Swimming with the Fishes- in a good way

So finally, after more than 2 months here in Dubai, living 15 minutes from the ocean, I actually made it to the beach. For only 5 dirhams I went to a beautiful beach park with Mondays reserved for ladies and children only, and got to experience the most beautiful, relaxing, day at the beach ever. The sun was shining brightly overhead, the water was clear and mild, and the sand was clean. It was gorgeous. I spent most of my time on the shore, but when I did go into the water I saw something skinny and silver darting about a little ways from me. It took a moment for me to register that it was actually a fish, and as I waded farther out I saw a few more. The water was so clear that although I waded in almost waist-high I could still see fish swimming at about the same level as my calves. To be honest, it was disconcerting. The fish are a different type than I've ever seen back home, and the best way I can describe is that they look like little swordfish, with really long noses and long skinny bodies. After a little while in the water, I kept thinking about the barracuda with the sharp teeth I saw at the grocery store, and I started wondering what other kind of fish might be swimming around me. I spent the rest of my beach time walking and reading, and enjoying the sight and sound of the water, without really going in far. I'm such a chicken, lol.

Still here

So, if you thought the last lapse in postings was long, what'd you think of this one? A lot has happened in the last 6 or so weeks. I went on Safari (twice), went to Madinat Jumeirah, the Dubai Marina, the Jumana- Queen of the Desert show, Abu Dhabi several times, and the natural hot springs in Al Ain. It's been a busy time. The safaris were probably my favorite experience, and I highly recommend for everyone to do it at least once. You ride in an SUV caravan off the road to the edge of the desert, all of the drivers get out and partially deflate the tires for what I can only assume is more traction, and off you go. You climb up and over sand dunes as tall as houses feeling like you're on a small roller coaster, like the Scooby-Doo at King's Dominion. But, it's much more exhilarating because you watch the sand crumble and slide beside and beneath you, and you watch the other SUV's in front of you climb up, up, up, and go hurtling down and you know your turn is coming next. This goes on for a while, and then all of the vehicles stop and all the passengers climb out and you realize you're in the middle of nowhere with only sand and camel pens as far as the eye can see. Those who want to sand-board do, and then everyone climbs back in and drives out to an encampment that looks like some Bedouin camp that time forgot. There a buffet dinner, sheesha, and dancer waits for you. You come back home feeling like you were on a different planet, all rejuvenated and with a fresh perspective.