Bicycles in the Netherlands

I have become fascinated with the bicycles here.  They are so interesting. Bicycles are the equivalent of cars here and they are designed for transportation.  People tend to personalize them as well.   Here's some pictures of bicycles that strike me. 

I've seen these with the canopy over them carrying children

 

I love the bright colors!

I

I don't know why exactly but I really liked this one.  Maybe it was the leather seat. 

The Netherlands

I am off again on yet ANOTHER adventure as I travel back to the ole USA to visit family and friends (mostly my grandson).  I am hanging out in The Netherlands for a week taking a photography workshop with nationally acclaimed landscape photographer Efrain Padro in conjunction with AWAI (American Writers & Artists Inc).  They have a travel division that hosts photography expedition all over the globe.  I chose this one as I could stop over while enroute to the US.  I have been a member of their organization for a couple of years and never been on one of their expeditions so this is a trial for me.  Yesterday I met the organizer as she arrived the same day as I did to do some scouting for the photography ahead of the participants arrival on Sunday.

I spent the day yesterday strolling around the city, checking in my hotel, taking a canal boat tour, and being....well....cold.  Since I live in 100 degree weather, I am a little sensitive to weather below 80 degrees!  Had to regroup and bundle up a bit to enjoy the rest of the day after arriving at 6:00 a.m. into Amsterdam.  Uneventful train ride in to the old city of Leiden,(pronounced Lye-den) the home of Rembrandt----you know that famous man who put the Dutch on the map as great artists---along with that guy Vermeer---of The Girl with the Pearl Earring fame.  (which happens to be one of my favorite works of art of all time)

Weather is overcast and windy....so wind chill has been a factor.  Now, I have been in colder weather....and really this is not bad.  I am just not used to colder temperatures.

I've enjoyed lounging in the cafe in Hotel Rembrandt, my residence for the next week.  Tiny room but with a wonderful street view. I can even play peek-a-boo with the canal down the street.  Wonderful little cafe with a great breakfast.  Town square is with in eye view of the door.  Bicycles, bicycles everywhere.  Dutch use bicycles like we use cars.  Not much vehicle traffic on the roads here.  Bicycles and boats are the norm.

I saw a young lady riding a bike like the one above with four little children riding in the cart on front.  I couldn't manage to get a photo of them before they coasted off around a corner.  Then, later I saw this bike just like it.  It might even be hers empty of the children.  It was parked in front of the pannenkoekenhuis which would make sense.

The local market is right next door to the hotel and it is bustling with people all day long.  The local grocer is busy all day moving the fruits and vegetables around and helping the customers who stop by to shop.  

 

 The main square is located on a canal and has boats moored.  It makes a very picturesque scene.
This week the photo group is heading to Alkmaar Cheese Market.  I am excited to see it.  It dates back to 1622 and the original method of selling cheese is still exhibited every Friday in Alkmaar. (click on the word Alkmaar and see a video demonstration)  The cheese is suppose to be delivered by boat and sold in the old traditional style of the Dutch. 

I found the flowers!!! Tulips in particular.  Of course I already have a hundred shots of the tulips in the town square.  They are planted in big pots hanging out with rose bushes.  After a small misting of rain, they had water drops on them.  Makes for incredible photos!  Particularly like this photo.  Can't wait until I go to Keukenhof Gardens this week.  Oh my.....I just can't imagine what bliss!  I love photographing flowers. You can watch a video of the gardens by clicking here.  Lots of preparation goes into getting the gardens ready to open in the spring.

I love the architecture.  Much of the architecture of New York is greatly influenced by the Dutch.  The typical New York "brownstone or walk up" is a Dutch style.  The one thing that strikes me the most is the lack of shutters.  When you are in the countryside and seeing stand alone houses, they look rather plain because they have big, beautiful windows without shutters.  

 The Pancake House is a staple in The Netherlands.  They serve delicious pancakes all day long.  Not our typical American variety.

These damn things are EVERYWHERE.   I found as I travel that more countries have them trolling around.  This driver was scooting along so fast I couldn't get a good picture of him quick enough.  Just his backside! 

 And these are EVERYWHERE too!!!  The Golden Arches are familiar now to all cultures.  This one is right on the main square!

Found a great Greek restaurant just a few doors down yesterday. You can see it in this photo on the far right.  It's called Rhodos.  Scrumptuous is all I can say.  Extremely friendly staff.  Met the manager and chatted with him a while.  And ....you know me...I met a charming couple sitting next to me having a late lunch.  They live around the corner.  She's American and he's Dutch.  They have lived here in Leiden for 7 years.  She works for an expatriate company who has an online website devoted to expat living around the globe.  Fate is awesome is all I can say about that!

Will continue to explore Leiden for a few days and then on to Amsterdam for the rest of the week.  Tulips, windmills, boats, canals, cheese, the grote markt, the vis markt, houses, countryside, and typical everyday life in Holland await me.

Richest City in the World

                 Did you know Abu Dhabi is the richest city in the world?  Not Dubai, as most people think.

                The city boasts world class hotels, hospitals, universities, and museums—namely the 7 star Emirates Palace (the only 7 star hotel in the world), Cleveland Clinic  and John Hopkins, Sorbonne and New York University, the Louvre and Guggenheim are currently under construction. 

                Most people can’t find Abu Dhabi on a map.  They’ve heard of Dubai---the Palm islands, the opulence, the money, the largest skyscraper in the world.  They see Dubai on television, read about it in magazines as a luxury playground for the rich and famous.  Abu what?

                All that has changed in the last five years, and more will change in the next five to ten years as Abu Dhabi’s Development Authority puts into play the plans for 2030---an elaborate well-thoughout city design plan to build up Abu Dhabi and literally put it on the map. 

                On the surface what has happened in Abu Dhabi mirrors Dubai---what I call a Disney World.  Not real.  Everything has been built in the last 10 years or so.  What drove Dubai’s development is not what drives Abu Dhabi’s growth.  Dubai is story of survival—a small city running out of oil saving itself with tourism, commercialization, and lots of pizzazz.  Abu Dhabi doesn’t need to save anything.  It’s the richest city in the world with oil reserves and the financial wherewithal to sit back and watch Dubai, even bail it out to the tune of 10 billion dollars.  Abu Dhabi has diversified its economy away from oil.  Its residents are real estate and business moguls who own some of the richest companies in the world.  It’s pretty amazing. 

                Abu Dhabi sits atop of a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf.  An elegant Corniche, a coastal road that follows a coastline, stretches along the length of the city’s coastline.  There are manicured round-abouts and gardens and parks, flowing fountains, and more trees than anywhere on the Gulf. 

                The two cities are friendly rivals in the global arena and operate like a family business.  The Maktoum family of Dubai and the Nahyan family of Abu Dhabi are cousins.  Dubai, an emirate the size of Rhode Island, was concentrated on a small merchant community that capitalized on the town’s navigable Dubai Creek.  Abu Dhabi, roughly the size of West Virginia, was much poorer.  Bedouin tribesmen roamed the desert.  Pearl diving was the main occupation.  The divers lived in huts where the city lies today and traveled back and forth between the coast and the oasis Al Ain.   

                In 1958, British explorers discovered the fifth-largest crude reserve, 90 percent of which was under the town of Abu Dhabi.  That discovery made the Nahyans the dominant family in the region when the British pulled out in 1971.  SheikhZayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, now called the Father of the country, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, became the President of the newly formed Federation of the UAE, which Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al Maktoum of Dubai became Prime Minister.

                When the oil started flowing the city of Abu Dhabi had just 46,000 people, four doctors, and five schools---none of which existed in the early 1960’s---and Sheikh Zayed had a vision to carve out a modern country in the sand.  Rich people had mud houses; the poor families built houses of reeds.   Zayed believed education to be the future of the country.  Longtime government advisor Mohammed Ahmed al Bowardi remembers, “as students, we were provided books, transportation, and a small salary.”  The 100 dirham provided, about $27 today, meant a lot to the students.  It was an incentive to attend school. 

                Zayed was savvy.  He insisted that “not a single grain of sand” be sold.  Most men received a plot of land but transferring ownership was required by the Sheikh’s approval.  Native-born Abu Dhabians, rapidly becoming a minority in their own country, got land while outsiders didn’t.  This restriction eventually changed and 99-year leaseholds purchases were allowed by foreigners.  The real estate boom started as a result of this decree.  Abu Dhabi now boasts an international airport, home to the world’s best airline carrier Etihad Airways, and the landmark Emirates Palace Hotel, the world’s third largest mosque, as well as the Yas Island development that hosts Formula One racing each year with a landmark hotel with the racetrack running through it and a marina where rich Gulf residents watch the race from aboard their docked private yachts.

                Abu Dhabi dreams of becoming the cultural oasis in the desert with the $30 billion project of Saadiyat Island that includes 29 hotels, three marinas, two golf courses, and exclusive housing for 150,000 people.  This development includes the Louvre and Guggenheim museums that are presently under construction and the completed Cultural Arts Center already hosting exhibits from around the world. 

                The one thing about Abu Dhabi is that the plan involves retaining the more traditional and religious population and customs of the country.  They are unwilling to sacrifice these things for tourism.  Advertising for Abu Dhabi tend to show Arab families in traditional dress engaged in traditional Arab activities and focuses on family.  Even though the ex-patriot community is evident everywhere you turn in Abu Dhabi, traditionalism and national pride are paramount.  Locals rarely step out in anything other than their national dress.  It is a sense of pride for the nationals and the drive to retain their culture. 

 
                Abu Dhabi is the legitimate business capital of the Emirates.  Many of the country’s largest corporations are based in Abu Dhabi. ADX, the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange is located on Hamdan Street in downtown Abu Dhabi.   Mubadala, a government owned corporation with a mandate to facilitate the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy, is involved in development projects around the world.  HH Sheikh Mohamed  bin Zayed al Nahyan serves as its Chairman of the Board.   The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which Sheikh Zayed set up to manage the emirate’s oil profits in 1976, now has an estimated more than $1 trillion invested in world markets.  With the Middle East known as a primary source of oil and capital, the Emirates have been very important to the growth and stability of the global economy.  And it all happens right here in Abu Dhabi!    The Arabs are smart, sophisticated, and well trained----and not to be underestimated.  They could just as well be working at Goldman Sachs or a powerful corporation in the US. 

                Abu Dhabi is truly amazing place to live and work.  I feel very privileged to live in the richest city in the world and watch this amazing plan unfold before my very eyes.  However, it is not so much about riches as it is about the quality of life.  People imagine the Arabs riding on camels and living in tents.  This day is long gone.  I hope the country continues to maintain its integrity and culture and meets its huge goals.  The city is larger than life and one of the most interesting places I have ever visited.  I have the luxury of living there!  How cool is that?

CNN.money.com, Mar 2007, "The Richest City in the World, Gimbel, Barney, Fortune Magazine.  

Happiness Level in the UAE

The Khaleej Times reported in the April 8, 2012 edition the happiness level by the residents of the UAE is at a satisfactory level and plans to continue as such is a top priority for the government. This determination is based on the results of the nation's first ever happiness and satisfaction survey which ranked the UAE as 17th worldwide in happiness and topped the list of all Arab countries. As a result of the positive ranking and response from its citizens, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, pledged to press ahead with the country's plans to invest all resources to achieve comfort and happiness for its citizens, according to the staff report of the Khaleej Times.

I cannot say that I am surprised by this result nor by the Shaikh's pledge to continue to provide happiness to the country's people. The country's Founding Father, Shaikh Zayed---referred to as the Father of the Country---was determined to provide a means of prosperity and happiness to all citizens. When he assumed leadership in the early 60's, there were no schools, no hospitals, no roads, no airport---no infrastructure. When the country became prosperous from the rich oil fields, he vowed to give the people of his country what they rightfully deserved----good health, good education, and a means to live a good life. And he made certain this happened. The Emirati lived a difficult and meager lifestyle up to this point. Most were uneducated. Zayed had a vision for his country and followed through. His sons have made sure his vision has been carried out---maybe even far beyond what he initially imagined.

You've heard the old saying "money cannot buy happiness." I believe this to be true. However, in this case, money definitely provided the pathway to this country's happiness. The leaders of this country feel it is the government's duty to provide decent living standards and prosperity to its citizens. Unlike so many Arab countries, the rulers do not hoard everything for themselves and leave the country falling apart and the residents destitute. Hence, the satisfaction of the residents (and I mean the National Residents--not the expatriates). The Arab Spring has not fallen on this country because they take care of their people in a respectful, and I would even say, loving way. They loved their Father Zayed and want to see his dream for their country come to fruition.

"This requires rallying efforts, formulating right policies and laws, ensuring security, justice and safety to the community, tending to the underprivileged segments, and continuously developing infrastructure. It also requires clear plans, capable terms and optimum use of available resources," said Shaikh Mohammad. "We are pressing ahead with our plans to invest our resources to achieve comfort and happiness to all."

The government's ultimate goal is to become the best nation in the world by 2021. They have a serious plan to achieve this goal and will make every effort to make it happen. I believe they are well on their way. The national pride in this nation is outstanding. The Emirati men and women are dedicated to keeping traditions alive i.e. wearing the national dress. With all the western influence over the last twenty years, the national residents could easily have conformed to western ways. I think it is admirable they have shunned some of the western ways and tried hard to keep some of the old traditions alive. The Shaikh encouraged the citizens working in the government sector ( where the large majority of the nationals work) to maintain excellent performance standards. He said he expected nothing but the best from them and declared them to be champions who will help achieve the vision.

"What we have achieved so far is just an initial milestone that will be followed up by harder work and more accomplishments so we can become the world's best," the Shaikh added. I also believe this to be true. I think the world has just begun to learn about the UAE and what it represents. They want to be biggest and the best in the world in all they do.

I believe they just might achieve this ideal.


The Khaleej Times, Prosperity Top Priority: Mohammed, April 8, 2012 edition, Staff Report

Funny Signs!

A friend of mine here in the UAE recently took a photo of this sign at a local market. Suppose to be advertising Nutella showing a picture of "crepes" drizzled with the succulent brown cream. However, the translation just didn't quite make it!!!!!!

Getting mailing addresses

Emirates Post announced recently (at a press conference) that we are getting house numbers, street addresses, and zip codes in the near future. All streets will be named, houses numbered, and mailboxes established at residences. Hallelujah!!!

“The Emirates Post P.O. Box bundle service represents a major leap forward for postal delivery in the UAE,” said Abdulla Mohammed Alashram, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Emirates Post. “For the first time in the country’s history, residents will be able to avail themselves of a cost-effective postal delivery mechanism that will bring their mail directly to their homes. This new service is a fitting milestone as we celebrate the 40th National Day,” he added.

The P.O. Box bundles have already commenced and are being rolled out throughout the UAE as an annual service, with subscribers choosing their preferred delivery option by visiting an Emirates Post office. In addition to the advantage of having mail delivered either directly to, or very close to, the home, new value additions include the option to choose mail delivery 3 to 6 times a week; online access to information about incoming mail; temporary mail delivery suspension option during vacations; location of mail boxes through GPS and a facility to retain a P.O. Box number in case of change of address, subject to conditions.

Now, home mail delivery service is going to cost a pretty penny. In the US, we are not used to paying for the delivery of the mail outside of the postage on the mail unless you count the taxes that we pay in to the Federal Government that funds the postal system in the US. The cost for mail delivery to your home in the UAE (only 3 times a week) is 700 Dirhams (190 USD). That's $3.65 per week to receive mail delivery. That really isn't that bad depending on how you look at it. If you have never received mail at home and always had to drive or walk somewhere to get mail, then this is probably not considered expensive or a small price to pay for the convenience. On the other hand, we Americans have been so used to doorstep delivery, we think it absurd to have to pay more money on top of the taxes we pay. One thing that is really cool, though, is the SMS option. You can sign up to have a text message sent to you when you receive mail. Another cool option is the mail scanning service. You can pay for the post to open your mail, scan it, and then send it to you by email. These are the days of technology people. Now in the US mail confidentiality would be a problem with this new concept.

The big questions is "will it ever really happen?" Sometimes, even when it is widely adverstised by the government, some programs just never get off the ground. So it remains to be seen if I will have a street address in the very near future. For now, I will continue to drive to the post office to get my mail. I had a very hard time resigning myself to paying money for mail delivery 3 times a week when I really don't get that much mail here. We do most things on line these days. I am also not quite comfortable yet with the quality of the service. Will they really come three times a week and can the postman be considered reliable to deliver mail? It will most definitely be a foreign worker who can drive a motorcycle and probably be able to read both English and Arabic---but then again, maybe not. His communication skills will be lacking and his desire to be on time and consistent will be.....umm, shall I say...not quite what we are used to in America. So therefore, I deemed this to be a point of frustration.....one of those small details that is just not quite right and what I am used to...that will throw me off kilter just a bit. These moments are few and far between but occasionally I find a small point that I find frustrating. I elected to remain a P O Box resident for now. We'll see how it goes in the future.

***all information, photos, and logo obtained from the Emirates Post official website www.emiratespost.com

Cruisin' Camels

As I have said before, every day is an adventure here in the UAE. One never knows what they will see or experience next.

Today I was cruising down the freeway going back to my house from the city when I came up behind a pickup truck hauling two camels. As camels go, these two were pretty good looking fellas (or gals, whichever it may be). They seemed to be enjoying the ride---gulping the air and sticking their head up high to look around at the scenery.

The camels were probably being taken out to the desert to one of the many camel farms in the desert outside the city.

Well folks....I have excuses, but not sure if they are really going to fly! That is excuses about not posting to my blog for over six months. SHAME ON ME!

My first excuse is that John retired from the military in July. He made the decision in March and the months between March and December were a complete roller coaster filled with job hunting, house hunting, trips back to Georgia, the retirement ceremony, the birth of our first grandchild Thomas, two moves in six weeks in Abu Dhabi, the retirement party, trying to furnish the new house, our
annual Thanksgiving Day blow out (which hosted over 50 people this year!), a vacation to Italy, hiring a new maid, a month back home in Georgia in December for the holidays, and adding two new Volpino puppies to our household, and much more in between.

These were just the highlights! To say it has been an eventful year is an understatement.


Everything I had going on was put aside during the last 9 months! I did no writing to speak of, very little reading (which is my FAVORITE pasttime), very little exercise at the gym, and I totally seemed to have lost my focus personally as I was focusing on housing and retirement.

My second excuse is just plain laziness....having so much going on around me and so many things to do, I put aside something that is really important to me.

We are finally back in Abu Dhabi, trying to get over jet lag and get into a routine again, and trying to get started on our New Year's Resolutions---get more healthy and back into the gym, lose some of the weight we gained over the holidays, get our new doggie additions to the UAE and settled into the house hold, get back to my writing, and MY BLOG!

Sooooo, my solemn promise (and one of my resolutions for the new year) from today is that I will begin posting again and sharing all the interesting things about this country. There is so much to see and do and so many nationalities to mingle with---it is truly a wonderful cultural experience to be here. I have my own transportation now and do not rely on a taxi as before so my daily experiences have changed somewhat. I mean every day in a taxi was a true adventure. You never knew just exactly what was going to happen each day or who you were going to meet. It was quite exhilarating and so much fun. Although I LOVE having my own car, I do miss the experiences of doing all my errands in a taxi each day. That is exactly what this blog is all about......THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE..... You'll see more of this country and my experiences here in the coming blogs!