Work and Cultural Learnings

Hey you guys! Ok, so yesterday was my first day at work, and all is going well. We work at the base construction site for the Palm Jebel Ali. I may have mentioned before that I am working on engagement for the Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Waterfront developments. It is truly amazing the work that is going on over here. These palm islands, well Jebel Ali, is about 8km long and twice as wide. This third island is getting a little more creative in that they have added 'waterhouses', literally floating houses outside the crescent of the island. Additionally, on the interior of the crescent, they are building these floating barges that when viewed from the air create Arabic proverbs. Truly amazing. OH - and Nakheel (my client) has just announced the unveiling of a new set of islands 'The Universe' which will be built around The World islands. If you ask me, it looks like someone threw up around The World - but God bless.

So here is what I'm talking about.....

What you see in the picture above is a little dated (from google.com) But the development only began about four years ago. I've tried, in my novice attempt at exerpts, to illustrate where I am working. Pretty much what you see is still the case - LOTS of sand still. Not much landscaping, just sand....lots of sand and trucks!

This is right outside my office building. Not quite sure what the tents are for, but when I said I was on the beach - I was being literal. You can see cranes in the distance.

This is the base of the Palm Jebel Ali - eventually, I'm sure there'll be resorts or night clubs or something fantastic right where I focus on when I space out during the work day!!

It's been interesting working in this environment. People do things SO differently than we do in the States. There is really no sense of urgency, everything is very lineated and deliberate...and yet, this place has huge areas for improvement. Which is why we're here I guess! It should be a great working experience. Honestly, it's a 8:30-5pm day, sometimes 5:30pm with about a 30min lunch. My kind of work day!!! As far as I know now, we're here for at least the next 9 weeks. We will determine at that point if we will continue with the next phase of work. No word on apartments, we'll continue on at this fabulous hotel until mid-March.. YAY! However, that means that Armand won't get to be a jet setter just yet. I have it on good authority that he is fitting in just fine being a downtown loft dweller with Oscar. :)

Ok...so along with the cultural learnings for make America good (Borat anyone??) I was so perplexed upon using the restroom here. So, I arrived in my hotel room and saw this. Initially I thought the thing on the right was a biday...but not so much. I haven't figured it out yet, but I'm pretty sure it's used to wash your feet. Now, what I have figured out is the hose that sits next to every toilet in Dubai. Initially I thought it was a handheld for the tub. You can see how I would be confused as it's so close to the tub...but when I noticed it in the half bath as well as in the office - I started to wonder. Not wanting to be 'that guy' I decided to do my research to confirm what I already assumed. It is, in fact, used to wash yourself after you.....go. What on earth? I understand it's probably alot more sanitary...but HOW DO YOU MANAGE? Obviously I have not attempted it yet only because I don't want to make a real mess - but I'm SO curious. I mean...do you reach around with the hose? down the front and through the middle? in a full body squat? I DON'T KNOW!!!

OK - so....five days in Duabi and I have poop - literally. :)

Went to dinner with a colleague of mine from the UK office who is originally from Cyprus tonight. Had this delcious Moroccan pork dish cooked with prunes, yumm!! Determined that she likes to party, she likes, she like to party. (anyone?) AND she has a friend that is a DJ here in Dubai - so I'm hoping that I'll have some 'fun' news this weekend.

Until then. Be good. I miss you all.