(One stretch of Abu Dhabi’s enchanting desert, on our way to Yas Island. Did you see the plane?)
We decided to have a quick getaway last weekend to get a much deserved breather. We thought that Yas Rotana would be so quiet since the grand prix (Formula 1) is still months away. But it was reasonably jovial, just the way we needed.
Visiting a souk (bazaar or market) is probably less appealing during the first phase of summer in Abu Dhabi. But it’s definitely a come-on when you think of this new age souk! Few minutes drive from where I live, the historic Central Market is now sporting a new look as it’s transforming into a hub of local food, crafts, boutiques, and traditional and bustling pieces rolled into one. Stories say that the old souk was greatly affected by fire in 2004. As for the idea of resurrecting it, I liked the part that they conceptualized the modern souk not by simply putting up a shiny establishment, and instead they retained the Arabic feel through its architecture.
Although The Souk is still eyeing its completion by the end of this year, it’s worth the visit because of the interesting finds inside it, a peek to its architecture, and the appreciation through your own senses that it’s a stand out in the UAE.
I remember that day when a colleague was scouting for sources of stuffed turtle toy, I did not expect that it would be used for the launching of one of the projects of the Firm. Imagine the excitement and curiosity combined when we saw the toy turtles lined up on each table at the ballroom during the presscon-launch. Aside from the toy, all of us took home turtle cakes. There was a sort of question and answer as well and I am glad I was not called because I did not know the answers to most of the questions asked. Otherwise, I have been embarrassed infront of my boss and colleagues. And yes, you got to answer with the microphone. But when I look back, all of them got it correctly. Maybe I need a refresher course on marine turtle’s life. 
Little J was regaled by the cake. Well, themed cakes are really appealing. But in the end, she ate the chiffon only citing that “I don’t want to kill the turtle with my own teeth” while reminiscing about those cute, while some were “snobbish” tortoises and turtles we met in Malaysia. (The truth is no one at home ate that choco turtle on top.) And you know the psychology of slimy colors in general. I remember when we had our finals in Home Economics class in highschool that we were asked to bake a cake, each of us, from scratch. One of my closest friends used an apple green icing, matched with (I thought were) bizarre toppers and she got a really nice mark. Well, I was one of those who stuck with the safe pink and baby colors. If I can go back to that finals, I would probably be sporting a lego-type topping (read as sourgraping heehee). Sometimes, it pays to be unique.
Speaking of being unique, our Firm adopted a turtle to support the marine turtle conservation project in the UAE. While the project’s objectives are really striking, I was more curious about how they track the endangered hawksbill turtles which are migrating from UAE to Iran, Oman, Qatar and other shores in the Gulf. According to Gulfturtles.com, when turtles come onshore to nest, a transmitter is fitted to their shells in a painless process using fibreglass cloth and resin. The transmitter has a smart switch that is sensitive to sea water. When the turtle comes up to the surface to breathe, the transmitter switches on and, using a global system of satellites, it sends a signal up to an orbiting satellite which keeps constant track of it. The information is relayed to a receiving station in France, then passed on to scientists and conservationists throughout the world via email or a dedicated website. (More information here.)
While it probably takes a lot of resources to sustain this project, I am glad that there are groups who support this kind of endeavor. We have to find the balance in the ecosystem in our own (even small) ways. While I gather my thoughts, I am at the same time enjoying tracking the turtles online. That is a must try.
(I was channel surfing when I saw the nose-to-nose scene by Filipinos from a talent show over The Filipino Channel. As part of the culture, you might see Gulf men greeting each other by rubbing noses.)
I was, of course, beaming when I was sent to a (getting popular) structured cultural awareness workshop. I’m now a little over three years living (and working) in Abu Dhabi and you might ask isn’t it too late? When an expatriate or any non-national goes to another country, it’s a given that one must orient himself in many possible ways before landing in a foreign land. Especially when one crosses borders to augment and/or explore the workforce. It’s specially tricky in the UAE because it’s not simply dealing with the UAE Nationals; it actually means dealing with different Arabs and Muslims + the other nationalities. Configure the equation that not all Arabs are Muslims, not all Muslims are Arabs, and all the other nationalities could either be Muslims or not. Hence, when I was picked to attend the “proper” cultural awareness workshop, there was so much wooooow painted in my heart and face. I just really find it interesting to learn about new culture, everyday there’s always a new discovery.
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I attended the Cityscape last month and minus the coincidental glance to Sheikh Mohammed like last year, the exhibit was indeed interesting. For an expat like me, I mumbled at some point that I should treasure these shots in reference to the exciting future of this emirate. That means that I should strive to have a healthy life in order to live longer and witness the results of the urban planning in two decades coming into full swing. Oh well, everyone aims that. Anyway, we visited first the booth of the agency which is responsible for the development of master plans for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (also referred as Abu Dhabi Plan 2030). They have updated the lifesize 3D model:
Ferrari World, the biggest indoor theme park in the world.
The furthest leaning mandmade tower to date. Otherwise known as the Capital Gate.
Capital District, the future seat of royal and government offices, embassies and the like. The planning for security must really be challenging.
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