I thought I would transition from the last post into the bar scene here in Dubai.
It's simple:
This is not a drink-friendly country. I'm not sure what qualifies a place as "drink friendly" but whatever it is, this place doesn't have it. It's legal to buy booze in a special store once you have a permit with permission from your employer and proof of how much money you make. I've yet to see one of these elusive stores. I think they hide them with other sinful things, like pork and Victoria's Secret.
Last night Rob and I were going to meet in a bar after he finished work, but he was running late so I went by myself until he got there. I'm not yet working, so my day consists of exploring (i.e. dragging myself through the streets in the heat.) For the record, running shoes don't look good with my outfits and I have a limited selection of sensible shoes, so by the end of the day, this girl is ready for a cold one.
So into the bar I go, and I think, "this must be what someone on a diet walking into McDonalds or anyone walking into a porn store feels like!" sneaking around to be sure nobody sees me duck in. As if I needed another excuse to be stared at in our neighborhood.
But things are good once you're in and out of the looming judgment. Bars (at least in Al Satwa) aren't the most cultural experience since there are no (or very few) locals in them. But I've found them to be a nice little respite, especially for a white girl here (and I'm sure my 6'4 red headed husband would agree.) We've found two types of bars here: English/Irish pubs and overpriced hotel bars on high floors with views of the ocean.
Here I am at our favorite bar we've found: Fibber McGees. I had only heard legend of it and we wandered through one too many alleys to find it, but it was one hell of a place.
Can you feel my excitement through your computer screen? On this particular visit, we met a Welsh man who taught us the rules of rugby, as best he could in a loud bar when England is playing New Zealand. Since people in the UK who don't live in England are fans of any team playing England, our new friend was a New Zealand fan. So now we are too.
It's simple:
This is not a drink-friendly country. I'm not sure what qualifies a place as "drink friendly" but whatever it is, this place doesn't have it. It's legal to buy booze in a special store once you have a permit with permission from your employer and proof of how much money you make. I've yet to see one of these elusive stores. I think they hide them with other sinful things, like pork and Victoria's Secret.
Last night Rob and I were going to meet in a bar after he finished work, but he was running late so I went by myself until he got there. I'm not yet working, so my day consists of exploring (i.e. dragging myself through the streets in the heat.) For the record, running shoes don't look good with my outfits and I have a limited selection of sensible shoes, so by the end of the day, this girl is ready for a cold one.
So into the bar I go, and I think, "this must be what someone on a diet walking into McDonalds or anyone walking into a porn store feels like!" sneaking around to be sure nobody sees me duck in. As if I needed another excuse to be stared at in our neighborhood.
But things are good once you're in and out of the looming judgment. Bars (at least in Al Satwa) aren't the most cultural experience since there are no (or very few) locals in them. But I've found them to be a nice little respite, especially for a white girl here (and I'm sure my 6'4 red headed husband would agree.) We've found two types of bars here: English/Irish pubs and overpriced hotel bars on high floors with views of the ocean.
Here I am at our favorite bar we've found: Fibber McGees. I had only heard legend of it and we wandered through one too many alleys to find it, but it was one hell of a place.
Andy, I am thoroughly enjoying reading about your escapades! Keep em' coming! Miss ya!
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping up! Makes us feel less alone somehow. God bless the Internet!
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