Abu Dhabi

If I write about it, I'm admitting it's over, right? ***Oh sigh*** can you understand my delay?

Because it was fabulous in every way!!! Nicolas Sparks couldn't have written a better love story, "One Hot Week in Abu Dhabi" if he tried. The dramatic build-up--a two month absence because of a deployment...the entire adventure--traveling separately, ultimately leading to an airport reunion in a far-away country neither of us had ever been to...and our entire love story--we REALLY, really are best friends happiest when we're together. All our high expectations for kid-less getaway were fulfilled.

All that, and I'll say right from the beginning I wouldn't go back to Abu Dhabi. Or UAE. I mean, there's not a whole lot there other than huge skyscrapers, dusty, endless deserts, mega-malls and irrigated palm trees. But even that worked in our favor for this trip as we didn't feel like we were missing out on much sleeping in late and lounging at the fancy hotel's pool and beach.

We ate at a couple delicious, impressive restaurants...and to balance the budget, we willingly and excitedly ate at Papa John's and La Cantina Loredo.

And that was the most unexpected part for me. I had heard Abu Dhabi and Dubai are both "westernized". But what I wasn't expecting was how "americanized" they are. There are more American chain restaurants there than small town America. Remember Ponderosa and Chi-Chi's? They're thriving in Abu Dhabi. Have you ever seen a bunch of grown men wearing robes and turbans sharing a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken and mashed potatoes? I have. It's bizarre.

I'm not a sociologist or a political scientist but I'd say we're winning hearts and minds with our technology--EVERY single person had an IPHONE--our "cuisine"--more American chain restaurants than anything else--and our movies---packed with young natives watching "Meet the Fockers 3". And these were the people dressed totally in Islamic garb leaving the halls of the mall every five hours heading to the prayer rooms. These seemed to be the "serious" religious people.

It was an interesting backdrop for a vacation. I feel more traveled and informed about what's happening in UAE. But I was only there for this guy, and like any hopeless romantic my favorite memories of the week include long walks around the water, unhurried breakfasts, and the occasion to trade in my Mom-uniform of hoodies and jeans for something a little more globetrotter-esque.

We have seven more weeks apart. I flew home heading west while his ship continued to move east. The port-visit-vacation was a just the rest we both needed for surviving the rest of the deployment. Most of all, it was a refreshing taste of how great it is when we're doing life together.