So Far Timeline Part One: August

Wow, so, with a very few exceptions, it's been a while. Given our severe lack of posting, it would seem a recap is in order. Knowing where to start is another story. But if you'll bear with us, we'd like to offer a bit of compensation: Enter the Andy-Emy Abu Dhabi Timeline, a smattering of the highs and lows thus far. Here goes....

Emy flies to Abu Dhabi just as the holy month of Ramadan is starting. This means no eating or drinking in public during daylight hours. Given that the temperature can climb as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit at this time, hydration becomes a major concern. Countless bottles of water (referred to as "the stuff") are chugged in bathroom stalls around the city, away from Big Brother's watchful eye.

Story of Note: While waiting for a bus in town one day, Emy witnesses a Muslim woman keel over but is clueless as to what to do with respect to cultural appropriateness. Luckily two Indian women come to the rescue, offering the victim sips of water (which she does not want to take) and placing her in a cab headed to the nearest hospital. Back at the hotel, Emy looks up the Abu Dhabi equivalent of "911" - just in case.

Excursions: Malls (naturally) and Ikea within the first week (Ramadan = limited options). At first, Abu Dhabi seems a lot like American suburbia. Well, almost:

Later, a desert safari and Iftar buffet kick things up a notch, as does an adventure to Zayed Sports City and an Egyptian film evening at NYU Abu Dhabi.

Next up: 

FEATURING KEY EVENTS SUCH AS

The End of Ramadan u Andy’s Arrival u The First Day of School

See you soon, friends! xo, andy&emy