The Date Is Set

I just had the meeting with the suits this morning, and after getting a brief synopsis of the project and a few details of the move, we settled on July 7th as my departure date. Interesting thing about Dubai, they work on a 5 day work week, but it starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday. So, after a 16 hour flight, going through Doha, I should be in Dubai safe and sound....and sizzling.
Initially I'll be living in one of those hotels/apartments/recently separated husband type places for about a month. During that time I'll be looking for a permanent place to live and furnature and stuff. I can't help to think how odd it will be living with only 2 suitcases of clothes, and that's it! (No Paul, I'm not gonna fill one suitcase with just Pumas) After I get settled in I'll be able to have more things sent, like my golf clubs, turntables, etc. But until then, I predict there will be an above average number of laundry to be done. Although, this does open the door to doing some shopping!
Now, I don't know the exact location of the hotel, but I do know that it's in the town of Al Barsha'a, which is on the west side of Dubai, next to the Mall of Emirates. This mall isn't the biggest one, in fact, there are at least two that are bigger. But what makes this one stand out is that it has a 22,500 sq. ft. Ski slope........yes, you read it right.....ski slope!

So what's next? Lots of packing. I'll be giving up my apartment so everything I own will have to go into storage. So next time I write I'll be in UAE soil!!!
PEACE!

So It Begins......

"I've never written one of these before, but I'll give it a shot" Is that the way you're supposed to start one of these things? Who knows. Who cares. But I figured since I'll be going to work half way around the world to a city where some have described "A Fantasy World for Adults" , I figured I'd document my experience. (Yes, Ewoldt, you gave me the idea, so I officially give you credt.)

Ever since I heard that Dubai at one point had close to 90% of the world's construction cranes, I was interested in what they were doing there: malls, indoor ski mountains, buildings, island, hotels. But they just don't build normal ones, they build the biggest, the tallest, the widest, the most expensive and the most luxurious. How can you not want to go?

As of today, I will be going to Dubai to work on a multi-billion dollar horse racetrack. What kind you say? Just the normal, run-of-the-mill multi-billion dollar structure. Here's a little description and video.

Meydan Racecourse

The Meydan Racecourse is an iconic and landmark development spanning 76 million square feet and featuring a state of the art dirt and turf track, a world class grandstand with a capacity of approximately 60,000 people.The Meydan Racecourse will be a stone's throw from the current Nad Al Sheba Racecourse and will include a five star hotel, more than ten restaurants, several private hospitality suites and boxes, the new home of the Godolphin Gallery, the Dubai Racing Club, a state of the art racing museum, as well as covered car parking for approximately 10,000 cars.A four kilometre canal which will run from Dubai Creek will offer racegoers a unique opportunity to arrive by boat to the racecourse, and will feature a marina and a boathouse. Hospitality and dining facilities within the new grandstand will redefine the racing experience and offer luxury, comfort and hospitality second to none.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLdGj4hn5SE

I have 30 days until I have to go to Dubai.....30 days!!! I have so much to do I can't keep it straight...from finding a place to stay, to breaking my lease here to figuring out what I can or cannot take. Actually, the only thing I'm concerned about is if I'll be able to take my golf clubs!

Am I nervous? yeah, I mean, I'll be half way around the world, in a place where the closest person I know is either my brother in Geneva or Natalie in Taiwan. But it's a great opportunity, and I can't wait! Dubai is where it's at, and I'll be there for at least a year....daaaaaamn!!!

I'll be posting here regularly, so check back frequently.....and for those who don't speak English, tratare de poner algunas historias en espan~ol. pero me imagino que entenderan bastante en ingles!