First Week Over

Well I just finished my first long run in Abu Dhabi.  Fortunately for me, running 20 miles today had to be done indoors due to Ramadan and the fact that you are forbidden to eat or drink in public until sundown.  1 more day of Ramadan and all will be back to normal (normal for here at least).  Also forbidden during Ramadan:

- Singing in your car or anywhere else
- Dancing
- Smoking
- Pretty much anything else that gives you some sort of pleasure

I have to say, I'm somewhat impressed that the Muslims fast all day for this long.  It's pretty difficult to not eat from sunup to sundown.  The funny thing is, that they normally sleep from about 1 PM till about 7 PM, then they get up and party all night and stuff themselves.  Still a feat though. 

It's funny to try and eat during the day out here.  I feel like I'm back in the 20's trying to find some speakeasy to dip in, give the secret password, and get some food.  And even if you get food, now you have to find a place to eat (in your car, between dumpsters in an alley, some quartined room in a building where no one can see, etc.)

While I was running today, I had the gym helper come by no less than half a dozen times during the four hours to ask me if I was OK.  I think he thought I was off my rocker for running that long on the treadmill.  When I told him I was running 32 kilometers this morning, he just kind of looked at me with a blank stare as if to say, "Are you F'ing nuts?"

Last night I had the pleasure of visiting a co-worker's house to chow down on some home-made lasagna, salad, and some swimming.  I have to say, it was a nice reminder of home that I needed very much.  I stuffed myself full of good food and headed home for the night.  Thanks Steve and Angie!

As for the rest of today, I'm going to order some room service, take a nap, and then get up and maybe head to Marina Mall to putz around.  That's about it for my "exciting" first week out here.  Pretty much work, eating, and the occasional crazy driver :)  Talk to you all later.