Obviously, I leave out a ton of stuff in these posts, because otherwise I wouldn’t have any “color” to fill in with when I’m talking to people later on.  Also, it would be really tedious to read. And write.  As always, if you have questions, let me know.  But for the last post of my free day, here are a few small observations.

1. I am a terrible husband, because it failed to occur to me that this is our 6-month anniversary.  I blame all the travel and time changes and stuff, because I simply did not know that this was the 29th.  And how is my wife spending the evening?  A long bus ride to and from Abu Dhabi.  Maybe we can do something nice tomorrow.
2. The bus shelters are air conditioned.  They kind of have to be, wouldn’t they?  Apparently the AC isn’t on all day, but if you’re out walking and need a little break, look for a bus shelter.  (Even my wife, who complains about being cold if the temperature is below 22.5 C — about 72 F, has found the shelters to be helpful when we are out walking.)
3. I have yet to see any advertised price for gasoline.  There are cars and gas stations everywhere, but I haven’t seen any signs listing the price per liter.  It may be that gas is just so cheap that if you can afford to own a car, you won’t have any trouble buying gas.  Or maybe it’s free.
4. I don’t think I’ve seen a fast food establishment that wasn’t right next to a gas station.  Perhaps these folks take the “fast” notion a little too strictly.
5. In addition to Burger King, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut, you will also find Wendy’s, Fuddruckers, Hardee’s, Dominos and Round Table Pizza here in Dubai.
6. Despite the predominance of English speakers, Americans are still something of a rarity, if the reactions I’ve gotten from people are a true guide.  I hear British and Australian accents around, and I do know that there are some Americans staying in the hotel.  But any time I’ve been out and someone has asked where I am from, they seem genuinely surprised at the answer.
7. Apparently, I have the type of skin that simply cannot be blocked by sunblock.  So if you hear a report of a quiet American man who spontaneously combusted on a beach in Dubai, you’ll know that was me.