Thursday, October 11, 2007

Sand Storm

Having lived here before I thought I knew it all but I didn't know that sand storms go by two names - the Shamal (which I knew) and the Gibly (which I didn't). Yesterday we experienced a Gibly which is one that comes from the south which meant that it was 'foggy' all day yesterday and the temperature rose back up into the 40s. Its strange when the wind is hot and tactile.....

Maybe it was the coming storm that brought my mood down but all the support from my blog friends brought it up. Thank you all. I followed your advice and treated myself to something that Dubai is good for - jewelry......just something small. Nothing like a bit of shopping to raise the spirits and then a long swim in the pool with dd. I thought about the bubble bath.......but then realized that for me Dubai isn't a 'bath' place........I know I'm weird but Cornwall I soak in the tub but here??? I could count on one hand the baths I've had in Dubai. Don't worry, I shower daily!

Your comments yesterday had me thinking about culture shock. Yes, I had dismissed it because , hell, I am an experienced expat and I had lived here before. This time unlike others I also had friends on the ground and varied friends and all of them in the 'best' category. Each fills some part of me and I am blessed. Yet landed here just before Ramadan threw me into the midst of a different life again even if I do understand and respect it.

So I will be a bit kinder to myself. We are off to a hotel on the beach for two days. Looking at the sea will be a welcoming break from the building sight out the window now. DD is on her half term break and it won't be long until my boys are here :-)

11 comments:

Jan Jones said...

Glad you're feeling a bit more cheerful, Liz. I am in total envy over your phrase 'hot and tactile' for the wind. One of those things I wish I'd written.

Enjoy the sea.

Unknown said...

Thanks Jan :-)

Jan said...

Enjoy your break. IT sounds lovely.
What experiences you're having, physically/mentally; I bet all this enriches your writing constantly.

Michelle Styles said...

Glad to see your mood has improved. It can be caused by a whole bunch of things, combining to create an atmosphere, feeding off.
Make sure you are kind to yourself. Things will be easier when you get your own things back...

I too did like your turn of phrase.

Flowerpot said...

glad yo9u're feeling better liz. Have now booked my train tickets for London so I will see you at the Winter Party, all being well!

Lane Mathias said...

Enjoy your break Liz:-)
To me your expat life sounds thrilling but I realise the reality might not always be so.
(and jewellery always helps:-)x

Nell Dixon said...

Glad you feel a little better and a break at the beach sounds just the ticket.

Chris Stovell said...

Brave girl! Keep going. Best wishes, Chris.

Jenny Beattie said...

Liz, So glad to read you're feeling uppier!
Lots of love still,
Jjx

NoviceNovelist said...

Jewellery and a sea view - bliss!!! Glad to hear your spirits are on the up Liz. I understand that some places are bubble bath places and some aren't - when I'm home in Australia during their summer I wouldn't even consider lying in the bath - hideous thought when the weather is hot - it is a cool climate activity perhaps. Champagne works anywhere though don't you think????

Lisa said...

The water is always a source of energy for me. I'll bet it is for you too. Hang in! :)