Stuff and Things

It's high-time I updated this blog again. It has been a really long time since I last updated.

2010 was a great year in many ways. I got the chance to work an awesome project in 2010 which I never guessed would be a part of my career; then another project straight afterwards (with literally only enough time to get a car-wash and discovering and repairing a damaged tyre in-between the two projects). After working far too many 72-100 hour weeks I crashed in January and have been living in my cocoon since.

Sadly, 2011 began on a sad note. I learnt one morning just a few days into the new year that a friend of mine from high school had died. The same guy I used to go out with practically every weekend. The same guy who I never saw with anything but a wide smile across his face and a string of practical jokes up his sleeve.

I still remember a funny story when he once asked to use my headphones when we were on a school trip in the UK; I told him no because I was sure he'd break them. After some back and forth I relinquished and let him use the headphones. Of course, not more than 30 seconds later, sure enough, the headphones were broken.

Another friend of mine broke the news of his death to me quite abruptly--I sense from now knowing how well I knew said person. I was in shock and awe for a good few hours due to the usual name confusion that accompanies news of a death in this country. It was an extremely sad event.

The funeral was a hard event because of the familiar faces from a few years ago that were so sad.

I'm regretful that I lost touch with him several years ago when he left the UAE to study abroad and wish I hadn't.

Last week my grandfather passed away after more than an eventful life. I remember him mostly from my childhood as a Doc Brown-type inventor/scientists. His accomplishments during his life were truly monumental. I'll always remember him fondly for his tales of adventure and life.

I still remember him asking me when I was a child if I was going to marry a Dubaian woman.

A photograph of his casket that I was sent brought tears to my eyes--the simple items that would seem obscure to anyone not knowing him placed with it were enough to spell out his passions in life... a National Geographic magazine, a gauge, welding goggles, a saw and a hammer.

Sadly my grandfather suffered from Alzheimers and the last opportunity I got to see him he couldn't remember who I was, but his personality still shone brightly.

I'll always remember him as an adventurer, sailor, inventor and engineer and most importantly my grandfather. I miss him a lot.

My parents have finally left Dubai after around 20 years of living here; I still doubt that they're gone forever because they've been spinning the same story about leaving for the whole duration of our stay here.

My girlfriend went off to university in greener pastures and now we're doing the long distance thing. Have been really excited for her and I'm going to see her hopefully sometime soon which I'm really looking forward to because I miss her so much.

And of course, logically, after living here for 20 years I'm here on a visit visa once again. Life in Dubai is in its usual unsettled fashion.