The last day of February

Stating the obvious I know but I’m off to a bit of a slow start today ideas wise so we have to go back to basics !

I’ve been to Abu Dhabi and back today – for the dreaded admin.  Bank, IT and Residence Visa medical.

Most of which, it has to be said, was very efficient and well organised (I don’t seem to be suffering from the same administrative problems as others…….both the other people that came with me for medicals had problems with their paper work whilst I was through and out in 10 minutes.

It’s an odd one really – you need a medical to check that you’re not going to be a burden on their health service (despite having to have private health cover).  So I had the most cursory medical examination possible – as in, the doctor barely glanced at me, didn’t ask me any questions and stamped my form and sent me on my way in less than a minute !  I then went straight into a cubical and had blood taken (an AIDS test apparently) and then straight into an x-ray room and had a chest x-ray (no idea what for).  I was then shown the door with a little card that someone else will use to get the results in two days time.  I don’t think I was in the place more than 10 minutes.  I then waited half an hour for my two colleagues who were having paperwork problems !

The bank was just as efficient – for some reason I have been given a “Premier” account, and I’m sure I didn’t opt for that on the form (and that I’m going to pay for it somehow !) but yesterday, as I am ushered to an oasis of calm on another floor, away from the common account holders.  I’m given coffee and a comfy sofa to sit on whilst waiting (3 mins) for my personal bank assistant to collect me and perform any number of computerised gymnastics on his little screen (25 mins) which I had singularly tried and failed to do over the hotels steam powered internet access.  I have now set up my account to transfer most of my hard earned Dirham back to my loving family at the beginning of every month without me having to lift a finger.

As I exit the oasis of calm and return to the hustle and bustle of the Souk downstairs one of my two companions has not returned to our agreed meeting place.  I had been all ready to apologise for keeping people waiting but it turns out I needn’t have worried.  They had sent his cashpoint card to the wrong branch in Dubai rather than Abu Dhabi and returned it to somewhere because he hadn’t collected it in time.  He was now up to his neck in Branch Managers whilst he tried to sort it out…….more waiting !

The only other notable thing about yesterday was that I drove for the first time.  I have now been added to the insurance for one of the cars here and therefore got to drive back from Abu Dhabi yesterday.  It might not seem much but it gives you a feeling that you have just that little bit more freedom, which is good for the sanity ! (it also means that I’ll be able to pick my family up from the airport without involving anyone else or an expensive series of taxi rides !

No photos today I’m afraid but I’ll flood you with pictures towards the end of the week when I get to Dubai.  I’m off to see some of the older bits (as well as some of the newer bits I suspect) so we’ll be able to take a picture of something that doesn’t look like a camel (I suspect, although I can’t promise !).

I have nothing to add to the usual inventory because I’m sure that you’re not interested in my chicken sandwich (although I did opt for chips instead of salad – I felt like a treat !) or how much it cost.  When I have something to say then I’ll say something – until then you just have to use your imagination……as the actress said to the Bishop !

Oh, and before I forget - Happy Dai's Day to all my Welsh friends.  Here's  big Welsh flvoured kiss for you.  X