DUBRI

Triumphant return

2010-07-15T00:15:00.003+04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am proud and happy to announce that i have just returned a few weeks ago from a 10 day business trip to the United Arab Emirates.

In my new capacity, I served as the communications and logistics officer for a U.S. railroad trade mission to the U.A.E. featuring 30 American companies across rail and infrastructure sectors.

The trip itself was incredible, both in a professional sense with a successful mission and in the personal sense with the ability to see Dubai friends and stay in two 5-star hotels.

In Abu Dhabi, the delegation and I stayed at the Emirate's Palace Hotel where it was mostly all business, but I was able to enjoy some room service and the services of my own butler (seriously).

In Dubai, I stayed at the Madinat Jumeirah, a beautiful Bedouin-syle hotel with a beach and pool area in the back and a Souk (market) attached.

After the mission completed, I was able to have lunch with former coworkers and go out with some friends and enjoy the Dubai nightlife/World Cup action in one of the most international of cities.

The trip was a huge highlight of the year for me so far and it was awesome/slightly strange to return to the land I had left six short/long months ago.

I do not know when I will return to my third home (behind VA and MSU), but Inshallah (God willing), it's sooner rather than later.

Cheers,

Brian

Keeping my UAE Ties alive

2010-04-05T21:40:00.004+04:00

It has been a few months since my last blog post. In that time, I rigorously networked and applied for numerous jobs in the Washington, D.C. area. After a few months of meeting the best and brightest in D.C., I was offered and accepted a brilliant opportunity to work as an Associate Program Director a foreign trade association that supports bi-lateral trade between the U.S. and U.A.E.

This position will allow me to travel back to the U.A.E. from time to time and promises to be a rewarding experience.

I look forward to the next time that I land in the UAE, although it will likely be all business.

I hope everyone is well and is enjoying the improving weather State-side.

Cheers,

Brian

couch surfer

2010-01-11T20:12:00.003+04:00

I don't know if you have heard of couchsurfing.com, but for the past few weeks that I have been back in the States, sleeping on couches has been a regular part of my life (although I haven't booked anything on the aforementioned site). I have slept on couches in my parents house (a futon in lieu of my bed, which was moved), aunts/cousins/uncles in Champaign and Chicago, Illinois; a MSU friend's couch in Wrigleyville, and I will be surfing couches in East Lansing, when I visit my university for the first time since graduation last May.

After the MLK weekend and some job interviews, the search for an apartment with a high school buddy will start, and once we find a place, a bed will be bought, and I will end my couch surfing days.

Heading back to the USA

2009-12-22T18:27:00.003+04:00

All packed up and ready to go. Gonna head to the airport shortly for dinner with a coworker, then a farewell drink with another coworker, then to the business lounge for a snack and to await my 15 hour flight home.

I want to thank the people who have been following me and my journey to acclimate myself to the foreign and diverse cultures of Dubai.

I wish you all happiness and health during the holidays and a very happy New Year!

Cheers,

Brian

Dubye

2009-12-19T16:24:00.002+04:00

I can honestly say that my time here in Dubai has been eye-opening, amazing, and fruitful from both a personal and professional point-of-view. The past 5.5 months feel like 5.5 days and 5.5 years at the same time. I have worked hard, enjoyed my weekends and time off, and met many genuine and nice people along the way from all over the globe.

I have spent this last full week tying up lose ends, packing up my belongings, and assessing my situation in general. I have also been blasting Christmas music, trying to get in the spirit, although it is hard in a Muslim country where it is 75 and sunny everyday. My favorite new Christmas song is Andrea Bocelli & Mary J. Blige singing, "What Child is This?"... simply brilliant!

That being said, I want to wish ALL my friends and readers Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! To those of you who have been reading my blog, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have enjoyed sharing my experience with you.

I am flying overnight back to the States on Tuesday, I will land at 650 am Wednesday morning! I have already made lunch and dinner plans: for lunch, a Chipotle Burrito! for dinner, my dad's famous wagonwheel pasta and meatballs!

I honestly can't wait for Wednesday and to be home and feel the holiday spirit that is lost over here.

It has been a good run, Dubai and I will certainly miss the people I have met here.

Cheers,

Brian

Closing Shop

2009-12-12T21:59:00.002+04:00

Well, as I enter the winter of my tenure in Dubai, I can honestly say that the past 5+ months have the most interesting of my short, albeit eventful life. I have met some of the coolest, nicest, and strangest people here and I have enjoyed learning a bit about different cultures and lifestyles. I will miss the place when I leave to come back to the States a week from Tuesday night.

This weekend was the last big weekend before everyone heads home for Christmas and New Year's, so we went to a farewell brunch at Waxy O'Connors followed by an evening at the beach bar, Barasti. I was able to see many of the friends I have made here and enjoyed a night on the town.

The coming week will entail closing shop and packing everything up. At work, I will complete the handover process and take som pictures of the place to record the place I spent so much time in over here and the nice people I worked with.

I hope everyone is doing well and this holiday season finds you happy and healthy!

Cheers,

Brian

Sevens Heaven

2009-12-05T22:47:00.002+04:00

With just 17 days left in Dubai, my focus is turning from enjoying all the city/emirate ha to offer to packing, closing accounts, and travel logistics.

That being said, I did have a pleasant week this past week complete with good food, good rugby, and good friends.

This weekend was the 40th Dubai Rugby Sevens, a tournament of national rugby teams playing 14 min games (7 min halves) in an effort to be the last team standing. I have never even watched rugby, but I can say now that it is quite an entertaining and strategy-fueled sport. It was quite an enjoyable day, I went with 5 or 6 friends nad met up with more at the venue.

I spent today on the beach enjoying the 78 degree temperature and refreshing clear blue waters of the Persian Gulf.

This evening, watched a superb football clinic put on by Man United who handed West Ham a defeat in the freezing English rain. Goals were scored b my man Rooney, Gibson (a home-grown, promising talent), Scholes, and Valencia. Each goal was crafted beautifully, a true mixture of superb ball handling and vision.

The week coming up will be start my campaign to organize my life back into the few bags I arrived with at the beginning of July.

I hope everyone back home and abroad are doing well and again, wish you all a very happy holiday season!

Cheers,

Brian

Eid Mubarack!

2009-11-28T20:14:00.004+04:00

To my Muslim friends out there, Eid Mubarack!

I have throughly enjoy my three day weekend and as I sit her awaiting some mac and cheese that's cooking on the stove, I can say that I am thankful I got to spend Thanksgiving weekend in Dubai with good people and had a lot of fun.

Wednesday night, I hung out with my flatmates, John and Stan, and watched the movie "Up", which John had said was awful, but i thoroughly enjoyed it (although the talking dogs were a bit much). Thursday, during the day, John, Graham, and I went down to the beach in front of Jumeirah Beach Residences (my complex). For a country in the middle east, it's amazing how many speedos and bikinis you see on the beach.

Thursday night, I went out for "Thanksgiving dinner" with 15 English people, an Aussie, and a Scotsman. We went to Ruby Tuesdays of all places and I ordered the salad bar of all things...definitely a Thanksgiving I will never forget.

After dinner, we went to a place called Trader Vics Mai Thai and then I broke off with my buddy, Luke, and went to Barasti, a cool beach bar, to meet up with Kathrynn, a girl from South Africa.

Friday, we decided to go to an irish brunch at Waxy O'Connors, which was actually very delectable. After the brunch, we carried on to a night club called "Chi at The Lodge". Great night.

Today, Saturday, I spent the noon hours at the pool with WIll, Jay, Ben, and Laura and then had lunch with Ben, Laura, and Craig (Scotsman) at On The Border. I watched the film Role Models with Paul Rudd and Sean Williams Scott, brilliant film.

Now I am enjoying a big bowl of macaroni and cheese!

I hope everyone is well!

Cheers,

Brian

100th post/Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T17:07:00.001+04:00

I would like to use my 100th post to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all my fellow Americans out there and people celebrating it in the States!

cheers,

Brian

Addition to my weekend of sports-filled fun

2009-11-23T21:30:00.003+04:00

On Saturday, I stood behind the 14th tee box at the Dubai World Championship...I was 5 feet away from the likes of Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, Winner Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Peter Lawry, Retief Goosen, Ross McGowan, and many other of golf's biggest names.

This experience was amazing and fairly easy on the wallet (abut $35 in cab fare, no entrance fee)!

This Thursday we have a day off for Eid, so even though I am in Dubai, Thanksgiving Thursday will be a day off for me! I have another 4 day week next week for National Day.

1 month from right now, I will be biting into a Chipotle burrito and I must say that i am looking forward to that moment.

I hope everyone is well and wish my American friends a Happy Thanksgiving and my Muslim friends a Happy Eid.

Cheers,

Brian

FIFA Dubai Beach World Cup shirt & Movember Progress

2009-11-20T21:07:00.001+04:00

Eventful time to be in Dubai

2009-11-16T20:46:00.002+04:00

Just as I thought I would be without internet, my flatmate found an ethernet cable, so now we can use it one at a time.

The past week has been tiring, rewarding, stressful, and fun. I have been given more responsibilities at the office and, so far, the project is going very well and the experience I am getting should prove helpful in the future.

I have five weeks left in Dubai before Christmas and I plan to use the weekends to experience and enjoy the sights and events that are going on in and around Dubai.

This week is the Fifa Beach World Cup and it is free entry every night this week... I hope to catch a game or two.

I also have plans in the pipeline to:

1. ride a dhow boat (a local wooden vessel, complete with lights around the border of the boat)

2. take an afternoon cruise in the Persian Gulf

3. See the Fifa Club World Cup

4. Go to Abu Dhabi to see the new Formula 1 circuit and surrounding island

I truly hope I will make the best of the beautiful weather and the upcoming Eid & National Day holidays in a couple weeks as well.

This past weekend was my flatmate, John's, birthday and we celebrated with a delectable dinner at a nice Chinese restaurant. As a gift, I told John I would take him to Fuddrucker's (there's on right in my apartment complex), my treat.

The rest of this week at work should prove just as busy, but I enjoy the fast-paced, deadline-driven, responsibility fueled world of Business to Business marketing communications and I have learned the importance of strict attention to detail.

I wish my Dad a speedy recovery from hip replacement surgery and the best of luck with physical therapy.

I wish the rest of you a pleasant Monday and a great week ahead.

Cheers,

Brian

Technical Difficulties

2009-11-16T12:03:00.001+04:00

The router for our internet has blown out, hopefully we can get a new one soon and I will continue blogging about Dubai events.

I hope everyone is well, talk to you soon!

Cheers,

Brian

Great Weekend in Dubai/Sharjah with the 'Rents

2009-11-10T21:41:00.004+04:00

So I am a day late on my "Monday" promise, and for this, I apologize. I have been extremely busy at work the past few days and haven't had the energy to write coherent blog posts.

I had a brilliant weekend with my parents, showed them all there is to see of Dubai in 4 days. While they were here, we:

-Had lunch at a great Lebanese buffet

-Dinner at the ski lodge inside of Mall of the Emirates

-Had tea at the 7 star Burj Al-Arab

-Visited 3 of the 10 biggest malls in the world

-Had lebanese, italian, american (Fuddruckers), mexican, english cuisine

-Got a guided tour of Sharjah (a neighboring Emirate airport my company has exclusive advertising in)

-Got tailored work shirts for the price of pre-packages shirts

The weekend was truly something special and a wonderful break from work.

The next two days will be extremely busy again and I look forward to the weekend.

I hope everyone is well!

Cheers,

Brian

P.S. still growing the mustache and when I find my camera, I will take a pic or two to show you my "progress"...if you feel so compelled...http://us.movember.com/mospace/71752

Bon Weekend

2009-11-06T01:01:00.001+04:00

Really Busy week at work, busy weekend with the parents, will be back in action on Monday!

Cheers and "Bon Weekend" to all,

Brian

Halloweak

2009-11-02T21:07:00.002+04:00

Like all good things, weekends must come to an end and that's exactly what this past weekend did.

Saturday night aka Halloween aka American kids & college kids/recent grads/not so recent grads dressing up and getting crazy aka A WORK NIGHT.

While my compatriots in the States pranced around the streets of Washington, DC, East Lansing, Chicago, and wherever costumed shenanigans could be found, I was watching soccer and going to bed early to get sleep and function well at work...Oh how the times have changed in 365 short days.

That being said, my inactivity Saturday night gave me time to think up a sweet costume for next halloween, which, as of right now, I could spend in either the Middle East (again), Europe, or the USA; it all depends. I have decided to be a Panda next year no matter where I am, complete with black & white face paint and a black & white 3/4 softball tee.

It's November now, which is hard to believe, mainly because the temperatures in Dubai are still hovering arounf 90-93 degrees, which is pretty awesome. These weather conditions, though tropical, actually have me missing the feel of late autumn/early winter, a festive and orange time as I've known it 21/22 of my years.

This weekend, my parents come into Dubai after my dad wraps up his conference in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia. I am excited to show them around Dubai and show them just how over-the-top and structurally incomplete a lot of it is. We have reservations at Buddha Bar, the restaurant that I ate with my dad's work colleague, Mrs. Evans a month or so back. On Saturday, we have reservations for "afternoon tea" at the Skyview Bar on the top of the 7 star Burj Al-Arab hotel, which should be enjoyable.

This blog post is a brilliant example of stream of consciousness! (I apologize)

I hope everyone back home and abroad is doing well!

Cheers,

Brian

Movember

2009-10-31T12:20:00.002+04:00

I have decided that since I am in Dubai, where mustaches are more common than clean-shaven faces, that I would grow my mustache for charity, during a month known globally as, Movember (Mustache+ November).

I will post pictures every week and show you the progress of my mustache through the weeks. The charity raises money for prostate cancer research and other men's health issues.\

If you feel compelled to donate it would be greatly appreciated and my mustache would become a meaningful symbol of charity!

please click here to donate!

Thanks so much, look for pics of a mustachioed Brian in the coming weeks.

Cheers,

Brian

Strong Week

2009-10-28T20:40:00.002+04:00

Ah, it's Wednesday night and that means a few things:

1. Tomorrow is the last work day before the weekend

2. I get to leave work at 5 pm to meet my parents coming through Dubai Airport on their way Kuala Lampur

3. It's Halloween weekend

4. November begins Sunday

This week, I have resumed the communication executives duties while she is in Hong Kong for her marriage and written a big proposal that would rake in the dough. I have also been sending out my resumes and cover letters and circulating my info in my network and through people my dad has recommended. Hopefully something comes out of this so I at least have options when deciding whether or not to stay in Dubai. Regardless, I will want to take a break during most, if not all of January, but if duty calls, it calls.

The month of November will be huge with my boss taking on the newly departed Commercial Director's responsibilities, the clarification of what they are offering me, and possible correspondence and feedback from potential employers & colleagues.

I am also about 2/3 of the way through my Dubai adventure and an adventure it has been. In my short 4 months, I have developed my marketing communication skills, developed friendships with coworkers, and also built up a social network which has led to fun weekends. When I put all that in perspective, it's been a great 4 months and I look forward to the next 2, although my 2010 place of employment, my dad's pasta and meatballs, Chipotle & Christmas rank slightly higher on my "most looking forward to list".

I hope everyone is doing well and everyone at State will have an awesome 5 day Halloween weekend!

Cheers,

Brian

Cloudy with a chance of brunch

2009-10-24T10:16:00.003+04:00

At times like these, when a family has lost someone special and you are on the other side of the world, you feel a bit isolated. That being said, my thoughts and prayers were with my family, sitting in the pew right next to them at Aunt Carol's funeral mass.

This weekend, I took it pretty easy, watching Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, which was a decent movie, but if you aren't ready for a completely weird meteorological animated adventure, it's truly odd.

Yesterday, I went to brunch at Double Deckers again, which was fun. I went with a Scottish friend of mine and her friends, all from the UK. The food was great and I regret not going for seconds. After Double Decker, we went dancing at Rock Bottom, good times.

Today, I am cleaning my room and relaxing, back to work tomorrow!

Hope everyone in the States and Abroad are well!

cheers!

RIP

2009-10-20T23:03:00.001+04:00

Sending prayers back to the States to my Dad's family.

Rest peacefully Aunt Carol, you are loved by many.

The Persian Gulf has a good nightlife

2009-10-18T07:00:00.002+04:00

The week at work ended up well, despite working 6 out of 7 days. I completed all my projects and helped my boss prepare collateral for the great B2B conference/exhibition known to me as only,"The Roadshow".

I did not leave the office until 11pm on Thursday night, so I just dropped by Barasti, the outdoor beach bar near my flat and met up with some friends for a drink and then headed home, completely wiped out from the long day.

Friday, I went running to maintain my fitness and ran into a few friends along the way which was cool and reminded me a bit of running around MSU's campus. After my run, I showered up and headed to work.

Around 730 pm, I finished work and called up an MSU friend of mine, Orna, who lives over here and had invited me out to "tailgate", like our friends at MSU did this weekend for Homecoming.

I met up with her and her friends at a bar called 360

They had reserved a table and there were about 15 of us sitting at the outdoor bar, surrounded by the Persian Gulf, it was pretty cool.

Saturday was quite uneventful, but I did have amazing Shepherds pie at the Underground, where I was watched Man U take care of Bolton with my flatmate, John, and friends, Graham, Will, and Jay.

This week should be less hectic at work, so hopefully I will be able to actually have the energy to do something during the week (work out, go to the mall, etc.)

I hope everyone out there is doing well and enjoying the fall!

Cheers,

Brian

Long days, Short Nights

2009-10-13T22:13:00.002+04:00

Well, the past few days at work have been busy which is great, more proposals, more experience. I have enjoyed the lunch hour with coworkers and late night dinner in the flat after running and lifting.

I am determined to keep in shape and although I am working long hours, I have been able to run and lift, although not as much as I'd like.

I have watched a few good movies recently; Bruno (with Sacha Baron Cohen) which was hilarious and The Proposal,; both surprisingly good movies.

I hope life is great for everyone back home and abroad!

Cheers,

Brian

Nothing like listening to American Football on the radio 1940-style

2009-10-11T07:08:00.003+04:00

Ah another week in the proverbial "Books". I know no one's counting, but in 10 weeks, right in time for Christmas, I will be flying back to DC.

Friday's brunch was quite interesting, we went to the Double Decker's place and enjoyed a brilliant buffet and had some laughs. I quite like the concept of buffets in Dubai, because they are the one time you are truly getting value for your money when it comes to food and drink.

Friday night I hung out out with some "mates" at a buddy's "flat" and then came home for an early night.

Yesterday (Saturday), I spent writing cover letters and posting my resumes in preparation for the "next step". I also was able to listen to my MSU Spartans beat those Fighting Illini on CBS radio, which I was absolutely ecstatic about; since it was the first American Football game I have been able to listen to. Usually I am sitting here watching the Gametracker with little text blurbs popping up, so it was awesome.

Today starts anther work week and it should be busy.

I hope everyone is well and enjoying life!

Cheers,

Brian

Hanging with Maverick and the gang

2009-10-09T10:58:00.002+04:00

Hello Everyone, happy Friday to you all!

Things have gone swimmingly since wednesday, work has been busy as usual, but I have been able to head home around 7 pm every night...which, I think, is a new record for consecutive days leaving the office at a somewhat "normal hour".

On wednesday and thursday evenings, I was lucky enough to hang out with a high school buddy of mine, Cutler, and some of his Navy buddies because they made a port call over here. It was awesome to hang out in the Middle East, halfway around the world from where we grew up and enjoy the Dubai nightlife. Cutler was the first person from back home I've seen since I arrived and it was both refreshing and entertaining to show a fellow Alexandrian the ropes of Dubai.

On wednesday night, I took him and 5 of his Navy buddies (3 of which were 6'5" pilots, all with great Top Gun mustaches) to Barasti, an outdoor beach bar and live music venue, which they all enjoyed. Last night, I met up with him at Barzar in the Jumeirah Madinat and we caught up some more.

Today (Friday), I am off to a Dubai brunch at a place called Double Decker, should be interesting.

This weekend, I begin the job application submissions, wish me luck!

Cheers,

Brian

it's all about time management and mac n cheese

2009-10-07T06:23:00.003+04:00

Quick update:

1. Been working long hours (nothing unusual)

2. Received a package from the folks (with a bunch of mac n cheese!!!!!! thanks ma and pops!)

3. Started to go running in the morning before work because I am too tired/it's too late to eat and work out when I get home and I really should eat dinner (to be fair)

4. Looking forward to a fun weekend

I hope everyone is well back home and abroad

cheers,

Brian

Dubai Reds were blue last night

2009-10-05T08:05:00.003+04:00

Not much went on yesterday, to be fair, but I did watch the Liverpool vs. Chelsea match in a see of red. I went to the Habtoor Grand, a pub called the Underground, where fans of Liverpool who live in Dubai congregate for the matches. It was interesting to see how loud and on the cusp of insanity the Liverpool fans were until Malouda put away Chelsea's 2nd goal in the 91st minute and sealed the deal.

It was fun to be in that atmosphere and to experience real fanhood, none of this fairweather fan nonsense!

I hope everyone back home is doing well!

cheers,

Brian

Tough week, fun weekends

2009-10-03T16:56:00.002+04:00

First and foremost, I apologize to my many regular readers for being M.I.A. the past week. It has definitely been one of the more stress-filled weeks of my life and my blog has suffered the agony of neglect.

So, the rest of last weekend as pretty enjoyable:

On Friday, I spent the day at the pool with some friends and then headed to a Full Moon party (full moons are significant events in the Muslim world) at Mina Sa'alam in the vacinity of both the five star Jumeirah Medinat and the Burj al-Arab, a brilliant location to say the least. I saw a lot of friends and a few coworkers at the party and had a really fun night.

On Saturday, I woke up in the pm (130 or so) and grabbed a quick bite and headed for the pool. That evening, Manchester United were playing, so I headed over to the Underground (a sports bar in the Habtoor Grand) and watched the game over a burger and a brew.

Sunday-Thursday were purely work. I would wake up at 8 am, go in to work and work solidly until 8-11pm, come home to eat and sleep , and that was it. A few nights, I mustered the energy to go to the gym, but most days I was completely exhausted.

Thursday night, I headed over to the Yacht Club again for the happy hour and then hit Barasti, a beach bar very close to my apartment complex and had a standard night out.

Yesterday (Friday), I went with friends Luke (Yorkshire), Craig (Glasgow), and Ben (Derby) to the Locker Rooms (a pub in "old Dubai") and enjoyed a happy hour of good food, beer, and conversation. AFter the happy hour, we headed over to Rock Bottom and then came home.

Today, I have read a few chapters of Crime & Punishment, swam a bit, and just had a Subway tuna sandwich. I am resting up for the brutal week that is to come.

I hope everyone is well and I promise a blogless week will not happen again.

Cheers!

Brian

Sundowners

2009-09-25T17:35:00.003+04:00

Thursday turned out to be a bit better than expected because we are moving offices and had to vacate our old one at 4pm! I was very happy to have those 2-4 extra hours and I used them to go running and hit the gym before meeting up with some friends and heading to the Dubai Marina Yacht Club for Happy Hour or "Sundowners" as they call it at the club. At the club, we met up with Helgi from Iceland and two girls he was with from South Africa. The nations of USA, India, Scotland, Iceland, and South Africa were represented between the 6 of us (cultural diversity...nice!)

After the Yacht club we danced at Rock Bottom Cafe, it was a fun Thursday!

So far today, I have had an omelette for brunch (made it myself...very tasty), went to the pool, went to the gym, and just hung out. There is an open beach party tonight that I will go to and I plan to bring my camera to capture the madness.

Fitness Update: After 3 months in Dubai and all the "takeaways" and the general lifestyle here, I am weighing in at a lean 175 lbs these days!

I hope everyone is well and has an enjoyable weekend!

cheers,

Brian

Snow telling what you'll see in Dubai!

2009-09-23T03:49:00.004+04:00

This post comes to you courtesy of my inability to fall asleep.

Since Saturday, I have enjoyed the company of friends at the various swimming pools of Sadaf (my complex), worked out in a new gym called the promenade (which was amazing), eaten some decent food (ie a british "fry-up" while watching Man U win it in the 96th minute with a Giggsy through ball to Michael Owen for brilliant finish), and worked 1 of the 3 days I have to work this week.

I am puzzled regarding my inability to hit the proverbial hay, but it probably has something to do with stress (everything can be linked to the "s" word). I have tried everything from reading the news to playing classical music.

On a more positive note, I went to the mall of the Emirates on Monday and saw Ski Dubai, the indoor ski resort and bought a new pair of silver Adidas Porsche Design "trainers" as the Brits call em to wear out on weekends.

The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr was this weekend and the ski resort got into the holiday spirit:

Happy Holidays!

Cheers,

Brian

Good food, good times

2009-09-19T22:01:00.002+04:00

Hello everybody!

This week was a stressful, work-filled, long week...but since it is Eid, I am able to enjoy a nice long weekend. They still have not officially called Eid (they have to discuss the position of the moon and when to call it), but I am not working sunday or monday for sure. Thursday, I went over to a buddy, Craig's place with a few other guys and watched the new Fast and Furious movie, which was actually surprisingly good for a 4th movie in the series.

After the movie, I headed over to Subway and picked up a nice footlong turkey & ham on parmesan oregano. I had a relaxing night and watched the film, The Business, a great British flick, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0429715/

Friday, I woke up around 11 am and made myself some rigatoni and marinara sauce. After my awesome lunch, I went running in the afternoon along the marina walk, a nice 2-3 mile jog. After showering up and drinkin 1.5 liters of water, I headed to Fuddruckers with my flatmate John and "mates" Ben (Derby, UK), Craig (Glasgow, Scotland), and Jay (who was born in the USA but moved to Bristol, UK when he was 9).

Fuddruckers was quite amazing, I had the "Southwest", a burger with guacamole, bacon, and pepper jack cheese. I piled the burger high with lettuce, tomato, pickles and doused in ketchup, mayo, and BBQ sauce. After a dinner of champions, I went with the guys to a few apartment parties which were enjoyable.

Today (Saturday), I woke up at a bit later than usual (130 pm) and made myself a turkey and australian cheddar sandwich on Lebanese "schwarma" bread that I put in the George Foreman for a nice, panini-style lunch.

After lunch, I hung around the apt., went for a lift at the gym, and had a nice Skype session with the folks. Tonight, I am gonna watch a movie and relax.

I have the day off tomorrow, so I am planning on going to the Mall of the Emirates (http://www.malloftheemirates.com/), ride the new metro, and watch the Man U vs. Man City football match...should be an excellent day and I will be sure to capture it on my digital camera for ya.

I hope everyone is well and good!

Cheers,

Brian

Section in the Dubai mall dedicated to Gold

2009-09-15T22:44:00.000+04:00

'The Hoff' sighting in Dubai (not really)

2009-09-15T22:14:00.002+04:00

Monday morning came a bit too early, but I reluctantly woke up and showered up for work. I rolled into the office with one of my two new shirts from my trip to H&M at the Dubai mall (a faded blue and pink striped dress shirt) and rocked my pink Jos. A Banks tie and my Grandpa's pink and gray argyle socks...Needless to say, I was riding in style.

At work, I continued to work with the rest of the marketing team on our long-term project and also fine-tuned a client proposal I am working on. For lunch, I brought some Rigatoni with Ragu, which was amazing. Monday night saw me really tired and reading Crime and Punishment with heavy eyes.

This morning, I rolled out of bed and went to the shop where I have just now realized that really fresh and tasty baked ciabatta bread is only 2 dhirams (65 cents or so) and I picked up some smoked turkey and cheese to make a solid sandwich. But when lunch time came around, I was convinced to go with my coworkers to the Lebanese restaurant Al Merkaaz, where I hadn't been for a few weeks.

After 11 hours of solid work, I left the office and my beautiful sandwich in the fridge at the office. It is bittersweet because I know what I am having for lunch tomorrow, but it won't taste as awesome as it would have today.

After work, I went for a run/lifting session and ran into my flatmate Stan at the gym. There was an American working out there who looked a lot like David Hasselhoff which was classic (he was a really nice guy, but looked like the Hoff).

I ate a late dinner with my flatemate John and now I am watching Planet Earth on DVD, a brilliant program with vibrant visuals, soothing British narration, and brilliant music.

I hope everyone out there is doing well!

Cheers,

Brian

Solid Sunday

2009-09-13T22:46:00.002+04:00

It was one of those nights last night where you have 4 or 5 series of really weird dreams that collectively make up a subpar night of sleeping. As a result, I woke up about 20 min before my alarm was set to go off and got up to shower for work. I taxi'd in at the normal time and started my day in the office.

Today, I got word that we are putting a few of my client proposals into full effect, so I will be spending the next few days revamping them to be sent out to potential clients and hopefully they will be instrumental in the client acquisition process.

For lunch, we ordered from "Circle" and I had a circle club (chicken, lettuce, tomato, avacado) with a side salad and chips, or crisps as the Brits call them. The food was good and lunch was a nice way to break up the day.

The afternoon saw me working on the proposals and editing coworkers' letters and presentation. I was able, however to leave the office around 615 pm to go home and exercise. I went for a bit of a longer run than usual which was nice and lifted for about an hour and then ran home.

For dinner, i had some steamed rice with veggies and ham, which was delectable. After dinner, I have been chillin with the flatmates, watching Lucky Number Slevin, an interesting, mediocre film.

Tomorrow, I will try to pick Crime and Punishment back up, since I have been slacking the past few days with my self-assigned reading.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and wish y'all a greet week coming up.

Cheers,

Brian

Man U wouldn't believe the day I had

2009-09-12T23:05:00.002+04:00

Today, I went on a bit of a shopping spree ( a minor one) and had an enjoyable day.

The pool party last night on the 41st floor roof was amazing; the view, the cool people, the 3 industrial grills, and the actual pool.

This morning, I woke up around 1130 am and made myself some rigatoni and tomato sauce, which was delicious and then went out to grab a taxi to Dubai Mall. I remembered to bring my camera to the mall this time and began taking pictures of all the shops and crazy things inside the mall (some of which will be uploaded on this blog this week).

I ended up buying 2 dress shirts for the weekends/work and walked around the giant mall for a few hours.

Upon returning home, I went with my flatmates to a pub called "The Underground" in the basement of The Grand Habtoor Hotel, a 4 or 5 star hotel to watch some "football". Man U played well and triumphed over Tottenham 3-1, capped off by my boy Wayne Rooney's goal!

It was a very productive day and my boys (Man U) were victorious.

I would like to say happy 75th birthday to my grandpa, Salvatore "Pop Pop" Principato in New Jersey. Love ya Pop Pop!

To everyone else, I hope you are well and enjoying your weekend.

Cheers,

Brian

Moment of SIlence

2009-09-11T19:49:00.001+04:00

Praying today for victims of 9/11, their families, soldiers, and their families today.

Strong end to the week

2009-09-11T14:26:00.003+04:00

Well I sincerely hope everyone has had an enjoyable week so far and I am sorry I haven't talked to ya since Tuesday.

Wednesday and Thursday at work consisted of all technical writing our new media offers in an effort to revamp our stake in the region's out-of-home advertising and to add a wow factor to our client acquisition efforts. The rebranding process is both tedious and meticulous, but I am convinced come the end of the month, the finished product will be rewarding and should catalyze commercial results.

Last night, I was invited for drinks and dinner by an aviation colleague of my dad's, Mrs. Ginger Evans, who heads the aviation sector of Parsons. She also invited an employee of her's named Tom Haag, an aeronautical engineer who lives on the Palm. He was a very nice guy who will be a great contact here in Dubai and has an extensive knowledge of the upscale social circle (the brunches, the posh bars/clubs, the restaurants), so it should be good.

They picked me up outside of Chili's (yeah, we have a Chili's here in Dubai, right near my flat) and we went to Emirates Towers where the bar and restaurant were located. We went to Bar 44, aptly named as the bar was on the 44th floor of the Tower. The bar was very classy, complete with snakeskin bar stools, the outer border of the actual bar was fitted nicely with black leather and there were white leather couches to sit on if you wished. The view was very nice, overlooking Media City (where I work). After a cocktail and some good convo we headed down to Buddha Bar, a lavish Asian Fusion restaurant. The exterior of the restaurant was set up with red VIP ropes and a red carpet, complete with security at the door opening the ropes to let us in for our 8 pm reservation.

The interior of the Buddha Bar was insane, with diamond-encrusted floors, huge hanging red silk curtains, a large golden Buddha (about 100 ft tall) sitting watching everyone eating. The food and the atmosphere were amazing and it didn't hurt that Mrs. Evans was nice and signed the bill. The evening was an excellent experience and it was great to meet Mrs. Evans and Tom, as I hope both remain great contacts as the years go on.

Today (Friday) I woke up around 11 am and went for a run and lifting session at the free gym in the Amwaj cluster of flats. I was able to workout on the bench and do some shoulders and triceps stuff. I am bent on staying fit while I am here and in general and, so far, it is going fairly well.

For lunch, I made the last box of mac n' cheese from my folks (a bittersweet meal to say the least), but it was just as amazing as the first box.

This afternoon, I am going to a pool party on the roof of Jumeirah Lake Towers, where my Icelandic friend, Helgi, lives with my flatmate Stan and buddy Jay. The party should be fun and it will be cool to be in a pool 40+ stories up, almost Vegas style.

Again, I hope everyone is having a great week

Cheers,

Brian

Back in Action tomorrow

2009-09-11T01:15:00.001+04:00

Dear loyal readers,

I apologize for my flakiness of late, I will resume my daily posts tomorrow.

Cheers,

Brian

Beginning of the week , leftovers

2009-09-08T08:08:00.004+04:00

The past few days have been a bit uneventful really...not too much to write about unfortunately. I have done the same ol' morning, work, and work out routine. I did make some insanely delectable spaghetti bolognese with a sun-dried tomato-based sauce last night and I will be taking the leftovers to work for lunch today, which I am extremely happy about!

The first half of the week has run smoothly, but whenever things run to smoothly, it must as well be deemed, "The calm before the storm". So I sit at my desk working hard and yet, waiting for the next huge assignment.

I hope everyone in the States had an enjoyable Labor Day Weekend

Cheers,

Brian

Tailgating, Dubai style

2009-09-05T16:35:00.003+04:00

First and foremost, GO GREEEEEENNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As all of you know, I'm sure, the mighty Michigan State Spartans open their season today against Montana State...I, for one, am looking forward to another bowl-season...Eventhough I will probably not be able to watch a live game here in Dubai. That being said, my support for the team and love for Spartan football transcends the geographical and media boundaries and I will continue to be a die hard Spartan over here in the middle east.

So, Thursday was a busy day at work and promised to be a fun night because it was my friend (who went to MSU) Orna's birthday party on the man-made Palm Jumeirah, http://www.palmjumeirah.ae/. After another busy and productive week, it was nice to relax and enjoy the weekend. The party was great with lots of people and beer pong!

Friday saw me wake up late, watch four movies (watchmen, bronson, dolan's cadillac, and Transformers 2), and eat chinese food with my flatmate, Stan, and buddies Jay and Will.

Today (saturday), I woke up around 11 am and went for a run and lifting session that was an excellent start to my day. Around 4 pm, Stan and I got the fixings for some serious burgers (burger, cheese, avocado, egg, lettuce, mushroom sauce, ketchup, pineapple) and had a feast.

Now I am gonna try to figure out a way to watch or at least follow my spartans!

once again, GO Green!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers,

Brian

pasta bologn-YAY!

2009-09-02T20:11:00.003+04:00

Well the first two days of September have gone off without a hitch!

Yesterday (Tuesday), I woke up at my new time and promptly showered up for work and then prepped by looking at the regional news websites which is a good thing to do, keeps you aware of goings on around you that aren't included in my regular beloved American news sites.

Around 20 to 9 am, I taxi'd into work and started my day. The morning was busy and productive, much like the other mornings have been. I am constantly engaged in work and I actually enjoy that. I am a self-proclaimed forward-thinker and know that the work I am doing now will greatly benefit me in future interviews and jobs.

For lunch, we ordered from "Circle" and I "took" a caesar salad. The salad was as runof the mill as a caesar salad can be, but one can't expect too much. After lunch, we headed back to work and I rolled out of the office at a cool 6 pm.

After work, I came back, changed into lounging clothes and hung out. My flatmate and I watched "Pineapple Express", a hilarious American comedy and I made pasta bolognese, which was AMAZING! I used a whole jar of sauce, a full package of beef mince, and the full pound of pasta, eventhough the sauce wasn't my recipe, but Ragu's, it was awesome.

Today (Wednesday), I woke up as my alarm yelled at me and slowly made my way to the shower and cleaned up for the new day. Feeling refreshed after the shower, I taxi'd into work after a quick glance at the news and began my day My boss was back and we showed him the work we had done in his absence...I think he was pleasantly surprised that we didn't lighten our load much in lieu of his presence in the office.

For lunch today, we ordered McDonald's. I was going to order something much healthier when something on the McD's menu caught my eye and called my name (metaphorically speaking, naturally). This enticing menu item was the aptly named "Chicken Big Mac" and consisted of two crispy chicken patties and then everything on a Big Mac...pure genius if you ask me.

So after tackling this "Chicken Big Mac", it was back to work writing proposals and continuing some on-going projects. I was surprised at both my efficiency and the fact that I could justifiably leave at 5 pm.

After work, I headed flat-ward and once again geared up to go running and lifting in the Dubai September blaze. For all of you worried about my hydration, don't, I drink 3 liters of water in total before, during, and after my workout, so I am replenished. Anyways, I ran to the gym about a mile away and had a solid lifting sesh, then jogged back to my flat.

For dinner, I had the leftover pasta bolognese (bowtie pasta, if you must know) and a banana with water to drink. This meal was delectable and wholesome.

Now, I am gonna shower up and start reading Crime and Punishment because I was frankly too lazy to start it yesterday.

I hope everyone is doing well!

Cheers,

Brian

Well, August went quick

2009-08-31T20:20:00.003+04:00

Sunday began yet another week of work and yet another few days of productiveness with a spot o tediousness. The rebranding process is never an easy one and the logistics never fall right the first go around and I am quickly learning how important a keen eye is to the process.

I have been waking up slightly later these days for work because I have thrown aside my backpack workout (somewhat literally) and have started lifting at the free gym I mentioned in a previous post (which you no doubt read and took to heart). I awoke once again to the familiar ringing of my alarm and prepared for the day.

For lunch, the French Crew, Wendy , and I ordered Thai from Lemongrass. I "took" pad thai with chicken, which was very tasty and the perfect size portion for the mere 22 dhirams (like $6).

After lunch, I buckled down at my desk for a few hours and was able to head home around 430 pm (I love the Ramadan work schedule, which will be short-lived when the boss returns on wednesday).

Upon returning home, I changed clothes and got into "my work out kit" and threw on "my trainers" (these of course are British terms for "running clothes" and "running shoes". I ran the length of the marina walk and went to the gym for my bicep, tricep, and shoulder workout and ran back.

I am very happy with my new found routine and will be able to stay in shape throughout my stay in Dubai, which was my goal in the first place.

Sunday night found me in bed by 10 pm.

This morning (Monday), I woke up early for some reason and read some more Great Expectations, which I am happy to say I will finish tonight right at my month deadline. I will begin the literary masterpiece, Crime and Punishment, tomorrow.

After an hour or so, I showered up and headed to work. With only a few days before the return of the boss, it is "go time" in the office to finish tasks and get started on projects that will be in full swing upon his arrival.

For lunch today, I brought in some more of that American mac n cheese I love so much and had a Pepsi with it. I was very happy because it filled me up and tasted phenomenal. After lunch, it was back to work until about 6 pm, then headed home.

Once again, I threw on my work out stuff and ran to the gym for a solid 1.5 hr workout and then ran back and immediately grabbed a 1.5 liter water bottle and a banana from the supermarket at the base of my building.

For dinner, I am currently enjoying a footlong turkey and "turkey ham" on wheat complete with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, green peppers, and a stripe of mayo, the perfect sandwich (from Subway, naturally).

After dinner, I am gonna finish that book and probably hit the hay early.

If you are in East Lansing, My frat (phi kappa psi of MSU) is having a party tonight, I'm sure it'll be off the chain and what not...at the very least enjoy welcome week and have a drink on my behalf because I will admit that I miss being there for the festivities.

To everyone else, i hope you are well!

Cheers,

Brian

Sum Weekend

2009-08-29T22:39:00.004+04:00

Well it's been an interesting weekend!

On Thursday, I woke up and headed in to work for what proved to be a very productive day. I wrote about 4,500 words in product descriptions for the media offer. This small thesis was a bit of a daunting task (it's hard to creatively describe hundreds of products). For Lunch, we ordered Hardees and we had discount vouchers for a huge double cheeseburger combo with curly fries, so I hopped on that bandwagon and it was quite delectable (I need to be eating more salads, sandwiches actual healthy food).

I was able to leave work around 5 pm and head home to see what the weekend had in store for me. My flatmate, Jon, is back in England for 10 days, so it's just Stan (South African), Lilly (the dog), and me. I have been given the task of walkin and feeding Lilly.

Thursday night, Stan and I just chilled at home and watched a fighting movie called Undisputed 2. It was in no way a cinematic masterpiece, but it was an enjoyable flick and nice to relax and watch mindless entertainment.

Friday, I woke up nice and late (around noon) and immediately made myself some mac n cheese that my folks had sent from the good ol' USA. After eating and hanging out, Stan and I went to the gym in the apartment building about a half mile from our flat and worked out. After a decent chest and back workout, we jogged back home in the 105 degree heat and promptly downed liters of water.

After our hard workout, we went over to a buddy's flat (will) and hung out. After a lil while, we headed down to a dude named Jameel's (works with my flatmates) flat, which is a huge "duplex" complete with white leather and a spiral staircase. We played Pro V football (soccer to us americans of course) and it was cool.

After playing video games for a few hours (which I hadn't done in years), we ordered chicken sandwiches and rice from a place called Nando's. These sandwich were gi-normous and extremely tasty.

After dinner, I got a call from my buddy Jay to come out to a party in the same building as one I was at last week. I showered up, threw on my polo and some jeans and headed over. As soon as I reached the floor of the party, I could here that it was a wild one. I was greeted at the door by two girls dressed in crazy costumes. As I moved further inside the flat, I was greeted left and right by costumed people. I met up with my buddy and saw that he was hangin with people I had met last week at the South African barbecue (a few South African and the Icelander). The night was fun and I didn' get to bed til way past my bedtime.

Today (Saturday), I honestly didn't do much besides sleep, eat, walk the dog, and watch Manchester United beat Arsenal i a rather sloppy effort from both sides on the pitch. I am very happy with the victory and glad to take Arsenal down a peg. I watched the game in Jameel's flat with some of his flatmates (all from Britain), a guy called Benny from Liverpool, Stan, and a local dude named Hassan. It was fun and all the guys are insanely knowledgeable about "footie".

Now I am going to head to bed because I have work bright and early.

Happy Welcome Week to all those at MSU! To everyone else, I hope all is well!

Cheers,

Brian

World Record Ad

2009-08-27T15:59:00.002+04:00

This bus ad will be immortalized in the Guiness Book of World Records...until the record is broken, of course.

Workin and workin out

2009-08-26T20:33:00.003+04:00

Yesterday, I woke up at the usual hour and did my calisthenics and backpack workout before showering up for work. Work has been extremely efficient this week, what with the Ramadan hours and shorter work day. From 9 am- 5 pm (with 45 min for lunch), I am living and breathing marketing.

For lunch yesterday I had a caesar salad and Wendy was nice enough to give me some of her baked ziti, which was an excellent addtion to an otherwise boring lunch.

I got out of the office around 530 pm and taxi'd back home. I went for a run with my flatemate Stan along the Dubai Marina Walk, apparently a hopping social scene when the weather isn't 100+ and when it's not Ramadan. I have run everyday this week and hope to continue the trend through my stay here.

Last night was the farewell party for the other intern, Rania, who's internship was throughout the summer. It was a nice party and even though French conversations surrounded me, it was a good time. When I left the party around midnight (because I had work in the morning!) I got into a cab with a new driver and we got a little lost in Dubai. After about 20 min, I was finally back home.

This morning i set my alarm for a bit later to grab a decent 7 hours of sleep. When my alarm went off, I showered up and made some mac and cheese that my parents were nice enough to send me from the States. threw it in a container I bought and took it and a banana into work for lunch, which was delectable.

Today at work, the stress level was a bit high around the office, but sometimes, stressful environments bring out the best work. I left the office around 5 and came home ready for a nice workout.

I heard from a coworker that there was a gym in a building at the end of the apartment complex that was free. I ran there and had an excellent weight workout and then ran back. I hope that I will be able to get to this gym regularly and keep up my fitness the proper way (no offense to my backpack).

Well Stan is making some roasted duck, so I'm off to eat a late dinner.

cheers,

Brian

It's Ramadan, Hooray, Ramadan!

2009-08-24T18:28:00.002+04:00

Ramadan Kareem to everyone!

It is official, Ramadan has begun (Saturday kicked it off). For those of you who don't know, This means no eating, drinking, chewing, or smoking (which I don't do anyway) in public from sun up to sun down everyday for one month. The reason it is significant, obviously, is that this is a primarily Muslim region and this is a month of cleansing and discovering the Quran.

What this means for us Westerners and other Expats that are not Muslim: we can not eat lunch at work in public space or outside, we have to sit in the meeting room sectioned off from the rest of the office, no drinking water after a run until I am back in my flat, and (my favorite) office hours are officially 9 am- 3 pm. Although this is the case, the Marketing team (including me) leave somewhere around 5-530 pm, which is very nice.

I have vowed to go running everyday of Ramadan in an effort to maintain my health and fitness because the Dubai weather and lifestyle inspires laziness and bad eating habits (which I am avoiding as best as possible).

I am continuing to read Great Expectations and hope to finish it by the end of August so I can begin reading Crime and Punishment (a slightly taller order). It's all about culture for me these days and I firmly believe my vocabulary and my writing will improve further with the reading of these classic works of literature.

I am off for a post-run dinner.

cheers,

Brian

Bru mind the potjie fer me, Bru?

2009-08-22T11:10:00.002+04:00

A pleasant Saturday to all of you out there!

It has been a few days since I last wrote so I will do what's only fair and fill you in on the goings on of the past few days.

Thursday, I went to work and worked hard from 9 am-9 pm. After work, I came home and had a Skype appointment with my Ma because Thursday was her Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Around 10 pm my time, 2 pm hers, we started chatting. My brother and I had sent her flowers to be delivered on her birthday (the beauty of online ordering). Just as we started chatting and my bro had also joined the convo, there was a knock on the door and the flowers were delivered.

Talk about excellent timing!

After I chatted to my mom and bro, I threw on my dress shirt and jeans and went with my flatmate to a friends apt. just a few buildings away and proceded to have a good night and meet a lot of people.

Friday, I woke up in the early afternoon and made myself a huge container of which I will eat the rest of today (pretty excited about it). After my lunch of champions, I went to the pool for a bit and then showered up to go to a South African "Potkjie".

"Potkjie" if Afrikans for "small pot" and is a traditional, slow-cooking way to make excellent tasting meat and veggies served over steaming hot rice. I was loving it and had 3 or 4 bowls of the stuff. I will own a potjie when I get my own place and settle down for a bit, it was like a crockpot meal but so much better.

Well that brings us to today, Saturday, Ramadan has begun, so no public eating, drinking, smoking (which I don't do), or listening to music. Today, I think I will catch up on a bit of reading, maybe join my flatmate on his friend's boat, who knows.

It's a workday tomorrow, but the hours are shorter for Ramadan, so I will hopefully leave at 5 instead of 8 or 9.

I am going to enjoy my trough of pasta and then see what the day holds.

Cheers,

Brian

Writing History

2009-08-19T20:22:00.003+04:00

As promised, I will update y'all on the goings-on of yesterday:

I woke up to the sound of my alarm shouting at me to wake up and begin the day. After doing some calisthenics, I showered up and headed in to work for, what I thought would be a normal day in the office.

Little did I know that today, I would have the chance to become part of a world record (just like Usain Bolt, but with advertising). I will fill you in on the exact details on Saturday because the event will be held between now and then. (I know, I wish I could tell you now too)

Anyways, an advertisement I copywrote for will be used in this world record feat and also used by an entire sector of our product lines from now on.

I will upload a pic of the ad after the event.

So today (wednesday) was a little less exciting for me, but it was busy and rewarding. We are going through a re-branding and my English abilities are coming in very handy.

The French crew, Wendy, and I ordered McDonald's today for lunch (that's right, ordered!..as in they deliver). I had a McChicken combo which was very similar to the American McDonald's.

The afternoon proved to be equally busy and rewarding as the morning (these two words describe the week thus far for me).

Well I am off to have a late dinner of dumplings.

Cheers,

Brian

Long, but very rewarding day

2009-08-18T23:57:00.000+04:00

will update you tomorrow

cheers,

Brian

Dubai version of Groundhog Day (the movie)

2009-08-17T21:33:00.003+04:00

It is official! My life has become a spinning record. Each day I wake up and do my backpack workout complete with crunches and push-ups. Everyday I shower up and taxi to work where I work as hard as I can from 9 am-715 pm (depending on the day). I then return to my flat and eat with my flatmates, which is quite nice. Then I go online for a bit, read my Great Expectations book, then head to bed.

That being said, it is beautiful to have friends, a consistent and rewarding internship, and a bit of consistency living in a crazy place like DUBAI. The weekends will be a time to change it up bit and catch up on sleep and the sights and scenes of Dubai.

Now, I am off to do my nightly reading.

Cheers,

Brian

p.s. The first paragraph of this blog entry describes the past 7 weeks of my life.

Win Rooney

2009-08-16T21:21:00.003+04:00

Woke up this mo'nin at 715 am ready for the day, then around 717 am, I was ready to get back to bed. I did my usual backpack routine, complete with crunches and pushups and then showered up for work.

I taxi'd on in to Shatha tower, my second home, my office, and arrived as the clock struck 9 am. Today at work was very busy, which I actually enjoy, because it gives you more opportunity t deliver results and become noticed.

For lunch, the French gang and I headed to our favorite establishment, circle, for a salad and some good conversation. I ordered a Caesar salad and a coke and enjoyed both immensely.

The afternoon brought with it more work and detail-oriented assignments...I remained sharp until about 715 pm and called it a day.

Upon returning home, I stumbled in on my flatmates making some food and they offered me a plate, which I took with the utmost gratitude. You see, both my flatmates work at the same office and both get home a good 2 hours before I do.

So after the great dinner, I checked my Man U score and, just as I expected, my boy Wayne Rooney put home the lone goal to seal an important 1st win for the red devils.

Now, I am gonna do some reading, then enjoy a sleep.

Hope everyone is well in the States and abroad!

Cheers,

Brian

The age of Aquariums

2009-08-15T22:29:00.002+04:00

To all of you out there who read my blog religiously (and I know there's countless), I apologize for not updating my bog yesterday.

So, after a nice quiet Thursday night hanging around JBR (the apartment complex), I woke up after a good 12 hour kip (british slang for sleep) and had myself a large bowl of honey cheerios. After brunch (as it was 1 pm when I woke up), I hung out until I got a call from a buddy named Jay, who works with my flatmates to go to the Dubai Beer Festival.

The original plan was to go to Jays friends' flat, Craig (from Glasgow with a thickkk Scottish accent) and Matt (from Leeds), and have a drink then head over. We did go over to the flat and we did have a drink, but we never made it to the festival. Instead, we met up with some more of jays friends and headed over to a bar called "The Locker Room", where it was 140 dhirams (38 bucks) for an open bar from 7-10 pm.

The bar was fun and everyone's thirst was quenched by the time we left. After the bar, I came home and fell asleep watching YouTube videos.

This morning (Saturday), I woke up and had some spicy Ramen noodle soup with added veggies and pork which was excellent. After my lunch, I went down to the pool for a refreshing dip and because it's been ages since I went swimming (almost a fortnight!).

After swimming, I felt adventurous and decided to go to the biggest shopping mall in the world (that's right, world), The Dubai Mall. This place was huge and had every store imaginable, over 1200, and plenty of restaraunts as well. I grabbed an amazing Chocolate shake from Bob's Easy Diner (apparently out of Philadelphia) and perused the stores. Just walking the length of the mall took my 3 hours.

Inside the mall, they have an aquarium, a fashion catwalk, a huge movie screen, and stores like Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton, Porsche Design...it was something to see. The aquarium had a glass window so you could look in at the tank and see all the fish, rays, sharks, and other fascinating aquamarine animals.

I ended up buying a new wallet in Diesel, a platinum colored leather wallet with a coin purse inside and legit cloth in the bill compartment for only 150 dhirams ($40). I am very pleased with my purchase (you can't come out of the world's largest mall empty handed).

After the mall, I came home for dinner, roast duck, which was amazing. My flatmate had bought the duck in China Town and it came with its head still on like in A Christmas Story. Today was an excellent day as far as food and adventures go.

Now I am gonna read a lil, then hit the hay.

Cheers,

Brian

Subway and Skype...a nice evening

2009-08-12T22:25:00.004+04:00

Well, my day started a bit earlier than expected when i woke up at 550 am and couldn't get back to sleep. I was able, however, to catch up a bit in Great Expectations, which put a nice twist on a crappy situation (not being able to sleep).

When my alarm ceremoniously went off, I was wide awake, nose-deep in my book and got out of bed to get ready for the day. I threw on my trusty violet dress shirt...the same shirt I wore when my advertising class group pitched our winning campaign to our client and headed in to work. Today at work was very busy, but I was able to manage my time well and, even though 95% of my time was spent working, I was able to come home around 7 pm which was nice.

For lunch today we (the 20 somethings in the office) went to Circle for the 12th time this month which means two things:

1 We go to Circle too darn much

2. I ATE FOR FREE!!!! (they have frequent eater cards and mine was filled in less than a month)

I ordered a nice baked penne dish and a Coca-Cola and it was delish. After lunch I continued my project juggling and went to a few marketing team meetings that were very productive.

Upon arriving back at my flat, I went to the store where I purchased a large bottle of water, then my way over to Subway where I purchased a footlong turkey sub on sesame bread (which I wish they had in the States) with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickles (cuz I like to party), and green peppers with a strip of mayo...a glorious S.O.B. of a sandwich.

After enjoying my Subway, I Skyped my parents and brother for a long time and the conversation was great. Unfortunately, my camera is not working on my Mac, so I have to sort that out. Today was the first time I got to "talk" with my bro since he got back to the States, so that was nice.

Now I am probably just headin to bed...the weekend is near!

I wish y'all a pleasant day!

cheers,

Brian

South Afri-Stan

2009-08-11T22:16:00.003+04:00

The days are long, the work is engaging, times moves fast, the weekends are raging.

That being said, today was very similar to yesterday except for lunch. Today Wendy, Rania, and a nice Lebanese coworker named Rayan (pronounced like Ryan) and I went Al Merkaaz (a Lebanese restaurant). I "took" penne carbonara with beef bacon and it was amazing. I have only eaten pasta three times since I've been here in Dubai (I used to eat pasta at least 3 times a week in the States).

Work went smoothly and I got home around 715 pm. Stan (from South Africa) made a South African stew that was delectable.

Now, I am marinating til bed.

Hope everyone is well!

Cheers,

Brian

Circle gets the square

2009-08-10T21:51:00.002+04:00

The day started off like any other workday in Dubai it seems, with my phone yelling at me to wake up and my bed way too comfy to leave.

After forcing myself to leave the sheets and get out of bed, i immediately prepped my backpack for my workout routine and proceeded to do my sets. I don't know how exactly, but the backpack seems to be working, I have pretty much maintained whatever shape I was in before I headed over to Dubai without the access to a gym on a regular basis like I was used to in the States.

After I showered up, I roe in to media city with my flatmate and because there was so much traffic, he had to drop me about a 10 minute walk away from my building. I know that doesn't sound like much to y'all, but it was HOTTT today. I don't know exactly, but it must've been 50 degrees celsius.

When I got to work, Rania was there, it was the first time since I arrived that someone got to work before me, eventhough I always get there at 9 am (the time specified in my contract).

Work was good today, very productive and I was able to finetune my analytical and logical thinking skills. Once again the troupe wanted to go to Circle for lunch and I went along because the next time I go, I get a free meal!

After lunch, I worked hard until about 715 pm, then I cabbed home to find my flatmates enjoying some food and there was enough left over for me. I was very grateful and ate marinated chicken with rice and veggies, very delicious.

After dinner, I watched The Hangover again, just can't get enough of that movie. Now I am gonna read Great Expectations til about 1030 and then go to sleep.

Hope everyone's doing well!

Cheers,

Brian

Sunday Clothes

2009-08-09T22:26:00.003+04:00

Today was one of those days you look back on and say, wow, that was a productive day. I woke up at 702 am on the nose and immediately began my workout routine with vigor. I threw all my books and my laptop in my backpack and had myself a good lift. After I was pumped up for the day, I showered and shaved and got on my sunday clothes to head in to work.

At work, I met another member of the marketing team, who had been on vacation the entire time I've been here, Sebastien. Nice fellow, very smart. I proceeded with a work assignment until lunch, which was good. Rania, a coworker dude named Remy, and I went to Circle again (only 1 lunch between me and a free one!) and I "took" a turkey bagel sandwich with chips and salad, which was delectable.

After scheming to get a bite of Rania's cheescake, which was successful, we headed back to the office through the scalding Dubai summer air (almost 50 celsius). I had an extremely productive afternoon and left the office t 730ish very satisfied with myself. I also got word from my boss that he cleared my proposed holiday at the end of my contract and I WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!

This is exciting for me because Christmas and New Year's is a time to be with family and friends and that'll be great. BUT I am now even more determined to work as hard as I can and produce the best work that I can between now and then. Even if my contract runs out and that's it, I am determined to experience and learn as much as possible.

That being said, I am knackered and gonna go for a kip (sleep).

I wish y'all the best and hope you are finding life equally rewarding.

cheers,

Brian

What the Dickens?

2009-08-08T21:22:00.004+04:00

Saturday was a glorious day of inactivity and good eats.

After 10 solid hours of sleep, I threw on my threads and walked over to Dubai Marina Mall, nary a stone's throw from my flat. Once I got there, I perused a bit before landing in the food court area surrounded by a variety of lunch options. After much consideration and a few longing looks at the KFC menu, I decided to go for a nice asian wok place. I have veggies and rice all cooked up wok style. I must say, the food was tasty.

After lunch, I continued my perusal of the mall until I reached the Borders Express, my new favorite store and went straight to my favorite stand, the Penguin Classics. I have enjoyed Great Expectations so much (I'm about 1/3 of the way through it) that I have pledged to read at least one Penguin Classic a month during my time in Dubai and most likely will continue until I've read my share.

At Borders Express, they call it this because it is about 1/32 the size of a normal Borders Books and Music, I picked up two more "Penguin Classics". I bought David Copperfield by Dickens, a book I have heard a lot about but never read, and Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky.

I will come back to the States learned and with a wholesome vocabulary, not to mention well-read and fairly cultured.

I am going to read a bit of Great Expectations before bed.

Hope everyone is well back in the States and abroad.

cheers,

Brian

50th Post!

2009-08-07T15:35:00.003+04:00

Thursday meant the ending of the work week and the beginning of catching up on sleep and swimming and running.

My alarm went off at its usual ungodly hour and I got up and did my workout routine, which is working I think, hopefully 3 advertising books, a laptop, a marketing book, and my GRE prep book will continue to do the job as my weights. After I showered up, I hitched a ride towork with Jon and some dudes he works with. Jumped out of the car and walked about 5 minutes through the sauna to the office.

At the office, the day was brisk, but long with a late assignment taking me to 730 ish then I joined my room mate Jon at his buddy Graham's house (a nice villa) in "The Lakes" and we had a barbecue. The food was excellent and I was proud of my burgers, which I cooked and seasoned to perfection. Jon and Graham were giving me a hard time when I was making burger because of the whole being American thing (Graham is from London as well as Jon, but Graham is a Cockney..he has a great accent).

After the barbecue, we watched some 80s music videos Graham had on a compilation DVD, then headed back home to SLEEP.

I woke up today at 1115 am to my room mate stan yelling at me to come get some bacon and eggs...a brilliant way to be awoken I must say. I had the eggs over toast with a bit of ketchup and the bacon on the side...simply brilliant. After "brunch" Stan and I met up with Jay, a coworker of Stan and Jon's and a fellow Jumeirah Beach Residence resident at the pool behind our building.

Now I am going to read Great Expectations on the balcony for a while with my bottle of water handily by my side.

No plans for tonight yet, but I am alredy hungry, so hopefully I will cook/buy something delicious for dinner.

Cheers,

Brian

Fudd's, Run, and Air-Con

2009-08-05T22:56:00.003+04:00

Today was a fairly good day:

1. I created a To-Do list w/ the intention of broadening my knowledge (learn Adobe Creative Suite, Prep for the GRE, learn the Ins and Outs of Social Media, etc.)

2. Went for a run

3. Left work at 615 pm and headed home to the comfort of "Air-Con"

4. Went to Fuddrucker's where I piled on the lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles and enjoyed a 1/2 pound burger that was simply beautiful.

5. I read some Great Expectations and I plan on reading at least one "Penguin Classic" book a month, hopefully 2 or 3.

I am admittedly looking forward to the weekend and I hope it brings fun and sleeeeep.

Hope everyone is great

cheers,

Brian

Time will fly when you're in Dubai

2009-08-04T21:56:00.006+04:00

The days move quickly, the calendar pages turn, the time flies. I have been here over a month already and that honestly blows my mind. Only four weeks ago, I was an ignorant American in a city, in a part of the world I knew nothing about...and now, I am an ignorant American in a city, in a part of the world I know a little more about! Seriously, I am thankful everyday for these new experiences, the excellent work experience and challenge, and meeting people I never would have if I hadn't taking this opportunity.

Anywho, today started off much like the other wokdays, with the shrill sound of my alarm welcoming me to the new day. I was determined to workout this morning and workout I did. My routine you see is to put the 5 textbooks I brought with me and my laptop in my Real Madrid backpack (that I got in the real Madrid) and do curls and tricep whatcha-ma-call-its with the backpack, then I do 2 sets of 150 crunches and 50 pushups. This morning, I completed this workout and lived to tell the tale.

After my backpack fitness, I showered up and threw on snazzy work threads and headed into the office for another busy day in Media City. At the office I worked with the other intern and we continued our project. For lunch, about 10 of us went to this place that sells bagel sandwiches and salads called Circle...I believe I blogged about it previously, but my memory is blogged...I mean clogged. Anyways, it's a decent, simple restaurant and after 5 more trips, I will get a free meal because they give you a card an each time you eat there is a stamp...your 11th meal is free!

After lunch, I went back to work and our dept. had a nice brainstorming sesh and came up with ceative stuff. I left the office at a reasonable hour and made my way back to JBR, my home. I got back to the beautiful smells of cooking beef and veggies...my roomate was on a cooking spree and made enough for all o us...needless to say, I was very grateful.

After dinner, we watched The Hangover...classic film and now I will try to read a lil Great Expectations although the time is ticking away and I am getting closer to sleep by the second.

i hope everyone is doing well

cheers,

Brian

Sand and Blog

2009-08-03T21:04:00.004+04:00

Good news! I am not too tired to blog today!

This morning started off like most of my mornings these days, with the piercing sound of my mobile alarm ringing in my ears like a tea kettle screams when the water is at a boil. (Simile) Anyways, I got up and skipped my morning workout routine, which I assure you is a rarity and shall not happen again this week, for I must remain fit through my tenure here in Dubai, especially with the warm temperatures and constant beach-going and pool party attending.

It was 108 degrees today in Dubai and the air was extremely sandy! I stayed inside most of the day to avoid dehydration and pit-stains. The weather will only get worse before it gets better...but I shall make the best of it.

After showering, I threw on my newest suit pants, my blue striped shirt from Express, and my pink Jos. A Banks tie and headed to work to finish the project I was working on til late last night. Long story short, I finished the project in time and surprisingly to the satisfaction of my boss. I worked hard all day and finished the day off with a nice brainstorming sesh that will carry me into work tomorrow.

For lunch, I ordered from a place that sells sandwiches and salads, but only for delivery, and only for online ordering. This place doesn't even have a phone or an address and if the food isn't there in 20 minutes, it's free. The food was very good, but the circumstances of its origin are an enigma (GRE word). I talked with my fellow coworker who decided to stay at the office for lunch like me and we think the restaurant-in-question is located in the basement of our building. The food was in my hand 10 minutes after I ordered it. It is hard to get anywhere in ten minutes in Dubai.

After a decent, hard day's work, I returned to my flat around 715 pm to find Lilly the pug looking for a friend. I petted her for a bit, she is the funniest lil dog you'll ever meet. She doesn't have a disciplined bone in her lil body and she doesn't know the word "no". But she's so darn cute, you tend to forgive her. (she even crapped in he backroom haha...thought she got away with it too)

I ate dinner with my flat mates and now I am marinating. I will probably read more of Great Expectations by Chuck Dickens, a book that I picked up over the weekend and am already immensely enjoying. I will no doubt be asleep in an hour's time (before 1030 for sure).

I hope everyone is in good health and doing well

cheers,

Brian

Plum Tuckered

2009-08-02T22:50:00.001+04:00

I am too tired to blog (lame, I know)

see y'all tomorrow

cheers,

Brian

Beautiful weekend in Abu Dhabi/Dubai

2009-08-01T20:57:00.003+04:00

The week ended a bit weak...but I did get paid and that is awesome!

On Friday, I woke up late and was immediately greeted by the aroma of fresh food cooking on the stove. One of my new room mates friends was over and making spring rolls and dumplings. They tasted like heaven, unbelievable. I have been eating really well this week and I hope that streak continues.

After lunch, my room mate Jon told me about a peaceful beach in Abu Dhabi and asked me if I wanted to go. I immediately said yes and grabbed my camera and we were off. After about 45 min in the car, we arrived to a private beach club, very nice. I paid the 100 dhirams entrance fee (every bit worth it) and enjoyed a day by the pool and on the white sand and clear turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. Friday night, I just hung out and had a relaxing night.

This morning, I woke up after 10 glorious hours of sleep and decided to go for a run. I ran a few miles to the sounds of Taylor Swift, Akon, Flo-Rida, Michael Jackson...just to name a few. After my run, I downed a 1.5 liter bottle of water and did my backpack weightlifting and crunches/sit-ups. It was a great workout and I drank over 3 liters of water to replenish.

After my rigorous workout, I ate lunch and hung out with the room mates. Around 230, I took a bit of my hard earned dhirams and went to the mall where I got a sweet billabong tank top and some cool flip flops (of which I didn't have any, but they will be useful) for only 90 dhirams...a steal!

This evening, I just hung out and got some chinese food..gonna read a bit of the book I picked up at Borders at the mall, Great Expectations by Dickens. I must say I hope the book exceeds my great expectations.

My bro gets into the states today, I wish him safe travels

Hope everyone is doing well!

cheers,

Brian

call me Sheihkspeare

2009-07-31T19:35:00.010+04:00

The week ends, but I don't leave my chair,

I sit here waiting for someone who doesn't care,

The prospect of fun frolicking in my mind

Freedom for two nights, then back on the grind,

It's the eventful weekends I live for these days,

But it is my hard work, that in the long run, will pay

So I sit here and wait for who knows how long

Replay thoughts in my head, perhaps a favorite song

Years down the road when I sit in that corner office,

I will remember the pain I felt, when I was just a novice.

TGI Thursday

2009-07-31T18:53:00.002+04:00

Thursday morning, I woke up normal time and proceeded to do my full morning workout routine, which is actually working out quite nicely (pun intended). After said routine, I showered up and got dressed for work (rocking the tie with the sleeve rolled up look these days...I feel it says, I am professional and damn it, I work hard). Jon was nice and gave me a ride in to work with Stan and their friend/coworker Jay.

At work, the other intern and I worked diligently on our assignment and finished it around lunch time, which made for a calm afternoon. For lunch, Wendy, Rania, and I went to Al Merkaaz, the Lebanese place near my office building. I had a shish taoouk sandwich with fries, it was quite good.

The other intern and I had scheduled a meeting w/ the boss to discuss our assignment at 6 pm. When the magic time rolled around, he was on the phone with someone who we think was a friend, because he sang them happy birthday in Arabic. So Rania and I waited for him to get off the phone with his pal for an hour. Rania had big plans and needed to go, so she was stressing out and I just wanted to start my weekend. At around 715, he hung up and Rania explained to him she had to go. He said, no problem, we will talk Sunday morning...I want my hour of weekend back.

Last night, I hung out with the room mates and some friends it was a fun night.

Hope everyone is well wherever you may be!

cheers,

Brian

Working hard-ish for the Weekend

2009-07-29T22:31:00.006+04:00

Today, I set my alarm 20 minutes later than I normally do because it has been a tough week and those 20 extra minutes were glorious. I went in to work a bit early with my passport (3 yr resident's visa inside) and a "salary certificate" from my company and opened a checking account. The whole thing was a bit odd...for instance, they are sending me my acct. info via text tomorrow and then I have to wait two days for my ATM card. I was a bit wary of all this, but my coworkers assured me it was normal procedure and that the bank is good.

After I opened my bank account, I went into work and worked with Rania on our designated task for the day. I put my writing skills to work and with the help of Rania's logic, we produced a nice final product which the boss liked.

For lunch, I went to lebanese restaurant with Rania and I "took" a kebab sandwich, which is excellent, filling, and only 16 dhirams ($4.50 or so). We had a nice lunch and a good break from work.

After lunch we presented our work to the boss and he liked it. After corresponding with corporate in Europe on a few things, I called it a day. I returned to the apartment around 730, another somewhat normal time, and immediately began contemplating what I should eat. I ended up making pasta with pesto sauce and melted mozzarella. It was amazing and I was happy.

After dinner, Jon, Stan, and I just hung out and talked about sports, "football" (soccer) and Formula 1 (Schumacher coming out of retirement).

Tomorrow is payday which is nice, but it is also the weekend after work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am really looking forward to sleep, working out a bit, relaxation, and a bit of fun.

cheers,

Brian

Meetings and Eatings

2009-07-28T23:01:00.005+04:00

Today was a good day and I say that with confidence. You see, today Rania (the other intern and I) were scheduled to run a meeting concerning a very important endeavor the company is undertaking. We held the meeting and it went very smoothly, we had great ideas, I took on a leadership role, the boss loved it. I was on cloud 9 after it, much like after my group's presentation for my Advertising Capstone course at MSU. The rest of the day at work was fairly smooth and uneventful.

For lunch, Rania, Wendy, and I went to the Lebanese restaurant around the corner called Al Merkaaz. They have excellent kebab and shish taoouk (chicken) sandwhiches which I normally order, but today I went for the penne arrabiatta. It was really good and spicy, there was delicious parmesan sprinkled over it, a real work of art.

I left work at 630, a rarity, and headed back to my flat in a taxi. When I got home my two room mates were out running on the beach so I decided to wait for them to return before I decided what to do for dinner. My new room mate, Stan from South Africa, had a preceding reputation as a master chef and he exceeded that tonight. For dinner we had stuffed chicken breast with spinach, onion, garlic in a white sauce with mozzarella with cauliflower, cucumber, carrots on the side and a great salad on the side. Not only was it one of the best meals I've had in Dubai...it was freaking healthy!

Hopefully more meals like that will happen in the future.

Good Tuesday for sure.

Cheers everyone

Brian

Just call me the human dictionary...or Brian, whichever works for you

2009-07-27T21:53:00.009+04:00

It's my 40th post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well today started off on the wrong foot, mainly because I had to wake up at 540 am to go into work and rearrange my presentation for the boss, who wanted to see it "first thing in the morning". To be honest, I have learned that my best work comes in the morning. I, although I don't admit it often, am a morning person. I went right into the office guns blazing and created a masterpiece thanks to Taylor Swift, Darius Rucker, and, of course, Shaggy singing in my ears.

My boss came into the office early for a meeting right as I put the finishing touches on the work of art that was my presentation. I spent the rest of the day updating media offers and serving as the Marketing Dept. dictionary because I am the only native english speaker in the office.

I went to lunch with all French people today, usually there is one other non-French co-worker with us, but today, I stood alone in my English-ness. I spent the lunch hour enjoying my bagel sandwich and chips while chatting (Chat means cat in French by the way, Rosetta Stone you see)...mind you there were no cats involved.

At the end of the work day, as it always happens (at least now I know it's coming), my boss laid a project on me and the other intern, Rania (from Morrocco). It's not a bad job actually and should prove not only time consuming and tedious...but there might be a twinkle of fun in there as well.

After work, I came home and enjoyed some water, the second half of my Subway from last night, a banana, and a can of Heinekin (the perfect dinner, I know). Afterwards, I met my room mate's friend, Stan, who he works with and who is moving in to the room next to mine. He seems like a cool dude. He's from South Africa and is more my age, so he should be a good room mate to have.

well, after a 13 hour work day, as my room mate says,"I'm nekkid"

Cheers everyone,

Brian

prose and cons of writing presentations

2009-07-27T05:23:00.002+04:00

Sunday at work was very interesting. As you recall, I had a presentation that I finished at the end of last week, right before the food poisoning set in. Because I had to leave, I was unable to go over my presentation with my boss until 6 pm yesterday, and because of this, I worked all last night rearranging it and will go into work really early to finish it up, because I decided to go home to sleep for a reasonable 5 hours.

I will see you all tonight, probably beyond exhausted

Next presentation will be spotless

cheers,

Brian

Mac n Cheese > IMAX?

2009-07-25T19:47:00.002+04:00

It is amazing to me that an IMAX movie and a box of mac and cheese cost about the same thing. It costs 30 dhirams (around $8) to see an IMAX movie and 31.75 dhirams (more expensive) for a box of kraft mac n cheese. This is both appalling and just plain wrong, but it WILL NOT deter me from my mac n cheese fix every now and then. That being said, I am making a box of mac n cheese as we speak and it better taste amazing.

Today was anther lazy saturday in Dubai and also my 4th Saturday spent in this unique city. This first month has flown by, which I must say I am pretty happy about because the weather is dreadful. Next month, August, temperatures will rise to 50 degrees celsius, or about 122 degrees fahrenheit! I hope August goes the fastest outta the months I spend here because it will be a nightmare outside every day.

Today was spent either by/in the pool, getting my haircut at a Lebanese salon ("They're good boys"-Jon, room mate), or hanging with Lilly, the pug. Another work week looms ahead and another month will be in the books at week's end.

I hope everyone is doing well!

cheers,

Brian

Optimism

2009-07-25T11:23:00.003+04:00

I am a very optimistic dude...saying that, I feel it is good that I got sick this weekend because it might mean that I got it out of the way for the rest of my stay here in the Dub. I do know one thing now that I didn't before lunch on Thursday: Never trust Chicken Tandoori thats out on display. It is pure bad news.

On a lighter note, during my recovery from thurs night/friday, I have been relaxing by the pool, reading and listening to some good tunes; so it hasn't been all bad. I watched Love Actually last night, which, although a raging chick flick, is one of my favorite films.

Today, I am just going to grab some lunch, hang out, and try to do something productive.

cheers,

Brian

dont mess with the tandoori

2009-07-24T13:12:00.002+04:00

I could tell when my alarm went off at 648 am and I promptly changed it to 748 am, that my day was gonna be less than amazing. Work and everything was fine and busy, but I was stupid and tried a sketchy Chicken Tandoori wrap at lunch. I left the office promptly at six and was sick the rest of the night until I finally got to sleep around 230 am. I still feel a bit wrong today, but I am drinking loads of water and had a little food just now.

I am gonna go down to the pool and relax.

Sometimes we have days like these, you just hope they are few and far between.

Hope everyone had a better Thursday!

cheers

Brian

Boss Man

2009-07-22T22:48:00.004+04:00

This morning, I rolled out of bed reluctantly at 648 am when my alarm went off to do my new work out routine, of 60-90 (depends on the day) pushups, 300 crunches, and 3 sets of 15 curls with my backpack filled with textbooks and my laptop...all the right gym equipment. I did my thing and then showered up for another busy day in the office.

Today, big boss man, Emanuell, was coming in for a visit and we all had to dress nice and those of us who don't work hard normally, which is not me I assure you, had to pretend like they were working hard. Emanuell is the CEO , the top of the food-chain. He was very friendly in the 90 seconds I met and asked him "how are you?" (clever, right?). He had a deep voice and I have a sneaking suspicion that when I talked back in my even deeper, but very normal tone, he thought I was mocking him.

The rest of my day was spent with my pal Sofien working on a presentation for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Sofien is ridiculously awesome with graphic design and the presentation is coming along well, just need to put finishing touches on it tomorrow morning.

After work, my coworker Wendy offered me a ride with her and her Fiance', Alan (also from Hong Kong). I actually got two free rides today because my flatmate, Jon, gave me a ride to the CNN building (about a 3 minute, albeit sweaty walk to my building...Shatha Tower) 20 Dhirams (6-7 bucks) that saved me!

So what did I do with this money I saved, I spent it on a 2/3 pound burger from Fuddruckers of course! And yes, like I mentioned in a past blog entry, we have a Fuddruckers in my complex (about a 2 min walk from my apartment). The burger was amazing and I left once again satisfied.

Now, I am gettin ready for bed, cuz 648 am is not far away!

cheers to everyone

Brian

2day in a nutshell

2009-07-21T20:14:00.004+04:00

Hello Everybody!

I apologize to all my regular readers (crickets) for not posting anything yesterday. it was kind f a long day and blogging wasn't in the cards. But don't fret y'all, I will be working into the wee hours of the morning quite often, so I will have to get used to late night, weekday blogging.

So, yesterday was the first day back from a mere three day weekend, but it kinda felt as if I had been gone at least a week. The morning went by very smoothly...a little too smoothly. I was editing and updating media offers, nothing ridiculous. Then 1 oclock came around, lunchtime! A group of us, of which I was yet again the lone English speaker, went to this place circle, which is like a hip bagel bar. They have those long rectangular plates with salad on one side of the bagel sandwich and chips (or as my British flatmate calls them, crisps) on the other. It was a solid lunch, I even talked a little Harry Potter with the graphic designer/web designer Florian DeGesincourt (can't make that name up). Florian was a bit bored with the new Harry Potter flick, apparently not enough wand-wielding action or too few spine-tingling spells.

After lunch, arround 230, my boss approached me with a sly grin and unloaded a huge project to be finished that night for the sponsorship of clocks in two different airports. My boss also enlisted the help of a graphic designer, it was a proper copywriter/art guy team. Long story short, we finished the presentation around 1230 am and I was home, eating spaghetti bolognese my flatmate had made hours earlier, by 1. I officially worked my first 16 hour day.

I woke up this morning at 730 a bit tired, I must say. Jon was nice enough to give me a lift (he had been worried when I wasn't home when he went to bed at 11 pm). I continued my streak (which spans the time I have worked for the company) to be the first person in the office. I worked all day on a presentation for the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix which is due by the end of the week.

I also was given the task of binding my very first presentation. Binding the presentation was just about as hard as writing it. I finally got the thing cut and bound, with too much help from my buddy I worked with last night, Sofien from Tunisia. I left the office at 630 with the Abu Dhabi project looming above my head for the next two days.

I walked home from the office, which is a proper cardio workout in the heat and all. But don't worry, I drank 1.5 bottles of water (1.5 liters each oddly enough), so I am well-hydrated. I picked up some fabric softener on the way back and came back to Jon and the maid (she walks the dog and cleans on Friday), Lucille, mopping the floors because his bathroom had leaked and the flat apparently was under feet of water. I managed to come in right as they finished cleaning which, to be honest, I was bittersweet about.

I had homemade dumplings, made by one of Jon's friends and dropped off for us. They were quite good, spinach dumplings with crab meat inside. They were a new experience for me and I liked them! Now I am just relaxing, starting to really enjoy my free time.

I hope everyone back in the States and abroad is doing well

cheers,

Brian

holiday

2009-07-19T22:20:00.004+04:00

Today was a Muslim holiday, celebrating the rising of the prophet Mohammed. This also meant no work for me today.

I woke up at a reasonable 1030 to the little pug that lives in the apartment attacking my room mate's laundry guy, with whom the pug has a personal vendetta for undisclosed reasons, mainly because dogs can't disclose reasons to people, t doesn't work that way. Anyways, amidst all the hub-bub, I woke up.

After watching the laundry man literally run screaming into the "rubbish area", I went out to the elevators and made my way to the pool with my ipod and my Kaplan GRE book to do some prepping. See, I plan to take the GRE in January or February to have it in my back pocket incase the job search upon my arrival stateside, which will be a worldwide search, doesn't turn out well and Graduate School is the best option.

At the pool, I read a chapter of the book and then went for a dip. After the pool, I came back to the apt. with some mozzarella cheese and made myself pasta with melted mozzarella, which was delectable and cheap, great combo in my book. The rest of the afternoon was spent either back by the pool or chilling in the apt.

This evening, Jon was preparing a Bolognese sauce and then fell asleep and it became more like tomato soup. The sauce is currently in the fridge, we are hoping it thickens back up so we can have it for dinner tomorrow. So after the Bolognese debacle, I decided to treat myself to Fuddruckers, which is dangerously close to my flat, about a 5 minute walk.

At Fuddruckers, I had the burger combination plate. The combo consisted of any specialty 1/2 pound burger of your choice (I chose southern style), fries and a shake (I chose Chocolate), all for 42 AED or about 12 bucks. Now especially for Dubai, this is a deal and I was pleasantly surprised when I found that the burger tastes the same as it does at the Fuddruckers on Duke street in Alexandria, VA...They even have the same toppings and condiment arrangement. I left that place very happy and with a take out menu...They deliver!

Now, I am heading to bed, got to do my morning workout bright and early.

cheers everyone,

Brian

HP6

2009-07-19T11:08:00.003+04:00

pictured: centre court in the IBN Battuta mall

Saturday was another day of inactivity, but mainly because of the 90% humidity and 108 degree weather. I had been planning on going to the IBN Battuta mall (the one I used to go to for free internet when I first arrived) to see the new Harry Potter film. With the weather and the boredom, going to see Harry was a brilliant plan in my book. So I took a taxi to the mall, not too far away, and purchased my 1 pm ticket. The theater was massive and the screen must have been the biggest I have seen, short of IMAX. There were only about 10 other people in the theater, but the movie was great and the movie-going experience was nice.

After the movie, I taxi'd back home and hung out with Jon and his buddy Derek. We hug out on the balcony all night and listened to Jon's IPOD which is filled with great songs. Chill day, but a good day.

Rest is necessary sometimes

2009-07-18T17:16:00.001+04:00

my room in the "flat"...nice view, big bed, all the space I need

Friday was a day of pure relaxation and catching up on sleep. After waking up at 230 pm, I enjoyed a Subway sandwich by the pool and then went for a dip (30 minutes after finishing of course). After the pool, I just watched tv and hung out. My flatmate had some friends over and one of them cooked some amazing Chinese food, seriously professional quality stuff and I put three plates of that away. After dinner, I chatted with the rom mat and his friends and then went to my room and watched Trading Places, a classic movie, before going to bed with the prospect of seeing Harry Potter Saturday.

quite the lil thursday

2009-07-17T16:55:00.001+04:00

Thursday was a long day for me, spanning from 645 am when I woke up to the depths of the night when I went to sleep.

In the morning, I decided that doing a lot of pushups, sit-ups, and tri-dips will be my new routine every morning in an attempt to maintain at least some of my current fitness. After the routine, I felt satisfied with how much pain I was in and showered up for work. I arrived at work at the 9 am time everyone is supposed to, and once again, I was the first one in the office. Punctuality must mean something else in France, I am convinced.

At work, I edited and updated media offers for Dubai International Airport and worked on the World Cup presentation a bit more, this time it's more general so we can market to every sponsor of the Cup that would like to advertise in the Dubai Internat'l Airport. I left work at 6 pm on the nose to start my 3 day weekend by walking home in my gym clothes. When I got back to the apartment 30 min later, I looked as if I had run miles.

The night turned out to be really fun. My flatmate had some friends over (three "lads" from England that he works with) and we listened to music and talked a bit. We went out to the old town section of Dubai and saw a great live band play. Their first song was "Stairway to Heaven" and they did it justice...brilliant live band.

Got home late and slept in til 2:30 pm today!

hope everyone's good back stateside/wherever home is

cheers,

Brian

Let's Start a Diablog

2009-07-16T17:24:00.000+04:00

1. I am interested to see who looks at my blog

2. blogs should be 2 sided: author and reader

3. give me some comments and/or questions about Dubai or any crazy thing I write

i will write today's events tomorrow early afternoon, it promises to be a fun night

cheers,

Brian

look forward to hearing from you

Hello Deadline, It's nice to meet you

2009-07-15T20:08:00.000+04:00

I decided that because I worked until late last night and went in again early this morning, that I would save the pool exercise for after work and I did. I woke up, showered, got my work clothes on and taxi'd over to the office at 8 am to keep working on the client proposal for the World Cup. Long story short, I met the deadline and learned a lot about PowerPoint that I never knew before, which will serve me well from now on,

I found out two things about myself today, my motivation to get things done quickly should take a backseat to attention to detail...I learned how to do this better. I also learned that I can't tell the difference between dark gray and black. This was a huge problem because the presentation used dark gray a lot. I finally sorted that out and it was sent along with the sales team to South Africa for presentation.

For lunch today, we went to Vapiano, a hip, made-to-order, Italian restaurant. They give you a card when you go inside and you walk up to the counter of the food you want to have (pizza, pasta, antipasta, respectively) and swipe your card on a sensor. The order is put on your card and you are given a buzzer for when the food is ready. As people here say, "I took Salami Pizza", which was excellent and reminded me of pizza I had in Rome at an Albanian pizzeria. After we finished, we gave the cards to the cashier and everything was on the computer, pretty wild for a pizza.

I left work at a reasonable hour today, mainly because I got there an hour early, and taxi'd home to start pool exercising. I came back and went to the pool behind Sadaf 6 (my building is Sadaf 2) and was met by little kids galore. I hopped in the pool and did some running and such, which is difficult under water. I worked up a fast heartrate and sweat and had a good workout considering.

I came back to the apartment to find Jon in a swimsuit and running shoes saying that his "mate" is a personal trainer and is gona train him for free. He offered me to go, but I had a stress filled day and had just exercsed, so I said I would hit him up on it the next time.

I stayed at the flat and had the 2nd half of my subway from yesterday and the cookie I got with it. I am enjoying a relaxing evening and I anticipate another full day tomorrow before the long weekend.

I hope Harry Potter is good because I plan to see it on Friday after a fun Thursday night.

cheers everybody,

Brian

Tuesday...Dubai's "humpday"

2009-07-14T21:53:00.001+04:00

My alarm went off bright and early this morning at 6:05 AM and I reluctantly got up to do my laps, which, eventhough I only started the routine a few days ago, are becoming more manageable (I wheeze a lot less). After the laps, I grabbed a crucial 1.5 L water from the grocery near my building and headed upstairs to get ready, because I knew I should to get to work early...and I was right.

As you know I had to pretty much finalize that presentation today, which I did, although there will be a few last minute adjustments made when I go in tomorrow early to polish the already good work.

Just as I was on a roll pumping out the end of the presentation, someone came to get me for my mandatory medical exam for my residence visa. After getting blood taken and an always awkward chest x-ray, I was back at work, a full 75 minutes I wish had taken place on another day...oh well, life throws you lemons.

I finished work at 830 pm, mind you I started at 8 am...good, long day at the office. I was the last person to leave so the CFO of our branch lent me his key to lock up the office when I left! I have the key to the office.

The, I grabbed a taxi home and once again got Subway, only this time, I went with footlong turkey on sesame, which they don't have in the states and I quite like. I came to the flat with the sandwich and immediately Jon offered me the rest of this asian chicken and rice thing he'd made. I took the offer and had chicken, rice, veggies, and half of my sub. I have half a turkey footlong and a chocolate chip cookie to look forward to tomorrow for dinner!

I had fusili (twirly pasta) alfredo for lunch with mushrooms, it was actually very good and filling. Had good conversation with my coworkers Wendy (from Hong Kong) and Ranya (from Morocco).

Off to bed now, early laps and work again tomorrow...luckily, I have a 3 day weekend to look forward to this weekend, it's a national holiday of some sort!

Hope everyone's doing well!

cheers,

Brian

Mundane Monday

2009-07-13T22:18:00.000+04:00

I woke up this morning to do my laps and that all went swimmingly (i said it). Afterwards, I killed my Golden Grahams and headed to work. See, I have been given the job of creating a presentation for the world cup and it's crunch time (the deadline is in less than 48 hours)

So, I spent the entire day today (until 830 pm) putting together the presentation I thought was asked for, withholding my presentation that I had made when I was introduced to the project last week. Tomorrow, I need to somehow combine the two, so I will go into work early to work out the logistics of doing that and making the presentation more to my boss' specifications.

On a lighter note, I had a footlong from Subway for dinner and that was the highlight of my day. Jon was watching "Once Upon a Time in New York, excellent DeNiro film. If you should know anything about me, it's that I think Bobby DeNiro is the greatest film actor around, with Sean Connery coming in at a close second.

off to bed, work to be done tomorrow

cheers

Brian

Watch out Phelps, Brian's startin to swim

2009-07-12T22:56:00.001+04:00

pictured: part of 1 of 4 pools in the complex...they are necessary in 110 degree heat

Woke up today at the ungodly hour of 6:30 am, 10:30 pm Eastern Standard Time to go swim laps in the pool downstairs. I was able to complete the laps without looking like too much of a fool, but my swimsuit kept slipping down every lap. I got through my ten, most of it with my bum showing and went back upstairs to shower up for work. As of right now, 10 laps in the pool feels like 5-7 miles, hopefully I'll whip into shape quickly.

At work the day started slowly and kept going that route. I have two presentations to work on for promotional offers surrounding events, one is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is the 1st of Nov. and the other event is the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. These are two huge events and I am happy to work on these presentations. But after 3 days now of just Grand Prix and just World Cup, it's getting a little old. I hope to have these completed by the end of the week for my boss, who is a bit of a stickler.

Everyone young person in the office eats lunch together around 1 pm, it's actually great, because I am eating with 10-12 people instead of myself, which would be boring. Although sometimes I feel like I am eating by myself because everyone else speaks French as I have mentioned a few times before. But there was some good English convos today, I got invited by that guy Clement, who I think feels bad about the flat situation but is genuine, to play ultimate frisbee with him and his friends every Saturday...I'll probably take him up on it.

This evening, I changed into gym clothes and simply walked home from work, there was a slight breeze which was nice, but 103 degrees is 103 degrees, breeze or not. I got home sweaty as if I'd run a few miles and got myself a huge bowl of Golden Grahams...Jon, the roomie, came home a bit later and we watched a few more things on youtube.com...like this lil number, which is hilarious: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZN1puUwH0c

This evening, I Skyped my Pops because he got home from business last night after I was asleep and had a good convo. Just got my laundry out of the washer and put it on the DRYING RACK...old school,mate. Very old school...as Jon says.

well i hope everyone back home in va, michigan, and elsewhere are doing great, miss y'all

cheers everyone,

Brian

Old School

2009-07-11T22:19:00.000+04:00

Truly a lazy Saturday today, although I got the best sleep I've had in the country, 11 hours on my queen size bed. I woke up at 11 and had a proper brunch of golden grahams cereal with skim milk which was actually extremely delectable. After "brunch" I went to the pool where I hung out/swam laps/listened to music. After a while, I came back to the flat to chill and play with the pug, Lilly. She was tearing into her favorite Snoopy "teddy" as my flatmate calls it and we had a game of tug of war which she won of course.

Around 3, I decided to go for another dip and went down to a different pool than I was at earlier today, one right outside the backdoor of the apartment building (the apts. have four pools). I met up with Jon, the flatmate, and his buddy Derek and we hung out by the pool for a few hours.

I decided today that since gyms are ridiculously expensive here, I am gonna go Michael Phelps style and swim everyday for exercise. I have set the ambitious goal of 10 laps per day. It doesnt sound like much, but after 5 today, I was struggling. Hopefully I stick to this plan and come back in good shape.

Tonight, I showed Jon, who is 44, the magic of YouTube and he loved it. He had never been on it before and looked up his favorite song played live. It was amusing to see a grey-haired Brit enjoy youtube so much.

As he said, the music was "old school....really old school"

Well, I am gonna Skype the folks cuz Pops is getting back from his business trip to Brussels and then it's bed because i have work in the morning.

cheers,

Brian

Pirate Pong

2009-07-10T13:43:00.001+04:00

Yea, I worry too much. Everything with the money went fine and I moved in to the flat today no problem. My room is pretty big with a double bed,dresser, and big closet. The complex has four pools and tons of shops, it's really quite cool.

Last night, I did end up going out despite my panic and had a fun night. From my friend's place, we went to a penthouse party in the same apartments as I am in now, only a little further down the beach. This party was unbelievable, open bar, DJ, lights, different themes in different rooms. After doing a sweep of the place, we settled in the beer pong room. Being a 22 year old American, I know a little about beer pong, played it a handful of times, but not very many people at the party knew how to play. I was watching my friend play with a dude from South Africa, who I played pong with later on, cool dude with a sweet accent. As I was watching the game, a funny looking guy by the name of Barney came and asked me to tell him about the game. After i explained the rules he decided he wanted to play and we called next game.

Later on, when I was playing with the South African dude, Josh, our first opponents were classic. This is truly a you-shoulda-been-there type of thing, but I will try to paint the picture. First of all, they were well into their forties, secondly they were Italians who spoke comical English, and thirdly one of them looked like a pirate and decided to play without his shirt on and give us the death stare as many times as he could. Needless to say, we took care of these guys, but there was moment when we were down a cup, in between death stares from Jack Sparrow, that I was certain we would lose. The rest of the party was equally comical and I got back to the hotel around 330 am...fun times.

PS: hit me up w/ comments or questions about Dubai or what I've written, let's get some two-way communication goin

personal economic crisis

2009-07-09T20:44:00.000+04:00

I worry too much, always have. Last night I slept maybe 5 hours worrying about my banking situation, I can't get a local account for 2 weeks until my residence visa comes through and the ATM only lets me take out a certain amount per day. I have to give my new flatmate/landlord 3100 dhirams tomorrow, roughly $844.6866485 for the 1st months rent and the ATM has only let me have 1500 today. So hopefully I can take the rest out tomorrow morning before I check out of my hotel and move into the apartment. I figure I just need to get close, because if I pay him roughly $1089 out of 1129 dollar, I mean business! The dude is an old guy with a huge 401k and a financial market job out of London, I'll be fine. My friend Orna also offered to help which is very nice.

She just called and invited me out, it will be easier to seek her guidance if I go...not gonna spend much money between now and noon tomorrow, alarm is set to wake up and go ATM hunting.

I gotta "go make a pasta" as Italians say when they speak English.

cheers

Straight Puggin

2009-07-08T21:04:00.000+04:00

Wednesday morning, I woke up optimistic, Clement was going to talk to his room mates last night and I was going to come meet them tonight. It all sounded great and not at all too much to ask for. Apparently Clement wasn't totally truthful to me when he said they would have no problem with me moving in, quite the contrary. They said they didn't want their flat to "be a hotel w/ people coming in and out. Wow. 3 people who were in the same boat as me and decided to move in randomly together are against another English speaker taking the place of Clement, the nice, but awkward guy (pronounced :g-eeee) who doesn't speak much English. Oh well, there I was in the office where no one speaks my language without a housing prospect and my hotel time running out (I have to be out by Friday noon). I will admit it, I panicked a bit..but I got right back on the craig's list of Dubai, dubizzle.com, for future reference and I searched for shared flat in the area of my office for a price I could afford.

I took down names, numbers, and using my new cell phone with an even newer Dubai sim card, I proceeded to call potential leasers. The first guy I got is an older British businessman, not Mr. Bean or Tony Blair unfortunately. He said there was a room available in the Jumeirah Beach Sadaf Apartments in his flat. We arranged to meet this evening at 7 pm and that's exactly what we did. I came armed with a deposit of 1000 Dhirams which is about 275 dollars straight from work. I rang the doorbell and a 55ish year old dude answered the door holding a pug, ugly thing but very friendly. Being the dog-friendly guy that I am, this was no problem. He showed me the room, which was admittingly very spacious complete with twin beds that can be pushed together.

I asked about the particulars and everything (internet, electricity, water, tv, pool access) included is 4100 DHs, about 1100 dollars a month for the room, the cheapest rent to pay for being so close to my work. I handed over the 1000 dhirams to the man, Jonathan is his name, and we shook on the room, done deal he said, I can move in Friday at noon. To be honest, all I need this room for is sleep and of course blogging, skype, and facebook. Hopefully, I will be able to get out a bit on the weekends, but there'll be no parties at my place, and thats alright, it's just six months.

So, barring a really good housing scheme, like the guy has to disappear and take his maid, dog, and his flatscreen tv, I am not homeless come friday and the rent is actually reasonable.

Tomorrow, Thursday, is the Friday of Dubai, I am already looking forward to the weekend, I was at about 9:30 am on Monday morning.

wish me luck with the housing thing, it should work out

cheers to everybody

Brian

Hot Talk on Schwarmas

2009-07-07T22:47:00.000+04:00

For the first time since I got here, I slept until my alarm woke me at 7:02 am this morning. The previous days, I woke up a good 20-80 minutes before and then sat there watching hilarious Indian music videos or replayed soccer games dubbed in Arabic, but I digress. Like I wrote yesterday, today is Dubai's hump-day and I got over it. Work wasn't too bad today, a measly 10.5 hours, which felt a lot shorter than the 12 of previous days.

I learned today that researching the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix and the South American World cup are two of my tasks, I am pretty excited about this. It is apparent that having a native english speaker in their office is something these french people are going to take advantage of, which is fine with me, it's more experience to yap about at job interviews.

I ate lunch (we ordered Lebanese and I got a beef schwarma, which was delectable) in an office whose former occupant was the victim of the economy and sat there with Wendy (the lady from Hong Kong), Lila (from Algeria), Reina (from Morrocco) and Rayane (a dude from France)... even lunch feels like sitting in a UN meeting. We had some funny conversations about culture and the USA economy and Obama and about Amsterdam, which is a place my brother recently visited (that's how it came up).

The evening found me back at the hotel at 8 pm, enough time for a quick bowflex sesh in the gym on the 6th floor and some ab work before my Skype date with the folks. I got to the mall an hour early and bought a local sim card in order to actually communicate with possible landlords and coworkers and what not. Afterwords, I got a sandwich from Charley's, which was subpar but I was at a stage of hunger that passed no judgement. I walked back through the mall that is literally a mile long and found a seat in a comfy chair under the dome in the center of the mall next to Starbucks, there's 3-4 of them in the mall (Starbucks, not domes...there's like 5 domes). I got a call from my parents and we talked for about an hour, it was really cool, even if I got a few people looking at me funny for talking to my computer.

Tomorrow will bring another long day of work and hopefully some closure on the apartment situation.

cheers everyone,

Brian

soup Deux Jour

2009-07-06T23:05:00.001+04:00

My second day at the company had one major thing in common with my first, I was at work for the better part of 12 hours. These French people must not want to go home, it is kind of ridiculous. My tasks today proved just as time-consuming albeit repetitive. The whole "everyone speaks French" thing is really serious, so serious in fact, that it affects the professionalism of work materals and presentations that must be in English. My main job from here on out, from the looks of things, will be to edit, revise, rewrite the collateral and presentation materials used buy our sales team to gain clients. This, is why I have faith that I will be busy and be working unpaid overtime everyday.

I have always enjoyed having something to accomplish and when I work, I work hard, it makes no difference whether I am on a ball field or behind a desk. I am convinced this internship will give me the experience and probably the few grey hairs necessary to become successful in the business world, and I mean world.

After work my co-worker, Clement, showed me the apartment he is looking to immediately sublease because his friends offered him a place at their house. The apartment complex is only a few minute drive from the office and the rent is "reasonable", as reasonable as you can get unless you want to live in a construction site or literally in the desert.

I ate dinner at a chinese restaurant in the same family as Panda Express, so I am happy.

tuesday is "humpday" here in Dubai, so we will see what tomorrow brings.

cheers everybody,

Brian

First day in the "real world"

2009-07-05T22:06:00.001+04:00

Wow is about all i can say about my first day at the new office. Ok, not really. I learned a few things about the environment in which I will be working for the next six months. Some of this information comforted me and some surprised me.

The stuff that comforted me:

1. I am working in the Marketing Dept. with three nice women: Wendy from Hong Kong who is real nice, Reina from Morocco who is also interning, and Sana from France (although she strikes an amazing resemblance to Tatiana Ali of Fresh Prince/MTV fame). These ladies seem nice and were cordial enough to invite me out to lunch with them.

2. I met other co-workers and learned that one is subletting an apartment only 5 min walk from work which would be ridic if I got that.

3. In the contract it says I need to be at the office at 9 am, I got there today at 8:45 and was greeted by an abandoned office. 9 means 9, which I am perfectly fine with.

4. Being the spaz that I am and try not to be, I showed up in my finest suit complete with one off those dress shirts with the white collar and cuff, complete with freaking cuff links and my pink tie. Needless to say, I was looking pretty fly. Tomorrow, however, I will don my casual slacks and just a button down, cuz Dubai is hot and things were snappy casual at the office.

The Stuff that Surprised me:

1. My "desk is a corner table without an ethernet cable which is essential to my position. Luckily some dude is on vacation for a month and Reina, the other intern, will be leaving in one month, so the desk tranfers should be seemless.

2. EVERYONE in the office speaks French except for me and Wendy, but there are French Lessons available which start up again in September, so I have time to Rosetta Stone all I can. Seriously, I think the Cote d'Ivoire was the only French speaking country not represented and they're probably on holiday.

3. I worked a 12 hour day on my first day, 9 of which was paid

Crazy News Day:

1. Rupert Grint of Harry Potter fame had a minor case of Swine Flu...yeah, ok

2. RIP Air McNair...it's a cruel world

3. Federer and Roddick play 30 games in final set to decide match...Federer dons already-made "15" track jacket...little deuchy, but we'll let it slide.

I hope the second day is slightly shorter and finds me with at least an apartment prospect. Hope everyone in the States and abroad elsewhere are good!

cheers,

Brian

2009-07-04T11:19:00.000+04:00

And of course by "I love music" CDs, I mean "Now That's What I call Music"

additional comments

2009-07-04T11:16:00.000+04:00

I have heard more songs off of the "I Love Music 1-5" CDs then ever thought I would.

The 4th of July party had a large American flag hanging on the veranda, but Canadians outnumbered Americans.

Dudes holding hands is totally the norm, especially Pakistanis, which is just plain new information to me and something I will leave to the Pakistani.

2009-07-04T10:31:00.000+04:00

The journey to Dubai started off on the right foot, I ate dinner with my parents and we sat right next to three good looking Eagles' cheerleaders. The trip however became less than satisfactory pretty quickly from there on out. After going through security and chilling at the waiting area for a while, we were informed that plane needed more time to get ready for the flight, but it was only about 30 minutes, which is the blink of an eye on the perpetual clock. Once on the plane, it became apparent that I was surrounded by parents with little kids and absolutely no common sense. The guy in front of me, at the very first chance he got, put his seat back all the way AND THEN left his seat to sit somewhere else. What a terrible thing to do to someone, especially a kid who can barely fit in the Coach seats anyway. Every time that I leaned forward to put the chair back up, he would come and sit in it for a few minutes. It reminded of MTV's Boiling Point or Comedy Central's Trigger Happy TV. After a while I gave up and was finally able to put the chair up as we went into our descent into London.

In London, I got off the plane and directly onto a "Coach" or bus. Shortly thereafter I went through security again, which I felt was stupid, but it was a new terminal in Heathrow and the logistics were not yet up to par. After waiting a half an hour while security tested and retested my liquids, I realized my personal stupidity led to the unfortunate Liquids debacle. I had put my contact solution, which is acidic and sets off those machines in with everything else in bottles with spray tops. The solution had gotten all over everything. Long story a little bit shorter, they threw away about 30 dollars worth of liquids.

After another short coach ride to my next plane, I boarded and was again the victim of rapid-putting-seat-back, luckily for me the seat behind me was unoccupied so I jumped up and took that, knowing it would take a miracle for the empty seat I had jut vacated to lean back on me. The flight wasn't half bad after that, saw "I Love You, Man" and "She's Just Not That Into You" which were both enjoyable.

I arrived in Dubai around 1030 pm and after retrieving my work visa and having my retina scanned, which I only thought happened in Bond movies, I got my bags and preceded out into the muggy 95 degree night. My driver ended up coming half an hour late and I was a sweaty mess, but he was nice and immediately took my bags. We arrived at the hotel about another 30 minutes later and as soon as I stepped through the door, a welcome rush of cool air welcomed me to my "home" for the next week.

The next morning I woke up at a reasonable hour and in time for the complimentary breakfast. I went down and was pleasantly surprised at the spread. I ended up having vegetable noodles, which is very similar to veggie lo mein, but with a middle eastern spice added to it. After breakfast, i decided to venture out into the sand-ridden air to the mall nearby. After the 10 minute walk I looked as if I had just jumped in the ocean fully clothed. After exploring the mall, I learned there was free wi-fi available, which is money. I grabbed an iced mocha at a quaint Dubai coffee shop, a little local place by the name of Starbucks and enjoyed my first free anything since I had deplaned.

As I sat at this little coffee shop, my international phone rang and my buddy's friend who is in Dubai was on the other end of the call and she was summoning me out to a 4th of July party her friends were throwing and to grab a cab ASAP and come over. I downed my iced mocha and left the mall for the hotel, where I changed into a tank top and swim trunks and hopped in a cab. I met Orna, the friend of my buddy, and we went to her friends VILLA right on the beach. This place was gigantic. The villa was complete with pool, private beach, beach volleyball court, kegs, and huge bottles of Belvedeere Vodka.

The owners of the villa were 3 guys in their mid-20s who had found success in the website business. 2 had founded dubizzle.com, which is like craig's list for Dubai and the other guy founded a sports leagues site, young money.

I met a lot of interesting people from all over the world there and it was a lot of fun. It was definitely not what I thought my first day in Dubai would be like when I accepted the internship in early September last year, but I am glad it happened the way it did.

Today, Saturday July 4th, the day of my home country's independence finds me once again at the mall enjoying free internet. I plan to go to the grocery store here which is Geant instead f Giant and buy a 3 pronged adapter in order to use the laptop. AFter I eat lunch here, I am going to take a taxi to my office building where I will start work tomorrow at 9 am. I am excited and obviously a bit nervous, but it sould prove to be a great experience.

well that updates y'all on my situation, I hope y'all are well and will enjoy the 4th of July festivites, which will be in full effect when I arrive a work at 9 am here which is 1 am in the states.

Cheers and God bless America

Have a good rest of 2009, America

2009-07-02T00:00:00.000+04:00

And I'm off...see y'all when I arrive in Dubai on Thursday!

I just bought a digital camera, so look out for pics as I upload them1

cheers

The day is upon me

2009-06-30T17:31:00.000+04:00

Tomorrow, Wednesday night, I start my epic journey into the heart of the Middle East trade and business centre, Dubai. I already have quasi-plans to go to a 4th f July party! I am looking forward to finding and having my own apartment and actual responsibility. For some reason, I enjoy the independence that comes with being in a foreign place and having your own place. I start work on Sunday and I am looking forward to this as well. Gimme some of that experience!

cheers

2009-06-27T00:03:00.001+04:00

As I sit here in my room, surrounded by heaps of my belongings that need to be organized before my move, the reality of my professional situation has totally sunk in. For the next six months, I will be working for "The Man" in Dubai. I will need to work very hard and prove that I am, indeed, cut out for the world of marketing and PR. As I gather my things and search the internet for lodging, as i do not have a place to live there yet, I think back over my MSU years and my years with the Smithsonian. The office experience that I gained at the Smithsonian, along with the knowledge I gained when I actually paid attention in class should prove beneficial in Dubai. I am looking forward to getting a taste of the international business arena and to actually contribute, however menially to my company.

I view the next 6 months as another semester of learning, gaining experience, and diving deep into the culture and atmosphere of Dubai. I am blessed to have this opportunity and although the next six months bring hard work, strict cultural boundaries, and expense...they will also be 6 months that i will never forget and will stick out on my resume for years to come.

During the next six months I will miss friends and family...but through facebook, skype, and email; I hope to keep in touch w/ them.

So please shoot me a message on one of the aforementioned social media when I am over there, because I would love to hear from you.

cheers

Espana

2009-06-19T16:07:00.001+04:00

The last day in Lisbn proved to be a long and crazy one, as we helped the Portugese celebrate San Antonio's Day. This party is the biggest party of the year in Portugal. The streets were filled with people drinking Sangria and Cervesas as well as passing around "substances". Luke and I got separated from Butters and hung out with two girls from Lithuania, which is extremely random, and didn't get back to the hostel until 6 am...Our bus was at 9 am so we had to get up at 730, 1.5 hrs of drunken sleep. It was the roughest wake up call i've had. We miraculously made our bus to Sevilla, a nine hour trip and we preceded to sleep during the entire ride.

When we get to Sevilla, we got lost and were walking blindly for only 20 min or so and stumbled right in to the hostel. The hostel was very nice, even had air conditioning at night, which was extremely necessary in the 95+ heat. We slept in a mixed dorm where we met two Canadians, a couple, Aaron and Emily, who were extremely nice and we ended up hanging out w/ them and went out for drinks. They had just graduated law school in Vancouver.

When we first got to the hostel after the 9 hour coma that was our bus ride, we immediately saw a sign for a free tour and jumped at the chance to see the sights "Gratis". Our tour guide was an Italian dude named Dario who was quite well-read on Sevilla history. After sweating through the tour, we came back and had tapas and drinks and then called it an early night.

The second day in Sevilla proved to be the most exciting. It was a Sunday and in Sevilla, Sunday means bull fight. Now, we all had mixed emotions about seeing a bull systematically killed for entertainment, but this was a "when in Rome" type of situation. My justification: The bull is going to be butchered for beef anyways, why not go out in a blaze of glory. We had 2nd row seats and it was truly a spectacle. After the fight, we went for drinks with the Canadians and an Aussie dude.

The next morning, we take a bus to Granada were we had free tapas and saw Alhambra...that's bout it.

After Granada, it was on to Madrid for my last day in Europe. We got there and found our hostel, which was sweet. There we met up with two f Luke's frat bros, ZT and Charlie, who had just flown in from the states. After they napped and we made our chroizo/peppers/onions/olive oil/tomato sauce pasta, we went out with yet another frat buddy of theirs studying in Madrid for drinks and ended up at a bar called O'Connell's. They had great deals and loads of American tourists. I had my first experience with a blatant ass-grab from a cute blonde, needless to say, I had mixed emotions about the random grab. After some drinking and dancing, we got back to our hostel late and a few short hours later, I was sitting in the airport.

The first flight to Newark was fairly smooth and painstakingly long. I was able to watch 3 full length feature films (Diamnds are Forever, The Wedding Singer, and Harry Potter 1, respectively). The next flight was delayed an hour and a half and we had an interesting flight pattern. The weather forced us to take a route flying only 10,000 feet the entire way to DC, which made for quite the bumpy flight, which i hate. After a quick cab ride, I was back at home in Alexandria 19 hours after I left the Madrid hostel.

that sums up the rest of the Eurotrip

Lisboa

2009-06-12T21:39:00.000+04:00

Besides being mugged for our beer and John´s cigarrettes, Lisbon has been amazing. We have walked around the city and spent time in the castles, monuments, and today we went to the beach. Today, Friday is the day of St. Antonio, which is the day of the biggest party in Portugal in the entire year...should be fun.

gotta wake up early tomorrow though to cacth a bus to Sevilla

Cheers everyone!

Dubai update/current situation

2009-06-09T12:34:00.001+04:00

One full week in Europe, and I have to be honest, it feels more like a month. Don't get me wrong, I love Europe with a fiery passion and all that, but backpacking and the sheer spontaneity of everything can get ridiculous. Having spent the week entirely in the U.K., I know have a better idea of just how different it really is from the States. Not only has it taken me a week to learn which way to look on the streets, but simply ordering food to "take away" instead of to go or to thank someone with "cheers" instead of "thanks". Obviously English is the native tongue in both Scotland and England, but some words and word combos used are new and different.

Today, my bro and I have our last good opportunity to do laundry and lounge at our friend Jacqueline's in London before we fly to Lisbon early tomorrow morning. In Lisbon, we will meet up with one of our best friends from high school, John "Butters" Brands, who was also Luke's roomie/frat bro. 4 years ago, following our high school graduation, we did a similar Europe trip with him, although we were younger and more naive back then. With Butters inevitably comes crazy times and the next 9 days should be a blast.

Dubai update: Got my flight info sent to me from my company and I will be flying to Dubai, via London-Heathrow on British airways on the night of July 1st and arriving in Dubai the night of July 2nd, about lunch time in America.

London

2009-06-08T01:15:00.000+04:00

Woke up in Glasgow to some "roommates" canoodling and the day actually went downhill from there...After leaving the hostel to catch our 815 am bus to Southampton, we rode for 12 hours through rain with one of the strangest, but nicest bus drivers I've ever had. The arrangement we had with our buddy Luigi in Southampton was that we would meet him at the train station in Southampton at 1 am...our bus got in at 730 pm.

To pass the time, we went to TGI Fridays until it closed and then played cards in McDonald's....very classy stuff. When McD's closed at 10 pm, we went to the train station where we waited for over 3 hours. When our friend wasn't on the train, we were met by his friends from university....They told us that Luigi had talked to them earlier that day and said we would arrive in SOuthampton at 1 am...this is the crap that happens when there is no access to a phone.

We spent the night on the floors of Luigi's friends and hung out with them before leaving on another bus to head to London to meet one of Luke's friends from study abroad who is currently working in London. We arrived and actually had good sleep.

We woke up at 1240 pm and went by the London Eye to eat lunch and walk around...saw Buckingham palace and Parliament...2.5 more days in London, then off to Lisboa

Europe= craziness

hope everyone in the states and abroad are doing well

Classic Stuff

2009-06-05T09:59:00.001+04:00

compiling notes from the entire euro trip that i will post upon my return in 2 weeks....been here 3 days and some seriously messed up/weird/classic stuff has already happened

stay tuned

if i get free internet, updates may come sooner