December 2, 2011 was the 40th anniversary of the formation of the UAE (United Arab Emirates). Things you need to know: this country is only 40 years old. It formed from seven tribal states into one super rich country sitting on loads of oil. The guy who united them all is very impressive (late UAE … Continue reading My first foreign National Day
Travel
How to fly to Ireland for $100
Our spectacular summer vacation of 2012 came into be with this one question: "How can we take advantage of our layover on the way back to the USA, and turn it into a vacation?" Most of the flights with layovers were through London. We didn't really want to spend this vacation with millions of our … Continue reading How to fly to Ireland for $100
What it’s like to be a Hotelwife
Tips for living in a hotel
Sea Turtles
Where to find sea turtles in the Arab Peninsula.
International Falconry Festival
While we lived in the desert, we had the chance to attend the International Falconry Festival right in our town. Things you need to know: Falcons are the ultimate companion/hunter/pet in the United Arab Emirates. Etihad Airlines allows falcons in the cabin with their owners. These birds are carefully bred, expensive to buy, and treasured … Continue reading International Falconry Festival
Roundabouts
How to drive in a roundabout.
Oman Fish Souq
Traveling to Muscat, Oman usually involves a few trips back in time. On one visit, we got up a little after dawn, and headed to the shore for the local fresh fish market (market = souq, pronounced "sook"). In the crisp morning air, clutching our tea in styrofoam cups, walking in the sand between straw mats, … Continue reading Oman Fish Souq
Geocaching: An Introduction
What is geocaching?
Throwing Rocks in the Middle East
Throwing Rocks off a mountain
Driving on the Wrong Side
What is it like to drive a manual transmission on the wrong side of the road, on the wrong side of the car, in a foreign country?It's like having a heart attack every 15 seconds for the first day. Then you get used to it and only have mild strokes about once an hour.The hardest … Continue reading Driving on the Wrong Side
