National Day

Today is National Day. The UAE was formed 37 years ago today. On top of this holiday and Eid that's coming up, I have twelve days off from work. I think during Eid, practicing Muslims are suppose to go to Mecca. As much as I'd love to go to Mecca, I think I am just going to go explore Dubai and do some shopping to make my apartment more home-like.

The National Day celebration at my university was crazy! They really went all out. We don't even celebrate like that in Canada. Everybody gets very invovled, and it was super lively outside. There was music, booth selling UAE things (like flags, jewerly with the UAE colours, which are white, black, red and green, food stuff, etc, etc). I couldn't sit still in my office so I went and checked it out. This is what I saw:



I still have lots to do for the next twelve days... Re-arranging my apartment and finding and putting stuff on my bare bare walls. I need to sort out my water situation. Apparently, people have bottled water delivered to their homes. I also need to find a dry cleaner (they do home delivery as well), I need to find someone to clean my house (because it's too big, and I am lazy). I also need to set up my online banking... find new arrangement to go to work, draft a proposal for my potential project, etc, etc. I think I might be busy for the next while!

I am so fascinated with the Emirati culture. For my project, I like to explore the information practices of Emirati felmale students. I want to learn about what kind of information they seek, where they find it and how they make use of it. It should be a very interesting project IF I get permission and money. There's a lot of ethical issues that need to be considered and it's kind of a touchy and senstive topic. We will see what happens.

Here is a piece of sad news. Dewey isn't doing so hot. She's been sick and hasn't been eating for a few days now. I think she is starting to realize that she's going to be stuck with me. I am taking her to the vet tomorrow and see what can be done. Poor Dewey has lost her freedom to roam the street, but she's gained a new home, regular meal and a new friend! I hope she will be okay.

I heard Christmas music at the coffee shop today for the first time since coming here. I never thought I would say this, but I kind of miss hearing Christmas music. Back home, I HATED it, considering I used to work at Chapters and I hear it all day at work. Christmas music is EVERYWHERE back home, even when you are not working. I miss Christmas... For me, Christmas has always been about eating, drinking and hanging out with the people you love the most. My partner, friends and family. This year, I am going to be kind of alone and missing out on that... and the presents... I will miss getting presents! :(

Hope you are all having a fantastic day!