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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