Another Race for the Cure

Bathing suit weather is just around the corner. I took this opportunity to do a short 5 k walk around the block (that the Rotana Hotel in Al Ain is on) for a charity event.

The weather is perfect this time of year for walking and running.

The police blocked off the area and even had a pace car in front of us. Little kids were moving a bit fast and the cops kept yelling at them to slow down and stay behind the car. I was waiting for one to get run over.

After, there were some snacks and refreshments served. Bathing suit season here I come!

Al Jahili Fort in the morning.We made it!

Cricket; The Longest Game on the Planet

So, a few on my guy friends invited me to a Cricket match in Dubai. I've never been to a Cricket match and don't know a thing about it, but it sounded like it could be fun.
On the drive to Dubai my friend, Jaweed, asked me, "So, do you know anything about Cricket?"
I replied, "I know what a Googly is. I learned about them from the movie Hope and Glory."

Yep, that's all I knew about Cricket. Including the fact that it must be the longest game on the planet. And I was told we were watching the short version. 8 HOURS short! What?

Yes, apparently Cricket matches can last as long as five days. This match was well on its way to lasting 8 hours. Wow. I wondered, "Do people get deep leg thrombosis from sitting here for 8 hours?

The crowd was actually more entertaining than the game itself with groups rooting for the Pakistan team and the London team taunting each other through out the match.

The Dubai Cricket Stadium at the end of the sandstorm.

Is this a "Kiss" reject? No, it's "Captain Pakistan!"

What's up with the guy in the sombrero?

Fans in the stands.

Each team bats for like 4 hours straight! *yawn*

My Cricket buddies

Me & Jaweed

England wins! After only 7 1/2 hours!

Valentine's Day

Things have been very busy here with the new semester, new classes and new students. Because of this, I have been really busy and haven't been out or taken any pictures the past couple of weeks. Today I was reminded that it is Valentine's Day. A holiday which I loathe.

One of my students abruptly left the class today and asked a student to come with him to "get something heavy from his car." About 20 minutes later, they showed up at the door. "Miss close your eyes." For sure I wouldn't close them. "Ok Miss, you don't have to close them." From behind their backs, they pulled out a big pink bear and 8 roses. The rest of the class erupted into applause.

Awww...so sweet, even if I suspect they jumped in their truck and drove to the nearest ADNOC (gas) station to buy them. Thanks guys for brightening my day.

The Cupids; Mohammed Khamis and Obaid