Top Nurseries

I am so excited that Abu Dhabi Weekly did an article in last weeks magazine on Top Nurseries in Abu Dhabi and I so pleased to see that Sydney's school made the list of their Top Nurseries in Abu Dhabi. Way to go Stepping Stones!!! They focused on 11 preschools and what they offer. To think I was so worried about moving Sydney earlier in the year since we moved and was worried about how it would affect her. I think we made the best decision because she is growing leaps and bonds at this school. She is always talking about wanting to make a friend at her school and I think that is her way of saying she likes the school. Sydney is truely an amazing child that we are blessed to have.

Abu Dhabi bags Greenary award

I thought our family and friends would enjoy reading that Abu Dhabi bags Greenery Award as it took first place in both landscaping and environmental awareness. I think this is really cool, because who would have thought that in the sand, where you have to be so creative on how to water the grass and plants. Also the city is straving to be plastic bag free by 2013 when the use of plastic bags will be banned.

Prayer schedule

Muslims pray six times a day, here is a typical Abu Dhabi schedule. Note the interesting names of the Day Sunrise meaning morning extra. The time changes some depending on what country you live in and even the cities times are a little different. I thought this was interesting. Church is even on Friday not Sunday like home.

Day	Friday
Fajr	5:30pm
Sunrise	6:47 am
Dhuhr	12:36 pm
Asr	3:56 pm
Maghrib	6:24 pm
Isha	7:54 pm

Pink Ladies Taxi

Pink taxis top choice in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi women have extended a warm welcome to pink taxis, the female-only taxis introduced last week, a senior official told Gulf News.

"About 25 pink taxis have been introduced in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain cities," Abdullah Sultan Al Sabbagh, General Manager of TransAD, the taxi regulatory authority in the emirate, said.

As per a Gulf News report on January 28, pink taxis are meant for women and children younger than 10 years of age. The fare for the pink taxis remains the same.

Al Sabbagh said that the latest move has raised the number of female-driven taxis to 75 in the emirate. There were already 50, he added.

The difference

Explaining the difference between female-driven taxis and women's taxis, the official said men with families are allowed to travel in female-driven taxis.

"But in pink taxis, men are not be allowed to travel even with their families," he explained.

Al Sabbagh said existing female-driven taxis will be converted into pink taxis gradually.

A total of 25 pink taxis have been introduced by four franchises — Al Ghazal (10) Tawasul (nine), Q-link (three) and Emirates Taxi (three), he said.

"The feedback we received suggests that Emirati women have found it more convenient," Al Sabbagh said.

He added that although female drivers are free to work 24 hours, TransAd prefers them working only during daytime.

Female taxi drivers are safe drivers compared to their male counterparts, Al Sabbagh said.

"There are women drivers who [have] never caused even a single minor accident in [the] past two years," he said.

Pink taxis are also controlled by a centralized tracking and dispatch system.

Trip back home

We are coming home soon. March 14 is the big day for our trip back home. We are looking forward to the trip, but not the 16 hour flight. We will be in TX and WV to visit both families. We have 3 weeks left and I am sure it is going to fly bye. We have not been home since July 2009, but it really doesn't seem that long. So let the count down begin. :) USA here we come!!!

New Job

I am going to be a Teachers Assistant at Sydney's preschool starting in April. I will work from April until June. I will be helping with children ages 2 to 2 1/2 year olds. I will keep you posted after I start.

Kites

FLYINGHIGH: Hundreds of kite lovers will battle for the skies during the two-day Basant festival that announces the advent of spring. - KT photos

Sydney's birthday party

We had Sydney's birthday party yesterday, since her birthday falls on a Monday this year. We had 10 kids plus adults, wow what a party. We had a Dora themed party and a cake with Dora on it. We were able to rent the Community hall and provided lunch. Then cake and we opened the gifts as well. The kids played on the ball pit and I was not sure about having it open for the party, but I am so glad we did because it rained Saturday morning and it was perfect to have it inside. I was worried about it being to hot and being inside on a nice day. It did worm up and some even played on the playground outside. The ball pit is normally only open for parties and if you reserve it for the day and I think all the kids loved it because it is not something you get to use everyday. Sydney received a lot of nice gifts and all of her friends were there. Sydney gave them a goody bag to thank them for coming and they all went over really well. It is a party we will never forget and one day we will tell her about being in Abu Dhabi for her birthday. Not to many kids can say they have traveled like her all over the world.

We took cupcakes to her preschool today and they had a little party for her a day early since we are taking her to the zoo tomorrow for her birthday. Thank you to her school for letting us celebrate a day early and the cupcakes must have went over really well because they were all gone. :) The kids all got a goody bag from Sydney and they had the room decorated with balloons and banners. They really went all out for our little girl. We can't wait to go to the zoo tomorrow Paul is taking the day off and we are all spending the day together.

Unemployment in Abu Dhabi

Some 14 percent of Emirates in Abu Dhabi are unemployed, according to figures released at the Emiratisation Employers Forum 2010 earlier this week. A variety of policies is under consideration to help raise the employment numbers and there could be subsidies if you hire Emirates if you work in the private sector.

Maybe the US should think about the subsidies as well. Abu Dhabi is still growing and the city is keeping a balance on there finances so we really don't see the city stoping anytime soon. Dubai was really hit hard, but Abu Dhabi helped them with some of there finances to help keep them going. It is truly interesting seeing all the constuction being done here the city has even changed some just in the 6 months we have been here. The vision of Abu Dhabi becoming a tourist city is still going strong. I am still wondering who is going to be coming here on vacation? I find it a really interesting place and I proably would never have come if Paul didn't work here, but we are glad we came.

Camel info.

Camel Culture

General Information

The camel is a large, strong desert animal that can go for long distances across the hot, dry desert. There are two main kinds of camels; the Arabian camel, also called dromedary, which has one hump, and the Bactrian camel, which has two humps.

Camels typically weigh from 250 to 680 Kg and are between 1.8 and 2 meters tall. They appear larger due to the thickness of their fur. During the spring, the camel loses its fur and grows a new coat, during that time it looks slimmer.

A camel’s broad cushiony foot is what enables it to walk across desert sands without sinking, as cars would. The camel’s long curly eyelashes protect its eyes from the desert sand and its think eyelids shield its eyes from the strong desert sun. A camel’s ear is covered with hair inside and out to help keep the desert sand out. Camels can carry up to 450 Kg and travel 40 Km at 5 Km an hour.

A camel can go without water for over a week and without food for several months at a time. It stores excess fat in the lump on its back and uses that fat when there is a shortage of food. The hump of a well-fed camel weighs up to 35 Kg. As the camel uses its fat surplus the hump shrinks and may even fall to the camel’s side.

Camels in the UAE

Camels are an integral part of UAE heritage and history. They provided the main means of transportation across the desert sands and were the Bedouin’s companion. Besides travel, the camel had many other uses. The camel’s wool was used for making clothes and tents, while the its strong, tough skin made it suitable for shoes, bags, and saddles. Even camel droppings were dried and used for fuel.

Furthermore, camel’s milk was, and is still, very popular among Emiratis. Research has shown that camel’s milk is more nutritious than cow’s milk. It has less lactose and fat and contains more potassium, iron, and vitamin C. It has natural anti-aging properties and is generally good for beauty. In fact in the past few years camel milk has been rebranded and remarketed in the UAE to transition it from being the Bedouin’s drink to a popular drink among all segments of society. One great example is the milk brand Camelicious.

Although the need for camels has greatly diminished, camels still hold a very special place in the UAE culture. This is evident from the multiple races that attract fans and spectators from all corners of the country.

Camel photo

Camel with the colors of the UAE flag over its back.

Camel Racing Breeds

This is interesting that they have different breeds of camels that they race here. Who would have thought that?

Camel Racing Breeds in the Arabian Peninsula

The Bedouin of the Arabian Peninsula have bred fast camels for thousands of years, but their main goal was to use the lean and fast camels for raiding and defense purposes rather than racing sport. Today, racing camels in the Arabian Peninsula are divided into three categories according to physical characteristics. This has been done to aid in the organization and fairness of the races which are separated according to breed, since each breed of camel has different physical traits and abilities. They are divided as follows:

1. The local breed, known as 'al mahaliyat', colored brown.
   
   
2. Sudanese camels, known as 'al Sudaniyat', which are larger, faster, and white.
   
   
3. A mixed-breed, known as 'al muhajanat', which is a mix of the first two.
   
   

Other Breeds:

Bint Dhabyan, Al Wariya, Toug, Al Khamriyah, Mehna, Al Shatotiya, Al Shamtiya, Alia, Al Mesk, Al Tayyara, Laghzaila, Elhke, Dbais, Tafra, Zaafarana, and Shola

Sydney's big accomplishment

I am so excited to say a couple of times this week I noticed Sydney in the bathroom all by herself. Paul said last night did you put her on the toilet and I said no and he said well she is seating on there now. I am so proud. Today at lunch Sydney had finished eating and she was playing and all of the sudden she got up and went to the potty all by herself and then I heard her go to the bathroom and flush. I am so surprised that she is able to do it all by herself now. We will continue to watch her though, but this is a big step for her. Our daughter is truly growing up. I can't wait to say goodbye to pull-ups. :)

Desert Islands

This is a interesting fact I learned about today. We were told their were many islands around Abu Dhabi, but who would have thought they would have all of these. I want to make a point to go see these amazing islands. I just found out that one has an Abrian Wildlife park where you can go with a tour guide and drive around the park and see the animals in the wild. :) I am finding more and more to do here now we just have to make time to do it.

Nestled in the Arabian Gulf off the western coast of Abu Dhabi, a mere two and a half hour drive from Abu Dhabi international airport, lie the Desert Islands – a collection of eight islands that encompass a world of natural beauty, historic artefacts, exciting adventures and serene landscapes.

Desert Islands, or Jozor Al Sahra’a as it is known in Arabic, consist of Sir Bani Yas Island, Dalma Island and six Discovery Islands. These islands have seen the birth and coming of age of Abu Dhabi and were cherished by the former president and late founding father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

You can experience one of Arabia’s most cherished natural treasures in a range of different ways. Embark on a Nature & Wildlife Drive and see some of Arabia’s unique indigenous animals, kayak through spectacular mangrove-filled waters on Sir Bani Yas Island or snorkel through the protected waters of the Discovery Islands abundant with marine life.

We have many great new developments planned for the Desert Islands, including some unique new lodges and activity centres. We undertake the development of these islands with great pride and responsibility. Our work is ongoing and our aim is to protect and enhance these islands for future generations. http://www.desertislands.com

Extinct hyenas

Once again I was reading the newspaper online and found this about the Extinct hyenas actually being born in the wild. I didn't know that once the parents were raised by conservation staff that they could be retrained to live in the wild and it is amazing that they have all that land to ran around in. 4100 hectares = 10 131.3206 acres. Wish we could have that much land in the US for our endangered animals.

'Extinct' hyenas born on Sir Bani Yas Island

• Last Updated: February 02. 2010 1:12PM UAE / February 2. 2010 9:12AM GMT

The newly-born cubs together.

Two striped hyena cubs have been born on Sir Bani Yas Island, through a successful breeding programme. The striped hyena is completely extinct in the UAE and is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as ‘near threatened’ worldwide.

The mother, Phiri, and her newly-born hyena cub.

These are the first hyenas to be born wild in the UAE for many years. The mother and father, “Phiri” and “Arnold” were raised by conservation staff in breeding centres and relocated to Sir Bani Yas Island in 2008 as part of a conservation program where they were taught how to survive in the wild and to be self sufficient.

The hyenas roam freely in the 4,100 hectare Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island along with cheetahs and some 4,000 antelopes and gazelles.

Both cubs are healthy and visitors to the island may soon be able to see them roaming around the Arabian Wildlife Park.