Today was pretty cool...G and K (our hosts...now our friends) took us to a little North Indian "cafe" which they frequent. When we were discussing things we'd like to do, both S and I agreed that we would like to be part of the local culture, as opposed to being treated like tourists. We wanted to know the hole-in-the-wall places that the locals raved about, ride public transport, etc. This little eatery was perfect...small, cramped and delicious...unlimited dhal and rotis - you can't beat that for under $3/person. S and I actually entertained the thought of opening something like this up in Seattle, as we haven't found anything close. I want simple, authentic Indian food, without breaking the bank. What i've found most of the time is rich, buttery, Americanized food that makes sure i have nothing left for a rainy day. This place in Dubai rocked - we'll have to duplicate it stateside.
They also took us to see The Atlantis on Palm Jumeira. So, Palm Jumeira is the island shaped like a palm tree, built on reclaimed land. The "trunk" is lined with large buildings of condos waiting to be bought. The "palms" consists of villas, each with its own private beach. The Atlantis is a huge hotel on the tip of the "tree" - TAR fans might recognize it from last season...the one that had that giant waterslide, through a pool of sharks. We have to pay money to see that slide...sheesh! I guess they have to get out of debt somehow.
We were hoping to take our hosts out to dinner tonight, but during lunch, they got a call inviting all of us to an anniversary dinner. Dinner was with a group of friends that were all part of their original community group, but had branched off since then. It was nice to see that they still kept in regular contact and it was very apparent that their friendships had not suffered even though they now attended different churches. It reminded me very much of our own community group in the Rainier Valley and the friendships that have developed through that. (I miss you guys) The host couple wanted to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary by treating all to dinner...we are so honored that they included us in their celebration.
SIDE NOTE: So, "R" from last night...the reason "R" and i became chums was because his best friend in high school, "SP", was in love with me / had a crush on me / liked me / whatever...it was high school, take it with a grain of salt. SP was a little on the shy side, so he would never actually talk to me directly ...instead R became the go-between. Again, think high school...either that, or i must have been incredibly intimidating, i guess some guys like that =D SP also went to the same school and church and i guess he really liked me, because R and i became great friends. Fast forward 20+ years...
So, we're at this anniversary dinner (in Dubai) and i get to talking to our hosts/guests of honor about where in India we're from. Someone mentioned Bangalore and i said, "yeah, i'd lived there for a few years too and went to such and such school and such and such church, etc, etc..." So, the guy says, "Well, then you must know QP (SP's mom)?" How random...i mean, of all the folks to pick out, he picks this family.
I must have nodded, because before i knew it he was calling her up - she lives in Dubai. So, he hands the phone to me and we start talking,
"Oh L, how are you?"
"Fine, Aunty, how are you?" We start catching up, yadda, yadda, yadda...then she says,
"You remember, SP? He lives here too...do you want to talk to him?" What!? SP is there!!!
"Um..." Not sure what i said next, i think something to the effect of, "yeah, i know, i was just talking to "R" yesterday..."
That seemed to pacify her. I don't think he was at the same place, but i think she was going to give me his number to call him. That would have been interesting. I really don't know how to talk to the dude without "R" being there.
We promised to stay in touch...i owe her an email, must get on that.
The rest of the evening went well without any more surprises...food was decent but the company was fantastic...what an enjoyable day!
