"tidbits/giggle fits"

Sometimes, I stop trying to understand much, and just observe. Usually, it ganders a smile. Sometimes, a giggle or two.

Wearing black invites people to speak to me in Arabic. Must be my olive complexion. I better start learning more soon!

I’m now “Spanish,” since I’m supposedly not "really" American, and should trace my genetic heritage through my father’s line. (By that reasoning, I’m probably Middle Eastern after all, ya know, the Moors, et al.?) But, apparently, according to Islam, you’re supposed to trace back through the mother’s line, too. (So by that reasoning, I’m German. Or Lebanese or Syrian. Yet again, Middle Eastern.) Either way, I’m still the mutt that I thought I was. A mutt who likes to sit on the floor and eat rice and yoghurt with her hands.

“Aywah!” I took this phrase to mean “rock on witcho bad self, sista!”, but apparently it means an affirmative “yes!” A little more straightforward. Mmm, I think I like my interpretation better. Goes better with the attempts to dance and sing using muscles I've never used. And wine. Goes better with a nice bottle of Shiraz. (Hey now, I OFFERED to share!)

If you have a question, ask it multiple times. Of multiple people, all nationalities. You’ll get multiple answers, and maybe a thread of understanding in there somewhere.

30% window tinting on cars is the high limit for expats. More for locals. Is that for the modesty of the people inside? By that reasoning, it’s understood that expats have no modesty.

Expats can’t own trucks without a local sponsor. NO HAULING OF THINGS ALLOWED! Apparently.

Trying to drive away from someone flirting with you in a car is only encouragement to get chased. Erghh. A whole hour wasted.

AND when you call the police to ask for help, they ask for the driver’s plate number. Ummm. He’s...following...ME.

How do you get to - ? Simple. It’s a right, then a left, then the first left, then a 3/4 turn at the roundabout, go under the bridge, then another right on the main street, then the first little street. Oops. Missed it. Ah, well, I’ll try to go shopping tomorrow instead. I think I still have an egg left.

79 degrees Farenheit warrants down jackets. 74, hats and gloves. Then the little ladies in my class get hot and ask to put on the air conditioner. (Today’s lesson: Can you say “layers”? Can you say “peel the layers”?)

Sleeping in a Bedouin tent under a star-littered sky is pretty close to perfect. Yup.

There is a jewel-encrusted Christmas tree at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. And a stuffed pregnant-looking Santa suit at the Lulu’s Hypermarket in Al Ain. (Really, ya guys don't have to accommodate other cultures THAT much!)

Thankfully, National Day decorations are still up. Neon 39s (for the number of years that the UAE has been a country), flowers, bows and butterflies. Cute! I'd love to meet the artist. (Actually, she might be in my third grade class.) I need to get a camera with a flash so I can take a picture of my favorite lawn decoration: a happily running Emirati guy in khandoura with a flag in his hand. So cute!

There is still sticky residue from the gallons of National Day stickers all over the cars. ALL over the cars. Next year, I'll try to get more pictures.

I could add to this list for ages. “Super deedooper fun,” is all I can add right now.