oman, unedited

Last weekend we went to Oman . . . 

Looking out over Wadi Guhl, the "Grand Canyon of Arabia"

Staring into the sea from the top of a crumbling watchtower

Saturday morning sky

Mountain sunset

We were blown away by our next door neighbor. It was magical and magnificent and somehow felt so undiscovered. These photos above are completely untouched, straight from my camera to your computer screen. Just looking at them settles my soul. Andy and I are already rethinking our spring break plans, as we simply can't wait to go back to Oman!

More pictures (and stories!) to follow . . . xo

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

landed

This is just a quick update to say I (Emy) have landed in Abu Dhabi (been here a week now actually....), and in between overcoming jet lag and exploring the city, I've found it really difficult to motivate myself to do anything blog-related! But it's coming - oh yes, the thoughts and stories abound. Not to mention we've already been assigned our housing (WHAT?! Near the Abu Dhabi city center in a BRAND NEW building...two bedrooms...we get to choose all the furniture and appliances...pinch me) and are supposedly getting a tour of the place next week (we can't move in until our residency visas have been fully processed). Meanwhile, I'm stuck in five-star luxury at the Yas Hotel (I know, life is so hard) while Andy wraps things up in the States before heading over in a month (ok, so it IS hard missing him!).

Here's a peek of the view from my balcony at the Yas:

The marina, plus a curve in the famous F1 racetrack, which runs around (and under!) the hotel.

The internet connection at the hotel is reallllly slow, so I think I may spend some time sizing photos before I share anything else. You know, in between lounging at the pool and going to Ferrari World ;)