet in the mind of one that had no choice but to leave. Besides, I don't think it would have worked out given my criteria then. He's a country-boy, he smoked too much, was so skinny I thought he'd faint over time, and I just thought he lacked drive...but he had his positives, which I value more now, seeing as I've developed a fondness for skinny and country ;-) I suppose I just thought what the heck am I doing in suburbia entering a bungalow where I have to watch out for bats in the dark?!

Hmm...I suppose people can't really judge others' relationships from just a few words, but I feel I must put things right, just so that I have the chance to say a few things to clear up the past, and seek forgiveness as I know I was wrong. Just the one phonecall, and see where it leads. Or perhaps avoid contact altogether.

Dreaming of the Metro

It’s so weird to have recurrent dreams about the Dubai Metro. I’ve been imagining a sleek 21st century-looking bullet train zipping past me while I’m staring up in the sky, watching it zoom past. I know it’s not pink, but why am I observing from a distance and not sitting in it?

Of course it’s a phenomenon to have our own little tube for Dubai, but for me it's more of a welcome addition to the city’s facilities than a necessity.

Why? Three main reasons: time, cost and weather. I’ll still need a car to get to the station, so why not travel all the way to my final destination? And what if I’m travelling inter-emirate? It will be faster to choose one method of transport. Secondly, whichever journey I choose, going by car will be more economical. Thirdly, it would be too hot to walk from the station to my destination.

Something Dubai’s Metro-dreamers haven’t yet contemplated is the new social dimension it’s going to add: being in a confined space with total strangers where you have no option to leave: a situation I don’t see myself repeatedly choosing! So when the novelty of the Metro wears off, I’ll just go back to dreaming.

It ain't over 'til it's over

Since he’s been gone, it’s been kind of eating me up. I’ve lost sight of my goals, and am constantly distracted by thoughts of him, and our memories together. It’s not doing good for me, and the whole point of breaking up with him was to feel free again! So what’s going on?

I suppose the fact that he’s just losing touch with me is hurting my ego; although I have to say, what would be the point in it for him to keep in touch when he’s abroad having a good time? It’s not fair to expect that, is it? And besides, either way, I need some external force to play its part and make sure he stays away from me for good, otherwise I’m not going to be able to finally move on, and we don’t want that now, do we.

Sometimes you do have an awakening realisation – a thought comes into your mind like a flashing lightbulb, which suddenly helps you understand why it makes better sense to think with your head rather than your heart. I’ve made all sorts of excuses to justify all of his actions. Heck, I’m still subconsciously finding good things to say about him here so I can prolong my need to have some sort of connection to him in my life or mind. But the ego finds it hard to resist mental drama, and that’s the voice I need to conquer to be truly free. The turning point came when my head spoke to me the other day; disconnected from the heart. It said, “He’s not calling you because he’s not interested – not because he cares about you and doesn’t want to hurt you by still being in touch with you!”

How ironic that there’s such a huge market for women’s books on empowerment in relationships when women are known for giving great advice to others! It’s such a shame it’s taken me this long to get over him, but I’m going to try and remember that rejection shouldn’t always be taken personally – actually I rejected him, so it’s the other way around – what a thing to worry about! And then there’s the dumping aspect, and the guilt that comes with it...it’s harder to end a relationship with someone who was really quite good to me – I respected him, but it was not going anywhere, so it was time to call it quits. I’m glad I finally took that step because now it’s easier to see that I was just in my comfort zone and with someone who was not good enough!

When something good ends, it’s important to keep your spirits high and not lose faith in human relationships. I do sometimes think how can a human being who shared so much with me find it so easy to now not call me? The answer doesn’t matter anymore since that’s life: we are all built in different ways with different coping strategies.

There are many sites which really helped me through the process – the bottom line is: don’t waste your time on anybody who doesn’t appreciate you (in the way you want), and time heals. There are plenty more fish in the sea when you cast your net widely.

Stop smoking!

If you want to stop smoking, just put the cigarette down and inhale to a new life, free of addiction, right?

Yeah - just do it!

Err, yes, it's as easy as that. You don't need self-help books (if you think you can do it yourself and apply easy logic) - you just need to figure out if you're ready to quit, and set a timeframe, and be ready for it.

Sometimes it's as easy as working yourself upto the time you want to wake up one day and say 'I don't need this ciggy anymore!' and that does it. Your body and mind automatically repel the previous mind thoughts of 'I need a cigarette' and from then on, you are free to conquer the nicotine-world and get on with your life.

Not giving up tobacco even though you want to is like a form of procrastination. What will I do with all this new-found energy? Kickbox, read, dance, sing, run, I don't know! But when you stop smoking, you feel alive, rejuvenated, and it's totally amazing how much energy you have. You just need to find a way to expend that new energy, because it's going to come in massive waves, and you need to surf it, and reinvest it in more productive channels.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

Hey! How about a post where no thought is gone into writing into something that makes sense? I mean how fun would it be trying to write when nobody is reading. OK well blogging scene (sorry I deliberately omitted the word 'the' coz it's shortcut I mean 'a' shortcut) lol

I'm having fun being mobile and liberal and tech-savvy by friendlicising with Mp3 (yes, any tech newbie - it's like a floppy disk, you just put it in and save onto it lol) and wow you got it in your ears, all those cheesy hits! I love that song 'Gotta get you home tonight' - original Eugene Wilde.. well I didn't even know this person exists.. well I love soul music, I love soul songs, soully vocals....I first heard that song when Foxy Brown sang it, but being the teenage adult that I am, I looked the song up on youtube and found there's a guy called Eugene who sang it, and lo and behold, his other songs rock!

Hey, soul-lovers out there, anyone loves CeCe Peniston? How about 'Finally' - OK getting to the point, how about 'Keep on Walking' - I mean, talk about girlpower! 'keep on walking, I ain't talking to you anymore' - LOL!

WOW! Well music makes the world go around. You can sing your heart out and feel amazing.

I wanted to make a tribute to MJ. This post was freeflowing. I think MJ was an apt end to the music flow of this post.

Anyone who's reading this, I'm a true MJ fan. I listened to his music non-stop. There was a vid on utube on 'the making of We r the world'. I watched it non stop, 3 weeks before his death - just something inspiring I discovered on youtube. Well watch the man dance, tapping his foot so effortlessly - any move seems so effortlessly minimal, his body moves like he's apologising to nobody (ok I don't like that phrase but how else can I put it) ... he's dancing for no crowd, he makes the crowd, he's his own dance, his voice does the talking....

Hey Michael, I was so in lurrrve with you on my teenage poster wall..and 1992 @ Wembley....wow...

Human Nature, Bad, PYT, Speed Demon, Dirty Diana, all the *hiccup* noises you make ...

The way you move your body

You obviously worked very hard to get to where you were

sing, dance, move, shake.....!!!!

It reminds me of the story of the guy who had alco parents, one guy said my parents led me to where I am, the other twin said I had to get out of where I was

I am in in the era of a true icon leaving us and I'm just a person living in the 21st century experiencing what Elvis fans must have felt. Proving that is what I and millions must feel facing the reality now, without his splendour no more, and still 'giving us all he's got'. When the news hit home, it hit hard. I'm a true fan. It's surreal, still. When they say 'we grew up with him', well yes, all people of all ages! I listened to 'Human Nature' on my walkman when I was feeling lonely...'see that girl, she knows I'm watching, she likes the way I stare'

Michael, you gave your all.

Michael, true acheiver.

Michael, you danced, loved and sang your heart out.

Rest in peace, Michael Jackson.

Golden dreams

There's just one thing or two, before I forget them, which I should remind myself of before stepping onto hot shores again. That is, that normal people exist, without pretences, and are available to confide in... Yes, there are people in the world you can talk to, who won't batter an eyelid as to what label you're wearing; which shop you frequent (blah); which 'thing you do'.
...
You can wear whatever you want in the right company; speak your own mind; breathe your own breath. One can enjoy pleasant conversation in the midst of cheery, upbeat personas, who drift, it seems, with not a care in the world. No matter how old, how young, you can INTERACT. What freedom it is to meet people who are in tune with what they want, who live without the fear of being beaten down with the dreams they believe in.

Enough with the downturn, here's to connecting with the 'chin-up' people who make this world go around.

Happy times!

I’d say if there was anything happy in this world, it would be my face today, and the goodness it brought into my life. You can bring good things into your life by the way you act. And the way you act is a reflection of your mentality. I can only think good things today because today’s thoughts will propel me forward tomorrow, and attract even better things, and good people.

I’ve kind of been ‘out of this world’ for some time now; and I admit, I’m to blame. To say 'partially' would not be admitting the truth. All it takes to make a change is to get up and say, ‘Hey, today is going to be a better day, and I am myself, and I am going to get the result I want.’ Hey presto, problems are solved, the sun shines after the rain, and you go to bed happy.

What is happiness? I would want happiness (when I’m truly in the realm of it) to mean I can just be the way I am without feeling judged and being amongst people who don’t bring me down with their negative vibes. I just want to be me. And it’s not difficult to be happy around happy people who are just happy and positive and appreciate the world around them for what it is. Respect for the Establishment, and pride while maintaining individuality and freedom of expression, shape the inner being to a massive extent.

People make the world go around (and money can buy them) but what I truly value and celebrate in my daily life are humans who are decent, open, honest, fun-loving and positive. Such people really make the world a better place, and I’m so happy to have met scores of such characters throughout the day, even if it was just in a very famous department store. :)

Springtime

There was a time when things were different: new and fresh, where I didn't need to look back and think about how things were when everything was fine.

In the springtime, I wear shorty shorts which show off my thighs. Yes, it's raining, but who gives a damn. It's May, and it was humid yesterday. And since it's springtime, about time I bore some flesh. And no, nobody is going to make remarks or grab me from the behind. It's unPC.

So where was I all these days? Holding my head down, wondering how to appease the crowd, and generally not being myself. Because you can't be yourself in the place I'm at.

I'd love to sing my heart out in the middle of the park; to hold hands with a guy walking past Harrods; to bear some cleavage. Oh no, my new bra needs to hide the hardness of what should be natural when the A/C's on full blast.

That was an apt closing, looking back. I shall name the post 'Springtime' because it's a new beginning.

Peace at the cost of happiness

It’s been long enough, and I’m so glad to be able to have a break; to be able to walk through the spring air; breathe in real CO2 from real, green, beautiful trees, and cleanse my mind of all the troubles inflicted on my soul of late. A place can eat your soul before you realise it. Stepping off the plane, you realise immediately how different things are away: no more blazing hot sun, your tanned cheeks experience the pleasure of authentic cold air brushing against your face. You know where you stand, even if the future is cold. Why? Because you can trust the website source saying it’s going to be cold, so no surprises.

The first few days adjusting to another climate have been particularly shell-shocking, surprisingly so. It’s not like I haven’t been abroad when I’ve needed to, for a little breathing space. This time, it’s a little bit different. So many things have happened unexpectedly that, over the course of time, I forgot about what the real world is like outside. I forgot the real me and what normal people are like. I forgot smiling faces, good language. To witness etiquette is a luxury; fine dining is haute couture. There’s too many imbeciles around. Imbeciles of the highest degree.

I’ve tried so hard in my own little ways. Well, to say little would be modest. I’ve contributed with zilch return. I had hopes, which I see will never be materialised. I see my vision was all but an illusion. I was warned, and refused to listen.

Away, and out of the trap of the usual surroundings, I want to breathe, but I feel suffocated. Why? My every thought is being scanned, judged, killed by someone who probably doesn’t practise as they preach.

It hurts to say I am happier where I am now because it hurts more to say I have wasted my whole life thinking things could be different where I am now – well, where I am, but not where I am now, where things are truly different. I mean look at the place when you step off the plane.

Let’s toast to happiness, and freedom of mind, and peace to the soul.

Combyootar Says No

First of all I can't believe that this daily experience justifies a whole post to itself, but who cares? I need something to laugh about these days!

Here I was, on a morning that definitely screamt 'YES IT'S SUMMER!', wrongly thinking 10 minutes would suffice for a simple bureaucratic task. So I park my car, walk in the sweltering heat over to the machine and fork out 2 whole dirhams for a parking ticket. I mean, at least they could provide an air-conditioned buggy to the offices in exchange! I was really surprised to see there was no stampede to reach the gentleman at the counter, and took a little seat, asking for his assistance. Well it seems every time I face someone behind a computer and ask for help, my natural enthusiasm just doesn't rub off on them. I know I am not alone when I say that the counter with a gentleman behind a 'combyootar' is not a nice place to be most of the time.

Halfway through processing my request, he says 'System down'.

'OK, when will it work again?'

'Come tomorrow'.

'OK, are you sure it will be working again tomorrow?'

'Yes' (he didn't even say 'No Problem!)

'How do you know it will not work again today, I mean, in 15 minutes?'

'Come tomorrow, system down'.

So I went back to my car and thought dammit, I had alloted such a special slot in my day to run this errand and he tells me the 'System Is Down', and that, with an expressionless face: just imagine. Well I just did the funniest thing ever, and actually had a mini-picnic alone in the car and drank TEA out of a FLASK which is something I used to use when they were part of your school lunch! I quite enjoyed that as it felt so retro! So I sipped my tea, and tried to work out how to use my Blackberry, which I still don't understand...I thought: since my tea is finished and Blackberry can wait, I went back into the offices to try my luck, and the gentleman said,

'System Is Worken'.


....


'WOW.....REALLY?' I think to myself, giving him this look as in 'Come back tomorrow, right? And the day after? And the day after?'

I take a seat. The other gents behind the counter are hard at work behind their combyootars. One customer is leisurely reading a newspaper while he waits at the next table. I don't know how long he will be waiting there.

Just when my application is about to be complete, he says

'System Down. Come tomorrow'.

Well then. That was the best part of an hour spent on 'System Down' - perhaps I should take my tea flask into the offices tomorrow when I return.

Staying Cool in Dubai

So much to say, and so little time. Been busy with the polo, horse-racing, and friends visiting from out-of-town.

Rents are going down. Dhs. 120k (once upon a time) then Dhs. 65k in the marvellous, most serene 'built-up-of-town' places: all in the space of 3 months (would you believe it?).

Amazingly, it's still fresh and cool enough to dine al-fresco at this time of the year: ladies, your matt powder will last you long into the night! Enjoy Dubai's amazing weather, and gentlemen, your Porsche Cabrio is definitely in season. Enjoy the springtime breeze!

And for heaven's sake, don't talk about the weather...

Addiction

Addiction is bad. It is addictive. Like being in love with the idea of love, addiction is a bad bet I would wish never happened to my offspring. What I know now has come with age and experience. Can I tell my kids 'don't do this and don't do that because this is what's gonna happen when you reach this age...'? What I can do is better my own life, and I am trying.

I think a lot of my life is determined by the quality of my relationships, which I feel can deteriorate (OK, fill in the blanks) when I don't pay much attention to them. Why? Because I am sucked in. Sucked in the past, sucked in the future: just sucked in. Damn it, I sucked in the past. I suck for writing this. I suck for thinking I ever sucked, because I do. I have wasted a lot of time doing things I never should have done. Forget the word 'should'. I want to do the things I want to do. I don't even want to write this. I want to build a house.

The sun shines and I love Vitamin D.

Smoking, sleeping, doing anything in excess, even checking out blogs, acting out scenes in your head; repeating past experiences and doing them differently: OMG what the heck, I need a block/delete in my brain. I want to clear my memory of added excess TODAY. I want to make a change. I want to be ME. I want to be happy. I would like my relationships to be joyous, fruitful and full of happiness. I would like the air to be full of spring freshness. I want my life to feel like I am bouncing on a trampoline the whole day long, and when I wake up, to remember what is good in my life and what I have to look forward to, and one day, to do the things I need to do in order to live the life that I can, want, need and deserve.

Painting the Town Red

In this climate, who would have imagined a state-of-the-art blow dryer could not function in a tailor-made Eastern car?

Many-a-letter to the local papers are about Susan this, and Sarah that from Jumeira, written by Mayhem McMirdif or Pre-redundant Palm-Possesser, complaining about ladies touching up in their poncy Pajeros.

What better use is there of time than to make up by painting ones toenails a shade of red while the two-lane busy district lights turn green, and faces adapt to the colour?

Next time you spot such a Princess, ask why her toenails are painted red.

Sleeping Desert

The mysterious angles of the sand
Dunes, going up; down: they slant sometimes.
You can see the dust, and the goats that herd on Fridays.

When the day breaks, you see shades of pink, orange and yellow
Lighting up the morning.
When the sun sets, night falls in.

The night is black, yet the lights flash and shimmer in the distance.
It was a full moon last night.

Tomorrow, the sun will shine brightly
Dreams will come true.
The door will be closed behind me
And hopes will be renewed.

Desperate Princess in Dubai

It's funny what desperation does to a human being. Trying to keep your head above water, trying to forget troubles while in the outside world. Because when people know your troubles, they will try and take advantage. Evil people do that.

They say 'what comes around goes around'. I have done nothing 'bad' to anyone for this stuff to happen to me: all the stuff that I have had to endure in the last year. My blog is a reflection of what has happened to me. It started off all dreamy, head stuck in the clouds. Why did I even bother? My dreams are positively shattered. I now face reality. I started off as a Desperate Princess in fantasy land, and now I see the day in which I really am a Desperate Princess. Funny, isn't it, how things work out.

My soul is yearning for comfort. I wake up thinking 'what's next', then I start crying, feeling totally helpless. Sometimes I remember the angels in my life and that people can only do so much - mostly with kind words and good intentions. It's impossible to really help somebody here. You can't beat the way things work. What has happened to me will definitely come back to haunt these wrongdoers in some way or another.

Angels

There is just something about angels that can come into your life when you least expect it. Open your mind, and there are thousands - some in my life, of late.

Where do I start? I was in Al Ain. There are plenty of lovely people there - just everywhere you look: you will not find trouble, especially as a single lady. Just ask anyone for directions (not that Al Ain doesn't have its spell of roundabouts), 3einawees (local Al Ain people) will direct you, roundabout for roundabout (haha! there are many), where you'd like to go. And they do that with a big, huge, smile, and wish you on with all good wishes. God bless them.

Angels in Dubai: I recently called a customer care line, and was attended to quickly: the voice on the other end greeted me with what seemed like an permanent smile, and an extemely pleasant demeanour. I sincerely applaud the individual who was as helpful as he could be, going the extra mile.

Returning to the same area to offer my "Salaam" to the person that inspired this post, I did not find them. I ran the errands I needed to since I was there.

I needed to run another errand, which I couldn't manage independently. I asked a gentleman if he worked there. He said, "Yes, how can I help you?"

It would have been beyond his call of duty, but he willingly helped.

God bless him, and all good, kind-hearted others who have played a positive role in my life.

Life to me is a rolling ball absorbing good vibes and good energy, going on and on.

Yes Ma'am

30 minutes to get my car on to the main road when it should take 5

the occasional cement truck at a traffic light, looking as if it's going to tip over and shape me into a fancy conrete slab

Etisalat coverage down, can't call to say I'm gonna be late for a meeting...

entering a petrol station where 5 people shout "Hi Ma'am!" and I wanna scream "Shut up!"

later...making a call and being put on hold for 10mins

getting calls asking for a meeting in 15 mins

attempting to call an 'office' which does not pick up calls

visiting this office and not being able to find parking

finding parking and the machine doesn't work

being 45 minutes late for a meeting because there's no parking

being told by a stupid security guard who comes knocking on my window he's going to call the "POLIS" if I park there....if I wasn't late I would have called the POLIS myself to report him

then...

no electricity in my building....I call the "luxury development" hotline and I get a "Yes Ma'am" spiel all over again. "Why is there no electricity?" '"It's an annual (?) check-up" "But there was no notice of this. Why?" "Ma'am we have a list here to inform people if they call that yes there is no electricity for 3 hours." (Me thinking what??!) "Can I speak to a supervisor" ===

.....(Fill in the blanks...)....

3 hours - no electricity, nothing to do ...

2 hours later...electricity returns. Should I be happy? No. 3 hours should mean 3 hours.

Doing a massive shop and returning to "luxury development" with no porter to assist

Security mostly incompetent

Water leak in my corridor

DVD man enters "private" building and rings my bell on a Friday morning...

Door-to-door salesman from Orbit pops round... (isn't door-to-door a crime here?)

Hmmm....

Forgot to buy something, and called the local (well-known) supermarket to deliver."Thanks - and what's your name?" "X" "Are you sure you will deliver this time?" "Yes Ma'am"

Hours later...

No delivery.

Consumer protection? Where.

Customer care? Where.

Does anybody care?

Dubai cares - Yes Ma'am.

Chit-Chat Culture

Sometimes I wonder if I should have taken a longer holiday! Forgive me for being somewhat unPC about this, but what is so easy about living in such a multi-cultural community? If English is supposedly widely understood, it certainly isn't in my daily life.

Occasionally frustrating are instances of "chit-chat" cross-culture. It was obvious a place I visited had a malfunctioning AC. I commented to the female personnel, "Oh, no AC today, right?" She replied, "Maybe it is hot outside and you have been walking long time". All I could do was mentally sigh.

Later, I concluded a formal conversation with a professional I'd just met. He says, "You from?" The whole cycle starts again...

I suppose the funniest form of chit-chat is the flirtation that goes on between supermarket cashiers when you're standing in line. There are smiles all around, but no matter how hard I try, I still have no idea what they're talking about! Hehe...does anybody understand me here...?

Arab Hospitality

One of the greatest things about this region, with its multi-faceted cultural oasis, is that one often encounters people of different places, races and faces.

A story I fondly recall is when I was doing some paperwork, being helped by a Yemeni gentleman. While bureaucracy ensued, we exchanged some chit-chat. The gentleman asked that I guess where he comes from. After some guesses, I hit the jackpot.

While the queue got longer, and I intended to lessen any further pressure on his job by politely ending the conversation, it continued. I expressed my love for Yemen, and that I wanted so much so visit his country, but that circumstances prevailed I couldn't. His defence mounted, and out of respect, I could only offer friendly arguments as to why it's difficult for a woman to travel there as a tourist, given the recent circumstances.

After the paperwork processing, he moved from his post to the place I was at the next step of the process (a considerable distance) , to buy me a fruit cocktail, and reiterate that I should visit his homeland in my future travels.

This particular memory of this gentleman's kind deed has lived on in my mind for a long time, just reminding me that there are such good people in the world, and in Dubai. In the warm season, this gentleman went all the way from his assigned post to the place I was, just to offer me unforgettable Arab Hospitality: and to that, I salute him, and all good people.

Magic in Dubai: Cityscape

Everybody's talking about Cityscape, and rightly so. It's the largest real estate show on earth, and it's growing year-on-year, right here in Dubai. Just to imagine its actual scale, consider not only its increased footfall, but the traffic gridlock leading up to the venue from all roads, especially on the first day, which is significant in the success of Dubai.

The global economic crisis doesn't seem to ripple through the Cityscape phenomenon, where investors hunt new deals and keep coming for more. According to the organisers, there are many more participants this year than the last, and so are visitors to the show. No wonder the traffic was so extortionate, and hotels fully booked throughout the city.

That the traffic on the first day of this iconic exhibition was heavier than ever before is a reflection of the magnitude of Cityscape's growing success: totally amazing on all accounts. It shows more people are visiting the show, and that there is demand that caters to the supply, and that obviously, real estate in Dubai is a magical formula that hits the jackpot, year-in, year-out.

This year, the buzz was different. Companies from Saudi Arabia didn't seem as prominent as the last years. Mind you, the show serves on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is much competition to gain space at the show, which is why many major companies were not able to participate this time.

Former Cityscapes have lasted 3 days, and this year it was extended by a day. On the last day last year, some companies closed their stands announcing a total sell-out with balloons galore decorating their stand. This year, there were no balloons, rather, a mature state of affairs with packed halls with a lot of activity and magnificent projects announced throughout the exhibition, with flashing cameras that accompanied the activity.

It seems this market is progressing to a level that Dubai can revel in. There is so much opportunity, and Cityscape's success demonstrates Dubai has carved out a niche the whole region and world is benefiting from, especially in the current state of economic affairs.

Cash crunching

Not expressly disappointed with customer service, I called up the bank to ask which branches would be open after the holiday, given some had notices saying they would be open after the break. The branch I wanted to visit was meant to open at a certain time (which it wasn't), and the other was meant to be open 24-7 for all transactions.

I was about to spend 3 hours of my weekend visiting this out-of-the-way branch (most of the time in traffic) until I did a stop-by to the original branch, which, in writing, would say it would open at 3pm on Friday (3.15, and doors still locked), and which the call-centre gentleman had convinced me was not going to be open that day at all. (How many times can you ask politely "Are you sure? Are you positive about that?")

To my delight (and to no surprise, I guess), the branch was open, and performed the transaction it was not officially advertising as was OK on a Friday.

First and foremost, the Manager agreed to carry out the minor task. (I love transparency in all policies!) Secondly, I gave him credit for "listening" to my woes: that I called the helpline, and that they assured me their branch would be closed until the next day, which was obviously not the case, since I was standing in his branch. Thirdly, I just completed the errand, grateful that I had not changed banks, and that this service is the best I can expect: for that, I am truly thankful.

Outdoor fitness activities much needed

It's a catch 22 trying to keep fit in Dubai. Gyms where sweaty guys go may mix their regime with girls, and this makes girls not on the horizon long for fresher pastures.

We can easily do with clearly marked-out cycle lanes like German cities do, where a pedestrian trying to cross a cycle lane with an oncoming cyclist gets the "beep beep" when you take a step back, and heaven forbid if one doesn't!

No wonder that some huge malls have a "morning" panned out for ladies who like to walk in the morning. Well, walking in the mall could be fun at times when excited men don't happen to cross everyone's paths 24-7, and we had a clear way to do our thing, and exercise to our hearts' content.

Anybody who actually goes walking in the mall in the mornings as part of this scheme, please comment - it would show what a lack of other sporting facilities are available round this corner.

Indoor domes with A/C is not healthy. Put up good walking paths so all walks of life can indulge in healthy lives outdoors; breathe fresh air: thereby increasing productivity, and contribute to the economy (a topic not hitting the news of late, to put it mildly).

Put up safe cycling and walking paths for people who love the outdoors, and it may add to extra-curricular activities that benefit the whole community, by and large.