Archive for April, 2010

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Bull Butting Again

April 30, 2010

two bulls butting heads

We went to Fujairah for the bull butting contest again, one last time before the heat and humidity get unbearable. The crowd was smaller and most of the spectators were gathered in the shade of the two large trees. I suspect we aren’t the only ones who will be taking a break from the sport until next winter.

men gathered to watch the bull butting

I couldn’t pass up taking a picture of this grandfatherly figure. This is technically inside the arena. It is very dangerous, not just from the bulls, but from the panicked spectators who run frantically any time a bull heads into the crowd (and they do).

spiral cone shaped shell on the beach

We spent a few minutes on the beach. The sand is dark. It is almost chocolate brown when it is wet. I resisted the urge to collect this shell and settled for a picture. Takes up so much less space that way.

two girls swimming in the surf

There was a family near us and their daughters (approx. 10 yrs old) were swimming in the surf wearing full length dresses and head scarves. They were having a blast.

falcon sculpture

Fujairah’s known for its roundabout sculptures, large art works in the middle of roundabouts. (Previously posted pictures here) Unfortunately, these pictures were taken at dusk from a moving car, but you get the idea. The guy sitting on its leg is a nice touch.

falcon sculpture

After this it was off to Al Meshwar restaurant for great food, then a two hour drive back home dodging the dangerous drivers. A day well spent.

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Signs

April 24, 2010

Posted by Kanga

Here’s some miscellaneous signs gathered recently.

warning sign showing figure falling into a deep holeI’ve fallen and I don’t think I’ll be able to get up.

sign of Raboob Gents SaloonThis speaks for itself. I’m childish, I know.

sign for My Car RentalDaddyBird insisted we take a picture of My Car Auto Rental. The pedestrian who saw us pull over, roll down the window, take a picture and then drive away undoubtedly thought we were crazy.

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City of Life

April 24, 2010

Posted by Kanga

I don’t know how widely this film will be distributed, but if you get the chance to see it, DO! It was made here in Dubai, about life in Dubai. It is a really well made film. It shows (quite honestly) some of the typical stories of people in Dubai.

City of Life

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How humid is it?

April 14, 2010

Posted by Kanga.

It is well into the nineties Fahrenheit here these days. The crushing humidity hasn’t set in, yet. That will come in June and stay through September. I suspect that I am getting acclimated, however, because it doesn’t seem that hot to me. I used to melt in ninety degree weather.

As I was leaving work one day, I noticed that the water from the sprinklers was turning directly into vapor and rising up rather than falling down.

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Butterfly

April 14, 2010

Posted by Kanga.
Orange butterfly with black and white markings
I managed to catch this butterfly on video this morning. Please excuse the unsteadiness of it. I was looking into the sun, so was not able to see if I was aiming it correctly or not.

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Good marketing?

April 11, 2010

OMO detergent boxes with tag line "Dirt is good."I’m not sure how declaring that “dirt is good” is motivation to buy this brand. I thought dirt was bad and what you want the detergent to get rid of, but what do I know?

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No Bills

April 2, 2010

Posted by Kanga
Sign- Stick No BillApparently, a simple “Stick No Bill” wasn’t enough. So, they solved the problem of people posting bills by posting their own really big bills. (Capturing DaddyBird’s shadow was purely accidental, but it looks kinda cool.)

Poster - Stick No Bills By Law

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Satwa Signs

April 2, 2010

Posted by Kanga
Bride of Nomadism Furniture store signI couldn’t pass up taking a picture of the Bride of Nomadism Furniture store, where you can get furniture with definite panache.

window display of Bride of Nomadism Furniture store

Shark Meat Trading signShark Meat Trading where, apparently, you can get everything other than shark meat.