Hey all,
I know I have been away from you all so long. I am still in the process of moving in and am having my sofa being delievered in about 35 minutes. Most of my stuff is here and I am quite impressed with myself. Given the budget I had, I think I did a good job of gettingin good stylish furniture in. Of course, I ran around everywhere in Dubai and Sharjah and look for good bargains. If anyone of you are looking for furniture, I recommend you go to Home Center! Amazing stuff!
By the way, I dont know how true this is, but have you noticed how when you enter an elevator, the people who push the floor buttons on the higher floor will push it with a little pride, and then look around in the elevator to see who the people are living below them. I am on the third floor, and there are seven floors in my building. I have seen people entering the elevator, and pressing "7" and then checking out the people in the elevator. Those who push "1" are seen with heads hanging low. I think people here have that sense of superiority: the higher up in a building you are, the more prestigious you are! Baloney!
Anyways, I am off to my third floor!
Mansur
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
It is indeed sad...
Dear friends,
the amazing three-seater sofa I had bought could not fit through the door way to my flat. It could also not fit through the elevator and the stiar case.
It is indeed sad that my choice of furniture is determined by the sizes and dimensions of the elevator, staircase and the door way!
I wonder who the designer of the building is, because I want to knock some sense into him/her. Everyone I saw in my building today were having problems bringing their furniture because they were too big (or the elevators/ stairs were too small!)
Mansur
the amazing three-seater sofa I had bought could not fit through the door way to my flat. It could also not fit through the elevator and the stiar case.
It is indeed sad that my choice of furniture is determined by the sizes and dimensions of the elevator, staircase and the door way!
I wonder who the designer of the building is, because I want to knock some sense into him/her. Everyone I saw in my building today were having problems bringing their furniture because they were too big (or the elevators/ stairs were too small!)
Mansur
Monday, January 24, 2005
Fatal Flight
Hey everyone,
back when I was in school, in grade 10, I went with my father, who was traveling with his boss/ sheikh to Europe. The Sheikh was going on his private plane, and that meant I got to go on it as well. Setting off from the private airport in Jeddah, I was absolutely thrilled!
The plane seated about 16-18 people, and the seats were white leather. The layout was like a lounge. There were about only 6 people on the flight. Before take off, I got a chance to sit with the pilot. I saw the gadgets, the controls and saw for the first time how mere buttons make the plane take off. The take off itself was amazing.
We stopped at Athens, Greece for a re-fuel and then landed at Geneva, Switzerland. There, in Switzerland, I stayed at this hotel filled with A-list celebrities, and also got the opportunity to stay overnight at a Swiss chalet and ski! Two day later, we went to London, where I met up with my brother. Finally, we left London and made our way back to Jeddah. On the flight, the Sheikh gave me a movie (James Bond's license to Kill) and I began to watch that on the in-flight vcr and tv.
Half way through our flight, as I was lazing on the leather sofa, the small plane suddenly made a deep plunge. I was lifted out of my seat for a few seconds. My initial reaction was that the engines died and we are falling through the air; a nose dive into the ocean below. I got scared I almost went into a shock. My dad and the Sheikh came running to the front of the plane and barged into the cockpit and asked what the problem was.
Few minutes later, my dad told me that we were flying about 3000 feet too high and we needed to descent to the altitude that is required. I was so scared at the time. That sudden drop was too much for me. I thought I was going to die.
Today, 2005, I still have little panic attack when I am in take-off mode in airplanes. When the plane makes a descent or ascent, I get scared. I think almost always I will die. I become certain that no matter what, my death will occur in a plane!
That one incident so many years ago, has left a scare/ phobia in me. I know I need to over-come it, and I think each time I travel, it is one step I take to over-come the fear and be a stronger person.
Mansur
back when I was in school, in grade 10, I went with my father, who was traveling with his boss/ sheikh to Europe. The Sheikh was going on his private plane, and that meant I got to go on it as well. Setting off from the private airport in Jeddah, I was absolutely thrilled!
The plane seated about 16-18 people, and the seats were white leather. The layout was like a lounge. There were about only 6 people on the flight. Before take off, I got a chance to sit with the pilot. I saw the gadgets, the controls and saw for the first time how mere buttons make the plane take off. The take off itself was amazing.
We stopped at Athens, Greece for a re-fuel and then landed at Geneva, Switzerland. There, in Switzerland, I stayed at this hotel filled with A-list celebrities, and also got the opportunity to stay overnight at a Swiss chalet and ski! Two day later, we went to London, where I met up with my brother. Finally, we left London and made our way back to Jeddah. On the flight, the Sheikh gave me a movie (James Bond's license to Kill) and I began to watch that on the in-flight vcr and tv.
Half way through our flight, as I was lazing on the leather sofa, the small plane suddenly made a deep plunge. I was lifted out of my seat for a few seconds. My initial reaction was that the engines died and we are falling through the air; a nose dive into the ocean below. I got scared I almost went into a shock. My dad and the Sheikh came running to the front of the plane and barged into the cockpit and asked what the problem was.
Few minutes later, my dad told me that we were flying about 3000 feet too high and we needed to descent to the altitude that is required. I was so scared at the time. That sudden drop was too much for me. I thought I was going to die.
Today, 2005, I still have little panic attack when I am in take-off mode in airplanes. When the plane makes a descent or ascent, I get scared. I think almost always I will die. I become certain that no matter what, my death will occur in a plane!
That one incident so many years ago, has left a scare/ phobia in me. I know I need to over-come it, and I think each time I travel, it is one step I take to over-come the fear and be a stronger person.
Mansur
Sunday, January 23, 2005
I miss London
Hi,
Its raining here today in Dubai. The weather is so awesome: misty, calm, serene and peaceful. The cars and people out on the streets are far and few in between. I want to get an umbrella and walk down the street while the drizzling rain hits my face. The green grass looks more greener. The lake in front of the building has raindrops pattering. From the 17th floor, the whole city's skyline looks like some foreign city. I feel like I am not in the UAE any longer.
I miss London! I really miss London!
What do I miss:
1. The great number of tourist attractions: theme parks, museums (loads and loads of them), shopping, parks, theatres, exhibitions etc
2. The large variety of restaurants (my favorite are those ones on the high street where they give you 1 pound pizzas!)
3. As crazy as it my sound: the weather! Living in countries like Saudi and UAE, I miss the clouds and the rain
4. The fact you can just get out of your house, and walk over to the high street (to places like WHSmith, Woolworths, HMV, Blockbuster and that local pizza place!)
5. The public transport especially the buses, trains and the tubes (very debatable according to some!)
6. The concept of the High Street- no need to go to central London!
7. Central London- so much to see, so much to do
8. Great Sales- actual genuine sales, compared to Dubai!
9. One word: Sainsbury (probably my favorite store to do grocery shopping from!)
10. My absolute favorite: the fact you can go to the local Funfair, play games and ride the rides!
All right, I am going to go sit next to the window and reminiscence about my previous holidays in London!
Mansur
Its raining here today in Dubai. The weather is so awesome: misty, calm, serene and peaceful. The cars and people out on the streets are far and few in between. I want to get an umbrella and walk down the street while the drizzling rain hits my face. The green grass looks more greener. The lake in front of the building has raindrops pattering. From the 17th floor, the whole city's skyline looks like some foreign city. I feel like I am not in the UAE any longer.
I miss London! I really miss London!
What do I miss:
1. The great number of tourist attractions: theme parks, museums (loads and loads of them), shopping, parks, theatres, exhibitions etc
2. The large variety of restaurants (my favorite are those ones on the high street where they give you 1 pound pizzas!)
3. As crazy as it my sound: the weather! Living in countries like Saudi and UAE, I miss the clouds and the rain
4. The fact you can just get out of your house, and walk over to the high street (to places like WHSmith, Woolworths, HMV, Blockbuster and that local pizza place!)
5. The public transport especially the buses, trains and the tubes (very debatable according to some!)
6. The concept of the High Street- no need to go to central London!
7. Central London- so much to see, so much to do
8. Great Sales- actual genuine sales, compared to Dubai!
9. One word: Sainsbury (probably my favorite store to do grocery shopping from!)
10. My absolute favorite: the fact you can go to the local Funfair, play games and ride the rides!
All right, I am going to go sit next to the window and reminiscence about my previous holidays in London!
Mansur
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Finally Done-- Almost!
Hey all,
having looked around everywhere, including Ikea, I finally found all of my furniture from a place called Home Center. I always had a liking for Ikea, but I was extremely disappointed with Ikea in Dubai. I wanted to go back to Ikea Jeddah, where the number of products available were higher, and the prices more resaonable. Even though Ikea Dubai had the Shopping Festival Discount, the prices were still absurd. I got great bargains at Home Center. Here is what I got:
1. One queen sized bed, medium brown frame with one night table.
2. Chest of drawers with 5 drawers.
3. Wardrobe with three doors.
4. One 3 seater sofa- brown (my fav as it is the large comfy style one!)
5. Tv stand (dark brown)
Here's whats left:
1. Rugs
2. Crockery
3. One lounger or chair futon or cushions
4. Coffee table
5. Side table
6. Table lamps
7. One floor lamps
8. Food!
I think I will end up at Home Center once again!
Bye for now!
Mansur
having looked around everywhere, including Ikea, I finally found all of my furniture from a place called Home Center. I always had a liking for Ikea, but I was extremely disappointed with Ikea in Dubai. I wanted to go back to Ikea Jeddah, where the number of products available were higher, and the prices more resaonable. Even though Ikea Dubai had the Shopping Festival Discount, the prices were still absurd. I got great bargains at Home Center. Here is what I got:
1. One queen sized bed, medium brown frame with one night table.
2. Chest of drawers with 5 drawers.
3. Wardrobe with three doors.
4. One 3 seater sofa- brown (my fav as it is the large comfy style one!)
5. Tv stand (dark brown)
Here's whats left:
1. Rugs
2. Crockery
3. One lounger or chair futon or cushions
4. Coffee table
5. Side table
6. Table lamps
7. One floor lamps
8. Food!
I think I will end up at Home Center once again!
Bye for now!
Mansur
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Historic Day
Dear everyone,
today is a historic day. I signed the contract for my very first own home. Its a sweet one bed room apartment, with fitted kitchen appliances and curtains. I am genuinely excited. There is such a tremendous feeling of elation, happiness and achievement. The money I made in Saudi is helping me here!
Setting up a home is becoming a real challenge. The kind of furniture I am looking for is not really available here. I was going for a sofa bed initially, but then I ditched the idea, because sofa beds (unless they are really expensive ones) are not that comfortable sofas or bed. So I am going for a corner sofa, but one side has an extension, like a lounger. I am looking for a beige color sofa. I will then have a chocolate brown rug and a low brown coffee table (maybe with tempered glass covering). One side table with a lamp will be sufficient.
For the dining room, I have found a mahogany round table for four people. The color is really nice and it will contrast with the beige rug under the table. Did you see what I did here? I reversed the colors from the living to create a contrast.
The TV trolley will be one of those low tables. Above the TV will be the shelf, which I will get from Ikea. These shelves are those ones which need no support underneath it. They look like pieces of rectangular blocks fixed into the walls. One floor lamp will be enough to light the living room.
The bed room will include one Queen size bed (King is too big), one chest of drawers (about 6-8 drawers) with a square mirror. There will be one side table with a lamp as well as one wardrobe. I may consider getting a chair futon later.
The real challenge is to find all these furniture at the price I can afford. Ikea is really expensive here in Dubai since it is considered somewhat of a status symbol. So I am looking at other options.
I have about a week to do it. Aaaaaargh!
Gotta run now,
Mansur
today is a historic day. I signed the contract for my very first own home. Its a sweet one bed room apartment, with fitted kitchen appliances and curtains. I am genuinely excited. There is such a tremendous feeling of elation, happiness and achievement. The money I made in Saudi is helping me here!
Setting up a home is becoming a real challenge. The kind of furniture I am looking for is not really available here. I was going for a sofa bed initially, but then I ditched the idea, because sofa beds (unless they are really expensive ones) are not that comfortable sofas or bed. So I am going for a corner sofa, but one side has an extension, like a lounger. I am looking for a beige color sofa. I will then have a chocolate brown rug and a low brown coffee table (maybe with tempered glass covering). One side table with a lamp will be sufficient.
For the dining room, I have found a mahogany round table for four people. The color is really nice and it will contrast with the beige rug under the table. Did you see what I did here? I reversed the colors from the living to create a contrast.
The TV trolley will be one of those low tables. Above the TV will be the shelf, which I will get from Ikea. These shelves are those ones which need no support underneath it. They look like pieces of rectangular blocks fixed into the walls. One floor lamp will be enough to light the living room.
The bed room will include one Queen size bed (King is too big), one chest of drawers (about 6-8 drawers) with a square mirror. There will be one side table with a lamp as well as one wardrobe. I may consider getting a chair futon later.
The real challenge is to find all these furniture at the price I can afford. Ikea is really expensive here in Dubai since it is considered somewhat of a status symbol. So I am looking at other options.
I have about a week to do it. Aaaaaargh!
Gotta run now,
Mansur
Monday, January 17, 2005
Tsunami Wrecks Havoc
Hey all,
a friend gave me this weblink for before/ after pictures of the recent Tsunami. The pictures speak a lot for themselves so I am going to stay quiet!
http://homepage.mac.com/demark/tsunami/9.html
Mansur
a friend gave me this weblink for before/ after pictures of the recent Tsunami. The pictures speak a lot for themselves so I am going to stay quiet!
http://homepage.mac.com/demark/tsunami/9.html
Mansur
The Nightmare of the 1-Bedroom Apartment
Hey again,
I finally found the apartment I was looking for! It has been a nightmare looking for one and I almost lost hope.
Living in Sharjah (which is next to Dubai, which is in UAE), I wanted to get a one bed room (1-bed) apartment (apt) on the Buhairah Lagoon, which has amazing views of the lake and the sea beyond the lake. I spent a whole day looking for flats, and there was not a single building which had 1-bed apt. There were some older buildings which had some available, but the buildings itself were so poorly maintained, it became depressing. So, I checked out another up and coming place in Sharjah, and even there, I did not find any 1 bed apt. The minimum that was available was 2 bedroom, charging exhorbitant prices. Three whole days, and I did not find a place!
Finally one of the real estate agency told me to go to King Faisal street and I saw a new building there, and I immediately went there. The building looked brand new from the outside. I hope my nightmare is over!
The main lobby has black marble, which made it look very classy. Entering the elevator (which was completely new and had that distinct smell) I pressed 5. Upon exiting the elevator, I took a left turn. The passageways had cream/off-white marble which gave a very clean look. There I was, at room 507.
A small passageway led into the main living/dining room. From the passage, on the left is the powder room, and on the right is the kitchen. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the kitchen included a fridge, cooking range and a washing machine. The cabinets were also looking nice. There is a small balcony at the end of the living/dining. There is central A/C as well as centralized gas connection.
Inside the bed room, I have ample space to put one king size bed, one chest of drawers, mirror and a two-door wardrobe, and still have enough space to use a skipping rope! The bathroom is accessed from the bedroom, which means that while in the living room, the bedroom can have its own privacy.
Now comes the part which I love: I get to decorate it. Being an architect, I am going for a simplistic look, for I believe in the Less is More philosophy. I am also sticking to muted shades of chocolate browns, beige and tan colors. The curtains that are included already are off-white/cream colored. I will be sticking to somewhat modern elements, and not old fashion styled furniture.
I will put up the pictures once I get it done.
Wish me luck,
Mansur
I finally found the apartment I was looking for! It has been a nightmare looking for one and I almost lost hope.
Living in Sharjah (which is next to Dubai, which is in UAE), I wanted to get a one bed room (1-bed) apartment (apt) on the Buhairah Lagoon, which has amazing views of the lake and the sea beyond the lake. I spent a whole day looking for flats, and there was not a single building which had 1-bed apt. There were some older buildings which had some available, but the buildings itself were so poorly maintained, it became depressing. So, I checked out another up and coming place in Sharjah, and even there, I did not find any 1 bed apt. The minimum that was available was 2 bedroom, charging exhorbitant prices. Three whole days, and I did not find a place!
Finally one of the real estate agency told me to go to King Faisal street and I saw a new building there, and I immediately went there. The building looked brand new from the outside. I hope my nightmare is over!
The main lobby has black marble, which made it look very classy. Entering the elevator (which was completely new and had that distinct smell) I pressed 5. Upon exiting the elevator, I took a left turn. The passageways had cream/off-white marble which gave a very clean look. There I was, at room 507.
A small passageway led into the main living/dining room. From the passage, on the left is the powder room, and on the right is the kitchen. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the kitchen included a fridge, cooking range and a washing machine. The cabinets were also looking nice. There is a small balcony at the end of the living/dining. There is central A/C as well as centralized gas connection.
Inside the bed room, I have ample space to put one king size bed, one chest of drawers, mirror and a two-door wardrobe, and still have enough space to use a skipping rope! The bathroom is accessed from the bedroom, which means that while in the living room, the bedroom can have its own privacy.
Now comes the part which I love: I get to decorate it. Being an architect, I am going for a simplistic look, for I believe in the Less is More philosophy. I am also sticking to muted shades of chocolate browns, beige and tan colors. The curtains that are included already are off-white/cream colored. I will be sticking to somewhat modern elements, and not old fashion styled furniture.
I will put up the pictures once I get it done.
Wish me luck,
Mansur
Is Dubai Artificial?
Hi everyone,
I am so excited to be back on my blog (even though I have not been away for more than a week) but I feel so awesome to be able to connect to you all through my blog!
I am finally back in Dubai, UAE.
Stayed in a hotel with my parents. Checked out this awesome new Souk, called Souk Madinat Juemirah, where a traditional Arabian souk has been re-created. ( http://www.madinatjumeirah.com/shopping/ ) While it is a spectacular experience, it is nothing compared to visiting an actual souk. This new souk experience was more like visiting a theme park. The number of people there was incredible wth so many tourists (mostly Russians). We had dinner at Times of Arabia, which was a Lebanese restaurant. The food was not so nice-- and we certainly expected greater quality being in such a high quality resort. We also had a small boat ride through the entire resort (usually, people dont get rides through the whole resort-- but our boat driver showed us everything). We saw the hotel, villas and spas. It was a great experience.
However, despite the glossy surface of the project, I felt like as if I was at some theme park, like Adventure Land at Disney Land. Whatever has been created here, is not representable of a country like UAE. The souks were immpecably clean, air conditioned, with shops like Starbucks and Cinnabon-- thats not heritage! Thats consumerism! Maybe the tourists might find this appealing, but I certainly didn't.
Despite that, we also went to City Center, the most popular mall in Dubai ( http://www.deiracitycentre.com/dcc/Index.HTML ) It gets so crowded, you literally have to shove your way round other people. If you are walking slowly, you are sure to be hit by other people on your shoulders who want to over-take you. Again, so many people, so many shops, so much emphasis on buying, buying and buying! No wonder there is another word for Dubai- Do-Buy!
I guess it may have something to do with my living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (which by the way I love!) that has made me realize how artifical and fake Dubai looks. When I go out to Dubai, it seems like a huge theme park to me with the tallest building (soon to be built), largest shopping mall (soon to be built), the Palm Islands, the largest shopping trolley, the richest horse race, the tallest hotel etc. What is it that Dubai is trying to prove? I mean, why does Dubai want to build a proper ski-slope with real snow here?
Sometimes, the reality and fantasy merge and I dont realize whats fake and whats real anymore. So is Dubai artifical? I think, yes.
Keep in mind that I am not saying I hate Dubai-- I am just of the opinion that Dubai is all about consumerism, shopping, spending, buying and winning lotteries (where the prizes are like cars, plasma tvs, cash prizes etc) It may appeal to people, but it doesn't appeal to me-- there is a bigger world out there. I would rather be there! Maybe I can live here for a while, but I certainly will not be able to live here my whole life-- I think I would need to move on.
Hope you all are keeping well,
Mansur
(I know some of you are thinking: Mansur, if you dont like Dubai, what are you doing there? One, I am in Sharjah (next to Dubai) so I dont really live in Dubai and two, I had to return to Sharjah anyways for reasons I am not going to disclose here!)
I am so excited to be back on my blog (even though I have not been away for more than a week) but I feel so awesome to be able to connect to you all through my blog!
I am finally back in Dubai, UAE.
Stayed in a hotel with my parents. Checked out this awesome new Souk, called Souk Madinat Juemirah, where a traditional Arabian souk has been re-created. ( http://www.madinatjumeirah.com/shopping/ ) While it is a spectacular experience, it is nothing compared to visiting an actual souk. This new souk experience was more like visiting a theme park. The number of people there was incredible wth so many tourists (mostly Russians). We had dinner at Times of Arabia, which was a Lebanese restaurant. The food was not so nice-- and we certainly expected greater quality being in such a high quality resort. We also had a small boat ride through the entire resort (usually, people dont get rides through the whole resort-- but our boat driver showed us everything). We saw the hotel, villas and spas. It was a great experience.
However, despite the glossy surface of the project, I felt like as if I was at some theme park, like Adventure Land at Disney Land. Whatever has been created here, is not representable of a country like UAE. The souks were immpecably clean, air conditioned, with shops like Starbucks and Cinnabon-- thats not heritage! Thats consumerism! Maybe the tourists might find this appealing, but I certainly didn't.
Despite that, we also went to City Center, the most popular mall in Dubai ( http://www.deiracitycentre.com/dcc/Index.HTML ) It gets so crowded, you literally have to shove your way round other people. If you are walking slowly, you are sure to be hit by other people on your shoulders who want to over-take you. Again, so many people, so many shops, so much emphasis on buying, buying and buying! No wonder there is another word for Dubai- Do-Buy!
I guess it may have something to do with my living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (which by the way I love!) that has made me realize how artifical and fake Dubai looks. When I go out to Dubai, it seems like a huge theme park to me with the tallest building (soon to be built), largest shopping mall (soon to be built), the Palm Islands, the largest shopping trolley, the richest horse race, the tallest hotel etc. What is it that Dubai is trying to prove? I mean, why does Dubai want to build a proper ski-slope with real snow here?
Sometimes, the reality and fantasy merge and I dont realize whats fake and whats real anymore. So is Dubai artifical? I think, yes.
Keep in mind that I am not saying I hate Dubai-- I am just of the opinion that Dubai is all about consumerism, shopping, spending, buying and winning lotteries (where the prizes are like cars, plasma tvs, cash prizes etc) It may appeal to people, but it doesn't appeal to me-- there is a bigger world out there. I would rather be there! Maybe I can live here for a while, but I certainly will not be able to live here my whole life-- I think I would need to move on.
Hope you all are keeping well,
Mansur
(I know some of you are thinking: Mansur, if you dont like Dubai, what are you doing there? One, I am in Sharjah (next to Dubai) so I dont really live in Dubai and two, I had to return to Sharjah anyways for reasons I am not going to disclose here!)
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
How do you know that you are living in Saudi Arabia?
(Hah! I could not stay away from my blog so I had to leave a small tribute for Jeddah!)
Jeddah!
How do you know that you are living in Saudi Arabia?
Jeddah!
How do you know that you are living in Saudi Arabia?
Well, the answer to that question is below. As a small tribute to the city I lived in for the last one year, I salute Jeddah!
(This list is a satire based on the city of Jeddah so no offence- other cities may have similar traits!)
1. When you see every single person, from the street cleaner to a 3 year old boy to a maid, driver, cook to a Bedouin grandmother having a cell phone
2. When everyone is holding the cell phones to their ears, even if nobody is calling them
3. When you can see those people who can live without air and water but cannot live without that dusty Caprice
4. When half the people think the word internet means ‘sex’ and the other half thinks it is ‘chatting’
5. When the word ‘family’ means anybody + one girl
6. When you try to open a website and find this: “Access to the requested URL is not allowed”
7. Malls:
Male: when you discover you should keep walking lest you are stopped by a mutawa and accused of harassing women
Female: when you discover that you should keep walking and moving , otherwise you will be harassed by those leery eyed young men
9. When you see two men walking down the street holding hands
10. When you see young men trying to grow huge bushes of Afro-style hair (with much dismal failure)
11. When guys try all innovative techniques just to get to a girl (shoving pieces of papers with their telephone numbers into the girl’s face)
12. When you see graffiti of a an email address or a cell phone number left by guys to get girls
13. When you are turned away from Chilis on a weekend simply because it is family (see rule 5) night
14. When the driver in the right lane wants to go all the way to the left (without giving an indicator light) thereby blocking all the center lanes drivers
15. When you see cars stopped on the zebra crossing or beyond when the traffic light is red
16. When you see small children on steering wheels while dads are on cell phone
17. When you hear that men and women are not supposed to mix and yet see the Filipinos waiter dancing and singing happy birthday to a group of girls at Chilis
18. When the movie you rent are censored and yet see the same movie uncensored on satellite
There may be loads of others. Feel free to include others you think should be mentioned here!
Off for Dubai,
Mansur
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
On A Short Leave
Dear all those who have been reading my blog,
I just wanted to let you know that I will not be blogging for a while since I am going to Dubai, UAE tomorrow. I'll have work to do there and so will be running around here and there. Which means I will not be able to blog for at least about two weeks, all depending on the situation. I know you all will miss me terribly, but what to do? I am desperately looking forward to start blogging once again!
Thanks for your patience,
Mansur
I just wanted to let you know that I will not be blogging for a while since I am going to Dubai, UAE tomorrow. I'll have work to do there and so will be running around here and there. Which means I will not be able to blog for at least about two weeks, all depending on the situation. I know you all will miss me terribly, but what to do? I am desperately looking forward to start blogging once again!
Thanks for your patience,
Mansur
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Dinner at Lost city
Hey all,
My brother, his wife and their daughter were here for their break from London, and we all went out for dinner. Several of my friends came over and we ended up at Lost City, which is an amazing resturant and cafe. Inside, there are several different themed areas: Piano Bar, Ancient, Aquarium, Planet etc etc. As cheesy as it sounds, I can assure you that it is not the least bit cheesy!
Highlight of the evening: when one friend decided to order Jumbo Prawns, and once they arrived, complete in shells with eyes, our friend freaked out and out-right refused to eat it!
If you are in Jeddah, try to make sure you get a chance to visit Lost City (I know I sound like I am doing free publicity stunt for Lost City!)
take care,
Mansur
Dinner @ Lost City
My brother, his wife and their daughter were here for their break from London, and we all went out for dinner. Several of my friends came over and we ended up at Lost City, which is an amazing resturant and cafe. Inside, there are several different themed areas: Piano Bar, Ancient, Aquarium, Planet etc etc. As cheesy as it sounds, I can assure you that it is not the least bit cheesy!
Highlight of the evening: when one friend decided to order Jumbo Prawns, and once they arrived, complete in shells with eyes, our friend freaked out and out-right refused to eat it!
If you are in Jeddah, try to make sure you get a chance to visit Lost City (I know I sound like I am doing free publicity stunt for Lost City!)
take care,
Mansur
Dinner @ Lost City
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Children of the 80s!
Hi friends,
If you can identify with at least half of his list then you, my friend, are a "Child of the 80's." Send this to anyone that would appreciate going back to this wonderful decade. Was that a great time or what?????
You're an eighties child if ...
If you can identify with at least half of his list then you, my friend, are a "Child of the 80's." Send this to anyone that would appreciate going back to this wonderful decade. Was that a great time or what?????
You're an eighties child if ...
...You had a crush on one of the New Kids on the Block members.
...You wanted to be on StarSearch.
...You ever uttered the word "Radical!"
...You wore jelly shoes and jelly bracelets
...You thought "Ghostbusters" was by far the coolest movie
...You remember watching shows like "Punky Brewster" , "Webster", "You Can't Do That On Television" , "Wild&Crazy Kids" and "Double Dare"
...You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off. Or even when he had those freaky eyes in "Thriller" at the end of the video.
...You wore a banana clip in your hair or one of those slap on wrist bands at some point during your youth.
...You rolled up the bottoms of your splatter painted jeans.
...You wore loafers with everything, and you put the laces in those little rolls.
...You had slouch socks, and puff painted your own shirt at least once.
...You know the profound meaning of "Wax on, Wax off." (from Karate Kid)
...You can name half of the members of the elite "Brat Pack."
...You can remember watching Full House and Saved by the Bell for endless hours!
...You yearned to be a member of The Babysitters Club, and tried to start a club of your own.
...You sat on your back porch, playing with your "My Little Pony" , "Rainbow Brite" , and "Strawberry Shortcake" dolls
...You know that another name for a keyboard is a "Synthesizer."
...You hold a special place in your heart for "Back to the Future."
...You thought Molly Ringwald was REALLY cool.
...You fell victim to 80's fashion : big hair, crimped, combed over to the side, big hoop earrings, and possibly the worst:you wore spandex pants.
...You wanted to be a Goonie, or Elliot from E.T.
...You owned an extensive collection of Cabbage Patch Kids and trolls.
...You knew "The Artist" when he was humbly called "Prince."
...You ever wore flourescent -neon if you will clothing....
...You could breakdance, or wished you could.
...You know who He-Man and She-Ra are.
...You remember when ATARI was a state of the art video game system.
...You know all the words to "Ice Ice Baby".
...You remember MC hammer well.
...You can still sing the rap to "Fresh Prince of Belair".
...You own any cassettes.
...You were led to believe that in the year 2000 we'd all be living on the moon.
...You remember and/or own any of the CareBear Glass collection from PizzaHut.
...Pizza Hut was the coolest place to hang.
...Poltergeist freaked you out.
...You carried your lunch to school in a Gremlins or an E.T. lunchbox.
...You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the ONLY female smurf.
...You wanted to communicate with some being named Cinergy, or you wanted green hair like that lead singer of the Misfits.
...You totally LOVED Barbie's cooler, punkier counterpart, "Jem" and her "Rockers"
...You wanted to have an alien like Alf living in your house.
...You wore biker shorts underneath a short skirt and felt stylish.
...You wore tights under shorts and felt stylish.
...You layered your multi-colored slouch socks, and added suspenders to make your outfit complete.
...You ever had a Swatch Watch.
...You actually spent countless hours trying to perfect the care-bear stare.
...You had a crush on one of the Coreys
...You remember when Saturday Night Live was funny.
...You had WonderWoman or Superman underwear.
...You wanted to be The Hulk for Halloween.
...You believed that "By the power of Greyskull, you HAD the power"
...You thought that Transformers were more than meets the eye.
...Partying "like it's 1999" seemed SO far away!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...You ever owned or wanted any of the NKOTB action figures or dolls.
...You remember when Deborah Gibson was "Debbie" Gibson.
... yuo had your first kiss on the dancefloor to Madonna's song Crazy For You
Folks, if you are indeed a child of the 80s, please feel free to leave something that I may have missed out on!
Folks, if you are indeed a child of the 80s, please feel free to leave something that I may have missed out on!
Mansur
(List taken from website www.inthe80s.com-- and I have edited it out)
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Cool Blogs Coming From Saudi
Hey all,
I did a random search for blogs coming out from Saudi Arabia, and the following are my favorites:
(1) Zainah's World.... Welcome Dear Friends
http://www.zainahsworld.blogspot.com
(2) Saudi Jeans.... rants and raves from saudi arabia
http://www.saudijeans.blogspot.com/
(3) Jowhara's Chamber
http://www.jowharaschamber.blogspot.com/
(4) The Religious Policeman
http://www.muttawa.blogspot.com/
(5) Teacher- Why Like This?
http://www.magickingdom.blogspot.com/
If you know of anymore, please let me know. I think the above ones are the best ones, and they are all consistent with updating their blogs.
Oh, how could I forget the most amazing one:
(6) Life of Mansur
http://www.lifeofmansur.blogspot.com
ENJOY!
Mansur
I did a random search for blogs coming out from Saudi Arabia, and the following are my favorites:
(1) Zainah's World.... Welcome Dear Friends
http://www.zainahsworld.blogspot.com
(2) Saudi Jeans.... rants and raves from saudi arabia
http://www.saudijeans.blogspot.com/
(3) Jowhara's Chamber
http://www.jowharaschamber.blogspot.com/
(4) The Religious Policeman
http://www.muttawa.blogspot.com/
(5) Teacher- Why Like This?
http://www.magickingdom.blogspot.com/
If you know of anymore, please let me know. I think the above ones are the best ones, and they are all consistent with updating their blogs.
Oh, how could I forget the most amazing one:
(6) Life of Mansur
http://www.lifeofmansur.blogspot.com
ENJOY!
Mansur
Monday, January 03, 2005
I Must Be Doing Something Right!
Hey everyone,
Check out the article. Blog creation rises in 2004. That means more and more people are making blogs and reading blogs online. So I must be doing something right somewhere, despite only one person making regular comments on my blog! (not that I expected everyone in my address book to make comments for me anyway!)
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050102/ap_on_hi_te/blogs_survey
Surely with time, I will have achieved the status of a super-star!
Mansur
Check out the article. Blog creation rises in 2004. That means more and more people are making blogs and reading blogs online. So I must be doing something right somewhere, despite only one person making regular comments on my blog! (not that I expected everyone in my address book to make comments for me anyway!)
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050102/ap_on_hi_te/blogs_survey
Surely with time, I will have achieved the status of a super-star!
Mansur
Do Men Cry?
Hi friends,
Having seen so many pictures of devastation in Palestine, Iraq and almost all of South East Asia, I have seen so many pictures of men crying. In the Eastern culture, it is thought that it is un-manly of men to cry in public. If they want to cry they should cry in the privacy of their own home. Men usually do not display such emotions in public, even at the graveyards. I remember when I took my grandfather to his younger brother's funeral, he never shed a tear in public, but cried when he was at home in the privacy of his bedroom.
Why is it seen as un-manly for men to cry? I think it is primarily the way the society has developed. If a man cry, he is seen as someone with a weak nature and vulnerable. So in order to be more macho, manly and strong, a man cannot cry in public. I remember growing up with cousins who would make fun of men crying in public. I remember when someone I know cried during a movie, and everyone else made fun of him because he was a guy who was crying.
Over the years, I have come to the conclusion that it is all right for men to cry in public, not as in bawling kind of crying, but shed a few tears. I dont think there is anything wrong with that. I dont think it makes a man a lesser man, or a man of weak nature if he sheds a few tears but in fact shows that men have an emotional side to them as well and are not cold, hearltess people. I have friends who have cried in a movie, of heartbreak, of losing a loved one, of failing an exam and countless other situations. I think crying is a natural reaction for a body to release its tension. If it is acceptable for men to laugh in public, why not cry?
And if you are dying to find out, yes, sometimes even I cry at some situations, like when I read about the abuses that took place in Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, when I read personal stories of people who go through hell (eg A Child Called It), when I hear of small children dying of diseases which is of no fault of theirs, when I hear a song that brings back wonderful memories, when I fail miserably in my presentation, and when I watch a movie that touches me profoundly. Keep in mind when I say cry in public, I dont mean like crying out loud and bawling, but just shedding a few tears.
I hope all the men out there will one day feel that it is okay to shed a few tears in some situations and not pretend that they are macho or brave and have no need to display such emotions.
Do men cry? Yes.
Mansur
Having seen so many pictures of devastation in Palestine, Iraq and almost all of South East Asia, I have seen so many pictures of men crying. In the Eastern culture, it is thought that it is un-manly of men to cry in public. If they want to cry they should cry in the privacy of their own home. Men usually do not display such emotions in public, even at the graveyards. I remember when I took my grandfather to his younger brother's funeral, he never shed a tear in public, but cried when he was at home in the privacy of his bedroom.
Why is it seen as un-manly for men to cry? I think it is primarily the way the society has developed. If a man cry, he is seen as someone with a weak nature and vulnerable. So in order to be more macho, manly and strong, a man cannot cry in public. I remember growing up with cousins who would make fun of men crying in public. I remember when someone I know cried during a movie, and everyone else made fun of him because he was a guy who was crying.
Over the years, I have come to the conclusion that it is all right for men to cry in public, not as in bawling kind of crying, but shed a few tears. I dont think there is anything wrong with that. I dont think it makes a man a lesser man, or a man of weak nature if he sheds a few tears but in fact shows that men have an emotional side to them as well and are not cold, hearltess people. I have friends who have cried in a movie, of heartbreak, of losing a loved one, of failing an exam and countless other situations. I think crying is a natural reaction for a body to release its tension. If it is acceptable for men to laugh in public, why not cry?
And if you are dying to find out, yes, sometimes even I cry at some situations, like when I read about the abuses that took place in Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, when I read personal stories of people who go through hell (eg A Child Called It), when I hear of small children dying of diseases which is of no fault of theirs, when I hear a song that brings back wonderful memories, when I fail miserably in my presentation, and when I watch a movie that touches me profoundly. Keep in mind when I say cry in public, I dont mean like crying out loud and bawling, but just shedding a few tears.
I hope all the men out there will one day feel that it is okay to shed a few tears in some situations and not pretend that they are macho or brave and have no need to display such emotions.
Do men cry? Yes.
Mansur
Cross Eyed
Hi all,
I was talking to someone today and that someone had eyes that were crossed. In other words, both his eyeballs were looking in different directions. He had his face towards me, and his left eyeball looking to the right, and his right eyeball looking towards the left. I did not know what to do. I tried keeping a straight face, and contain my huge grin, but he just kept on talking as if both his eyes were looking at me. I was confused for a while. I tried looking at his right eye at first, and then looking in his left eye, and then getting confused as to which eye he was looking from. The experience was exhilarating for me, and I pray that his eyes get better. I've made too many eye contacts today and I am getting cross eyed myself.
all-crossed-up,
Mansur
I was talking to someone today and that someone had eyes that were crossed. In other words, both his eyeballs were looking in different directions. He had his face towards me, and his left eyeball looking to the right, and his right eyeball looking towards the left. I did not know what to do. I tried keeping a straight face, and contain my huge grin, but he just kept on talking as if both his eyes were looking at me. I was confused for a while. I tried looking at his right eye at first, and then looking in his left eye, and then getting confused as to which eye he was looking from. The experience was exhilarating for me, and I pray that his eyes get better. I've made too many eye contacts today and I am getting cross eyed myself.
all-crossed-up,
Mansur
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Welcome Year 2005
Dear Friends,
I finally entered the year 2005. Sure, today is still same as yesterday and I am sure tomorrow will be the same as today and yesterday. So, no big deal. But, I am still going to usher in the year 2005 symbollically.
I read the 2004 supplement in Arab News, where all the main events were recaptured. I had forgotten some of the events already. It was a very depressing supplement to read--- more than 90% of the news was depressing, dealing with deaths, destructions, killings, accidents, tsunamis and Bush's re-election! What a way to end the year 2004-- with the deaths of over 150,000 people over few days. Also events such as Iraq War, the numerous shoot-outs in Saudi, Madrid bombings, Tsunamis and so on also were the major events-- where are the good ones? If I could think of the one event that totally devastated me, it has to be the abuse by the US forces at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. That scandal just made me lose hope in humanity.
However, an article by Mr. Khaled Al-Maeena in today's Arab News (31-12-04 @ http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=56783&d=30&m=12&y=2004 ), gave me a glimmer of hope. There are still people in this world who do good; they are "silent heros.' Also, despite the havoc that the recent tsunamis have created, the people are all united in their effort to help one another-- suddenly, there is no religion, caste, nationality, color, age or race barrier. Humanity has united.
I pray and hope that as the world has made it out alive through the year 2004, let 2005 be a better year for us all. In the mean-time, I am going to bring in my new year in my own way, by watching one of my favorite movies of all time: Misery. Hey, my sweet popcorn and coke are ready, I need to go.
Take care friends, and good luck in all that you do!
Your blogger-friend,
Mansur
I finally entered the year 2005. Sure, today is still same as yesterday and I am sure tomorrow will be the same as today and yesterday. So, no big deal. But, I am still going to usher in the year 2005 symbollically.
I read the 2004 supplement in Arab News, where all the main events were recaptured. I had forgotten some of the events already. It was a very depressing supplement to read--- more than 90% of the news was depressing, dealing with deaths, destructions, killings, accidents, tsunamis and Bush's re-election! What a way to end the year 2004-- with the deaths of over 150,000 people over few days. Also events such as Iraq War, the numerous shoot-outs in Saudi, Madrid bombings, Tsunamis and so on also were the major events-- where are the good ones? If I could think of the one event that totally devastated me, it has to be the abuse by the US forces at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. That scandal just made me lose hope in humanity.
However, an article by Mr. Khaled Al-Maeena in today's Arab News (31-12-04 @ http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=56783&d=30&m=12&y=2004 ), gave me a glimmer of hope. There are still people in this world who do good; they are "silent heros.' Also, despite the havoc that the recent tsunamis have created, the people are all united in their effort to help one another-- suddenly, there is no religion, caste, nationality, color, age or race barrier. Humanity has united.
I pray and hope that as the world has made it out alive through the year 2004, let 2005 be a better year for us all. In the mean-time, I am going to bring in my new year in my own way, by watching one of my favorite movies of all time: Misery. Hey, my sweet popcorn and coke are ready, I need to go.
Take care friends, and good luck in all that you do!
Your blogger-friend,
Mansur
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