I am getting on with it here in UAE, working hard at learning the language, staying fit at the Rotana Beach (cheeky) Hotel, and visiting some far flung parts of the country.

Al Ain was interesting. Though didn't see many people, who I hear were all indoors during the first day of Ramadan, I got to see the main historic sigths with a few friends.

For the most part, we stayed out of the heat, but when we were outdoors, it was more comfortable because Al Ain doesn't get the humidity we get in Abu Dhabi.

It was 44 yesterday, but I barely broke a sweat because of the lack of moisture in the air.

Saw the former residence of Sheik Zayed (may Peace be upon him) and the Jumeri Fon rt with my friends Sarah, Jonny and Meeghan, all of Canada. Good times.

Also had some amazing strawberry and lemon juice with friend Amy Moser at the Rotana Hotel.

We tried to get a cab home in a gold cab, which I knew would be a mistake the moment I sat in the seat next to the driver.

An Afghani, he was a bit hot-headed. I could tell he didn't like me even before I told him I was American.

To sum, the man drove fast and erratic. We told him to stop. He wouldn't.

He wanted my hat, a cheesy fisherman's garment. I offered it to him. He wouldn't accept and kept driving faster and zigzagging through traffic.

"Schway, schway!" we said. Slow down.
"You get angry at me, I get angry at you!" was his retort, speaking surprisingly good English.

I told him my friend's dad was a doctor, and he wanted him to be safe, a story my friend Jonny had told me on the bus ride to Al Ain.

He didn't quite get it.

The girls threatened to call 999, which is the police. The Afghani started to desist. I will drive slower, he said. La, la, no no. you had your chance. Pull over! I said.

He finally did, letting us out about 3 km outside of town.

He had to find a taxi to get back to the bus station.

I am ready to proceed with my blog today. If anyone out there knows how to download pictures onto a PC, please shoot me a line. I just got used to this InTerNet thing here, and need a little help with the rest. Thanks, j

Either the foreign news media loves to interview fat, ignorant Americans or that is what we are. I think it's probably more of the former because it sells this image of America that most of their viewers want to see. I also notice the foreign news media (The BBC) does not give a balanced version of the story - ie, there are people who support health care reform. It only shows people hating on Obama and dissing European (socialist)- style health care. Which is worse? The American right-wing news media, which lobbies hard for a position and castigates the other side or the left-wing British media, which paints those right wingers in an inscrupulous light? Neither gets at the truth, which is what health care reform will do once enacted....I still wonder.

Looks like it will be at least until Aug. 9 before I leave. Nice to have the extra week, just crossing my fingers that the delay in my visa processing is not due to some legal difficulties I had in Japan or U.S.
Hard to explain the drink. I'm not a bad person, but sometimes do stupid things like driving drunk from Bend to Redmond or staying out drunk in Japan.
I have to say, I like the beer. It's hard to give it up completely, but I've managed pretty well the last month or so.
The question is, can I give it up in the Middle East? That's the challenge. Stay out of prison, as Dave my diversion coordinator said upon my completion of the program. Don't get decapitated, my brother had engraved on my new Ipod Nano.
It's interesting, having a second alcohol-related arrest (albeit six years and two continents apart) changes things a bit for me. Now, I'm on the edge a bit to where it has started to affect my professional life. Until I get my plane ticket, I will be a bit nervous.

In just a week, I could be going to the Middle East.

How do you make God laugh? You make plans.
Brandy Philip, quoting some existential theorist.

Thanks Brandy!

Bistro Corlise closing....

Oh sad, like we really care. I'm sorry dude, we don't. So get over your crying and move to a real city where i'm sure there will be ample number of people willing to throw down $30 for a meal. whatevah...