Things I have learned about Dubai in 3 short weeks

I have learned a lot about life in my school in three short weeks.  The first thing I have learned is that they say "Inshalla" A LOT!  In Arabic, this means God willing.  So, for example, when I ask about my paperwork going in for my residency, they say "I will do it Sunday, Inshalla".  Never happens.  A week later my paperwork still has not gone in.  When I ask about moving in to the apartment, they say "On Sunday, Inshalla".  Then "Thursday, Inshalla".  Then "Oh, Sunday Inshalla".  Still hasn't happened.  When I ask about getting paid, getting a bank account, getting the medical testing done, all these big things, it is always Inshalla.  It has become a word that carries a negative connotation to it.  I am still waiting for all of the above.  I have been greatly disappointed with how this system works and the lack of communication.  Every day I have to go to HR to ask about something and can never get the straight answers I want.  I am hoping this week that some good things will happen.  There always seems to be some reason whey things aren't happening.  I don't want to complain or be negative about these things but it is hard to stay positive all the time.  I have my seat belt on and am trying to enjoy the ride without getting off. 

The second thing I learned is about the people.  Most people here are so friendly and easy to talk to.  They are so curios about where I live and what I think of Dubai.  They are also very giving people.  But, there are also very rude or inconsiderate people.  While I was at the pool this I week there was a lady who stole on of our pool chairs.  There was clearly our things on the chair and we were standing right there.  She had the audacity to move the things off the chair and put her things down.  Then, when confronted about it, she acted like it was no big deal, closed her eyes and began to get her tan on.  She refused to move.  I know that this was not a local person, but I still can't believe the nerve of some people.

The third thing I learned is that people here love their money and love to show off how much they have.  On Friday night, we were at JBR and enjoying a coffee at Tim's (Oh, yeah!!!).  We were sitting outside and watching a parade of cars drive by, over and over.  I have never seen so many Lamborghini's, Mercedes, Audis, BMW's, Ferrari's, Hummer's etc in one place.  It was absolutely astounding.

A Mercedes Maclaren (starting price is $450,000US)

A beautiful Lam

  The last thing I will share with you that I learned has to do with this:

This is my toilet/sprayer in my bathroom.  Virtually every bathroom I have seen in Dubai has a sprayer.  There are also two flush options above the toilet.  One does a full flush and the other does a "water change".  I learned that if you want something to disappear you use the bigger button.  Muslim people are very clean people so they use the sprayer to keep themselves clean.  No need for toilet paper here.  I have officially learned the sprayer technique.  The first few attempts were an utter disaster with water everywhere.  I could not figure out with bathroom floors were always wet everywhere I went.  So, if you ever visit a Muslim country, I will leave you with this information so you will not go through the embarrassment that I did.
Step 1: Do what you need to do
Step 2: To use the sprayer, make sure that you sit far back on the seat and that there are no spaces for water to go.  Use your cheeks as a barrier.
Step 3: Spray away (but not too close).

I have fallen in love with this tool.  I will have to install one in my home one day.  That is all for now.  Until next time...