Library log & Ramadan notes

The start of the inaugural school year at NYU Abu Dhabi has been consuming but exhilarating. Students now fill the library on a daily basis, and faculty stop by often to request material or chat.

Yesterday's work day was classic in terms of getting nothing done on my to-do list, since the tyranny of the urgent reigns... Spent most of the morning on various complicated emails regarding the state of DVD orders; ran outside to meet a young Emirati woman who was dropping off a book that is only available for purchase in person; chased down a prof. to connect him with the books that were special ordered for a lecture he's giving next weekend; checked items in a shipment to connect them with whomever requested them (the automation of this process isn't perfected yet); enjoyed the pleasure of a book literally hot off the press-- printed on our Espresso Book Machine, but realized that it started at page 263 and page 1 is stuck 2/3 through the book (the second try is more successful); staffed the Information Desk for three hours in the afternoon; wondered if anyone was left in the office who could purchase a book on Amazon for a prof. before the weekend started? Thankfully the answer was yes; asked security to lock the doors since I was last to leave for the day.

Mosque in Dubai

On a different note, I've been meaning to write about Ramadan, which was ~August 11-September 10. Since I'm a Christian, I was not expected to fast as Muslims are. But NYU Abu Dhabi observed the Ramadan regulations of the UAE. The nice thing for all of us was the shortened work day, from 9-3. If you were fasting you'd work a six hour day, go home to rest, and then break the fast at sun down. The rest of us appreciated the extra time to reflect and slow down-- though few of us at NYUAD could relax much since we were preparing for the opening of the campus.

During Ramadan, it's illegal for anyone to eat or drink in public during the day. We couldn't have drinks at our desks or drink water when outside. This was challenging for me, since I sip coffee or water almost all day. But I went to our cafe more often to get my caffeine fix there. The cafe had screens installed around the periphery to create privacy.

Iftar dinner at Emirates Palace

For those who observe Ramadan, the highlight of the day is the iftar dinner that breaks the fast at sundown. NYU Abu Dhabi hosted an iftar dinner for faculty and staff pictured above. We enjoyed a bountiful buffet of Middle Eastern meats, salads, soups, desserts-- on and on.
 

decorated Corniche at Ramadan

It's true that days and nights are essentially reversed during Ramadan.... the traffic is much worse at night, and stores stay open until 1 or 2 AM. Stores and public parkways are decorated with lanterns and twinkling blue and purple lights.

The malls are bustling with families-- even young children stay up late. But since it's so hot outside, the mall can be a welcome refuge. Marina Mall even had some special events like a concert [pictured above] and a cooking show being televised.

While living in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan represented some challenges, I appreciated the opportunity to be here. There are very few things in the world that demand the entire participation of a city for a whole month. Even though I'm not Muslim, I felt a hint of solidarity with the rest of the city.

To the top

When I woke up last Thursday morning, I had no idea the day would an unusual one. But mid-morning I got an email from a friend, asking if I'd like to go up the Burj Khalifa that afternoon. It didn't take long for me to say yes! The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Located in Dubai, it's an easy drive from Abu Dhabi. The building is 2,716.5 feet tall, and the tour brings you to the 124th floor-- the tallest observation deck in the world, according to the building's web site.

The Burj from a distance

Looking up to the very top from the viewing deck on the 124th floor

 Long view of Dubai and the Gulf. The visibility was limited but still worthwhile.

Straight down...

Side view

Shadows

Though the view was spectacular, I enjoyed the elevator ride almost more: it ascends 124 floors in just 1 minute. A multi-media presentation distracts you from any real sense that you're moving as quickly as you are. 

I also enjoyed trying out the cell phone service from the top: I called my parents in Boston and had a perfectly clear connection. Amazing!

a week in Kas, Turkey

I've had the pleasure of spending the week in Kas, Turkey on vacation. My friend Cait and her parents have a holiday home here, and they are generous enough to invite me to join them. The town couldn't be more beautiful.

Here's the view from the apartment where we're staying and where I'm sitting right now.



 And the view walking down a very steep hill into town...

 Swimming, sunbathing, and shopping prove a powerful time-passing combination. We wander the streets browsing pottery, clothes, and jewelry. Most shopkeepers offer us Turkish tea, which is served in small glass cups with sugar cubes on the side. It's a friendly gesture that doubles as a successful marketing tactic.

 

Over several years my friends have gotten to know people throughout the town: waiters at favorite restaurants, a jeweler, and a carpet dealer. After visiting a few different carpet shops and learning a little about the types of carpets and kilims (woven rugs) available, I bought a kilim for my new apartment in Abu Dhabi.

The harbor is home to many boats, most of which offer cruises or diving trips.

Dozens of restaurants overlook the harbor and offer mezes (traditional appetizers), fish, lamb, and apple pancakes. But if you don't want a whole meal, you can pick up homemade ice cream or fresh almonds kept cold on ice by a street vendor.

The town approaches the idyllic: bougainvillea, myrtle and roses thrive; lemons, limes, and pomegranates hang from heavy branches; locals seem to truly care for the cats and dogs that wander the streets; a five-year-old boy can run an errand to the grocery store on his own. An ancient sarcophagus stands at the top of a central street:

 And an ampitheater lies just outside of town. There are no informational signs to answer my questions...

Instead, there are two local women sitting in the shade on the top steps of the amphitheater. One sells jewelry and head scarves. Though her English is limited, she jokes that she has a beautiful office.

After I buy a necklace from her, her elderly friend offers to take us to a tomb. "Tomb" seems to be the only English word she knows, but it works in drawing us to an ancient stone tomb with "beds" for four people.

 I wish I didn't have to leave Kas tomorrow. Thank you, Curt, Jeri, and Cait for sharing your new town with me!

Night falling on Kas.