Geography Lessons and US-UAE Relations

When I agreed to come to Dubai, UAE, it sounded really cool. DUBAI..place of the man-made islands, indoor ski (surrounded by desert), tallest building, only 7-star hotel, etc. I hadn't really studied the geography of Dubai's neighboring countries. When you think about it, it is in the center of the hotbed of the middle east and all that has been going on in the last 6-12 months. Side note: I forgot to mention I flew over Baghdad on my way here. I thought that was so crazy and wouldn't have happened about 6-7 years ago.

UAE shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia. Oman seems to be a nice place from what I gather. My neighbor in Houston was from Oman and lots of the fruits and veggies in the store yesterday seem to be from Oman. I hope to go there and check it out.

Saudi Arabia is very strict. Women can't drive. That tells me a lot there. So that is our other neighbor.

I have heard and I can believe it, after 9/11 in the US, many Middle Easterners quit going to the US for tourism and shopping and have diverted their attention and money to Dubai and UAE.

For example, you know how some expats or foreigners travel to shop? Living in San Antonio, we were used to the very wealthy Mexicans coming to North Star Mall (now they go to the newer ones) to shop. When my aunt lived in Venezuela for years, they would always plan shopping trips in Miami, Florida. It is the same for the local countries near UAE to come to Dubai. They have huge malls and lots of stores. Dubai wanted to create another industry besides oil to be diversified when the oil ran out.

Prices: I see the baby items and clothes are more expensive here. The electronics are more expensive here as well. The good thing is that there is no sales tax or else it is included in the price.

But back to the geography..I had a consultation with a Emirati from Dubai when I was in Houston in the last two months. When talking about the country, he said he was concerned about what Iran would do. I haven't talked to any locals about their concerns but I think that is a legitimate concern for most people around the world.

One thing that made me feel more secure about Dubai was the US-UAE relationship.

I found this link - US - UAE Reltations - from both countries' point of view. Here is some of what it says:

Long Term Economic Partners

With one of the most open and innovative economies in the world, the UAE is a dependable and substantial economic partner with the United States.

• The UAE is the United States’ largest export market in the Arab World, purchasing $11.64 billion in US goods in 2010.
• US companies have played major roles in the development of UAE energy resources, which represent about 10 percent of global oil reserves.
• The UAE is the only oil producer in the Gulf to maintain private-sector participation in the oil industry.
• More than 750 US firms have a presence in the UAE, from Bechtel and ExxonMobil to Starbucks and Cold Stone Creamery.
• UAE investment has been a dependable and long-term engine of growth for the US economy, injecting capital, expanding market access, creating jobs and contributing to mutual prosperity.

So..I will register my family with the US Consulate and hope for the best.

It is a small world

My decision to name my blog Itisasmallworld.blogspot.com 7 years ago stems from all the crazy, movie-like encounters I have around the world with people I know or have met before.

For example:

- I have bumped in to a high school (San Antonio, TX) friend's sister in a bathroom in Sevilla, Spain

- I have met someone in Oxford one weekend and then a few weeks later saw them walking the crowded streets of Venice

Just in the last week:

- A high school friend (San Antonio) told me that her college friend had moved to Dubai and so she introduced us on Facebook. This person is within a year of age of me, has lived in San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and now Dubai (we have 4 of the same cities), was living in the Heights in Houston before Dubai (so just a mile or two from my house in Houston), had a baby 2 months ago (I had a baby 6 months ago), her husband's job brought her here to Dubai, they brought almost all their furnishings (we did too), and I almost forgot...she lives in the neighborhood right next to mine! We live in the same large complex but of the 8 or so sub-complexes she lives next to mine.

- Burak and I were shopping in Carrefour in the Mall of the Emirates yesterday (apparently it is next to the Dubai Ski but we didn't think to go find it). We were looking for hand soap and getting the run around and then we bumped into one of Burak's former co-workers at Exxon Mobil who had been relocated to Dubai within the last year. It was sort of weird already bumping into people we know in a new city in a new country but I find that this sort of stuff happens. Anyway, the former co-worker didn't realize Burak had resigned and changed jobs. We briefly caught up and then exchanges cell numbers.

Yep, that is the small world segment of the week.

Liquor License - To Drink or Not to Drink

The UAE is a Muslim country and Muslim's aren't allowed to drink. The UAE has pitty on us non-Muslims and realizes they should give us a way to obtain alcohol in this country. Thank you! You can consume alcohol at hotels or for personal home consumption. For personal home consumption, there is the liquor license.

I went in a window-less backdoor entry only small alcohol store yesterday trying to see if I could buy something without a license using my smile and charm. It didn't work. I asked, how do I apply for a license then? Hoping for pitty.

I could scan and post the application for your viewing pleasure but let me give you the gist of the application process:

- We must complete the form which requests our biographical details: names, address, religion, passport info, telephone, name of spouse (if spouse is authorized to buy liquor), details of employment (name of employer, job title, income per month, required permit limit) and more.

- Copy of passport and residence visa

- Copy of employment contract

- Copy of tenancy contract

- Passport size photo of applicant and spouse (if spouse is authorized by the applicant to buy liquor)

- 160DHS or about $43 USD

- Stamp from applicant's employer

I asked how long it will take after we get all of this...3 weeks he said.

So, our plan is for Burak to buy duty-free alcohol at the airport on his return flight back from Saudi Arabia this week. It will hold us over while we figure this out.

Since it appears most of the expats with jobs are men and can therefore have liquor licenses, I was the only woman in the store. We should send Burak in next time to see if it will work without a license. It sort of felt like I was under 21 in the States and being caught and refused. I am 30 and we live in a capitalist world..Oh well. I appreciate their openness to have this license. Later at the pool on the same day, I spoke with an expat who had lived in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and she said they couldn't drink there at all so....this is a lot better than there.

Time and Dates

In Dubai, I am 9 hours ahead of Houston. In UAE, they take off Friday and Saturday for the weekend and work on Sundays. I don't remember what day it is because I am constantly living in Houston and Dubai time and dates at the same time. Sometimes, I am talking on Skype and I am into tomorrow already. I am living in the next day and Houston is in the day I have already been in. :) I've done that a few times and always thought that was super cool.

For my semi-virtual law practice, I have decided to work Houston's 8am-2pm Sunday to Thursday. That way I can sleep normal Dubai hours and spend Friday and Saturday with my husband.

Also, instead of going to church on Sunday in Houston, we are going to go on Friday. So weird. Anyway, I will get used to it.

I really can't tell you what date it is..I have to look at my phone or computer. One laptop has my Houston time and one has Dubai time. I should buy a few clocks and put the different world times. We are doing that in my Houston office.

Ahhh! :)

Dubai and Texas

Similarities between Dubai and Texas

- They are both hot but Dubai is hotter

- There is a lot of diabetes and obesity in both places

- Everyone has to drive to get around.. it is hot, the public transportation is limited

- They have heavily depended on oil and still do

- They both have a 'Big' complex - 'Everything's bigger in Texas' is a typical slogan but I think Dubai probably takes the cake with tallest building in the world, in-door ski slope, man-made islands in the shape of the world and palms, you know.

- They both have a lot of immigrants

I will add to the list as I progress with my time here.

Taxi cab conversation

On my drive from the hotel to the villa, I had to sit up in the passenger seat because the van was full. I had the opportunity to talk with the taxi driver.

He told me he first arrived in 1976, even brought his family one time, had come and gone. Wow, I thought, Dubai was probably all flat and looked like a desert then. Almost all the buildings have been built in the last 20 years. He told me he was on his way out for good this time. I asked why.

"It is getting expensive in Dubai. There are so many fines!" he explained.

What type of fines, what do you mean? I tried to learn more since I just arrived and was hoping for the best.

"There is a fine for not using your turn signal, a fine for not putting on your seat belt, a fine for going over the yellow line (onto the side of the road), fines for speeding, etc." he told me.

I was just laughing inside because those are all nice things to expect drivers to do and maybe a fine would help train them to do it. As we spoke, he went in and out of lanes without using his turn signal. At times, I saw that I was over the white lane divider being in the passenger seat for more than a minute.

Then I heard some beeping sound. I had bought a new phone and had several electronic devices on me. I asked him, was that him or was that me. He explained that the meter box beeps when he goes over 120km/hr. That was the speed limit. But then he told me he could go 140km/hr without a problem. ?? Apparently, since he drives a government taxi, the meter knows how fast he travels and he can get in trouble if he goes over the speed limit.

So, poor guy, he doesn't like the fines but he keeps up his old habits.

Moving from Hotel to Villa - July 6, 2011

Yesterday, July 6th, we moved from our 5-star hotel, courtesy of husband's company where he had lived for 22 days, to our new villa. While my husband took a cab from the hotel to work, I dreaded the fact that I had to MOVE once again. I had moved my office May 24th, moved items to storage and items for lending to my sister on June 10th, moved my household into a container June 22-23, moved my 3 suitcases, 1 bag, 1 box and 1 baby to Dubai June 30th and so, what the heck, why not move once AGAIN from hotel to villa on July 6th.

After once last nice buffet breakfast (120 dirham/ $33) with a latte and special made berry crepe, I began to muster my energy for the next move which was getting close to the last one. The nanny started cleaning and packing and really was the source of energy or fire for the move since she was missing her room and working at the house...I think or maybe just was tired of helping us adjust the baby to the 9-hour time zone difference.

In the end there were 12 bags: 7 suitcases, 2 Big boxes, 3 bags, a flower arrangement..oh and a baby and stroller. I called the concierge for 2 porters and for them to call for 2 van taxis. A few minutes later the door bell rang and I opened the door to one nice porter with one cart. I opened the door wider and looked down the hall both ways. Yep, they sent one guy. Either they didn't understand me or didn't think they needed to send 2 guys. I told him it was a lot and he said he'd try to do it. Then I opened up the door and he glanced inside and saw what I meant. He said he would be back with help.

They had taken it all downstairs and then before I knew it, they were loading it in a van taxi while I rushed to check out at the front desk and to confirm that in fact, nothing was going on our credit card. As I checked out I saw all my prime earthly possessions loaded on a taxi by strangers. I tried to quickly get to the taxi. The porter confidentally told me that everything fit in the van and I could ride in a separate car taxi. No, I told him. I am going with the van because I don't trust just anybody with all my key possessions. So with a little adjusting, I rode with the van and my baby and nanny rode in a separate car.

As I was taking the 20-25 min ride, I realized I should have put the baby with me too. I had only met the nanny 4 days ago or so. But I had no reason not to trust her so I hoped for the best.

Burak found a villa that was going to be available in late July but the current family renting it was going to be on vacation in July. In the end, we rented the house in July furnished and they'll take their things at the end of the month when we have a week before our items arrive via ship container. In the spirit of The Office, I like to call it a win, win, win, win scenario since everybody is happy.

We arrived, after unloading, tipping, and waiting for the AC to kick in, it started to feel good to be in a house..a future home.

Money Conversion

Ok, I decided to quit being good at math after high school because there was always a calculator on a computer, phone, or I could have one in my desk. I didn't see the point because for tipping, I would guess or Burak would do the math. That is another reason it got worse, Burak is so good at it, doing large number calculations in his head, that I can survive without more than basic math skills.

Side note: I think they have a saying that attorneys/lawyers are not good with math and that is why they go to law school. I can agree with that but I do get good with math when calculating how much clients owe me.

So...there are 3.67 or so dirhams for every US dollar. That means I have to quickly divide everythign by 3 or 4 and then try to figure out what the price is. There is an app on my phone but it takes me forever to type it in and calculate. I will probably get better at it.
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Money conversion has been an issue in the last 2-3 days when:
- I have to figure out how much to tip porters, taxi drivers, etc.
- I went to the grocery store for the first time and was checking out everything and trying to figure out if it was worth getting the American brand or just go for the cheapest thing even if most of it was in Arabic. I find most of the labels are in both Arabic and English so no problem there.

Anyway, I will get better at it but needless to say, it is annoying.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

At the moment it is 4:40am Dubai time and I am up typing and my new live-in nanny/maid is helping watch Rex while he wants to play.

Answers to Questions I have received:
Q: Do I have to cover up with a scarf or wear a burqa or something?
A: No, I have been wearing what I wore in Houston - shirt that covers my shoulders and cleavage and black pants and sandals. There are a lot of tourists and expats here. We just have to be respectful of the locals and we're fine.

Q: Is Facebook banned in UAE?
A: No, but Skype, Vonage, Hulu, and some others are blocked or limited if the web thinks you have a local IP address. I always wondered what it was like to be blocked from websites and now I know.


Q: Housing - corporate, etc?
A: Burak found a villa/townhouse in a suburb outside of the city center. We have to pay rent in 1 or 2 yearly installments. The rent is covered by his job.

The last two weeks of June...I can't believe I survived

My husband had already left for Dubai June 13th (yeah, I didn't want to tell him that wasn't a good day to fly but didn't want my suspersticions get in the way). I had to purge the house of unwanted items, put sentimental items in storage, run my law firm, take care of a 5-month old, sell our 2nd car, assist in putting the house on the market for leasing and being available at the moment's notice for the house to be shown, and oversee the packing and moving of our townhome's belongings..I feel like I am missing something. Oh yes, Burak told me to take care of myself too..which meant no colds and I had to sleep. Well, it was going to be hard but I did it. Of course, it all came together with the help of friends, family, a legal assistant, 2 nannies, a Realtor, some wine, and adrenaline.

I forgot to mention....I turned 30 on June 16th, my legal assistant went to a work conference June 16-19 (which meant I had to cover the office more), my dad got married on June 18th in Indiana, and the movers were in my house June 22 AND 23. Burak and I didn't celebrate our 9-year wedding anniversary unless you consider the 5-minute phone call a celebration. Burak also missed his first Father's Day. So, why are those all in the span of 2 week you ask, well I don't know but anyway.

And breathe....If I can do that, I can do anything. What is moving my firm, baby, and life half-way across the world?

Middle East or Houston

My husband had the itch to change jobs so we had decided, me in my fog of recently losing my mother in December 2010 and having my first baby in January 2011, that if we were to move for a job, it would have to be in the middle east. Otherwise, it wasn't worth moving out of Houston, our new favorite place and home of 4 years. Four years being the longest either of has lived in a city during our adult lives.

A little background: Burak, born in Turkey to a blend of cultures, was suggested to move and see new places. He was an exchange student to El Paso, TX for a year at age 18. He later studied at the University of Texas - Austin.

Ruby, born in Missouri to a blend of cultures - American missionaries in Mexico - mom and German-American farmers - dad - split her summers between the ranch in Mexico and the farm in Missouri. She was an exchange student to Belgium (French part) for a year at age 18. She later studied at the University of Texas - Austin.

And so you guess where this is going, they meet in 2000 at UT, they date, get engaged, and get married. They then move to DC for 2 years, then Turkey for 2 months, Barcelona, Spain for a year, and then the Research Triangle in North Carolina for 2 years for graduate school (Duke MBA-UNC Law). Then the move to Houston for the big job, ExxonMobil in July 2007. After 4 years in Houston, where Ruby graduated from law school, passed the bar, got licensed, and started her own immigration law firm AND the couple bought a house and made a cute little baby, they were off to the next adventure.

Starting my own law firm

On November 17, 2009, I started my own law firm. It is called 'Law Office of Ruby Lichte Powers' and I am still working on my website and contact information. Most likely, the website will be www.RubyPowersLaw.com.

My firm will be focused on Immigration and Nationality law and my four plus years of internships, clerkships, and working with firms as an attorney will provide me with the expereince necessary to provide excellent service to my clients.

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Should your child have a ‘gap year’ before college?

Some students need a break after high school — and some colleges approve

By Danielle Wood
April 22, 2008

Princeton encourages it. Harvard’s a big fan. From Tufts to MIT, some of the most prestigious universities in the nation are urging students to consider something that would make most parents cringe: The idea of putting off college for a year in favor of some much-needed downtime.
It’s called a “gap year.” And while it’s been a common and popular rite of passage in Australia and the U.K. for decades, the concept is now starting to gain significant steam here in America.

Why? A growing number of high school seniors are balking at riding the academic conveyer belt from preschool all the way to university. They’re burnt out. Or not quite ready. Or they want to explore a few interests before deciding what to study in college. So instead of packing their bags in anticipation of freshman year, they’re volunteering in New Orleans or teaching in Thailand. They’re starting the great American novel, or interning to help figure out what they want to do with their lives.

Understandably, that makes a lot of parents nervous. But before you drive your kid to college in an armored truck and deliver him to the dorm yourself, it’s important to understand the facts, including what a gap year is, and what it is not.

For one, a gap year does not mean that a student is doomed to remain degree-less forever. While there are no formal studies on the number of students who never end up making their way to college post-gap, anecdotal evidence from admissions officers across the country says very few actually drop off the college radar. Taking a gap year can actually make kids more focused and ready for the rigors of academic life. In fact, Harvard, arguably the most competitive university in the country, believes so much in the gap year that they encourage every student they admit to consider a year off before matriculation. And Princeton has just announced a new program called the “bridge year” that will allow newly admitted students to spend a year performing public service abroad before beginning their freshman year.

The reason behind higher education’s support of the gap year is clear: Better-prepared students mean higher completion rates. And it’s completion that matters. Parents should remember that getting a kid into college is only half the battle. According to the College Board, three out of five students who enter a public four-year college don’t manage to snag a degree within five years. And nearly 30 percent of all students who enter college don't return for their sophomore year. Considering the fact that this year’s average price at a four-year private college is a whopping $23,712 per year, it’s a pretty expensive place to dabble. Sending a kid who’s not ready to college is like sending a kid who’s not feeling hungry to an all-you-can-eat buffet.That said, not all gap years are created equal. If you have a kid determined to take a year off, here are some guidelines to follow:
Have the money talkJust because you’re willing to chip in for college doesn’t mean you’re on the hook for a gap year as well. Remember, it’s about learning responsibility in the real world. Be honest up front about what you are — and are not — willing to do. Require that your child create an in-depth budget for her year, in addition to telling you how she plans to contribute financially. While many students dream of a year of unfettered travel, it’s perfectly reasonable to require that your kid wait some tables for a few months to pay for all or some of the year.

Get in firstA gap year should be a measured decision, not a procrastination technique. It should never be used to avoid taking the SAT or ACT on time, stall the need to fill out college applications, or jump into the Senior Slide early. If you have a high schooler under your roof who’s dreaming of taking a year off, keep him on track. Act as if he’s going to college as planned. Once he gains admission, he can call the college to request a deferment, which most admissions offices will gladly grant.

Create a plan BThe best way to start a gap year is with an admissions offer to your dream school in hand. But for students who didn’t get into their college of choice the first time around, a gap offers a second crack at it. Holly Bull, director of the Center for Interim Programs, the oldest gap year advisory service in the country, says that for students who’ve had less than stellar grades during senior year, a gap year offers a second chance to show solid performance, through an academic program abroad or some other curriculum-based program. Sometimes the gap year can make all the difference in getting an acceptance letter the second time around, Bull says. “It’s been known to happen. It’s certainly not a guarantee, not something you can bank on, but we’ve had some.”Put it in writingThe most successful gap years are full of unexpected surprises along the way. But in between all those surprises lives a lot of planning. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — a chance for your child to see the world and figure out their place in it. If they’re angling for independence, have them prove they deserve it by doing research and coming up with a course of action. From a budget to a schedule to the phone calls needed to land that dream internship, the planning phase is just as vital to the gap year, and just as much a learning experience, as the gap itself. It’s perfectly OK to deviate from the plan once the year begins, but starting without one is a recipe for disaster.Which programs are worth a year off? From building houses in the inner city to teaching English in Ghana, we’ve got the goods on the best programs out there. Go to education.com for a list of 11 amazing gap year opportunities.

The Opium Brides of Afghanistan

In the country's poppy-growing provinces, farmers are being forced to sell their daughters to pay loans.