Double Parking

So I come out of the office a few days back to the parking lot.  I had gotten into work a little early that day, so I got a spot right by the front doors.  Convenient especially with the blazing heat since it's shaded as well.  I was on my way to a meeting which I was already running a little late for.  I was shocked to see a BMW 7 series double parked right in front of my car....the car was idling so I figured the driver had gone in for a quick second to drop/pick something up.  So I sit in my car and wait for the driver to return...a minute turns into two and then five, at which point I'm getting a little upset.  What am I to do? Did the driver leave the car running so I could move it if I needed to?  After a full seven minutes had passed, I thought to go talk to security...as soon as I got out to walk towards him, he motioned for me to just wait and he got on his mobile...within 30 seconds the driver comes running out to move the car.  Seriously? 

I've been told that this normal practice here and that normally people would leave a note with their mobile number on the dash.  Go figure....

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Checkout Counters

Hey all,

It's been quite some time since I last posted and it's not because there hasn't been anything interesting to blog about but just because I'm lazy.  Since I last posted, I made a trip back to Canada to pick up my wife and kids.  It's been fantastic having them here after two long months.  I finally feel like my life here is coming together.  Pretty soon, I'll be able to answer people when they ask me how I like it here.

So we went to do groceries last week at a local chain grocery store and in the 20 minutes we stood in line with our 30-40 items, 3 people thought they had the right to join the line in front of us because they had less than 10 items.  I was steaming after the second guy and with the third I lost it.......he went right to the back of the line.  I've been told that we need to be careful though if the person who cuts in front is a local emiriti....no messing with those dudes, as I would be on my first ticket back home.

My next post will discuss the art of double parking in Abu Dhabi.

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Ramadan

Ramadan Kareem to all my muslim brothers and sisters.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and in which the first verses of the Quran were shared with the Islamic Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).  In this month, muslims are required to fast during the day from sun up to sun down and abstain from drinking, eating, smoking and even chewing gum.  At sun down muslims will get together with family and friends to say their prayers and then enjoy some delicious food and celebrate each day.

This Ramadan is a little different for me in that a) I am celebrating alone while my family is back home in Canada and b) I am living in a Muslim country.  During Ramadan it is illegal to be eating, smoking, drinking in public.  Non-Muslims must do these things in private in the comfort and privacy of their homes.  Restaurants are all closed for dine-in until sun down and available only for takeout and delivery.  Our cafeteria at work covers up all the windows so that non-Muslims can enjoy their snacks and lunch privately.  Store hours and work hours are adjusted for most workers.  Most stores are closed most of the day and open after sun down and remain open until after midnight.  Employees at most companies work shortened days and are home by 2 or 3pm.  I've  been told that not much gets done in the UAE during Ramadan.  No significant contracts or deals at places and things move very slowly......I'm not sure how much worse customer service can possibly get during Ramadan.  I will be able to comment more a couple weeks into Ramadan how things really are.

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Bank Acccount

So I finally got my bank account all setup today....took me three weeks.  It wasn't easy and believe it or not, it's not even complete yet.  The bank will remain nameless for obvious reasons.

This is how it went down:

Day 1

Me: Hi, how are you?
Her (local Emiriti): [blank stare]

ok....maybe I should try a different strategy.

Me: As salam alaikum
Her: Wa alaikum salam

aaallright.....we have progress.  

Me: I would like to open an account please.
Her: Which one?
Me: I don't know, what kinds do you have.
Her: Take this booklet, read it and come back tomorrow.
Me: Oh, you can't just tell me?
Her: It's too complex and we have too many plans.  Just read and come back. [She really said it was complicated]
Me: Oh. ok.

Day 2

The lady I dealt with the day before was busy, so I got this other dude (non-emiriti).  Thought I would luck out this time.

Me: As salam alaikum
Him: [Blank stare]

Turns out he wasn't muslim. Damn, should have read his name tag. His name was Gonzalez or something.

Me: Hi?
Him: Yes?
Me: I would like to take Bank account plan type #2 which includes bank card, online banking, cheque books and a visa card.
Him: OK, fill out these forms and come back tomorrow with all the required documentation.
Me: OK, can I fill it out here and leave it with you? [I made sure there was nobody behind me]
Him: I am leaving on my lunch break in 5 minutes, come back in 3 hours.
Me: Oh. Ok.  Can I just fill it out and take it to your colleague (the lady I dealt with the day before)
Him: We all take lunch together.
Me: Oh.......
What am I supposed to say to that?

3 hours later

Me: OK. all filled out.
Him: OK, looks good.  come back next week we should have your bank card and cheque books ready.
Me: Alright. That wasn't so painful.

One week later

Me: Hi.  Just here to pick up my bank package.
Him: Your mobile number please?
Me: Oh, I don't remember it.  My name is Ahmer......
Him: No, I need your mobile number to look you up.
Me: Seriously? [asking sarcastically]
Him: yes.
Me: oh ok.  Can I call you once and hang up so you can get my number? Do you have call display?
Him: alright fine [in a really annoyed tone]
Me: thanks.
Him: Yes, found you.  So, you didn't fill out one of the forms.  Please fill this out and in the other form your signature went outside the line.  Come back next week.
Me: What? You didn't give me this form when I came last week.  I filled out everything.
Him: Sir, with all due respect, I know you had it in the package. 
Me: gggrrrrr.....Ok, fine.  I'll fill it out. [Alright, I didn't actually growl]. 

Week 2:

Me: Hi, I'm here to pick up my bank cards and details.
Him: Mobile number please sir.
Me: [I came prepared this time and texted the number to myself]
Him: OK, we have your bank acc number and card.
Me: Awesome, thank you.
Him: Here you go.
Me: Ok, how do I access online banking.
Him: Oh you need to fill out another form for that. We told you that Sir.
Me: [blank stare in a clearly not amused way]
Him: Sir?
Me: Yes...don't disturb me. I'm not a happy customer.
Him: Sir, just fill out the form and we will put a rush in.  Only 3 business days.
Me: Ok, what choice do I have?
Him: Good Sir.  (what kind of response was this)


Day 20

Me: Hi, mobile number 050XXXXXXX [thinking this would save some time].  I would like my online banking information.
Him: Sir, we have it.  Give me a minute and I will get it for you.
Me: OK [they don't deserve anymore "Thank You's"]
Me: Oh yeah, where's my cheque book? I forgot to pick it up last time.
Him: Oh Sir, there is another form for that.  Don't worry, only one week's time.
Me: I would like to close my account please.

So I didn't really say the last part. But I wanted to.  I have no choice though, when you've come so far and made so much progress...you don't want to start over again.  Besides, I'm pretty sure the service would be the same anywhere else.  So for all those Canadians who complain about their banks back home....stop.  It could be a lot worse and I think I just experienced it.

What is cool about online banking here is that in order to access your account online you need your username, password and this little digital gadget the size of a small keychain.  The digi-gadget spits out random 6 digit numbers every few minutes or so. You need to enter in that code along with your username and password to access your account.  I thought that was pretty neat.  All this high tech security for an account that takes 3 weeks to open.  I have attached a picture below to show you what it looks like.  Blanked out the digits, not that it really matters because it has already expired. That and I have no money in my account yet.

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Things I already miss about back home

I know I've only been here a little more than two weeks but I think it's long enough for me to have compiled a short, running list of things that I miss about home and things that I need to get used to living here.  So really its a hybrid list and it's not really a top ten...I know, its weird but it's my blog and I can do as I wish.

1.  My family.  This is temporary as they will be joining me towards the end of the summer, but I can still miss them.

2.  Reasonable summer heat because this desert heat is unbearable.  Although I've read that Toronto is experience a "heatwave" with temperatures reaching 35 degrees celsius.  What a joke.  Average temperature here is 50 with humidity.  I've started sweating in places I didn't even know I had sweat glands.  But I knew this before coming out here....still I can complain since it's my blog.

3.  Proper street names and addresses.  There are no addresses here.  If you want to get somewhere you need to know significant landmarks.  Furthermore, you don't get mail delivered to your home. It goes to your work and it's according to P.O Box.  While I have yet to receive mail (who does these days anways?), I've heard that you shouldn't hold your breath if you are expecting something.

4.  Buying stuff online from Tigerdirect, eBay, Amazon.  I used to love finding deals online and ordering it to be shipped to home.  However, mainly due to point 3...this is no longer an option.

5.  As a result of point 1, I obviously would like to hear DW's and kids voices.  Making an international call from my cell phone (mobile - see point 6 below) is not an option with ludicrous long distance rates.  So what would any normal North American do? Use Skype, Vonage, Magic Jack...you name it.  Problem is that all these sites are blocked.  I think it has something to do with the monopolistic ways of a certain cable/internet provider out here (Like Bell about 25 years ago).  So I am forced to find backdoor ways using VPN to use these services.  Pain in the butt and it costs a few dollars a month too.

6.  Canadian english.  Most people here use British english and for those who thought they were exactly the same...it's not the case.  In two weeks, I've already picked up a couple of noticeable differences that I've heard on multiple occassions.  Fortnight?!?!?! What is that?  I've had many people ask me what my good name was.  So I would respond with my first and last name, because I don't have a bad name.  I also heard some one refer to a pivot table in excel as a "pie-vot" table.  I'm sure this last one was just bad english....or UK english..same diff ;)

7.   I don't yet own or drive a car yet (long story for another blog), but I've had the opportunity to stand idling in line waiting for petrol (see point 6 above).  Average wait time each time I've gone has been about 10 minutes.  Not only this, but more than 90% of the cars getting filled up don't shut their engines off, they keep it idling.  Why have I thought all my life that this was a complete no-no and could result in some crazy explosion?  I will add that I don't miss paying $1.30/litre....it's about half the price here, which explains why everyone drives a V8 heavy duty SUV here. 

8.  Tim Hortons.  This one is a given.  I think I'm having withdrawls already.  I've been spoiled with having one in my previous office in Canada.  Although I've been told that we have a couple coming to Abu Dhabi before the end of the year.  Hope it's somewhere close to where I work/live.

9.  Regular sports at regular hours.  I'm probably the only person in the world who is glad that the NFL, NBA and next year the NHL will all be locked out.  It's going to hurt missing all my sports actions.  While I can pony up the bucks to subscribe to the channels online, because of the time difference all the games will be played during the hours of 4am and 8am.  I love my sports, but seriously....I love sleep even more.

10.  Regular traffic lights.  Even though I'm not yet driving, I have been taking a cab almost everywhere I need to go.  For the most part, Abu DHabi has roundabouts instead of traffic lights.....I've tried studying the methodology and process of how they work...but I can't figure it out.  To top it off, a couple of times my driver missed the exit more than once.....gets you dizzy and a bit of a head rush and it's not fun.  It might be faster than a traffic light though, so I will pass final judgment once I start driving myself.


11.  Customer service.  This is probably one of the most blatant differences you will notice here.  The LACK of quality customer service and this applies to every industry, every mode of customer service at all hours of the day.  There is no "Hi how are you, how can I help you today, have a great day, if there is anything I can do...none of it.  I've gone up to a help desk where I was trying to get information on mobile plans.  I swear the guy just stared at me (in a non loving way) and I had to ask him questions about all the plans, he didn't even suggest anything.  On another occasion, I had to talk to an agent about a house that I wanted to see.  He didn't have an address, a location or a map with the house on it.  He tried explaining directions by using a map that didn't even have the house on the bloody thing.  I've been warned that this is just the tip of the ice berg...so I'm sure I'll have more blogs ranting about customer service.

12. Nesquik cereal.  They have it here, but it just doesn't taste the same.  It's either that or the milk...

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First two weeks in Abu Dhabi

Welcome to my very first blog.  I know these things were extremely popular a few years back before Facebook really took off.  Not sure how many active blogs there are now and how many read these things.  I thought I would try anyways, figuring it would be a good way to keep my thoughts documented somewhere as I come across new experiences, sights and thoughts in Abu Dhabi.

Bear with me please as I am an accountant by occupation and I would never dare to quit my day job to become a writer.  I'm sure you'll be able to attest to this, following a few entries.

Yesterday was exactly two weeks from the day I landed in Abu Dhabi.  It also marks the longest time I have been away from my darling wife (DW) and kids, who will be joining me here towards the end of the summer before school begins.  Needless to say, its been tough without the love and support of the family.  I've never been an emotional person but for some reason didn't think I would have been able to say goodbye to my kids without shedding a tear, so I asked that nobody accompany me to the airport.  Rather, we said our goodbyes at home....easier that way.

I am lucky to have family in Abu Dhabi who have made the transition a lot easier than it would have been.  My cousin, whom I consider to be an older brother has been answering all my questions concerning everything from culture, environment, weather to schooling for the kids.  He's been a fountain of knowledge that helped me by preparing me before coming over.  To have someone at your disposal who has been through the transition before is priceless.  However, it's one thing to hear about the way something is and another to experience it for yourself.

For example, I was forewarned about the driving style in Abu Dhabi.  For those who have traveled internationally, just picture drivers from India, Pakistan, Philippines, UK, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, North America all driving on the same road.  It's total anarchy.  There are speed limits posted but enforced only by camera radars.  Everyone knows where each of these are located so you'll see a sea of red lights and then followed by the sound of the engines being throttled again.  I've seen cars on a daily basis hitting 200 km/h.  Apparently, they have started beefing up physical police presence, but I've yet to notice them.  Another related issue is one of seat belts and child seats, both of which are rarely used here as well.  I see kids roaming around the backseat of the car and on a few occasions I've also seen them with their heads out the sun roof.  It's not a sight that I am used to.  Not sure what the parents are smoking...I thought drugs were banned here.  Still working on getting my drivers license transferred here, so I haven't got to experience driving first hand, but for some reason I'm not that anxious....I think I can wait.

In an attempt to pass some time on the weekend, I thought I would play a few video games on my personal laptop.  I headed down to the local department store, from what I understand is the Walmart of Europe.  I picked up the most economical controller to cover me until my xbox arrives in my container from Canada.  This was the back of the packaging:

Apparently, you aren't meant to physically abuse or beat the controller.....seriously? Did they really need to put this on the packaging?  Can we count the number of spelling and grammatical mistakes? 



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