DAY 88-GULF OF OMAN

Our position at noon today is in the Gulf of Oman once again experiencing smooth sailing although it is quite windy up on the open deck.  It is 90F with humidity of 44%.  Seems warmer than 90 up on pool deck however.

BACKGROUND INFO:
        As we sail into the Gulf of Oman today after having visited 3 of the 7 Emirates the past couple of days, I thought it proper to tell you more about the UAE (United Arab Emirates).  Sometimes just called the Emirates or the UAE, it is a country located on the southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf side bordering Saudi Arabia on its south and Oman on its east.  Its total population is well over 9 million.  Of this number only 1.4 million are actually Emirati citizens and 7.8 million are expatriates.  The expatriates come to live here and work.  Expats can apply for citizenship after 20 years if they have never been convicted of a crime AND can speak fluent Arabic.  All menial labor is done by expats primarily from Asia/India.  After retiring from American Airlines in 2008 I considered coming to Dubai and flying for Emirates Airlines.  Rebecca vetoed that idea.  The money was excellent and tax free income!!  Most of the Emiratis are NOT rich.  Only the Sheiks are wealthy but they do often contribute large amounts to charities.  Emiratis seem to be well taken care of by their government, as they receive free healthcare, free education, and free housing.  Unfortunately many live in remote areas where it is hard to receive services.
        The UAE was established in 1971 and is a federation of seven emirates:  Abu Dhabi (also serves as the capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Ajlman, and Umm al Quwain.  Each is ruled by an absolute monarch and they jointly form the Federal Supreme Council.  Islam is the official religion as 76% are Mulsim, and Arabic the official language but English is widely spoken especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  Although the UAE has a diversified economy but it still remains extremely reliant on its exporting of oil and natural gas.  Their oil reserves are said to be the seventh largest in the world while natural gas reserves are 17th in the world.  Totally unlike Burma, the UAE has an extremely advanced and developed infrastructure.
        Dubai International Airport is the busiest airport in the world for international traffic, and as a result, Dubai’s is the top tourist destination in the Middle East and 5th most popular destination in the world.          
        In the Emirates you will rarely see a traffic cop as citations are issued for violations caught on cameras.  The people are fined for about everything including jay-walking.  There is very little crime in the UAE.   Labor unions are not allowed, as is collective bargaining or strikes.  Sharia law rules here and it is very strict for Muslims.  Flogging is a punishment assigned to alcohol consumption, adultery, and premarital sex.  You can receive 80 lashes for kissing in public.  Stoning is also a legal punishment here.  Their courts have jailed women who reported being raped.  A British woman reported it and was charged with alcohol consumption.  Other laws also discriminate against women.  Kissing or swearing by expats can result in their deportation.  Homosexuality is illegal and a capital offense with imprisonment up to 10 years.  Dancing in public is also illegal in the UAE.  Now I know why Rebecca did not want to live in an American compound here, even if it was to be for only 2 years!!!  During my research I found it very interesting that radical Muslims are not allowed here and deported.   The UAE supported the US and coalition during the Persian Gulf War.

WHAT WE DID TODAY:

       Well, Rebecca woke up this morning and could hardly talk.  She went down to see the doctor and he gave her a Z-pack (antibiotics), cough medicine, and vitamin C.  Hope see does not give this to me.  

                                            Souvlakis (shredded lamb with stuff on pita)

                                                           Moussaka

       This was served on pool deck for lunch.  Chef Michael will be preparing some veal parmesan in Compass Rose for us this evening as nothing on tonight's menu grabbed us.  I did enjoy my 3 orders of black muscles last night as my appetizer!!  OINK!  We are not dining with anyone for a few days as do not want anyone to get what Rebecca has.  Michelle Montuori's second show is tonight. Not sure if we will be going.  Love her singing but not her humor.
       Be sure to tune in tomorrow as I have something very interesting to tell you about.  As a tease, let me say we had 4 "special" guests board yesterday.  Another day at sea tomorrow sailing southwesterly along the coast of Oman.