It's the WRONG SIDE!!!!

Yippee yi yah!! I've finally got my license converted, hired a rental car, and braved driving on Sheikh Zayad Road (affectionately nicknamed Shakey Shake Rd). My drive home from work brings me onto this psychotic world which I can only described as seven lanes of madness in each direction. And crazy drivers to boot. Add to that I'm on the wrong side of the car and road, so I'm feeling very proud and wearing my "Kiwi's can do anything" badge. A good way to describe the traffic outside my work is that it can take 30mins in peak hour to get across an intersection!


As nothing is easy here, getting the license was also a huge undertaking. Had to get an eye test (need taxi), get a permission to drive letter from my company in Arabic, do a conversion letter - also in Arabic, take my passport, residence visa and NZ license as well as copies of each. Find a traffic centre (which of course you have to take another taxi) and wait 15 mins while they process and take a snap. But oh the joy when you get handed your little gold card with the bad pic on it!!

My flatmate Mandy turned xx :) on Wed so the flat girls went to an Argentinian restaurant at Jumeirah Beach Hotel (the one that looks like a wave, next to the 'Sail' Burg Al Arab). And we had a great time - especially with the entertainment. Video is of the dancer (although I think the sound may cut out at times!)

Last night my flatmate's boyfriend Eyad (from Jordan) had his 30th so we went on a dinner cruise. Was fantastic although the 'show' was rather eccentric and will take many weeks to recover from. Then we headed out to dance the night away.

Treena, Natalie, Me, Christine, Lizzie

Eyad and me on the dance floor

I was meant to play netball today but it fell through. Maybe a blessing in disguise now that I've found out it would have been outside - in 40 degree heat! Will wait until next week and go early evening :) Looking forward to the World Cup - hopefully go to a raucous bar filled with Kiwis and Aussies. Go boys go!!!