At the beginning of this month, I had the privilege of escorting future residents back to the airport. They were finishing a 3 day adventure in Abu Dhabi, called Candidate Weekend. Over this time period, they get a chance to meet current students, faculty, and staff and participate in a weekend full of activities. How they interact and perform will determine whether they will be offered admission for the upcoming academic year. Even if it was for a couple hours, it was nice to meet this group of students. I was assigned to escort a few of them to the Dubai airport and ensure that they received boarding passes and made it through the airport gates. On our way to the airport at approximately 1145pm, we came across a thick field of fog.
From my front seat window, I could see that the fog was not like anything I had seen before. This kind went on for miles. I took advantage of situation and started snapping pictures.
There were many moments where I could not even see what type of car was in front of our van. The driver was also trying every trick including cleaning the window and turning on the defroster.
Even the street lights and major signs were unidentifiable. 
During what seemed like an endless ride on the highway, a couple thoughts crossed my mind:
-Thankfully we don't have to worry about animals crossing the highway in this area-one less thing to worry about.
-What time will I really get back home? If the fog sticks around this is bound to be one long evening.
There were herds of cars sticking together as if they were in a bird flying pattern. Hazard lights on all the way. A few trucks just pulled over the side of the highway. There were not any major rest stops or exit roads. So once you are on the highway, you are in it to win it.
The 2nd half was a bit hair raising and I was ready to get off the highway. I believe everyone's patience was being tested. Also it does not help that most of the journey until you get to main city, there are no buildings. Nothing by sand!!
-Thankfully we don't have to worry about animals crossing the highway in this area-one less thing to worry about.
-What time will I really get back home? If the fog sticks around this is bound to be one long evening.
Around 1230 we entered Dubai city limits and that's literally where the fog departed and clearance was back to 100%. This was an absolute phenomenal transition. Now for the journey back to Abu Dhabi I was way too exhausted. At 330am it was definitely time to rest my eyes.
Some other fascinating items
The latest Big Mac in the UAE - the Mega Mac
Cell phone charging stations on our downtown campus
Men at work. A frequent sign due to continuous construction in Abu Dhabi.
Now some perks of being a lady:
Coffee/tea always offered at nail and hair salons
Ladies only sections on the bus.
In addition, you board the bus first.
Ladies Only Taxi; the pink light signifies it is a female driver and it is only available for women; husbands may also be permitted (only exception).
Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai; actual snow and ski lifts located in a mall!
Central Perk in Dubai as featured on Friends
A friend found this in Bath and Body Works and I thought we were a great match.
The new look in my apartment living room
NEXT Time: Now I must get ready for March, which is right around the corner.
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