Red backs and Waterfalls

WILD WADI !

Dubai has a most excellent water park. It almost scared the pants off Dim. The "Jemeirah Sceirah" was particularly popular amongst the crowd that had gathered at its base. My loving wife joined in whole heartily as well, laughing her head off. Whilst I required medical assistance to remove the shorts from my Bum crack. There was an intriguing cultural mix, with the skimpiest of bikinis ridding the same rides as women dressed in full length burkas. I think the multiculturalism and tolerance exhibited in the UAE is magnificent.

AUSTRALIAN NATIVES

There is a red back outbreak in town. I have been warned by locals to be careful around town, for a venomous spider of infamous proportions is lurking, waiting to pounce. The hysteria generated by this little critter is impressive. It has lessened somewhat now that the antivenom has arrived in local hospitals.

DRSC

I have joined a rowing club. The Dubai Rowing and Sculling Club has taken me into there fold, and I have been training on the water every morning since Sunday. They have a nice collection of boats, but are currently homeless. Their temporary digs can be found at the marina, and a beautiful section of navigable water that extends into the city. It makes some change from the slippery and muddy Yarra. Each day we launch straight from the beach onto crystal clean, warm emerald green waters. It was wonderful to feel the sand squirm between my toes as the tiny fish dart away from the boats shadow. This weekend I will be coaching the squad from a motor launch.

THE SOUK

We visited one of the cheap souk (market). Many souk exist around town, each specialize to a particular market. E.g. gold, textiles, or in this case: cheap pirate rip offs and fake goods. Although our pirate spending spree was cut short by the immanent arrival of a government inspector. Frantic tradesmen were scooping there wares of prada sunglasses into sacks; we were ejected into the street as our store shut up shop. "Come back in 30 minutes" was all we heard. It did give us some respite from the Rolex dealers who vanished into the night. The sporting goods store had already been closed, with large government posters pasted across the main entrance.... no cheap rugby jumpers for me. Apparently there is a big push on the protect those who purchased the rights to the soccer world cup. Looking forward to the contest, but no one here seems to think we have a chance......

Can't believe the walabies are playing England in Melbourne, and I am bloody well here!