The Arabian fairytale: Part Six – Adventure in the desert

The Princess and the Sheikh are really on a roll now with adventures coming thick and fast in the month of May before the heat really hits with a vengeance! In another month it will be impossible to be outdoors, except between the hours of 2 and 3 am, so this adventure was a last chance to enjoy the relatively cooler day (even though it was still 45 degrees C).

One of the ladies of the hareem, the Fair Kate of County Cork, organised a day in the desert for all the people of the royal court of SIP. Some were able to make it while others must have thought it was just getting too hot in the desert to venture out of the air-conditioned oases of Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. Only the intrepid and adventurous signed up for the caravan into the desert.

The caravan left from the Intercontinental Hotel in Al Ain under the watchful eye of Captain Rashed, master of the genies of the magic flying carpets (MFCs to those who have not read the Arabian Fairytale before). The MFCs, four in total, piloted by Emirati genies, clad in impeccable white, cruised out into the desert in the late afternoon. Captain Rashed, Saif, Hamad and Mr Al Shamsi catapulted the cruisers along the highway in search of the camel farms where the entourage would be saddled up.

Young Travis of the Carter Clan was to keen to master the art of mounting of a camel. He did this most ably under the watchful eye of some camel handlers from the far off exotic lands (and Deb and Simon with their hearts in their mouths!) Many of the entourage stepped forward to try their skill as camel handlers and they showed lots of promise as handlers of the ships of the desert. However their contracts with SIP have stopped them from pursuing this fascinating career!

The excitement has only just begun. In the blink of an eye, the magic flying carpets cruised across the desert speeding up and down the dunes and amazing the Princess with their capacity to keep all the people on board! Little did she know that the real daredevil 4 wheelers were about to appear. Ibrahim the Insolent and Tarek the Terrifying capably conned Captain Rashed and his crew into a detour to the land of the broken bones, grazed knees and cracked skulls, otherwise known as the Quad Bike Fun Park. Before we could say “…But what about viewing the Sunset….” we had arrived and our party was crisscrossing the park at breakneck speed.

After a cautious start many of the team were spinning wheels and wheel-y-ing their way all over the tracks, Tarek the Terrifying was only slightly more sedately cruising the dune and Enigmatic Ed was showing all the hallmarks of his misspent youth. Even Nerissa of Victoria braved possible broken bones taking her turn. Though it must be said I’ve seen ride on mowers go faster! Star of the (junior) track though was Travis. At age 3 11/12ths he managed his junior bike like a pro – giving his Mum Debbie lots of exercise, taking tumbles in his stride and before long burning up the sand!

There were some strangers from out of town in the group today. The Princess was bemused. Are they Australians, South Americans or perhaps Mexicans? It is curious – perhaps they are a new breed of Arab, mutants from the town of Shahama? Strange head gear, not before seen in the desert sets them apart from the royal Sheikhs of Al Ain. They must be good men and fair because they escorted the visiting Lady Houda of Morocco from Abu Dhabi – perhaps they are her secret service?


Back to the race track and the sun was setting and we were on our way. Some of the MFC pilots, now emboldened by the obvious bravery on the track, decided to keep the adrenaline pumping, roaring up, down and sideways through the dunes and into the dusk.


By now hunger is setting in. Images of 20 people lost in the golden sands begin to flash before our eyes. Stray goats are imagined to be draped in gravy – with salads! Even a camel haunch looks appetising. Beckoning lights in the distance hold the promise of a feast unimaginable. Finally, just before we succumb to starvation we arrive at Captain Rashed’s desert camp and are welcomed by his extended family with drinks, a soft seat, and (much to the relief of many) bathrooms – complete with Jacuzzi! (It doesn’t work but it looks good!)


Soon while the barbecue is sizzling we are guided around the camp. It contains all the necessities of life, a menagerie of pets, and in stark contrast to the modern magic flying carpets of the desert (Toyota Landcruiser, Nissan Armada, Chevy Tahoe etc) a WW2 relic Land Rover is proudly on display under its own museum style shelter.


We sit on cushions and dinner is served, desert style at low tables while knees seize up beneath us! We are treated to salads, barbecued quail, chicken kebabs and rice. Arabic coffee and tea complete the feast and soon we are all replete.


The desert causes strange things to occur. The Princess is reminded of the Lumbricidae of Dune (that’s HUGE worms for the uninitiated!) when Fair Kate of County Cork and Lady Houda of Morocco wriggle and squirm their way through the sands. They emerge clogged and dusty, eyes weeping and sand in their ears to be transformed into beautiful Arabian Princesses right before our eyes.


As the entourage changes into the royal dress of the desert Bettina the Bavarian records the emergence of the royal house. A new Sheikh of the royal family is proclaimed on his first desert outing – Sheikh Leigh Hazza Dry Wit, son of the Lady Nerissa of Victoria. A worthy sheikh seeking adventures and the princess of his dreams in the deserts of Al Ain. Beware princesses of the sands – he has a twinkle in his eye and a wit to match. Many a princess will have to run a long race to catch her prize!

The night must come to an end and the entourage makes it’s way under the watchful eye of Captain Rashed and the genies of the magic flying carpets back to the hotel and home. Another splendid day in Arabia – another adventure for the Princess and the Sheikh.




For photos of the day, visit our albums at: www.picasaweb.google.com/cherylandron

Mother's day visit

I painted this picture on Mother's Day. It is a boy going to visit his mother. I wish I could see mine today! That's one of the down sides to be so far away.

The Spring Ball

On Thursday last week we attended the Spring Ball for the Al Ain Rugby Club. These photos were taken at the ball. In the photo of four from left to right is Sheikh Brian Ibn Playin Gitar, Moraig of Kiwiland, the Princess and the Sheikh – Sheikh ron Bin Drinkin Redwine! (Alias Brian and Moraig Minns and Cheryl and Ron)

The whole ball thing was a disaster really. I had a new outfit made and lost it! Yes I had it in a plastic bag at work and it just disappeared, never to be seen again. So I had to wear a little number that was in the cupboard.

On the way to the ball I remembered I had forgotten the tickets and turned around to go and get them – adding 30 minutes – so we were late!

And at the end of the evening I was forced to go home when a Filipina in stilettos danced on my foot, drawing blood and leaving a huge bruise that has stopped me from wearing shoes all weekend! Bleeding on the carpet of the grandstand at the Equestrian Centre did not go down well.

Despite all the setbacks we had a lovely night and we will go again. I wonder if my outfit will turn up for next time!

Bedouin Woman

I did this painting last night at my art class. It is really my first effort at a portrait - I think I need lots more practice!

An Arabian Fairytale Part Five: The Princess and the Sheik visit the Musandam

The summer is approaching. The Princess and the Sheikh have been working long hours and it has been many days since their last adventure. During the recent months there was a short trip on a dhow and the Princess was reminded of how she loves to be on the water. In fact both the Princess and the Sheikh are water lovers. The opportunity arose when Sheikh Gary Bin Divin Deep and his wife Suzanne of Darwin, who have lived in the desert for 17 years, suggested a short cruise on a dhow.

The tradition is that three times a year a number of desert dwellers gather together at the port in Dibba, load up a dhow with diving and snorkeling gear, food and water, camping equipment and beverages and take a leisurely cruise along the Omani coast to the northern province of Oman known as the Musandam.

The cruise is led by genies of the underwater world with eyes as blue as the seas they dive and a sharp wit to match the twinkle within. The first genie is Jerry, a jolly and rotund spirit who surprises with his agility and skill. Jerry is devoted to the dive. He spends his time checking and adjusting, repairing and tendering the equipment used by all the desert folk to enter the allure of the deep. He hops from one tank to another adjusting valves and siphoning air. His hands are not still and he constantly wields a screwdriver, or a clamp, a nut or a widget that he taps to this or bolts to that. Quick with a crack he laughs out loud at his own jokes and those of his friends.

Jerry is ably assisted by a nymph with startling blue eyes, Debbie of South Africa. She surveys the sea and supports and guides, picking up a piece here, tidying away a bit there, encouraging here, cajoling there, wiping up this, attending to that and smiling all the while with a sparkle in her eye and a skip in her step. Only when the desert dwellers have descended does she sit back and relax, book in hand to enjoy the sun, the breeze and the peace and await the return of Jerry and the others from the deep.

Sheikh Gary bin Divin Deep had a laid back trip. He didn’t visit the deep this time but spent the trip checking that all the snorkeling spots were still delivering their promised wonders. Swimming around the islands and checking out the nooks and crannies he would arrive back on deck with a grin from ear to ear and announce that the corals were great, or that the fish were schooling. He gave reports on water clarity and temperature and every spot was yet another that could not be missed. I think this Sheikh must have relatives in the district, perhaps in the deep, with whom he communes. His spirit is in this place.

I met Nancy from Florida who had a mischievous smile and darted around the boat chatting and laughing and gathering the strength to face the deep. On one dive she emerged with the statement – ‘the equipment was working fine, but I wasn’t’ – she had one of those moments we all experience when fear takes charge and life looks short. By the time we reached the next dive she had conquered the demons within and spent 25 minutes re-establishing her relationship with the deep. On her next emergence from the deep she can be quoted as saying ‘Now I know why I do it…….the equipment, the fear, the hassle of suiting up……it all becomes meaningless when you are swimming with the fish all around you’

On arrival at the campsite the Princess and the Sheikh assisted all the desert dwellers and the genies to unload the boat and head for the shore. There was much merrymaking and the cove resounded to the popping of corks and the pulling of ringtabs. Sheikh Gary built a fire and the desert dwellers all cooked their food over the coals. On finishing dinner another genie appeared. He was a music genie and had a guitar and a repertoire of songs that the Princess and the Sheikh knew and so we all sang along. This genie was Mike and he was nimble of finger and his memory for melody and verse was supreme! The hours passed quickly with a song in the air and a glass in the hand and soon it was time for sleep.

Some of the desert dwellers had brought along their nylon huts to erect on the beach. The Sheikh and the Princess slept simply under the stars on a mat of air. During the night the ‘djin’ came to visit. According to local legend the djin that lives on this beach is a naked black djin and is 3 metres tall. He has flames coming out of his head and his eyes are a scary red. He only has 3 fingers on each hand so he can’t catch you but he can really give you a fright. Fortunately the Princess was told this in the morning and not before she went to bed. The djin did come though and he picked up the coals from the fire and threw sparks in the air, he breathed hot air over the camp and disturbed the desert dwellers during the night. The Princess felt his presence and hid under a towel. The Sheikh stayed watchful through the night to protect his Princess.

The Princess was once again amazed at how small the world can be when in discussion she discovered a young woman from the Fujairah tribe who had attended the same school as the Princess in the town of Glebe in the far off land of Australia. Debra of Annandale found her French Prince Charming, Christophe, in the sands of the Middle East and they have settled into the life of the desert. A kinship was established and the Princess hopes to meet up with the lovely Debra again one day.

Another thing that deserves a mention in this story is the master and his crew. Mohammed of Dibba was ably assisted by some men of the sub-continent, sailors indeed. Now Mohammed looked more like a genie than all the other genies. His skin the colour of tanned leather he was large and sturdy. His arms and legs were strong and nimble and his smile almost sparkled with the reflection of the water on brilliant white teeth. He told us tales of clashes with pirates and Iranian customs officials (I am not sure that he wasn’t confusing the two!). He dived for oysters the size of small plates and handled a runabout boat with agility and speed. A word from this genie and the boys jumped. They watched his every movement awaiting his direction and respecting his experience. He only had to look and signal and the team had the boat where he wanted it in a few minutes.

On returning to the port the Princess noticed an auction underway. Men of the sea had gathered with their catch and the auctioneer was selling fresh fish (some of it still jumping in the boat) to the highest bidder. It was a busy day in Dibba harbour with men in the various dress of their country of origin vying for the best produce and loading and off loading boats all around.

The Sheikh and the Princess enjoyed all the long hours of cruising and swimming and soon it was time once again to set off for the desert camp. Another adventure to be filed away in the memory of our wonderful Arabian Fairytale.

Only a woman knows the value

of green shoes!

I am firmly of the belief that everyone must own a pair of nice bright red shoes. Not only do they look great with a black business suit or evening dress but they brighten the day considerably. When you slip them on in the morning they make you feel bright and happy and a bit saucy. People always comment on them and they give a nice bit of zip to a casual outfit as well.

Recently I dropped into Banana Republic in Abu Dhabi and bought a pair of ‘nice black office shoes’ that would also do for a night out. As I was shelling out the astronomic price for them I noticed they had the same shoe in lime green….will I …….won’t I….perhaps if they are allright after wearing for a week I’ll come back and pay another king’s ransom for the green pair.

Why would you want green shoes I hear you ask! Well green is my favourite colour – always has been. It was my father’s favourite colour (Mum says he was colour blind and green was the ONLY colour he could see!) It is also my sister’s favourite colour and she has very good taste!

So the black shoes survived the comfort test and the very next opportunity I had to visit Abu Dhabi I ducked in a bought the green ones. Everyone loves them. I never wear them that someone doesn’t make a comment on them. And just this week my friend Sheila who has returned to Canada put a comment on the blog asking how they went. Well I have to say they have been a success – don’t you love them!

Abu Dhabi Air Race

So we went down to Abu Dhabi for a bit of a break from the desert. One nice little perk is that the company I (Ron) work for currently has a vacant apartment in Abu Dhabi – so no accommodation costs when we go to town for the weekend.

The Air Race is sponsored by Red Bull and features aerobatic planes and pilots racing the clock through a series of “gates”. The gates are blow-up vinyl/plastic and, in Abu Dhabi at least, float on the harbour. They are about 12-15m high. - - - - - Yes - this means the pilots must fly their little craft at speeds of over 200kph at a height of 15m. - - - - And THEN, also do amazing flips and spins in-between gates.

Amongst all the gates and parts they have to fly through, there are 2 sets of 3 slalom gates. To get through these the pilot has to fly the plane on its side through one gate, and then switch onto the other side before going through the next gate. And this at a height of 15 m and at 150kph or so. Hairy stuff.

There are some news photos here: http://www.redbullairrace.com/ . FInd the photo with the scripted Abu Dhabi sign on the beach and we were about 100m to the left. And there’s a Cool You Tube video of last year's race at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4aVggpwrbc to give you a bit of an idea.

It was great fun to watch - but B--- hot on the beach. And so we retired to the Hilton Bar after a couple of hours!! - - to rest up before our evening dhow cruise of course.

Return the folder

Well I can't help but have a giggle about this little story. I was in the office today and one of my tasks was to review some documents for the Secretary General of the university. I needed to discuss the changes with a colleague and then type them up. So Abdul Nasser, the Chief Financial Planning Officer, dropped by. He had already done some work on the docs and had pencilled in changes he thought were necessary and put his documents into a folder. We discussed the changes and agreed on what needed to be done and then he left the folder with me to refer to as I was doing the typing and loading them onto our group on the uni portal.

Feeling very satisfied with myself I finished the review, loaded up all the documents, alerted people to some bits and pieces that needed doing and sat back to have a lemon tea. Cleaned up my desk and noticed I still had Abdul Nasser's folder. So I wrote a 'post-it' note on the folder and put it in the internal mail tray. The note said 'Please return this folder to Abdul Nasser, Chief Financial Planning Officer, Level 4'. The office boy came in and checked with me that he was going to the right office - 'yes, right, level 4 - up the same end as the Secretary general's office - yes - Abdul Nasser - ok, ok, everything good - I go now - return the folder' and off he went.

Just before I was due to come home he came back into my office with his face beaming and presented me the folder. I asked why he bought the folder back and he looked at me as if I was not quite sane and said 'yes, madam, bring folder back - good, yes, madam' Well who am I to argue? So I wrote an email to Abdul Nasser saying I didn't know why I got the folder back but that I hoped he had received the notes. He wrote back saying how he and his secretary had really had a chuckle because the boy had insisted on him only taking the notes and giving back the folder. He said he hoped I had good use for the folder and that he thought it was very funny that the boy had told him I had said 'Return the folder!!!!!' It took a few minutes and I just laughed out loud! - Do you get it? The note said - return the folder - so the boy did........and he had really had to convince the secretary to take the papers out so he could return the folder - TO ME!!!!

Only in the UAE! We are not able to attend - oh dear!

UAE stages camel beauty contest

The first camel beauty contest in the UAE took place six years ago Camel beauty contest Ten thousand camels will be fluttering their long eyelashes in a unique international beauty pageant being held in the United Arab Emirates. The contest in Abu Dhabi is one of the richest and biggest events of its kind, with more than $9m (£4.5m; 5.8m euros) and 100 cars in prizes up for grabs. The contest will feature camels or "ships of the desert" from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Organisers hope it will remind Emiratis of traditional desert values. The contest is part of the Mazayin Dhafra festival, which starts on Wednesday, and organisers say it is the biggest contest of its kind to be staged in the Arabian Gulf. A panel of expert camel appreciators will choose the best animals for each age group. Entry is open to anyone who can prove ownership of a pedigree camel, and the animals must be free from contagious diseases, and without any serious defects. The ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, has sponsored the event. It is said he wants Emiratis to help preserve their national identity through the respect of an animal central to Arab culture. The first camel beauty contest in the UAE took place six years ago. Camel racing is a popular sport, with money from the region's oil riches often placed in huge bets. Long before the oil industry moved in, the Bedou tribes prized the animal known as the "ship of the desert". Camels were the main measurement of wealth, along with horses and falcons.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed mosque is on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi as you approach from Al Ain. You pass the mosque on your way into the city from the airport so it is difficult for us to miss it really. The mosque looms large on the skyline both in daylight and at night when it is fully illuminated.

Dedicated to the memory of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan late President of the UAE and fondly known as the father of the UAE. the mosque is a tribute to a life that made a huge difference in the UAE. Sheikh Zayed has his photo in many conspicuous places and is seen as the most revered and honored leader of the Emarati population. His sons are the current rulers and his memory lives on through them. I think I could do a whole exhibition of the monuments to Zayed - they are everywhere.

Now back to the mosque.......We have been watching the construction of this building since our arrival in the country. Even at that time the mosque was a magnificently lit building that was part of our introduction to the country. Our limousine driver whisked us past as we approached Abu Dhabi on the night of our arrival. I think our comments at the time were something like - "Holy cow what is that!" We tried to gain access to it in our first couple of weeks but it was not yet open to the public.

Just recently we heard that there were tours being conducted for school children and that the mosque was accepting visitors, so we decided to have a look at it. We took Jenny, the trainer from BCA who is doing management training at the University with us.

Here is a link to some information about the mosque. No amount of written words can describe the grandeur of the place. On leaving Ron said - "I really feel like I have been to church" - he was overwhelmed by the building, even more than the Vatican. I suppose that's because it was just so unexpectedly peaceful and beautiful. It does compare already with the Vatican and I believe when finally finished will have to be added to the list of the great wonders of the world.

Here are some photos - one of them is us in the main prayer hall. Yes that's me in the abbaya and shayla! Women must cover from head to foot and men must not wear short trousers and also need to cover their shoulders. The other woman is Jenny.