Verifying for Visa

I've heard that any sort of process in the UAE is slow, confusing and just a big ol' hassle. So when one wants to live here and needs to get a visa, home, bank account, driver's license, gym membership, library card, etc...one has to jump through hoops in order to obtain such things. I'm kidding about the library card, but it probably is the same craziness. Fortunately, I am not "one" of those people...for the most part. Marcus' company has a person to do all the hoop jumping for us and Marcus researches (browses the net and asks people at work who has already done all this) information to understand the process. If someone moved here without having another to lean on for help and information I could see how getting these things done would be a frustrating nightmare.
Since I get to enjoy the luxury of assistance, I only had to endure a teeny bit of frustration but at the time really ticked me off (so far, I haven't gotten my driver's license yet...so we'll see how that goes). To get a visa, we had to visit the TECOM office to apply and of course pay the large fees for not getting the process started before 30 days; which couldn't be done until Marcus had his visa that took way longer than 30 days to get. So after we couldn't understand what we were supposed to do when Marcus received a call from the office, (they like to call everyone here, which I hate because I can't understand what is being said over the phone! Why can't they just email?) Marcus went back and asked the Emirati (local) what he needed to do with my visa receipts. We were told he would be called in just a few days to set-up my medical test since we paid extra to expidite the process. Of course, several days passed with no call and we are left wondering how long we really will have to wait for this call and that there was no point to paying extra for a faster result. Turns out the TECOM office calls the Cerner process assistant instead of Marcus! So now we're left with both the feelings of happiness to continue this process and irritation that what we were told didn't actually happen.
Now, on to get my medical test. In order to get my visa, I have to be tested. For what? I don't really know and the nurses don't tell you. I find that odd but whatever. The clinic is a bit far from the apartment and my appointment was in the morning so I had to leave early enough to get there on time factoring in sitting in traffic. I actually arrived earlier than expected and didn't have any trouble finding the place but had a large taxi fare since so much time was spent sitting in traffic. The barely English speaking desk clerk thumbed through the papers I was told was all I needed to get my test. She then asked for identification so I show her my Missouri driver's license because that is all I have. Of course, no one knows what this is and this form of I.D. does not work. She asked for my passport. "The TECOM office takes that when the visa process starts and doesn't give it back till it's complete. I have to get this test in order for it to be completed," I explained. But she does not understand; how would she not know this? Aren't there thousands of people doing the same thing I am to stay in this country? Or am I the only person the passport is taken from? I doubt it. She mentions some sort of other picture I.D. that TECOM can give but I have no clue what she is talking about because I was told all I needed were those papers. Finally, after interrupting a nurse drawing blood because I was told to ask her, I find out I'm missing a stamp on one of my papers. A stamp that is exactley like the one that is on the first page of my papers but that stamp doesn't work...it has to be on my passport copy in order to get my test.
I was really upset that I couldn't get this done. I was mad because my time was wasted and had to spend 30 bucks for a taxi. I think I was mostly worked up because of my nervousness building up about getting my blood drawn. Anyhow, I was supposed to go back to the TECOM office and ask for this stamp, but I figured I would end up confused and more irritated so I asked if the process assistant could do it.
A week or so later, I return to the clinic with the same papers but another stamp, annoyed that I have to spend more money on a taxi and wondering if this will work. This time I get a desk clerk that speaks English much better but again I was asked for identification. I tell him the same story, "I was told all I need are these papers," and try to show him my passport copy to see if that will suffice. He doesn't say anything but "take a seat." So I do, hoping that this means I can get my test but not really sure what's going to happen. I didn't have to wait too long before my name is called and I'm told to go around the corner to draw blood. Yay! So I find my way to the correct door after stopping at a wrong one first (information isn't labeled here very well). Again, I'm asked for my papers and identification. What!!?? Didn't I already go through this? So I go through my MO driver's license and passport copies with the nurse while explaining, AGAIN, that I thought I only needed those certain papers. After those forms of identification didn't work, I flip through these supposed needed papers to the other passport copy with the stamp. The STAMP! "Oh, that's all I needed to see," she casually states pointing at the stamp while I'm trying to stay calm. To me, stamp doesn't = form of identification. So I guess next time I go to a bar or have a run in with the police and they ask to see my I.D. I'll pull out my stamp and say "yep, that's me"!
So, long story short, I get my test done! The nurse who took my blood was very good (only one poke); all those nerves built up for nothing! I think she liked me because she saw my Red Cross cards while I was showing her my MO license and went on talking about how she also worked with Red Cross. Then I went to get my chest X-ray and was free to go. I passed the test (no swine flu) and got my Visa a few days later.

A Few More Q & A...

Here are a few more good questions asked by my cousin Valerie with answers...

Do they eat any kind of weird foods...like the Chinese eating cats.
I think some people probably eat some weird stuff; Lebanese food looks weird to me but I suppose is normal. I haven't seen any cats being eaten though. :) I've been sticking to the basic American food groups so far: fried and cheesy! I've not ventured passed that yet but I will one of these days.

Do they eat camels?
Some people do eat camels! However, I've not seen this option available on the food court menus. One example (that I saw on Discovery Channel): The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca. It is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world and is an obligation that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so. Camels are sacrificed along with sheep or cows (according to Wikipedia) then given to charity for poor people around the world. Visit this website for more information regarding Hajj: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hajj

What do they wear to sun bathe on the beaches?
Most people on the beaches are not Islamic so they wear normal swimming attire, or very skimpy suits (thongs and speedos); just do not wear these suits outside the beach without a decent cover up. Some places do have women only beaches or women only days so Islamic women can go to the beach. I've been told that the women's beach in Abu Dhabi has been closed though, due to peeping toms. I've not seen a suit in person yet but here is one example of what someone who needs to cover their entire body would wear:


Do they have the same brands of clothing as we do here?
Malls do carry some of the same clothing brands here but there are several more European, Arabic and high fashion stores. Sadly there are not stores like Target, Kohls or Bed Bath & Beyond but the Dubai Mall has the greatest Forever 21 store (it's huge)!

When you are shopping are things cheaper there or more expensive?
Depends of course where we shop. The Carrefour and Geant markets (kind of the equivalent to a Wal-Mart) are cheaper than Spinney's and Choithrum markets (think of a Price Chopper or Hy-Vee). There are a ton of expensive stores at the mall so I usually visit Forever 21 which is pretty equal price wise to home. I few other stores I like that aren't too expensive are: Pimkie, H&M (which you can find in the states but not KC), Aldo and Centerpointe stores (carries clothes, shoes, home stuff). I haven't experienced any awesome sales yet. At home, it seems there is always a good sale going on somewhere.

Dubai Questions

My friend Jenna asked some questions about Dubai; they are as follows with my answers. My time here hasn't been long yet so I will answer as best as I can! :)

1) Will you get random holidays off, like Dubai Day or Blind Camel Awareness Day?
So far, haven't seen "Blind Camel Awareness Day" listed anywhere for days off (darn!) but there probably is a "Dubai Day". Here are the days I do know about, however many of them fall on different days from year to year depending on the moon phase:
1 Jan New Year's Day.
7 Jan Ashoura.
9 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
20 Jul Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet).
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
2 Dec National Day.
18 Dec Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).
27 Dec Ashoura.
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.

2) What kind of music do Dubian’s listen to? Do they like Lil Wayne?
I'm not really sure but I think most people tend to listen to what they're familiar with; or so it seems when the taxi driver has on the radio. Sometimes it seems like the oldies (80s--90s) are very popular... but who doesn't like some good oldies! I haven't taken a liking to the Arabic, Hindu, Urdu or any other weird sounds yet.

3) When you go to a bar, will you present your driver’s license, passport, or visa?
Well, I've only been to a couple bars so far and I don't recall showing any form of identification so I guess if you look old enough, you're good to go! I'm guessing a driver's license is probably sufficient though.

4) What kind of pet’s are popular? Do they have Labroador retrievers?
I've only seen 1 big dog here so far and he was all shaved except his tail; he looked kind of funny. I don't know the breed but usually would be a very furry dog. Mostly just see the small breeds which makes me sad since Rambo isn't here.

5) Are there any weird laws I should know about before I visit, specifically regarding public drunkenness and/or nudity?
Yeah, don't do either of those!!! If caught, you would definitely be locked up (scary)!! From what I hear there isn't any toleration. Here are a few things to not do:
Public displays of affection, including holding hands and kissing, are socially unacceptable and can lead to an arrest.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications are often considered illegal or a controlled substance.

If you are caught with any illegal drugs, or have the presence of illegal drugs in a blood or urine test, or even have a trace amount of drugs on your clothing, on your body, or in your luggage, you could be charged with drug possession.

Don’t drink and drive

Do not take pictures of the locals, especially women, without permission. And notice that many government buildings don’t allow photographs.

6) Is there a zoo in Dubai? How about a roller skating rink?
There is a zoo in Al Ain but I've not been yet. Marcus said it's nice because you can actually see all the animals but sad because the facilities are not as nice like we are used to (giant big green spaces to hide in). There are ice skating rinks; they are in the malls. There is a ski park, bowling, arcades with rides, movie theaters, aquarium, etc also located in the malls. Sadly, I can not locate any roller rinks.

7) What sports are popular? Rugby?
Yes, Rugby is popular; the Dubai Sevens is a huge event. Cricket, futball (or soccer) and horse racing are also very popular. I think there are some big car racing events as well.

8) Do youngsters compete in spelling bees? If so, please attend one and report back to me on how this works.
I figure so. There are many different kinds of schools here (American, British, Islamic, Indian, Japanese, etc) most of which are private schools. I would be interested in seeing a non-English spelling bee.
9) How do Dubians view Americans? Do they like us/not like us?
I think so; everyone here is very polite and nice except when driving.

10) Do they sing “happy birthday to you” on birthdays?
We were at TGI Fridays and they sang happy birthday there. Muslims don't celebrate birthdays which is a good way to stay 25! :)

11) Will you be able to go to the movies, or are they all in click clack?
Haha! I can go to the movies; there are several cinemas here but they are a little behind the states. "New in Town" just came in last week. There are several movies shown in other languages but most are in English with Arabic subtitles.

12) Will you be ten hours ahead of me, or will I be ten hours ahead of you? In other words, when we have martini/Skype sessions, which one of us will be drinking early in the morning?
Currently, we are 9 hours ahead because of day light savings time. When the time switches in the fall, we will be 10 hours ahead. Mimosas are always good for breakfast ;)

13) What side of the street do you drive on?
The right side. Unless passing, then the left. There are some people that like to pass on the shoulder though, impatient idiots.

14) What is your favorite Dubian restaurant?
There are so many American restaurants here so I've not tried anything new yet (I'm a picky eater). The KFC here doesn't serve mashed potatoes and biscuts though, so that makes me unahppy. So far my favorite is Wagamama.

15) Do they have a theater? If West Side Story were to play in Dubai, would they have to wear gangsta burkas?
There is theater but I think the concept is relatively new here like everything else. Annie is playing now and we saw Cirque du Soleil a couple weeks ago.
16) When is the Dubai Film Festival? I am asking because I would like to attend and stalk European movie stars popular in America (i.e. Orlando Bloom) and convince them to be my friend. December 9-16

17) Does the Britney Spears tour come to Dubai? If so, does she have to tone down her circus attire?
I've not heard if she's coming here but Rhianna is and they probably don't have to change anything they do.

18) Is there a Circus in Dubai? What are the requirements to become a trapeze artist? Do they offer training? Cirque du Soleil is the only one I know of. Probably many, many years of training.

19) Do you have to go on a special camel riding expedition, or can you just go out in the desert and jump on one?
I saw a lot of wild camels on the way to Al Ain; you could probably ride those if you want but it's probably safer to ride the ones on an expedition.

20) So is there really no ranch dressing in Dubai? WHY? Is it illegal? Do you think there is a secret underground society that ships ranch dressing in by the gallon and has secret meetings in which members indulge in various vegetables smothered in ranch?
Probably. I haven't looked yet but we may be able to find ranch at one of the markets since it's served in restaurants. However, I can't find the lotion I like to use. There aren't as many options available like at Wal-Mart but there still is plenty so I guess I'll just have to start trying new things.

Let us know if you have any others!

Just the Beginning

So, it's been a month now and I've finally figured out how to switch the blog spot homepage to English so I can read it and figure out how to set up a page; somehow it was in Arabic which I don't understand yet! I've been thinking "perhaps I should blog" about our new living location (Dubai) so hopefully it will be a little easier for everyone who is interested
in our life here to know what is going on. I've never been much of a journal keeper but I do hope I will maintain this because I want to share this experience with our family and friends; so we'll see how this goes...:)

Well, so far, life hasn't been too crazy here; mostly seems like normal life. I haven't felt overwhelmed at all. Really the only things that make me a little nervous are having to travel in taxis and not wearing enough clothes.

The Taxi: I have arrived at the correct destination every time and every driver so far has been very nice although sometimes hard to understand. That's part of what makes me nervous; I think "what if they don't understand me and they ask me a question which I then do not understand which leaves me lost somewhere". I've been in the same hotel for over a month now and I'm still confused how to get out and get in; I have a horrible sense of direction. The taxi has not gotten me lost (yet) but I think about it happening often which in turn makes me be not so adventurous; I don't like this. Marcus has now received his Visa (finally) so hopefully soon we'll be able to buy a car; so no more taxi worries! The next step...learning how to drive in Dubai.


The Clothes: There is no forced dress code in Dubai. I just know they (I guess the government and locals) would prefer for everyone to "respect its culture and values" (so don't walk around semi-naked). Kind of hard to do when the population here is 80% from other countries, most of which like to show off some skin. On one hand, I like how the government doesn't let people get away with so much craziness but on the other hand, it makes me nervous that one day I'll wear the wrong tank top and get into trouble. Usually I do feel like one of the more conservatively dressed foreigners here because I do see many other scantily dressed women which makes me think "surely they'll arrest her before me!" :)

You will find signs in the mall for a friendly reminder stating "Please wear Respectful Clothing" Meaning, cover your shoulders to your knees. I will most likely be fine because I mind my manners and do like to be respectful (especially since I wish people would do the same in our country). But just in case, I try to always remember a little jacket to cover that tank top.

I'm sure I will feel more and more comfortable here as time goes on; Adapting isn't very hard for me so moving to Dubai still remains a happy choice.