Dubai, Mumbai

Now I live in Dubai. It was that easy. Thank you Cirque du Soleil for teaching me how to move gracefully from city to city. Packing was a cinch. Since I had four suitcases, I made the move in two bus trips (the bus is only $5 each way, even though it is a two hour drive.) Technically, I am also in a different Emirate, so the culture is slightly different also. Think of it as moving from Oklahoma to California. I went from conservative and traditional, to open and maybe a little too liberal.

The first day I am in a city, it is new and I am uncertain. The second day, I know my way around a little, and feel more confident. By the third day, I am truly exploring and trying to stretch my comfort zone. After a week, I OWN the town. Yesterday was officially the seventh day since I set foot in Dubai. I helped three people find what they were looking for and gave them directions. I had a cup of hot tea from my favorite vendor for 1Dh (about 27 cents), and when I stopped at my favorite vendor he knew my order-- 1 grilled chicken wrap "shawarma" and a tall glass of fresh watermelon juice (12 Dh = $3.24)

By now, I can haggle in the suq for the best price, make my way through the Indian Clothing and Jewelry District without getting lost, and take the metro to the far corners of the city with confidence. I have experience dealing with agressive salesmen from living in Manhattan and Los Angeles, so the pleas to "only look" at the fake designer handbags, watches, sunglasses don't even faze me. I have had two marriage proposals (one was a very handsome taxi driver) and three "fans" who followed me respectfully for a while. Two men helped me carry my bags, and refused a tip. Perhaps they were a bit disappointed when I skillfully ditched them, but that was the risk they took.

Yes, I am already quite at home in Dubai. Now I need gainful employment so I can stay here, and play hostess to my friends and family who visit.

Love and kisses,

Aleta