spring from pillar to post

September started this week, and as well as being the first day of Ramadan it was also the first day of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere. My “happy spring day” SMS message to friends generated various answers, most of them included some swearing and derision, as spring had definitely not sprung, at least not in South Africa. The flip-side of this coin is of course that the summer here has now been declared over, well at least according to the DJ on Radio 2 this week. And while some days did feel cooler we aren’t out of the sand yet (haha) judging by the temp reported by Stu’s car this week (see pic).

Unfortunately things were not all sunny skies and Chevrolet this week, I managed to bash my car on a pillar on Tuesday when I fetched it from the dealership after it had had it’s first 1000km service. The sneaky pillar, painted grey I might add, was lurking in my blindspot and I reversed straight into it. The damage wasn’t that significant, a crack near the taillight and a slightly crumpled bumper, but I was rather upset to have spoilt my lovely new toy.

The first week of Ramadan has passed without incident, the shorter working day (9-3) is very nice, but getting home is more difficult as everyone now pours out of their offices at the same time so the traffic jams have doubled in size. I have been very impressed by the generosity of this period, its a time of giving and significant acts of charity by celebrating Ramadan towards others in need seems to be almost unlimited, meals and gifts of food are being distributed all over the emirate daily. Apparently if you make a gift of food to someone who has been fasting during this period you are immensely blessed. As a non-Muslim the things I have noticed most is how quiet the roads are just before sunset but how busy the supermarket just after when all the expats in the area converge to do their shopping whilst they can.

We have had a rather quiet weekend this week. There is not a lot of activity at this time of year with everyone fasting and reflecting on life, so we have almost been forced to take it easy as well. Even finding somewhere to have lunch is challenging as many places close during the day. Seldom is alcohol served unless you are in a hotel, and normally then its only at night. We did manage yesterday to find a lovely Italian restaurant that was open for lunch, and we had a lovely meal, but pasta is somehow just not quite the same without a glass of red wine to wash it down with. Happily the service was also impeccable which is sadly rather rare here. Oh the restaurant is called Il Rustico, at the RydgesChelsea Hotel in Bur Dubai. Pop in if you are ever passing by!