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Published: September 20th 2008
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7 September 2008
The new day began with us waking up at about 8am. We were all hungry and had nothing to have for breakfast, so we got dressed and setout to gather food in the 30 something degree heat. Remember the time! We found a little grocery store not to far away and guided by the kids purchased a box of fruitloop like ball things and milk to go with it.
Back at the motel room we tucked into this nutritious breakfast, taking it in turns, as there was only one mixing bowl. We had a spoon each though.
After breakfast we hit the pool to cool off. No pool heating neccessary as the temperature of the water was simular to a warm bath. It was still refreshing though.
Working up an appetite, and as it was getting close to lunch we decided to head off to find somewhere to eat. The temperature now over 40. Speaking to some fellow travelers earlier we were advised that there was a Macas and KFC in the area (real traditional food in these parts, nothing like experiencing the local cruisine). In our defence it is Ramadan over here and nothing
selling food was open. Ramadan is a local religious tradition where during daylight hours no-one is allowed to eat or drink in public, with the fanatical not eating or drinking at all during that time.
So we went and found the Macas, and being unable to eat it there, we returned to the motel room dehydrated after our 15 minute walk. The menu is much the same as home with a couple of local twists.
Tummies full, we rested for a bit then desided to venture to one of the shopping centres for a look around. Taxi being the bes tway to get there. Most locals speak some english so communication was relatively easy (unlike China). Taxi's are quite cheap and all the vehicles are modern. We arrived at the shopping centre after a short drive and checked out the three levels in cool surroundings. No food or drink retailers were open again because of Ramadan.
The shops are much the same as at home, maybe a few more up market stores comparatively.
It was mid afternoon and we were a little tied from our previous day of flying so we headed for the taxi rank, only trouble was about 100 people beat us to it. we waited in line for a short time thinking we were not too far from the front of the queue, not realizing that around the corner there was another 100 people infront of the now 75 peolple that we thought were in front of us.
There was a free bus which left every half hour at the other and of the shopping centre so we left the queue and headed for that.
There were quite a few people waiting for the buses but it wasn't too long before we found ourselves aboard and heading for a drop off reasonably close to where we thought our motel should be. Alighting from the bus we proceeded towards the motel, the kids all the while telling us we are lost. Having faith in our previous travel experience we forged on and found our way back to the motel much to the relief and disbelief of the children. Brianna did recognize one of the buildings we walked past earlier in the day which I thought was very observent of her.
Having arrived back at our temporary home, we all hit the shower and refreshed ourselves ready for our night jaunt to the Gold Souk a short taxi and boat ride across the river.
Arriving on the other side it was a short walk to the markets, past the docks. Goods could be seen scattered in a sort of orderly fashion right along the waters edge. It was a wonder some of it reached its destination as some of the vessels tied at the dock looked a bit dodgey. That is the way it is done over here, and that is what you come to see, the way other cultures live.
We found the souk no problem at all, and as we were very hungry from lack of available food during the day we were keen to find somewhere to eat. This was not an easy task as most of the souk is gold and silver jewelery. Finally we found a little footpath eatery and we sat down to a traditional meal of kebab type things, which were very tasty, even the girls liked them. Accompanying this was was a plate of veges slightly cooked in a spicey vinegar, I guess you would call it. These tasted beautiful. Brianna gave them a try, but judging by the speed with which she removed the piece of carrot from her mouth, and the distorted facial expression, she didn't care too much for the taste.
Finishing our meals we checked out the bling, all being a little tied, we found a taxi and made our way back to the motel where we wasted no time in getting to bed. The morning will find us catching a flight to Africa.
Speak to you all soon.
The Mieran's
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