Still Exploring UAE

Over the past few weekends I have found myself hanging out with friends who are keen to further explore this country outside the cities. We’ve driven out to the Western Region to Delma Island, explored Al Futaisi island, gone off road on undeveloped coastlines and to a beautiful actual oasis, and found ourselves in the ultimate desert-The Empty Quarter. That was absolutely gorgeous and awe inspiring. We even drove up to a border crossing with Saudi Arabia. The road literally stopped at the border.

I must admit that I have been going non-stop since the first of October and I have absolutely no intention of stopping. I know I will pay for it later, but I have enjoyed being exhaustingly busy. No time to think, no time to ache.

Marine Corps Ball 2009

Every year on the 10th of November (or thereabouts) the U.S. Marine Corps commemorates the birthday of the corps with a traditional ball and cake-cutting ceremony. Due to the longstanding relationship between State and the very small contingent of Marines who guard each and every one of our embassies and consulates, we are invited to celebrate with them no matter where in the world we might be. The purpose of the ball and celebration is to call to mind the glories of the corps long and illustrious history. By tradition, the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine, who then serves the youngest Marine, symbolizing the old and experienced Marines passing their knowledge to the new generation.

Our Marine Ball in Abu Dhabi was held at the Emirates Palace Hotel, a self proclaimed 7-star hotel. For all of us it is the biggest social event of the year with serious ball gowns, uniforms and tuxes. Five hundred people came out to celebrate, have a wonderful dinner and dance until 2 in the morning. I enjoyed it very much and for me it is a little extra special because it is so very close to my birthday-I shall consider it a party not to be missed from now on.

Hallowe’en

I was tapped to work my very first VIP visit and the guest was none other than Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and a myriad of other major players. I was designated the point of contact at the hotel where she stayed (press traveling with her stayed at a lesser hotel) and was responsible for making sure everyone including her security had what they needed there. I worked all weekend, but I banked some hours to be used for future vacation.

Her visit coincided with the very first Formula One race on the brand new track on Yas Island here in Abu Dhabi, so the hotel was filled to the brim with Presidents, Foreign Ministers and innumerable Kings and Princes. I even met Prince Andrew of Great Britain-he spoke to me in the hallway.

Note to my closest friends: What did I do for Hallowe’en? I was at the beck and call of a Clinton. Can your all hallow's eve top that? Yes, I do have a twisted sense of humor.

House Guest

I’ve finally had a visitor from home! It was so wonderful to have someone here who has history with me, who really knows me. Our conversations were long and varied. We crammed 6 months of sightseeing highlights into one week-hitting Dubai’s old souk, Burj al Arab (tallest bldg in the world) and Palm Jumeirah, Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi and a desert safari in the oasis of Al Ain.

I loved having someone else in the house. I hope it won’t be the last time I can offer hospitality to friends and family.

Honoring Finn Sisu

Today our Embassy community came together in a very large gathering to honor the life and character of Finn Sisu. We first met outside in the warm morning sun where a tree had been planted in remembrance of him. The Ambassador spoke eloquently of the life that Finn Sisu had led, the many unique experiences he had and the impact his presence had of the lives of those who met him at post. The Ambassador and I placed a bronze plaque at the base of the tree to forever mark this spot in his honor. Finn Sisu would have liked that because he loved trees and things that grow.

After this outdoor ceremony the crowd adjourned to a large conference room where refreshments were available. But the highlight was a PowerPoint presentation that played showing pictures of him throughout his life and music from his own list of iPod songs. It was heartwarming for me to watch the crowd watch the slideshow. They were very quiet, very interested and at certain moments the crowd would emit reactions in unison. A sampling of the songs included was “Ordinary Average Man” by Joe Walsh, “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum, “I’m Gonna Be” by the Proclaimers and “Fat Bottomed Girls” by Queen.

I spoke to everyone who came and many expressed to me not only what a wonderful, happy person he seemed to be when they met him, but that the slideshow really reflected a man who had lived a happy life. They told me they could see that he was always living life and that humor seemed to always be a constant for him. It was. And the joy he brought to my life was immeasurable.

Finn Sisu did exactly as his moniker implies, he lived fearlessly, independently and proactively conscious of what he wanted from life.

I thank all of those who came out to celebrate him and his memory.

Nobody Else in the World

Finn Sisu and I would have celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary last month.  It fell over a 5 day weekend for me, so I took the opportunity to go to Cyprus.  I was originally planning on going with a friend, but they had a family emergency and I went alone.  I knew it would be a bit tough; I knew I would be lonely and I intended to still celebrate the life we shared and to remember him with love.  It was a nice trip, a scary trip and a good rest.

Yesterday I came back from Muscat, where I went on a business trip to meet MEPI contacts in Oman.  It was a much harder trip.  Every step of the way I was thinking of what I would tell Finn Sisu and how much he would have loved this or that, how he would have responded to this situation or another. 

I just don't think that anyone in the world knows how much I miss him or how much it hurts to be without him.

Can You Hear Me Now?

I have been sidelined with regard to what is happening in the political world, but I found this very interesting.

Years ago the people of Tennessee told their legislators they didn't want certain legislation. They wrote letters, they called and they faxed. The legislators persisted, so the people emailed until the system crashed. The legislators said they didn't care what the people wanted; they were going to do it anyway. With all other avenues exhausted the citizens drove to the capital where the legislators cowered in their offices refusing to hear them. That led to days and weeks of constant horn honking and protestors at the state Capitol building.  The people prevailed and the whole episode spawned a whole new group of candidates and activists that have continued to greatly influence the direction of my state.

Seems another group of people are tired of being ignored. 

Check it out
Operation Can You Hear Us Now?