Land of the Emirates

I think I should definitely drop a line here while I'm in Abu Dhabi. It's day 9 in UAE Land, with first 7 days in Dubai, and a couple of days in Abu Dhabi, and leaving back to Dubai again before I fly back.
It has been work, work, and work! Calling the few contacts we have, looking through newspapers finding interesting stories and speaking to friends' friends or even strangers on the road or in some conference we crashed, our only aim is to find THE ONE woman whom we would like to feature. I am but the humble cameraman in this team of two. But really, I have learnt a lot - not the easiest way. Imagine, me and Bita (the director of this documentary) both flew a total of 40 hours (plus transit time) to meet here in Dubai, FOR THE FIRST TIME, and have to work so closely as though we've known each other for ages. Definitely there's some clashes of personalities, different methods, adjusting to each other and all that jazz. I came with no expectation whatsoever. I really didn't know what to expect. I just keep reminding myself to be open-minded about this and try to learn as much as I could. It really challenged me in many ways which I figured only by sitting down with me, you'll get the real impression of what I went through. (hope it doesn't sound all that bad)

There are some days that are slower which we just logged our tapes at home, or sampai jalan buntu kut so we went to the beach and chill. (yupp, I've dipped into the blue sea of arabian gulf). Mediterranean weather at this time of the year is nice, cooling and yet still sunny.

I might come back earlier than I think. Funny that I knew I was going to miss home and I DO - the secured feeling of routine, the warm and loving group of friends, understanding and patient colleagues and bosses, my own chill out pad and loyal sunnyboy waiting for me... or maybe just cheap 'xue cha' (cold chinese tea) and banana leaf rice that I miss. hehe. been eating lots of fast food 'cause everything is SO EXPENSIVE here, also kebabs and more kebabs. ro-boy must love it here a lot. they've got lime n lemon for most stuff, the humus, the mint leaves, tadik, salad, etc. all that.

Also, Bita's an American of Iranian origin. I think I have never had a close American friend and they are different from the usual Asians (duh!) definitely. We misunderstood each other quite easily at times, even the simplest way of saying things can come out different. For those who know me, *you know how malaysian the way i speak right*. I told myself I should probably stay in one of the caucasian countries one day, for a year or two, just so that I could comprehend the different culture a bit better. In another words, learn to deal with people who are a lot more vocal. ;-) (bita if u're reading this, love u k.)

Photos will be posted when I'm back. Till then.