All That Glitters IS Gold Part Three

Where did I leave off? Right… “LEFT at the feral cat.” I decided to spend my last day off in Dubai away from the temptation of jewels, gold and high fashion items and participate in a day safari. The Day Safari entailed a 4-wheel drive through the sand dunes of the Arab desert with a stop in a traditional Bedouin village for an evening meal, henna tattooing and belly dancing demonstration. The SUVs would pick us up and dropped us off right at the ship, so there was no arguing the convenience factor. I was in awe of the scenery as we followed the freeway out to a sea of sand. It may sound odd, but the landscape really reminded me of Alberta in the winter. I know, I know… how can the Arabian Desert under the unforgiving sun remind me of a snow covered prairie province? Well, the freeway for one was incredibly straight as it cut a path through the never-ending sand dunes. Something about the desolate quiet of the open plains was mirrored in the fenced off sections of sand dotted with the occasional camel or ATV. You could see almost to the horizon in any direction… and the desert reflected the suns rays much like a prairie field after a snowfall. Funny how you can find memories of home half way around the world. Our driver reminded me of my father, if only for his dark hair and presence. He too had that rare twinkle in his eye that instantly made me feel comfortable around him, and yet curious of what mischief he might chase. He didn’t speak barely a word during our drive out to the dunes, leaving us to wonder if he spoke any English at all. But once our 7-seater SUV started challenging those sand dunes, I quickly became aware of the universal language of “holy shits” and uncontrollable laughter. This man really was like my Dad. Tackling each dune with a little boy grin and a daredevil attitude. He continually hung back from the convoy of other vehicles so we could have the maximum room to careen about and send sand flying over the hood. The more we laughed and hollered, the more he swerved and laid on the gas. What a great experience! I don’t think the pictures can ever do the moment justice. There were 4 of us in the truck, so we were able to each take turns in the front seat, where the view was the best. I was the last to make my way up to the panoramic sights of the windshield. It was then that our driver and I started to talk. This man could speak very good English; I think he just appreciated having someone try to engage him in conversation. He told us all about the area we were in and all the growth Dubai had seen in the past year alone. He even spoiled us with a trip off the main roads to the Bedouin camp that involved a lot of fresh sand and blind embankments to climb over. We even managed to capture a few photos of the sun setting just before finding the cluster of tents in a small “sand valley.” The Bedouin camp was fantastic. I had the opportunity to dress up in a traditional burka complete with veil (this is the long black gowns you see the women wearing). I was surprised to learn that the women who wear the burkas only wear them while out in public and underneath they are wearing full outfits in the latest fashions. Even the veils are removed once a woman becomes comfortable with a new guest. And to answer Mary Ellen’s question, I did not have to be covered up at all while in any of the Middle Eastern countries. I tried to dress respectably – basically, if you wouldn’t wear it for a round of golf, it probably should stay in the closet. Dubai was incredibly modern, much like a European city, so there were no issues at all. In fact, I would say I received a lot of attention there, all positive, while out sightseeing and window-shopping. Anyway, the food was delicious. I tasted the best lamb chops that were prepared over an open flame and hand made pita bread that was a bit sweet to the palate. While we enjoyed our meal, all eaten with our fingers in true Bedouin style, we were dazzled by the belly dancer who spun her body around on several fine Persian carpets, with all of us diners circled around her. It was amazing how this woman could control every muscle in her core. She invited several of us up to dance alongside her – yet again, we were overtaken by fits of laughter as we tried vainly to mimic her motions. A few of us girls were inspired and purchased belly-dancing costumes with aspirations of taking lessons when we return to Victoria! A special addition to the night’s festivities was the rising of a full moon over the camp. Mystical is perhaps the only word I could use to describe it. Upon our return to the ship that night, I asked permission to hug our driver good-bye rather than shake his hand. He didn’t understand what I was asking at first so I just made the motions and was greeted with a huge smile and hug (that I secretly pretended was from my Dad) and a kiss on the cheek. Oh, and I managed to get a picture with him too at the camp next to a little Christmas tree – weird, I know. So, there you have it. A window into my memorable time in Dubai. I would return in a heartbeat. And not just because the monotony of the sail has been wearing on my lately. I have been busy with the daily chores of a sailor and stoker, and continually find my thoughts drifting to home and all the things I would like to do upon my return. But we’re not too far from that now, I suppose. Until I see that jetty filled with wives, husbands, family and media I plan to stay focused on enjoying each port as we inch closer to home… and I choose the word “inch” for a reason!

I'm still here...

Hello everyone, I just wanted to send out a quick note to let you all know that, yes, I am still bobbing around out here in open water. I haven't been able to write another entry regarding my Dubai adventures for a bit here due to the turbulence of the seas... it's just not playing nice with my tummy. But I am proud to report that I am still Gravol-Free as of Dubai! I am looking forward to writing you all again soon... just not now as I am currently "on watch" and therefore should be monitoring machinery rather than sneaking onto the computer to write Blog entries... (hee, hee)

All That Glitters IS Gold Part Two

Another one of my great purchases involved a slightly seedy shopping experience. Oh, who am I kidding? I half expected to end up on an episode of “COPS.” It all started with the search for cheap replica watches, that a group of the guys wanted to buy. The opportunity is abundant. To give you an idea of just how abundant, I was ready to make up a t-shirt that read, “No. I am not interested in buying your cheap watches, designer handbags or singing camels!” The guys were approached by one of the many street peddlers and decided we would follow one of them to his shop. I should have known something was up when our group of five started to resemble a conga line snaking its way through the tiny alleyways and restaurants… watch out for the feral cats, they are hiding in the strangest places and are rather intrigued by pale skin. After dodging trash and other unidentifiable objects in the streets, and pretending to ignore the odd looks given to us by the local cafeteria goers, we entered an unmarked building and piled into an elevator. I couldn’t help but note the elevator was rated for 8 persons with a maximum weight of 200 Kg – definitely not enough to make me feel safe, but what can you do? Too late now, we were already moving up… although rather laboriously. We reached the second floor and followed the purveyor to his locked storeroom door – which was about the size of a walk in closet with no windows and a huge wooden door. I guess windows weren’t really necessary considering all the security cameras that were beaming images of all sorts of outside angles to the lone colour TV in the corner of the room. (Yep, “colour TV.” Business must be good.) Not to mention the prime selling space windows would have occupied, as the walls were literally papered with knock off designer handbags. Fendi, Gucci, Dolce Gabanna, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Chanel – you name it, it was there. And there was no risk of shoplifting considering the moment we were all in the room, the door was dead bolted behind us. Which drew my attention to the door. It would take a stick of dynamite to blast through that puppy. It had two sliding bolt locks and numerous deadbolts… I guess their prices really were a “steal.” I couldn’t help the thought that crossed my mind, staring at that door, “Wow! I might wake up in a bath tub filled with ice, missing my liver, all for the sake of finding my Mom and hair stylist fabulous handbags!” I got over it though, the moment I spotted what will be my Mom’s first Fendi (knock off) bag. I started the search for a great find for Lisa (my stylist – trust me, the work this girl does – she deserves it!) and had my own personal assist that kept handing me each bag to inspect and hopefully fall in love with. It took awhile, but I had time to kill since the boys were wrist deep in watches. By the end of an hour of heated bartering and nervous glances at the video monitor… we each walked away satisfied with our spoils. All we had to do now was figure out how to backtrack our way to the main street again. Are you sure it wasn’t LEFT at the feral cat in the tree? More to follow!

Christmas with the Girls of 1 Mess!

Christmas with some of the girls from 1 Mess (that is where I sleep). The group of us had done a Secret Sant gift exchange with each other... and we had a blast opening our gifts and sipping hot chocolate in our Santa hats.

Mary Walsh!

Here is Mary Walsh and myself... what a woman!

All That Glitters IS Gold Part One

Dubai, Dubai, Dubai… What a gorgeous city with so many beautiful secrets. If the glittering Gold Souks, abundant Spice Souks and countless knock off fashions at jaw dropping prices aren’t enough to win your heart, the raw, untamed beauty of her surrounding deserts will. Our ship came alongside after a particular trying 28-day patrol for our 10 day RAMP period and much needed R & R time. The main purpose of the port visit was to accomplish some much needed repairs and maintenance to various equipment… one of the big undertakings being to repaint the ship’s hull and superstructure as we have been sporting somewhat of a “racing stripe” along our water line for some time now. Not the most flattering of paint jobs, but it sure makes it easy to pick us out of a crowd. To the average crew member though, this was the opportunity to blow off some steam, curl up next to a hotel room phone without out time limits, celebrate New Years Eve in style, or purchase those major pieces of jewellery for loved ones. I was lucky enough to indulge in all of the above, with extras! I was duty the first night in and working the second, which in a positive mind set, gave me the opportunity to plan my first day off the ship according to all the information and tips the others brought back with them after their much appreciated scouting out of the city and sites. Day 3 was all mine to try to find a hotel and take in as much of Dubai as I could… and I was off at a running pace, cause according to all those who did actually return to the boat those first two days, there was plenty to experience and explore. I had to make the most of every possible moment. The first stop was the Gold Souk. A souk is basically a market or collection of stores that all deal in the same goods. The amount of gold simply hanging in the store windows was enough to make you think you had glaucoma… So much yellow gold that I’m sure even on a cloudy day, you would think the sun was out in her full radiance. It was in this market, that a dormant gene awoke deep within me. I can now say that I am my mother’s daughter. Gold and gems are like an unexplainable addiction – once you see, try on, or buy one, you’ve gotta have more! I had become a jewellery junkie – and I’m not ashamed! Even the Dutch in me, couldn’t deter me as everything I encountered was marked at incredibly low prices. After shopping around and several days of trips back and forth to the souk and hotel room phone calls with Kevin discussing purchases and credit limits (hee, hee) I left Dubai with gorgeous pieces. I fell in love with the stone Aquamarine and thus it’s appearance in white gold settings in my new ring, earrings and pendant. I also managed to get a custom pendant made with the initials KC in white and yellow gold intertwined. Kevin keeps insisting it is “so sweet that I want to wear his initials,” despite my insistence that it is for our first names… I may have given up on that battle, but I’m determined to win the war (wink). The poor kid puts up with a lot of teasing from me. For example, I kept threatening to buy myself a gorgeous diamond ring… and that he would still be responsible to buy THE ring, it would just have to be bigger and better than the one I buy. To which he whined, “But Corrina, it’s DUBAI!” “I know. You better start saving.” He takes it all in stride – definitely a keeper! Okay, it’s getting late here and I have to go on watch in a few hours again. I’m sorry there was such a dry spell there with my entries – I am back on the watches, so time is in very short supply, and although I hate to admit it, sleep will always win out. I didn’t mean to leave you all worrying about our safety (thank you Uncle Frank). I will try to get a few more pictures uploaded for you guys… even though that first one took a good 15 minutes to load (gaaawwwdd!). Miss you all and love you more. Will continue the rest of the telling of Dubai soon (I hope).

Another with the CDS

And here is another that was taken of me and the Chief of Defence Staff. He was such a personable and charasmatic gentleman - not at all what I expected from a General slash politician type. What a great treat to meet him and have him visit with us.

The Chief Of Defence Staff & Me!

Here is an attempt at getting my picture on here, despite our incredible slow browser. Please let me know if it works... cause then I'll try another :)

First Things First

Okay, I know that I am writing completely out of order here, however, I’m sure we can all agree that at least I’m WRITING. I’ve wanted to tell my tales of the glorious glitter of Dubai… but before I can do that, there is something I first need to get off my chest. My thoughts have become completely preoccupied with daydreams of my return home ever since we slipped Dubai and headed out for our last patrol. I find myself having trouble concentrating on little else… I log machinery twice, I forget why I had just ventured to the cafeteria, and the remaining port visits seem to only represent obstacles in my path home. The most frustrating aspect to all of this is apparently it is completely normal – and not in the female, hormonal neurosis kind of way. According to Kevin and other more seasoned sailors, this is all part of the crazy emotional frenzy that is a long sail. I figure as long as I don’t end up attempting a heroic RHIB escape for home, I’ll manage. I do know I’m not alone in this, if when a random person is asked if they are looking forward to going home and the reply is “only 2 months and 9 days to go!” If pressed, I’m sure a vast majority of us could actually tell you down to the second until we can expect to be home. You laugh, but we really do have an Excel spreadsheet set up to calculate that very number! (5,560,933.410 seconds) There’s a pie chart too… Well, without further ado… let’s get started on the retelling of Dubai and all her secrets!

Christmas In The Gulf Part Two

Christmas morning was no slouch in the excitement and cheer department. I started off the morning rather early, in true Christmas style. I had the morning watch and so was seen moving throughout the ship, Santa hat displayed, as early as 3 am. There was much excitement with the promise of Santa visiting the ship and presents to open. The “Big Guy” did make his appearance during our delicious Christmas lunch of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots and, of course, lots of cranberry sauce. We were served by our bosses, and exchanged ranks with anyone we chose. I managed to become the Engineering Officer for the day, and he, MY writer. Unfortunately the moment we exchanged epaulettes, the EO was quick to point out that I was now an officer and should be serving him lunch. I had no problems playing along, and of course hamming it up. A couple of us were still in the mood for festivities after the lunch had wound down, so we grabbed our caroling books and headed off for the galley to “sing for our supper.” We quickly decided that we might get further ahead, if we received goodies and treats for ceasing the caroling rather than starting. The entire day had a magic to it… that my words just can’t seem to capture. I guess you will all just have to wait to see the photos when we return home. The only draw back was there were no Boxing Day Sales to take advantage of. No lines of irritated shoppers stooping to indescribable lows to get their hands on the last pair of 70% off pumps (that aren’t even their size, but just far too good of a deal to pass up). Although, I’m sure Kevin was thrilled that the credit card wasn’t in jeopardy of doing a “mall tour.” Goodness knows that’s what Dubai will be for!