A geography lesson

My Dad recently accepted a new position which takes him to Dubai on a regular basis. I didn't know much about Dubai before this job change. I am so impressed with what I've read and heard from my dad that I had to share with you. You won't believe these pictures...



I will take the one with the blue roof, in the bottom right corner. Every house on the island is on the beach. How is this possible, you ask????



Here is a picture of the same group of islands from a little farther away.
And here is one from very far away. This is a group of man-made islands (obviously) shaped like a pineapple.

The same company that made the pineapple islands, made a group of island off the coast of Dubai that is patterned after the world map. I would like to live on the Antarctica island, please.

Here is a few facts about Dubai:

Dubai Country: United Arab Emirates ( UAE )

Population: over 1.3 million

Elevation: 52 feet

Average Annual Precipitation: 13 centimeters

Average January Temperature: Low 58 degrees F, High 75 degrees F

Average July Temperature: Low 86 degrees F, High 105 degrees F-

Major Industries: Trade, Manufacturing, Financial Services, Communications, Government services

Ethnic Mix: 65% Asian, 18% UAE Nationals, 13% Arab Expatriates, 4%

Did You Know?There aren't any street addresses in Dubai.

Culture in Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions that form UAE National's lifestyles. However, the UAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not practice the religion of Islam. Expatriates are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and the dress code is liberal. Women don't face discrimination. Courtesy and hospitality are one of the many virtues of Dubai. Rulers are keen to maintain their culture and do so through a number of practices. One is promoting sporting events that are representative of their past. Falconry, camel racing and sailing are still popular in Dubai.

The official language of the country is Arabic, however most people in and out of the workplace communicate in English.

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and visitors can dress however they like. Still, a good amount of respect for local customs is appreciated. In deference to local customs and norms it is a good idea for visitors not to wear very short, tight clothing, at least until such time as they are comfortable with the city. UAE nationals usually wear their traditional dress. For men this is the dishdasha or khandura, a white full-length shirt-dress. It is worn with a white or red checked headdress known as a gutra. In public women wear the black abaya, a long black robe that covers their normal clothes. They also wear a headscarf.

Christian churches are permitted to openly advertise certain church functions, such as memorial services, in the press.

Architecture:

The architecture is amazing. The buildings look like something out of Star Wars or the Jetsons.

Below is a picture and some info. about a MOVING building that is being built in Dubai. Crazy!

This artist rendering released by Dynamic Architecture shows a rotating skyscraper that is to be built in Dubai, in various stages of movement. An Italian architect said he is poised to start construction on the new skyscraper that will be "the world's first building in motion," an 80-story tower with revolving floors that give it an ever-shifting shape. (AP Photo/Dynamic Architecture)

Here's a link to the article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/25/swirling-skyscraper-plann_n_109072.html

Back in Texas....

Josh is still wild and wacky! He is learning new words and tricks everyday. Just yesterday, he busted out the following words:

"Denk ouu:" thank you

"Poo" : Pool (pointing to his swim trunks) and poo (pointing to his stinky diaper)

"ChoCho:" Train

" Shew:" Shoe

And, he has been saying "Uh Oh" to everything! It is by far, the cutest thing I've ever heard. Yesterday, he spilled a little milk and ran up to me, grabbed my hand, and showed it to me with a worried face, " UhOh, UhOh, UhOH, UhOH!!!" Ugh, so sweet!!

I had to share this one. He found my headband and had to try it on for size. Sadly, it fit him just right! He was quite proud of his new accessory.