Aaahhhh, Retirement. My First day off after working fairly solidly for
nearly three years at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This
year I cashed out nearly 25 days of annual leave so you can bet I was
looking forward to a nice quiet sleep in. I'm not sure if its an omen of
things to come or just a sign that Donna is keen to get this trip started,
but she was kind enough to call me at the ridiculously early time of 5:30am.
At least this meant I managed to get through my massive to do list. Most
importantly booking next weeks flight to Cape Town (I'd hate to leave it
till the last minute).
I'm guessing mum and dad will be wanting a little wrap up of my time in
Dubai, unfortunately there is not a lot to say really. Those here that know
me will know that I worked pretty hard, and tended to stick within my
triangle. (UP Tower, Emirates Tower, The Gate Building). For a brief spell
this triangle was extended to the other side of the road at Shanks Place,
that was of course where Beer and Biryani nights started. Most importantly
this triangle of influence meant in my three years I didn't need to buy a
car getting buy and the local taxi service and Dubai's greatest asset – home
delivery. And before you run off and call me lazy – I would like to
highlight it was Donna that got the local supermarket to deliver a 2 dirham
ice cream one night.
I'm planning on spending my last afternoon here with friends at dubai's best
Pub – the Irish Village. A little oasis where you can sit outside, drink a
beer and chow down on a plate of bangers and mash – with real pork. No beef
bacon in sight.
We've always said that living in dubai is/was a surreal experience. Its
probably the only place in the world – at least the world that I've seen,
where your average 17 year old owns a Lamborghini. Yet with all the cash and
extravagance, without a doubt the best thing about dubai is the people. And
I'm not talking about the locals, I'm talking about the melting pot of
cultures that you are exposed to.
Yesterday, I was reminiscing with one of my drinking buddies about all the
great friends I've made here. What was interesting to note is not only the
diversity of people, but how everyone is seriously confused about their
identities. Its no wonder countries in this area are constant blowing each
other up.
I know a Jordanian who is really a Palestinian, A Syrian who is
really American, A lebbo who thinks he's French, an
egyptian who's really Scottish (aka the savage barbarian), a Palestinian
who's really a greek canadian if that even exists, an American who
is now an Iranian, and an Indian who thinks he still a britisher (Not to mention about a million or some subcontinians who still think they can play that great game - cricket).
Finally I'd like to thank all my friends in Dubai for making my stay as good
as it was, if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have lasted nearly as long here. I know that I came here for the money, but in a years time when we've burnt our cash on our next big adventure, we'll still have our dubain mates.
Beer of choice: Heineken, Corona
