Christmas, Abu Dhabi

So we decided to have a Christmas party on the 24th.  It really amazes me how the UAE embraces Christmas just a little bit more every year.  This year, it’s full on.  At least the part about giving and Santa.  He was at every mall.  There were even more Christmas lights, decorations, etc.

Went on a little sidetrack there.  So we had our Christmas party.  Mostly Mae’s cousins and friends, which is fine with me.  The handful of Americans I know are ones I work with every other day of the week.  Fine fellows.  But we all need a break.  A local man even showed up in the traditional kandura (just to further the point that Emiratis are embracing the spirit of the holiday).  The food was brought in from Ortego’s Deli, my favorite Filipino restaurant in Abu Dhabi.  They offered a great Christmas feast for a fair price.  I just had to drive over and pick it up.  Got some wine while I was out, as well.

Everyone seemed to have a good time.

A small gathering

The beginning of it all…

I read another guy’s blog and thought, “OK.  Maybe this isn’t so 2000 and late after all.”  I’ve created and maintained blogs before.  But this is a reset point in my life, and I’m ready to begin again.  This blog will soon contain photos, thoughts, and anything you want to talk about.  I’ve travelled a little.  My wife Mae and I currently live in Abu Dhabi.  We met through a mutual friend at a critical time in my life. Mae and I are from different worlds.  She is an Ilonnga from Mindanao, Philippines.  I’m a Texan.  We both have similar interests and goals.  We are both Catholic and try to be in church every Friday.  Why Friday?  Cause that’s the day for religious practices here in the UAE.  You get used to it. I have many interests including music, motorcycles, photography, and fitness (I gotta get back on a regular workout routine. Seriously). We were married recently in General Santos City, Mindanao.  That was quite an experience in itself.  I’ve seen parts of Mindanao, and Palawan and even a little Manila.  I could lie to you and say it was boring, but there was nothing boring about it.  The beauty, poverty, happiness, and great food all made for quite the trip.  Hell, I even met Freddy Roach (Kabayan know who that is). Anyways…let’s have a conversation.  I don’t want this to be a one-way blog.  Done that.  I’ll start out, and let’s talk.  Deal?

Dave and Mae in El NIdo on our honeymoon.