Dibba, Sultanate of Oman
The First Month
January
was a not month of cheer. Getting back to work and being surrounded by
coworkers well aware of Marie’s passing as well as the our students in the
community
My
friend Clare and I often referred to this time as escapism. While the concern
from those around you was important, it was also overwhelming because our
personal and professional lives had collided. Even more exposed since the
entire community knew Marie had passed and some even knew her personally, which
added to the layers of grief.
I felt
extremely numb and when I heard about Grandma Pat passing away, my mind was
blank. Learning a friend passed away Jan 4, funeral Jan 14, then learning about
Grandma Pat on the 18th. I
had met Pat during high school and she was always a sweet and supportive person
and a rock for her family. I can imagine the loss and grief her family must be
going through.
Here was
a year I was looking forward to, and right away the weight on my shoulders
seemed to accumulate. During this time there were two things which provided
adequate escape: talking and sharing memories with Marie’s “closest”
acquaintances and running. Also it helped to have support at a distance from
family members and friends in the States.
Going to
the movies during the day, especially the Gold Vox Cinema experience was also
therapeutic. The menu is quiet extensive and your seats recline all the way. Smaller cinema with a large
screen, plenty of space between the seats to stretch out and get comfortable.
Blankets are provided and a bell on the center console for you to get a
waiter’s attention, should you need to do so. Also quiet during the day which
was a relief.
The
waiting area; enclosed private area to order food before you are seated.
The
large screen
Seats
in the row
Coca
Cola and large popcorn to accompany the movie
Must
Keep Running
Prior to the unforeseen
circumstances, I had committed to running 2 races: one in Oman and the other in
Cyprus. My mind could have used clarity, and I had to continue with my
training.
21st Wadi Bih Run-Feb 8th, 2013
Meet the team: 5 runners, a captain, and our fantastic driver before we left for the race
Beside
the outdoor factor, I knew this run would be challenging in many ways. First,
the total distance for the race is 72kms (45miles) for the team of 5 runners.
This means approximately throughout the relay, each member runs approximately
15km=10miles. That number is scary for a variety of reasons, considering the
last race I had run was 6 miles. Now this one had hills and valleys to
navigate. Good part, there is an SUV following the runners throughout the
trail. When you are not running, you get a break and rotate out as assigned
throughout the race.
Not
to mention, the night before you sleep/camp outside on the beach. Sleeping
approximately less than 5 hours!! This
was due to a late bed time since 3 chaperone vehicles got stuck in the sand.
Various team members were trying to push the vehicles out. Given the dropping temperatures
and “moving” sand only one was successfully retrieved. Our coach spent most of
the night packing the sand to assist with any efforts in the morning.
Back
to the sleeping conditions…tarps were laid on the ground and sleeping bag was
the next layer. If one did not plan for sweatshirts or heavy socks, you would
wake up throughout the night shivering. There is a hotel facility within a 10
minute walk where one freshens up and uses the restrooms. If you book in
advance, you can be lucky to have a peaceful rest. Other alternatives, on the
tarp, tent, or in this case, two of our colleagues brought along an air mattress
for the night.
The
race begins around 6:30am and I believe “wake up” call was around 4:30am. This
meant rushing to the hotel to use the restrooms, brush teeth, switch into
running gear, and stretch before crossing the start line. Also a good time to
grab breakfast snacks and hydrate before hitting the pavement. Nothing but adrenaline
running through your body and you forget what time it really is at that moment.
However the view is outstanding.
This
area was filled with cars overnight and people sleeping under tents
The
starting line in sight
Did
I mention-no bathrooms along the trail. If you have to go, it is best to have
your wet naps and find a good rock to duck behind. Somewhere along the way, you
also have to watch out for mountain goats.
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Regardless
of the dust, hills, and muscle pains, the greatest feeling is knowing that the
finish line is on the horizon. However, once you cross that line you feel
absolutely accomplished. Next set of
emotions is the body pains. Luckily that is where the couch comes in.
RANDOM Abu Dhabi:
While parking a driver of an SUV skipped
the curb and drove through hospital doors/window. Luckily no one was hurt- at
least from what we saw.
On a separate instance a foggy day/low
clouds in Abu Dhabi
My first attempted a making
deviled eggs; I happened to find all the ingredients.
I actually needed an umbrella one
afternoon
BONUS:
Grand Opening of Qasr Al Hosn
Festival a 10 - day community event celebrating over 250
years of Emirati history, culture, and traditions. This included the creation
of the historic Qasr al Hosn Fort. The fort is located directly across from my
office window and I had the privilege to watch the parade during the day.
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