When you drive through the English countryside you are most likely to see sheep, cows and even the odd horse in the pastures and fields you pass. I can guarantee this is not the case when you leave the city of Dubai. But you will see farms, and on these farms you most definitely see camels. I always thought that they were bred predominantly for speed (camel racing) and then learnt they are also bred for beauty – camel beauty pageants are big business here. Once we had actually lived here for a bit I further discovered that they are bred for milk and meat (camel biltong is yummy and camel burgers supposedly very tasty too). The milk is rich in vitamins and minerals, and also lactose free. Stu was brave enough to try some once but I haven’t yet worked up the courage. Anyway the logical conclusion to all this milk production, although I would hate to have to do the milking myself, is that there would be some milk-based products available. And yes, it seems they do make camel chocolate. I wonder about cheese but I haven’t found any (not that I have really looked).
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“white gold of the desert”
[source: The National website] -
when is a speed limit not a speed limit?
In most places where I have lived or driven the speed limit sign on the side of the highway is the speed that, if exceeded, will ensure you get a speeding fine. In some places there is a small allowance for error, say 10%, but not always. The net result of this is that most folks drive at the “advertised” limit, or below.
In the UAE its an unwritten rule, or at least it was until today, that whilst the sign may say 120 the cameras are actually set at 140 or even 160 in some places. A pretty big buffer I think.
[source: kudufm]
Going one step further now, according to The National today, the police will now install two sets of signs on major roads AND additional markings on the road itself indicating clearly when this limit or buffer has changed – on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi on SZR for example.
“The new information for drivers, along with smart technology, increased patrols and speed limits adjusted for road contexts and conditions, are all intended to combat speeding”
traffic police sayUh, if I know the actual speed limit is 140 why would I drive 120? Go figure.
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Jamie’s italian
I’m sure you have been waiting with bated breath for my report back on my meal at Jamie’s Italian in Festival City. So without further ado, here it is.
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books, art and Jamie
Yes I have been a bit scarce I know. We just had a lovely vacation in Switzerland, and I have also been studying for an exam that keeps being postponed (most annoying) and also organising, with my partner, a “Come Wine and Dine with me” evening for my wine club. So really all go, but no excuse. So without further ado a couple of things that caught my interest for the month.
The third Emirates Airline Festival of Literature opens tonight – in fact the festival is being opened by Michael Palin, British comedian and author, and one of the crazy Monty Python gang (still one of my favourite shows I must say). Unfortunately by the time we realised it was all happening we had lost out (again) as all the workshops we wanted to attend are now fully booked. The festival is made up of 130 events overall including 20 workshops and the opening, and is definitely growing in popularity here in Dubai. If you are lucky enough to be attending one of the workshops please let me know how you get on. The festival runs until Saturday.
[from www.clker.com]
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the sound of thunder
Today marks the start of the Gulf Bike Expo, or Gulf Bike Week as it’s also called.
To make sure this is a memorable occasion 1,000 bikes are set to roar down Sheikh Zayed Road tomorrow in what they are calling The Thunder Parade. Parade participants will set off from Festival City at 2pm on the 11th Feb, and will ride as far as Media City (via Business Bay) and back again. Sounds like it may be worth the ear-ache, especially if you are a bike nut (and I have met a few here).
If that weren’t enough punishment for your auditory canal then you might wish to round of the day with the Amy Winehouse concert.
More info on the expo available on the website.
Have a great weekend!