I have many short entries written, but I don’t feel like any of them are long enough to carry an actual post. I tried last post, but was very unhappy with the result, which was just a pinch longer than those I have saved. So I am piecing together a few of them. Again. This may seem a bit disjointed, but here we go…
My Handsome Hubby and I went to a very weird movie yesterday. That’s not the story. The story is that here in the UAE, they really do the movie thing right in a lot of ways. One of my favorite things is the fact that you get to choose your seat. As you go to purchase your ticket, a map of the theater is displayed. In some cases it’s displayed on a touch screen so you simply touch the seat(s) you want, and in other places you must verbally confirm them. Some theaters offer 2 types of seats, and so far none of them have been exactly like the standard Harkins Theater back home. The standard seat is very comfortable. It rocks and/or slightly reclines, and is covered in soft cloth. The deluxe seats are leather, and resemble in both appearance and comfort a big easy chair. They are wide and cushy and I wouldn’t hesitate to have them in my own home. In addition to the drink holders on the outside armrest, there is a small table where you can rest your munchies on the arm between every 2 chairs. It makes a perfect date night chair as there is plenty of space to lean into your date and still share popcorn, or samosas, or noodles… Which brings me to the other thing I like about the theaters here. The selection of munchies. In reality, most places in the world do better than the typical US choices of popcorn, candy and overcooked hotdogs on stale buns. But here, even the standard theaters have quite a selection. Indian or Asian street food (samosas, dumplings, steamed buns, spring rolls) and full meals like noodle or rice bowls, or bowls of soup or chili are common offerings, in addition to popcorn, onion rings, french fries, etc. There is always candy and soda, but also water and fresh juices, coffee, tea or cappuccino. If you are in a hurry, you can order your food, and run in to the theater so you don’t miss anything. Somebody will deliver your order right to your seat once it is ready. There are also a couple of theaters similar to the GoldStar or iPic Cinemas in the US. Here they have paired with a Michelin Star chef to create a menu that changes periodically. Your seat reclines, has an adjustable foot rest, and comes with a blanket and pillow. For about $80US you see the movie while you enjoy a gourmet 3-course meal, including mocktail and coffee or tea. One thing they do that I really like, is that this theater is not reserved for only one particular movie. They rotate the movie and times daily, and throughout the week. Meaning several movies show in this upgraded theater throughout the day, AND the prime time showing is different each night of the week. I really like that. I have yet to actually go to this theater – I find the standard offering to be just great – but I would like to make it there eventually. I’ll send a review when I do!
I haven’t seen a giant roadside billboard here. I have seen
the ads on the side of a building that light up at night, but even then, only one or two. For a city this size that seems unusual to me. There are however, some smaller adverti
sing sign along the city roads. They look like this.
When there isn’t a paid ad, they are for the most part co
vered with slightly whimsical photography that incorporates the light pole they are posted on. I saw the first one on the night I arrived. Let me tell you that after 24 hours of travel, seeing this at a distance will mess with your head.
But once you get close you see the intention better.
Over the next few days I saw these as well.
I think they are great, and they continue to make me smile. At night they are lit up. 
They are much better than just another ad.
As the UAE is a Muslim country, pork is not readily available in all grocery stores. A standard breakfast here will usually include beef or veal bacon, and/or beef or chicken sausage. That said, pork products can be found. A couple of the international grocery chains have a small back room where they hide it. There is a sign outside the door that says ‘no Muslims’. When you go through that door, it feels as though you are entering a dark, forbidden closet. Inside there are cases of pork bellies, sausages, chops, etc. and of course real pork bacon. I have found that I don’t miss it. At all. In just about any grocery store here there are tons of fresh protein options. Many of these are either not readily available, or not available at all. The Seafood section of any grocery store offers 10-20 options for freshly caught seafood. The poultry section has chicken and turkey, but also quail, pheasant, and squab (pigeon.) In addition to beef and veal, the butcher area also carries lamb, mutton, deer and gazelle. The majority of the population here includes a significant amount of fruit, vegetables and grains as their primary diet. When they choose to include meat, they have a large variety of options to choose from. In addition, they have an amazing selection of ways to add spice and flavor with local herbs and spices. What I am trying to say is the food here is amazing in both taste and diversity. It’s impressive, and I have much to learn.