All Around the Neighborhood
Al Ain
One of the things I enjoyed doing was observing the everyday surroundings in the neighborhood. For the most part I found a lot of similarities, along with some differences, with the USA. Shopping in the supermarket ..... going to the mall ......felt just like home. The Dubai Mall was over-the-top for me, but I felt right at home in the Al Ain Mall. Driving around on streets and highways was also similar to the US. Roads and Highways had the same traffic signs and lights, with both English and Arabic. The Yield sign said "Give Way", and the No Passing sign said "No Overtaking", which Greg said is the British way. Everywhere I saw small Toyota Pickup Trucks carrying camels, cattle etc. I had expected to find drivers traveling at high speeds (something I read) but found the speed limits similar to ours. The Roundabouts, and there are a lot of them, were the most challenging to navigate and I praise Greg for his skill in all the driving he did for us over the two weeks. There was one time, coming home from a relaxing sunset experience, that we came upon a rare, totally unexpected traffic jam. We sat and inched bit by bit through the total chaos of drivers cutting ahead and trying to maneuver ahead of everyone. I got to witness what they call "Doing an Emirati" where they drive right up over the curb, on to the sidewalk and travel up to the head of the line. Extreme patience is required!!!.......... One major difference from the US is that children aren't restrained in car seats. I saw some standing on the seat next to the driver and hanging out the window.
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