eating out in the UAE

I was just in New York for a few days staying with my dear friend Cindy and going to see art and "get shit done". Well, its done, and I'm back in the UAE dealing with some serious "end game" issues. Cindy pointed out that it is much like the kids on their year abroad who went home for Christmas. They just weren't serious and didn't get immersed the way (we) hardcore study abroad students did. Well, too late now. For a start, certain elements that were annoying but charming have become intolerable to me. Namely, the grocery store. I filled a cart with two items today and then promptly left without buying them. The knot of people over by the turnips was just too much to infiltrate. Couldn't do it. Hopefully, the kids will be happy with sliced cheese and the tin of tuna fish this week...

Also, I've started planning our summer (hooray!) and it looks good. Damn good. Also, I feel that people who are living here longer term (there are few permanent residents) have started to slack off socially. Or maybe we are. I must redouble my efforts there- these are good people to know. They see as short timers though and its easy to think, "why bother?". I know, we will invite them out to dinner!