What I Have Learnt in the Last Year

Well, we have survived our first year in the sticks (well, the sand really) and even more amazing – the Arabs have survived US!! So, time to take stock, reminisce and see what (if anything) we have learnt ….

I have learnt that

* camel milk is best left for baby camels (camellettes)

* out of sight is definitely out of mind, or so it feels sometimes – people are obviously getting on with their own lives, but being so far away can sometimes feel soooo lonely

* taxi drivers with hair dyed red should be avoided at all costs – unless you really ARE suicidal

* lots of money certainly does not give you lots of class

* “mosque music” can actually grow on you and often sounds quite pleasant

* not all meat labeled “lamb” comes from actual baby sheep, sometimes it tastes like it could be baby iguana – Syria does not have delicious lambs

* South Africans are not the worst racists in the world

* small brown round fruits should be avoided at all costs – maybe they should be sent by the ton to New Orleans to soak up the flood water …

* STAY OUT OF THE UAE in summer
* STAY OUT OF DUBAI at rushhour
* STAY OUT OF THE FAST LANE when driving

* Abayas and shaylas are not only beautiful, but practical as well – but also damn hot

* Don’t eat before going dune-bashing in a 4 x 4!!!

* “Inshallah” and “tomorrow” are good all-round words to use often

… I am sure there are many many many more things I have learnt – I will add them as I think of them!