Random Living in Abu Dhabi

I really appreciate the variety of activities that this desert has sprung up.

Sometimes I go dune bashing on ATVs.

Or skip the four-wheelers and just use my feet.

I also have the option of going to more civilized places, like a posh roof bar in Abu Dhabi with my frisbee mates.

And for a little local entertainment, I can check out the bowling scene, complete with Emiratees in dishdashes, in my tiny tony of Madinat Zayed.

Outdoor adventure is usually a big bonus to living out this way. In the north of the Emirates, Fujariah has some lovely mountain oasises that make for great exploring.

I've taken first steps to a new hobby and earned my scuba diving license. Now I just have to book a dhow (ship) trip with some friends and see all the wonders of the Arabian (Persian) Gulf.

With just about six weeks left of my academic year, I'm hoping to score some more fun before I set off for my summer travel: Beirut, Cyprus, Syria, and Turkey all before I land State-side again.  Whoo!

Winter Time Means Camping

As I might have hinted, there isn't a whole lot going on in the UAE unless you make it happen. It's a good thing that I've a motivated individual that likes adventure. Getting into my new backyard has really made for exciting trips and makes me feel like I'm a part of this country. Consequently, I go camping, a lot.

Why I love camping:

Relaxing'!

People!

FIRE!

Silliness!

MORE FIRE!

Between October and April, I went camping at least ten weekends . It's no record, but I loved it loved it loved it.