tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20367361427296658492024-03-13T08:05:53.587+02:00LILLEYPAD-OASISlilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-62056274742766945612012-01-16T12:12:00.003+02:002012-01-16T12:25:59.478+02:00Driving me up a treeYesterday, the first day of the week crazies struck again. This is a weekly occurrence when my fellow drivers simply forget basically everything related to the 'how to' of driving. The rules of the road go out the window - oh how I wish their mobiles would get sucked out too! My wish for the new year is that people take it easy and slow down their driving. Let's lose the aggression and instead, add in a pinch of courtesy. A smile would be appreciated along with everyone just waiting their turn in the queue. Ah well I can always dream ....<div><br /><div> </div><div>On a cheerier note, the weather is fabulous this January. It's a little chilly in the mornings, but the sunshine is crisp and the skies have a hint of blue. Kiddies are out on every mode of transport known to man. It's delightful to see families all out together and having fun in the public parks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year everyone.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-80933212112103440522011-09-26T10:26:00.004+02:002011-09-26T10:58:27.343+02:00Sh.Zayed mosque<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0DI6U7miHi7-DEmp7v9ztic99ytG_VsWQ2RC9GRY6sM_pjWcAjTXGh0J5t1pKjWD4uxsBTKqHqIF0L1d8HVKE3b6DeTW7ytUmtMnYt6HD3sR_wSzjSug6wB3coeCBHaqUuKgG9oFbQkZ/s1600/Arches.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0DI6U7miHi7-DEmp7v9ztic99ytG_VsWQ2RC9GRY6sM_pjWcAjTXGh0J5t1pKjWD4uxsBTKqHqIF0L1d8HVKE3b6DeTW7ytUmtMnYt6HD3sR_wSzjSug6wB3coeCBHaqUuKgG9oFbQkZ/s200/Arches.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656588440375312194" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SkMSP-0FF2IUKFyADm_RfLyZiixV0-PejLrZU5sMlnxMvpbvs0GVl9phF5Auu4Jh8ujvo_0HD7TNGL_Yb_POsDljA49CewFxAshtdkfyTmojh0gz9BGlYSLjBOREyITh3mFj2o7lMuWf/s1600/2011+205.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SkMSP-0FF2IUKFyADm_RfLyZiixV0-PejLrZU5sMlnxMvpbvs0GVl9phF5Auu4Jh8ujvo_0HD7TNGL_Yb_POsDljA49CewFxAshtdkfyTmojh0gz9BGlYSLjBOREyITh3mFj2o7lMuWf/s200/2011+205.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656582196492529810" /></a>Abu Dhabi has one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Sheihk Zayed mosque. It is a wonderfully harmonious and well balanced building. The stark white marble generates a wonderful sense of peace and tranquillity. <div>The building complex is vast and also houses a library. Tours are conducted and people of all faiths are encouraged to visit this truly great place. </div><div>The mosque is the forth largest in the world. It has been decorated with the world's largest carpet from Iran and huge decorative Swarovski crystal chandeliers.</div><div>What a glorious and welcome sight this is to all visitors to Abu Dhabi. This is a magnificent gem in Abu Dhabi's crown and well worth repeat visits. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-85486408449053924592010-10-02T14:35:00.002+02:002010-10-02T14:45:28.548+02:00Parking shmarking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAIoiip5RH32zWajKzAnr9mAK6qfdxSX71gH6woHp4ZB8rKd-kAj7KbkWDqDzLJr3O3aUVGUNuAxK5euH4lUyRbJNdVYf8diwXUKZ0ZDPb-9jvu5DjCkggaCLrWe1Wnpu-soZFz90FRge/s1600/ADWC+office+196.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAIoiip5RH32zWajKzAnr9mAK6qfdxSX71gH6woHp4ZB8rKd-kAj7KbkWDqDzLJr3O3aUVGUNuAxK5euH4lUyRbJNdVYf8diwXUKZ0ZDPb-9jvu5DjCkggaCLrWe1Wnpu-soZFz90FRge/s200/ADWC+office+196.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523426950705089330" /></a>Paid parking is a fact of life in Abu Dhabi. Don't under any circumstances be lulled into thinking that because you paid for your time, you will be able to find a legitimate spot. No, that would be way to easy. <div><br /></div><div>Instead, people can continue to buy new cars and be issued with parking permits ad infinitum ... without any additional parking spots being created. Oh dear, a recipe for disaster and deep unhappiness in the making. The flip side is that the officials must be making a packet from all the fines handed out. Ah well at least somebody is happy at the end of the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>I do so long for my very own personal parking bay ... nirvana indeed.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-87675404046675486112009-10-26T08:43:00.001+02:002009-10-26T08:51:53.492+02:00Bella Abu DhabiThings I love about Abu Dhabi …<br /><br />Picnics in the park<br />Taking a stroll or a drive on a Friday afternoon and passing all the families out in the public parks. You see all the trappings of a great day out: the camper chairs set out with the portable braai (barbeque). It is so relaxing to see them out enjoying themselves. Khalidiya Park between 24th and 26th street is very popular spot. It has wifi, a lighthouse, play areas for the kids, walking paths and hillocks for people to have a picnic with a view of the sea. <br /><br />Daily miracles<br />Every time that I see an able-bodied person getting out of the car that they have just parked in a disabled bay I am so tempted to shout out loud “hallelujah, it’s a miracle they can walk!” Grrrhhh.<br /><br />Car dusting<br />Before I came to the Middle East I never associated a feather duster with a car. Now that I have been here awhile, I can actually see a use for them. It certainly helps to keep them looking sparkly clean. <br /><br />Corniche<br />Actually it would be more correct to call it the “New, new Corniche”. Of course, if I were to call it the “New Corniche” then the cities ‘old timers’ (i.e. those who have been here 6+ years) will think that I mean the east coast road Corniche which faces the mangroves. The seafront promenade has had 2 major facelifts in my 5 years and is currently undergoing a 3rd extension to the beach. The public beach is proving very popular and it is wonderful to see the families off for a cooling dip. I can confess that I do find the use of the word Corniche in this part of the world rather quaint and almost has a hint of British colonial days to it. <br /><br />Breakwater <br />The view from the breakwater near to the Marina Mall is quite simply spectacular. My favourite time of day would be at sunset when the city lights come on.<br /><br />UAE flagpole<br />The flagpole on the breakwater is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as being the tallest in the world. It is a lovely sight to behold the national flag unfurling from this city landmark.<br /><br />Buildings<br />The architectural style of buildings in the UAE is certainly very varied both in look and age. It is not quite as dramatic as Dubai, but it does have some iconic ones. The buildings from the 1970s and the oil boom era abound on Hamdan and Elektra streets. The newer Aldar building and Buyanuna Tower are so tall that they serve as a useful guide to pinpoint where you are in the city. Some of the hotels are spectacular signs of Abu Dhabi’s coming of age – the Emirates Palace and Shangri La being two of my favourites.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-43216442437355272312009-10-02T18:53:00.004+02:002009-10-02T19:02:36.354+02:00Happy daysSummer in the UAE went by in a flash of heat and dust. Ramadan came swiftly and when I next looked it had whizzed passed all too quickly. Next came Eid and now that too has come and gone for another year. <br /><br />The unifying factors have been family and friends. Summer meant a chance to see beloved and much missed friends. A Ramadan blessing this year was to share Iftar with a Muslim colleague who is new to the Middle East. And Eid was the cherry on top as I went home to be with my family. <br /><br />The lesson in all of this is that despite a busy life here in Abu Dhabi, it is important to remember to put those we love at the centre of it all.... faith, family and friends.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-58081957891684055462009-06-09T07:01:00.003+02:002009-06-09T07:09:53.798+02:00Music to my ears<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" 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mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;" >I recently watched two movies with really great music tracks.<span style=""> </span>Okay, so I admit that both of them happen to be chick flicks - even though I remain unconvinced that this is a prerequisite for heart stirring tunes.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">The first was the West End musical phenomenon much later turned into a movie, <i style="">Phantom of the Opera.</i> The other was the classic Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks movie, <i style="">Sleepless in Seattle</i>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The problem that I now have is that the songs keep playing in my head.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">It’s a little bit frustrating to say the least … humming “past the point of no return” while driving in Abu Dhabi is a somewhat surreal experience. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I shall definitely not be acting on Louis Armstrong’s “a kiss to build a dream on” in public as it could land me in serious hot water.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I will be adding a little yin yang balance to my musical repartee and rev up the beat with the fabulous sound track from <i style="">Good Morning Vietnam</i>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Coincidentally, i</span><span style="font-size:100%;">t features another unforgettable Satchmo classic - the very poignant “what a beautiful world”. </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12;" ><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" spid="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:180pt;height:180pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\llilley\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style=""> </span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_7" spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:180pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\llilley\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-70553345302200376082009-05-31T07:03:00.005+02:002009-05-31T07:28:42.536+02:00Abu Dhabi hots up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2F-Z53yf9p00CHI1nF3OHf7kNPEb2s8v8qPThlbXqyyUb5I2wWh5fQy1klkWkoWJkKQsWmH-tdt-IM7zIaGBYZJ5QgTnYuuHjKRJcrWlGVjwSDINrYDTDeMJOwoS2KYxtz9KDQTSul9dG/s1600-h/2008+044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2F-Z53yf9p00CHI1nF3OHf7kNPEb2s8v8qPThlbXqyyUb5I2wWh5fQy1klkWkoWJkKQsWmH-tdt-IM7zIaGBYZJ5QgTnYuuHjKRJcrWlGVjwSDINrYDTDeMJOwoS2KYxtz9KDQTSul9dG/s200/2008+044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341855768067572354" border="0" /></a><br />The temperature gauge in the UAE is hitting the high notes with <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">mid-40s </span>(Celsius) now being the norm. Unfortunately, this has also been accompanied by a sudden humidity hike and the reurn of the steaming glasses phenomenon. According to the met office these high temps have come much earlier in the year than previous years and the average monthly temperature is also higher.<br /><br />A French wave has swept the capital city, Abu Dhabi, with <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Nicholas Sarkozy</span> visiting last week, news of the establishment of a French naval base and a new art exhibition opening at the Emirates Palace as part of the Louvre developments.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The One</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span>has another of it's spectacular events - a 25% off everything sale. Naturally I took full advantage of this retail therapy on offer. The staff are always so friendly and helpful at the Khalidiya branch. It is a pleasure to shop in a place that is a veritable Aladin's cave and full of magical items. When you combine this with staff who are properly trained and knowledgeable it is easy to see why The One is a favourite amongst locals and expats alike.<br /><br />All this excitement is happening while people are gearing up or down (depending on your final destination) for the <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">annual summer vacation</span>. This is a time when people leave the heat of the sands behind them and head on off for some much needed R & R. When I came to the UAE 6 years ago it was a veritable exodus and the streets and shops were noticeably empty. These days it is more subtle. With the economic downturn one also isn't sure if people are packing up for good or not. Removals companies report that they are fully booked alraedy! I'll be heading off to the southeast of England for a 10 day mini break.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-31390325454031478312009-01-08T16:42:00.008+02:002009-01-10T19:10:32.929+02:00It's a gas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OV6T2X3C8q7Wf50tn-Iix5BsTePfYMkMGwGZ5dJZMyHJo_doxceT-atVdNAyjtMW07Kok8-dUKLEQ6QXYjTULUxd-KMvasctoWvBLd4Kli_ebmhbNLrwk1srqEiQiGZfvvsB3mOsp_ud/s1600-h/520i+2002+Front+02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 103px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OV6T2X3C8q7Wf50tn-Iix5BsTePfYMkMGwGZ5dJZMyHJo_doxceT-atVdNAyjtMW07Kok8-dUKLEQ6QXYjTULUxd-KMvasctoWvBLd4Kli_ebmhbNLrwk1srqEiQiGZfvvsB3mOsp_ud/s200/520i+2002+Front+02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288943031641914770" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What's up with the gas stations of the UAE? It seems like every petrol station I pass has queues of cars everywhere you look. The parking bays in front of the fast food joints and cafes are all full. The car wash has them lining up out into the street. And they are hooting for service to fill up their tanks. If only they would extinguish their cigarettes and switch off their engines! I am well aware that petrol is cheap over here, but do they really need to be filling up all the time - day and night? Then again, it may well be that there is a deeper issue at the heart of this. Perhaps this is revealing the secret love affair that the people over here have with their cars? They are certainly pushed to the limits on the highways when they fly by at the speed of light. Then again, we already know that the Land Cruiser is the new camel of the desert. Until the mystery is solved, life will continue to be a gas and full of pump action.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-69671702626302578112009-01-06T18:15:00.005+02:002009-01-06T18:42:05.420+02:00The chill factor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoNgcIzdyKQ1g_LAWGjy5hWCEkgv9L746Yya7axuW4giv_XOthn2_spojLLPkycT288L5ntc80eevWcV1mphrVcv6PQw3urBw5DwqzOdg3svZlPhMcQyneW4kAS9aO9bH0egDct7KUcht/s1600-h/Dubai+sunset+2008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoNgcIzdyKQ1g_LAWGjy5hWCEkgv9L746Yya7axuW4giv_XOthn2_spojLLPkycT288L5ntc80eevWcV1mphrVcv6PQw3urBw5DwqzOdg3svZlPhMcQyneW4kAS9aO9bH0egDct7KUcht/s200/Dubai+sunset+2008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288221911225732290" border="0" /></a><br />Winter started with a vengeance about 2 weeks ago. Mornings were characterised by extremely heavy fog -- it was simply "white cotton wool out there" when I tried to see out of my apartment window. It made for some rather tricky driving as some people still seem to think that any or all of the following apply:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>do not slow down or attempt to drive at a reasonable speed</li><li>do not switch on your headlights - use the emergency "crash flash" lights </li></ul>It has been uncomfortably dark in the mornings and I find myself quite disorientated. I keep thinking that the alarm clock must have gone off early! The night times are not much better and it has been very chilly indeed. Now is definitely NOT the time you want to be out under the clear, but very cold desert skies.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Schools, colleges and universities will be closing soon for the winter holidays. Many people will be taking advantage of the 2 week break to head on home. It is what I will be doing.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-9736266367688158872008-12-28T20:38:00.000+02:002008-12-28T20:39:11.340+02:00Yo Yo Ma<div><iframe height="339" width="425" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/28392485#28392485" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><style type="text/css">.msnbcLinks {font-size:11px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #999; margin-top: 5px; background: transparent; text-align: center; width: 425px;} .msnbcLinks a {text-decoration:none !important; border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; font-weight:normal !important; height: 13px;} .msnbcLinks a:link, .msnbcLinks a:visited {color: #5799db !important;} .msnbcLinks a:hover, .msnbcLinks a:active {color:#CC0000 !important;} </style><p class="msnbcLinks">Visit msnbc.com for <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com">Breaking News</a>, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032507">World News</a>, and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032072">News about the Economy</a></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-18157827871705805562008-12-25T19:57:00.008+02:002008-12-25T20:37:56.454+02:00UAE Christmas and New Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYq0W3IC1Iia_Pdr8nHlMGduZk5SS6X4LGYS2LNdi3ueX6-iQrSxYVaaX7ospE0J6YbcoOKVvVnJqdxGy7DcaVT-ShW4DSKr7szOlRvfSJOD52wY4miDRwhLIMlF3YlEEGjZT9H4TZq9t/s1600-h/DSCF2954.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYq0W3IC1Iia_Pdr8nHlMGduZk5SS6X4LGYS2LNdi3ueX6-iQrSxYVaaX7ospE0J6YbcoOKVvVnJqdxGy7DcaVT-ShW4DSKr7szOlRvfSJOD52wY4miDRwhLIMlF3YlEEGjZT9H4TZq9t/s200/DSCF2954.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283795471020276818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCCLBw76UwiVqPsR_yWE6Hi7Vs4V51OsSpLS2_mOW6atavTXqZD3CZFUiPiDUVhKToAjnylGDeN_6yv1-HYhKj-JW_nLIGrhlLAq0vfKBYJR0WDsEufBE7HpSdra9cMEnG1xOEmLy9h_W/s1600-h/DSCF2962.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCCLBw76UwiVqPsR_yWE6Hi7Vs4V51OsSpLS2_mOW6atavTXqZD3CZFUiPiDUVhKToAjnylGDeN_6yv1-HYhKj-JW_nLIGrhlLAq0vfKBYJR0WDsEufBE7HpSdra9cMEnG1xOEmLy9h_W/s200/DSCF2962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283795461468695026" border="0" /></a>We are very blessed in the UAE as so many different faiths are celebrated here. It most certainly makes for a wonderful learning experience and a whole lot of fun too. Being the festive holiday season all the malls have been decorated to the hilt. Kids of all faiths seem to take great joy in all the entertainment on offer and happily scramble over the bejewelled scenery for the sheer fun involved.<br /><br />I vividly recall my first <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Christmas</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span>over here in the Middle East with great fondness. I was completely gobsmacked by the size of the tree in the Wafi Mall in Dubai ... it was HUGE ... the biggest I had ever seen and soooooo NOT what I expected in the Middle East. What is more, it was placed in among the Egyptian themed Wafi Mall making it a most unusual sight to behold. The pyramid stained glass windows at Wafi are simply stunning and now there is a Raffles right next door.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Christmas</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">time is here again</span> and the shops are heaving with happy shoppers pushing heavy trollies around. I do admit that I could do with fewer seasonal jingles and screaming kids. But I guess that's just par for the course no matter what country you're in. <br /><br />In Abu Dhabi the Corniche is bedecked with magical lights from the <span style="font-weight: bold;">UAE's 37th National Day</span> celebrations. It makes for a simply magical spectacle when you are driving along the road and see the palm trees all lit up too. It is going to be a busy long weekend as Christmas is at one end and <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Hijira (Islamic) New Year</span> is at the other. I expect that there will be a fantastic fireworks display on Sunday. One of the first things you learn is that fireworks are an integral part of life over here. No celebration is complete without them and many newcomers are startled when they go off indoors! I am fortunate that my apartment affords me a frontrow seat of the 'action'. The work week will be short as 1 January looms ever closer and many people have taken off on holiday.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-77058997920551724492008-12-18T12:20:00.004+02:002008-12-18T12:31:36.609+02:00Time flies when you're having fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSQ_5sk5tFadEMlziikLmWaJqLTDs1X89X5szoyWpQcOVy4Lp2BWxL7KFZUUAi44fT8DOMUQWZ4Eu0nMODx0-G8lKDTfWNHgO-ZoOH2l9kvTGQfW56cHViJfQ_ehutCyhZ-XgPA914Xun/s1600-h/Table+Mountain.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSQ_5sk5tFadEMlziikLmWaJqLTDs1X89X5szoyWpQcOVy4Lp2BWxL7KFZUUAi44fT8DOMUQWZ4Eu0nMODx0-G8lKDTfWNHgO-ZoOH2l9kvTGQfW56cHViJfQ_ehutCyhZ-XgPA914Xun/s200/Table+Mountain.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281075241691843602" border="0" /></a><br />I will say it again because it is worth repeating ... where did the year go? It must be something in the warm Arabic air that makes time seem to pass so much faster in the Middle East. Or maybe the old adage applies that time does indeed fly when you're having fun.<br /><br />The work week that has just passed has probably felt a bit long for many people in the UAE. It's all because of a 10 day holiday stint - first there was the 37th National Day and then came Eid. Most of my colleagues went away over the holiday time to take advantage of the many special offers. Some went local to the new Palm Atlantis in Dubai, one went west to Washington DC in the USA, another went East to Beijing in China, and I went south with the swallows to sunny Cape Town.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-6972090436827442452008-11-23T16:43:00.008+02:002008-11-23T17:35:54.741+02:00Conferences, workshops, etcIt has been a busy time in the UAE for library-related conferences. This has meant that I am singing the now familiar tune ... "on the road again".<br /><br />Last week the MENA IUG conference was hosted by AUS (American University of Sharjah). This is the Millennium system user group for Middle East and North Africa libraries. I enjoyed the networking opportunity that this presented as well as a view into different ways of working with our ILS.<br /><br />This week I am in Al Ain at a workshop on consortial licencing of electronic resources. The two presenters, Anne and Kimberley, are both experts in their field and good at sharing a vast amount of information in a logical and interesting matter. The sessions have been engaging and remained on target to identify core aspects of the subject. I am lookin forward to getting to the workflow issues.<br /><br />Information Literacy has had a great boost with the 2 day ILN conference in Sharjah at AUS. A number if my colleagues presented papers.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-9192312718514340372008-11-09T07:19:00.003+02:002008-11-09T18:30:54.648+02:00Oh to be in CharlestonThe annual Charleston Conference has come and gone. Sigh. It's long been a dream of mine to be able to go to this marvellous annual conference of acquisitions gurus. The full name of the South Carolina conference is "<span style="font-style: italic;">Issues in Book and Serial Acquisition</span>". I met Katina at the South African acquisitions conference many years ago and she is pure dynamite. It is just wonderful to meet a librarian who is passionate about what she does. I am definitely going to need to plan ahead to be in the southern states of America in early November 2009. Ah, it's good to have nice dreams ... But for now I'll need to be content with reading all about it in <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Against The Grain</span>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-74500275991933437062008-11-06T20:44:00.000+02:002008-11-06T20:45:25.881+02:00Michael Crichton dies<iframe height="339" width="425" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/27572109#27572109" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2036736142729665849.post-16946573119489736782008-11-06T16:26:00.001+02:002008-11-06T16:57:30.588+02:00On the road againI am constantly amazed at the pace at which change is happening in the UAE. For the last 3 weeks my colleague and I have been hitting the road doing Millennium ILS training on the create list feature. Dubai is just an amazing city - er, well it's more like a building site from one end to the other. The iconic Burj al Arab is now quite lost amongst the skyscrapers making up the Marina and Palm Jumeirah area. The road construction is bizarre and nothing is ever simple. This means that one wrong turn and you will be heading in the opposite direction to which you should be going ... and there is NO EXIT for miles! It's a tad stressful on the nerves of the driver. Oh ... don't get me started on the drivers. Apart from that, it is a destination worth visiting.<br /><br />Today we were in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sharjah</span> at the University City - a huge area dedicated to the various institutions of higher eduation, e.g. <span style="font-style: italic;">Higher Colleges of Technology</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">American University of Sharjah</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">University of Sharjah</span>, etc. Sharjah is very conjested and the road system is desperate for an upgrade. The traffic is a nightmare.<br /><br />On Monday we went right across country to the city of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fujairah</span>. It's well worth the drive to look at the changing desert landscape and the unusual rocky mountains. I hear that the sea water has become very polluted from constant spills from the ships plying the east coast between the Gulf countries (Iran, India, Oman, Yemen). Up the coast is the Sandy Beach which has the famous "Snoopy Island" and wonderful snorkelling.<br /><br />Willie Nelson's "On the road again" will be playing in my head for some time to come...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=c2b8bae2-d92a-4a16-94af-bddf7f3d1cd4&type=website"></script></div>lilleypadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18443115382614620433noreply@blogger.com0