Carless In Abu Dhabi

I had to make a major lifestyle decision a few weeks ago to sell my car. This was not taken lightly as I am a certified automotive geek who has been known to perform major repairs under a shade tree and show up to fancy social functions with grease under my fingernails. I love automobiles, they represent engineering prowess and are the tool for the ultimate personal freedom for one to go anywhere at anytime. I have not been without a car since I was 15 years old and that was many moons ago.

I actually sold my Jeep yesterday. You may wonder "Ace, if you are such a car guy why sell your own vehicle and have no plans to replace it?" Well ladies and gentlemen, that is a good question and the answer is complicated and multifaceted.

After a lot of contemplation, I came to the conclusion I just didn't need it. After 2 1/2 years I have only put 10,500 KM's on the thing. I only used it as a "grocery getter" a couple of times a month shuttling back and forth to the liquor store and the few odd appointments downtown. I concluded it had became not much more than a $500/month paperweight.

You see, when I go anywhere from the relatively tiny country of the UAE, my vehicle of choice burns kerosene and travels at Mach .88 39,000 feet or so above the earth.  I relax with a fine wine while catching up with the latest movies. Although in large countries such as the US, a car is essential because of the distances involved. Not a factor here.

At times, I like to partake of adult beverages in the city with friends. The UAE, being a Muslim country has severe penalties for driving under the influence of drink so I always took a taxi for these events. My Jeep was not a transportation option for these occasions.

After a Night on the Town

When I first moved  to my current location, it was quite isolated and taxi services were sporadic at best. Just to get to somewhere for groceries or a meal was a logistical nightmare without a car. Now the complex where I live has grown up and sports a grocery store, medical center, pharmacy, spa, coffee shop, gym, dry cleaners, restaurants and much more. Most of my needs are available within a ten minute walk. I can even rent a car here when I need one. My workplace is literally across the street so I can walk there.

Khalifa City Moonbase, View out of my window...Really!

With the growth of the area, there are now many transport options. At least a dozen taxis are at my beck and call 24/7 and free shuttle buses are available to many venues.

I liked my Jeep and hated to let go of it but I just couldn't justify keeping it. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I will have to make adjustments in my life but the extra money I will realize and the freedom from tickets, insurance, fuel costs, car washes and the bad drivers here will more than make up for it.

Right now, being without a car feels to me like being naked, but that will pass as I adapt to the situation. I still have my beloved Mustang GT convertible back in Utah, USA to fall back on!

I  just had to throw this in, I am enchanted!

The Road to Morocco

I would like to ask for some help from my readers on behalf of a friend. She is a university student in France and has entered a contest where she has created her dream adventure. The idea is to have the most comments on her chosen itinerary. Currently she is in second place with almost 200 comments so there is a good chance we can put her over the top! Go to this website http://www.magrandeaventure.com/  It is in French so use the translate feature in your browser, then leave a comment at the bottom, its that easy! The winner will get a trip to Morocco. Below is Anna-Lou's dream adventure:

Anna-Lou Prepared to Carve some Trails on her Mountain Bike

My itinerary is not yet fully defined, but I know I want to see:


Yemen: Yemen's capital, Sanaa, go to the university there, interact with students (I myself am a student), then I would bury myself in the land and go wadi wadi (Wadi Dhar Wadi Doan etc. ..), from village to village ... Visit the towns of Seyun Al Joola, Al Khoreiba, Bukjan, Mukalla, Bir Ali, Aden, Jebel Sabir, Taiz, Zabid ... Climbing the Jebel  Hadour Maswar!


Then join OMAN:
Salala Sur, Masquat, Dibba, Musandam ... 'll Also wadi wadi, meet local people, swimming with dolphins, see the turtles in the south. Climb Jebel Shams and sleep under the stars!


As a young student in multimedia and sensitive to what is unusual, this corner of the world attracts me a crazy way. We hear so many things, often different from reality. I think it would be nice to show the true reality ... I have already spent a few days in Oman, but I was frustrated not able to see the country completely. There is so much to see! And Yemen attracts me a lot ... this country to look beautiful and much different from my native Chartreuse!


I realize that my trip might seem a little dangerous. That's why I like to do together, I'll make sure to find the best partner suited to my energy and boundless thirst for travel!
I really want to highlight the expertise and local traditions, to go to meet people. If I can achieve my dream, so ... wow!


I had the pleasure of meeting Anna-Lou last year when she was on a work-study program here in Abu Dhabi.  She impressed me as very intelligent, driven, fearless, and possesses a great sense of humor. I can't imagine anyone more deserving to win. Anna-Lou is an accomplished blogger in her own right so if she wins, she owes us a guest post and photos of her Morocco trip on this site.

Thanks!

Tragedy in Tucson

Last Saturday, a disturbed 22 year old Jared Loughner attempted to assassinate US Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords in a supermarket parking lot where she was meeting with constituents. Six were killed including a Federal District Judge, a US Marshall and a 9 year old girl. Giffords was shot in the temple and survives in a coma after surgery. Twelve other bystanders were injured in the attack.

This morning at work, a coworker from a European country where citizens are forbidden to own firearms smugly made an insensitive comment to me about how us Americans are somewhat barbaric to settle our differences with guns. I realize the majority of countries in the world forbid the private ownership of firearms and a lot of folks consider our Constitutional 2nd Amendment Right to bear arms a relic of the old Wild West and was responsible for the recent rampage. Nothing can be further from the truth!

For example, I notice there are a lot of  IED bomb explosions in places that forbid firearms. Some groups have even used occupied and fuel-laden civilian airliners as a tool to express their opinions in my own country. My point is that a mentally unbalanced individual and/or group will find a way to cause mayhem with whatever is available. No guns,  make a bomb.... no bomb, poison sarin gas will do.... no poison, hijack some airliners, ad infinitum. Blaming the tool is missing the point. Do you ban automobiles because bad drivers regularly kill innocent others?

Back home, I own several firearms, some pistols, an SKS semiautomatic rifle and a 12 gauge shotgun, all legal. I purchased my first rifle at 12 years old and learned from my dad how to handle and respect their power. I am a sportsman/target shooter like the vast majority of gun owners in the US. I find it an enjoyable skill as well as a useful home defense against the bad guys if necessary.

There are millions of responsible gun owners in the US. Purchase and ownership is not extended to felons or those who don't pass a background check. Unfortunately, there will be some weapons that fall into the hands of the criminals and crazies. Ironically, the areas with the strictest sanctions against legal firearm ownership have the highest crime rates. Washington DC comes to mind. If the bad guys know their intended victim is likely to be unarmed, they will be emboldened. If guns are outlawed, only the outlaws will have guns that are obtained illegally.

A free society with generous rights bestowed upon the citizens is inherently more risky than a totalitarian state as some of those citizens are free to make bad decisions. There is a natural trade-off between freedom and security. Personally, I prefer more freedom and will take my chances with that rather than exist under a "Nanny State" that promises total safety. I am responsible for my own welfare and I resent those that say they know better what's good for me.

Mr.Loughner is one of those fringe, unstable people that make-up a small percentage of any population. He would have tried to kill Gabriel Giffords anyway with a hammer, baseball bat or an IED bomb if he could not have obtained a gun, such was the intensity of whatever demons he had. There are bad apples everywhere. Don't judge American society (and the vast majority of gun owners) on the actions of a lone lunatic.

My deepest sympathies to those innocents killed and injured in this horrible tragedy and I hope justice is swift and sure for the perpetrator(s).

My 2011 New Year Resolutions

The beginning of a new year is the time which many take stock of their lives and endeavor to make a fresh start to improve themselves or their lifestyle. Most of these self-promises involve getting rid of bad habits such as smoking, drinking, overeating and replacing them with healthy diets, exercise and other good practices. While this is a noble cause, I wonder how many people stick to their resolutions. Studies show that it takes at least six weeks for a new behavior to replace the old one. That’s a long time to be inconvenienced!

As for my own New Year plans, I pledge to:

--Eat and drink what I want, when I want. Food and drink are here for our pleasure. My consumption indirectly provides valuable jobs to farmers, ranchers, brewers and restaurant workers and who am I to deny them or myself. Win-win, don’t worry, be happy!

Scene from Monte Python's The Meaning of Life

--Lead a sedentary, lazy life. I believe one is born with only so many heartbeats left in their future. Why accelerate my demise by exercising and using my allocated heartbeats faster? Pain, sweat, odor and bad joints are also unpleasant byproducts of vigorous activity. I plan to keep my pulse slow by spending long, uninterrupted hours watching TV and taking frequent naps.

Keeping the Pulse Rate Low

--Quit worrying about money. If I want that cool new mobile phone or other gadget that will make my life easier, I will buy it no matter how little cash I have in the bank. Isn’t that what credit cards are for? Money is nothing than dirty paper strips without merit until I convert it into a shiny new trinket I can brag to my friends about.

Buying Stuff is Fun!!!!

--Stop stressing about all the clothes on the floor and dirty dishes in the sink. The clothes are easier to find that way and I might hurt my back by picking them up all the time. Washing dishes causes unsightly wrinkles on my hands. Why bother? I plan to switch to all styrofoam/plastic tableware and toss them out in the trash when soiled. My dishes and cups will be filling that landfill south of town instead of my kitchen sink. Problem solved!

No more going through cramped drawers or closets...its all right here!!!

Goodbye dirty dishes,,,I am going disposable!!

--Drive as if I am the only one on the road. I am only cheating myself by being safe and courteous, no more letting that guy merge in front of me. As for using my turn indicators, forget it, that only makes the light bulbs burn out sooner. Speed limits are not for me anymore, I am going to drive like my hair is on fire as my reason is  more important than my fellow motorists’ reasons for being on the road! Double park, you betcha! Screw 'em!

Heena Khan/Gulf News Photo

I believe that these resolutions will be real easy to keep. I like to win and hate to lose so I think I have made a solid plan for 2011 that will have a very high likelihood for success! Feel free to adopt my plan and modify the resolutions to fit your own lifestyle. You will be glad you did! I will let you know how it is going in six weeks.

Gearhead Heaven (or Petrolhead Paradise)

The other day I went to the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show (ADIMS). This event happens every two years which surprises me considering the car crazy culture in the UAE. I figured it would be an annual event. The show was held in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).

I have always been an incurable Gearhead (US) or Petrolhead (rest of the world). At 3 years of age I could discern different makes and models of cars. It is a native ability which unfortunately is not a lucrative one.

Seems there is there is always something going on at the ADNEC but this was my first time there. I have to say I was very impressed with the facility. Easy access and parking in the garage. The venue was squeaky clean and the attendants and security personnel were pleasant and helpful.

 One of the first things I noticed was this:

A pool,table fashioned after a 1965 Mustang

This is a creation of a company called Classic Pride from Dubai. I have to admire their vision. This was nicely done and they do a lot of other stuff with classic car themes.

All the major automobile brands had a display in addition to some local vendors and customizers.

For A-L

And many others.

One of the most interesting cars was in the Mazda area. This vehicle was shrouded for a few hours and when it was unveiled, this is what emerged:

In my opinion, easily the star of the show. While it it a concept car and most likely will never see production it still is a good example of creative design.

Hyundai had an interesting car on display also. They have come a long way from the econobox they have been known for in the past.

Abu Dhabi's Finest were well represented also.

And then there are the dreamers....Yes that is $800,000.00

Nothing beats Detroit heavy iron. They may be crude but you can't beat the Bang for the Buck!!!!

As far as pure style goes, this is my favorite:

For a cruiser, this Jaguar would be my choice, but the guy picking his nose in the background kind of ruins it for me:

I saw this woman sitting in the black Ferrari convertible and I tried to get her to do a friendly wave. She responded as if I asked her to take her pants off. I shot the photo anyway. I had a media badge on too! Bitch!!

Speaking of which, most of the women hired to showcase the cars were acting badly. Sure, I was there early and there were not a lot of folks around at that time but I saw most of the models sitting around, drinking coffee and yawning. They were not promoting the cars at all. If it was me as their boss, I would have sent them packing! Bad attitudes and indifference don't sell cars!

These ladies were cool though!

Anyway, there was some activities outside, namely the white Prado obstacle course. You would think there would be nothing left to prove as most are seen doing 200KMH+ in the fast lane but here ya go! They can actually go slow too!

And then was the Go Cart track. The concessionaire made a big deal about changing into a race suit like you are an F1 contender. I have to admit that it looked like fun but at 150 DH a pop, I had to decline. The carts sounded like they had Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engines in them but the track was tight and suitable for the speed.

All in all it was a fun afternoon. I love things automotive and this scratched my itch. The facility is top notch and things were run well. However, I am left wondering why there were not more people there and why this event is held only every two years in this otherwise car-crazy country.

Best Laid Plans......

So the other day I had to get some business cards made and I decided to take care of that after a 7PM to 7AM graveyard shift. I got home and shut my eyes for awhile to do a light recharge of my batteries and intended to awake and get the chore done in a few minutes and go back to bed.

Arabic Strip Mall

Near me in Khalifa City A is what I call an Arabic strip mall. It juts up out of the flat suburban landscape like a monument and can be seen from miles around. These are ubiquitous throughout the Emirate outside of urban areas and consists of retail establishments on the ground floor and professional offices/ apartments above. One can get just about anything at ground level from tomatoes to hammers.

Arabic Strip Mall

I went to a photography store that I had used before to see if they could print the business cards. After waiting about 10 minutes while the owner did his books back in his office, he finally appeared and asked me what he could do for me. I asked him if he could print business cards and he shook his head "no", but there  was a stationery store around back that could. I thanked him and drove around back and found the correct store. there was a problem though, there was a huge sign declaring  the closed status of the business even though another sign assured me it should have been open. Thinking someone might have been late, I sat in my car for awhile but no one showed up. Fail!

Despite this, I decided to go to the local smoke shop around the corner to get some lighter fluid for my Zippo. The shopkeeper was pleasant enough and understood my needs but said the lighter fluid was of poor quality and refused to sell me any even though there were plenty of cans on the shelf. OK, I asked him if he had an inexpensive butane lighter and he sold me this with a refill can.

Butane Lighter

I recognized this as a crack pipe lighter but I was entranced by the bright blue flame and it was refillable so I bought it for 5 Dirhams and a can of butane for 10, not a bad deal. The trademark "KKK" may have some problems in North America though if this lighter was ever marketed there.

This small smoke shop was also packed to the rafters with shisha pipes, charcoal and tobacco. For those that are not familiar with shisha, it is a very civilized Arabic social custom where folks sit around and puff fruit flavored tobacco through the pipe which is also known as a hookah. The tobacco is packed in a chamber and is kept lit by charcoal. The smoke goes through water and is cooled and mellowed by the pipe which results in a mild, flavorful smoke. The tobacco flavor runs the gamut from grapes to mint to watermelon.

Shisha Pipe

Shisha Pipe

I always entertained the idea of having my own shisha pipe in the house because it is such an enjoyable activity and it would be cool. Here I was in a smoke shop with the supposed proprietor and I asked him his advice about purchasing one from him. Amazingly, he told me to get one from Bani Yas, a town 20KM from my current location. I was dumbfounded! Here I was surrounded by these things and he refused to sell me one. I couldn't have swung a dead cat without hitting a shisha pipe in the small shop. I was stunned, I got in my car and started for home and still couldn't figure out why the guy didn't want my money. Maybe it was a racial thing, but it seemed quite cordial.

I never did get my business cards but I did get the cool crack pipe lighter. Maybe next time!

Holidays in Abu Dhabi

The time is here again for the most popular holidays celebrated by many expatriots living in Abu Dhabi, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. I could count Thanksgiving but that was last month and is rarely celebrated outside of North America, even the USA and Canada observe it on separate days. There is not a single turkey within 6000 miles of this place anyway. Thanksgiving is a non-starter here.

I kind of enjoy Christmas in Abu Dhabi. Back home the commercial interests start late in October and are relentless in cajoling folks to start purchasing gifts for the Big Day. The malls and traffic get progressively more congested as time gets closer to December 25th. As a guy, I typically hate shopping and wait to the last week to do my gift purchases. By then the malls resemble the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Tension is high and tempers flare during these last minute retail outings. Not my idea of fun.

In Abu Dhabi things are so much more subdued and the shopping pressure is off. Sure I miss my friends, family and the parties. Sitting in front of a roaring fireplace, the house decorated with twinkly lights and the smell of a freshly cut and decorated Christmas tree lighting up the room can’t be beat. Exchanging gifts with loved ones (especially the children) is always fun! It’s the commercialism that bothers me back home and I don’t have to experience that here if I choose not to. I'd rather not.

Christmas Tree at my Old House

My Last Christmas in Utah, USA, 2007

 

I will have to admit the perfect springtime weather in December here is not real conducive to a strong “Holiday Spirit” for me. I have always associated Christmastime with cold, snow and nasty weather. Not many fireplaces, hot toddies or fir trees here for that matter. Although the malls in Abu Dhabi try, I miss the outside street decorations and lights in front of businesses and residences.

Zion National Park, Utah, USA

Zion National Park

Zion National Park

This will mark my third season away and while there a lot of things I miss, I still remember to count my blessings and make the best out of things. Its not so bad here this time of year.

New Year’s Eve is another story! I call it “Amateur Night” and try to stay off the road as some drivers who may not have drank all year do on that night and don't know their limits. It may be better here but I don’t take chances. Anyone know of a good fireworks show?

On a related note, it does strike me as more than coincidental that a lot of religions and cultures have holidays/rituals corresponding more or less to the two equinoxes and two solstices (both extreme positions of the sun) that occur each calendar year.  Ancient peoples built Stonehenge and other elaborate archeological wonders found all over the world to measure these solar events. It must have been as important to them as it still seems to us. That is a topic for another post.

Happy Holidays, y'all!