Small Proofs of Globalization

Posted by Kanga.

Today’s grocery discovery was Shasta brand sodas. Of all the American soda/cola products this is one I didn’t expect to see.

We picked up a few other interesting sodas.

Barr American Cream Soda comes from Glasgow and claims to be “refreshing the nation.” The graphic reminds me more of a bar of soap than a refreshing drink, however. Old Jamaica Ginger Beer “with fiery Jamaican root ginger” comes from Kegworth, England. Idris Fiery Ginger Beer comes from Chelmsford, England with the challenge to “try it if you dare.” (It’s not fiery. Even I don’t think so and I’m pretty wimpy.) Our old friend A&W Root Beer comes from New Jersey (and as we discovered previously smells like surgical spirit.)

Supporting Artisans

Posted by Kanga.

Meet our new kitchen table.

The table itself is not important. It’s just an Ikea table with drop leaf sides and a few drawers. The cats were disappointed to find the drawers too small for them to get into. No, the important thing here and the reason for this post is the table runner.

This was made by an Emirati woman as part of the Sougha program of the Khalifa Fund. Emirati women who are skilled in the traditional weaving craft used in creating bedouin tents have been encouraged to develop smaller products and keep the weaving tradition alive and well.

My first purchase was a carry bag just the right size for my iPad. We’ve made our purchases at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair the last two years. They sell at other events and festivals, so keep your eyes peeled for Sougha products.

Info on other blogs & articles:

Cultural Arts Travelogue
The Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi
Gulf News
The National

Rosie the Robot

Posted by Kanga.

Due to the small space in our kitchen allotted laundry machinery, we have a single machine that both washes and dries clothes.

This is a new experience. I don’t think these are sold in the States. It takes a very long running time to dry clothes. It also does a thorough job of wrinkling everything. It appears I will be ironing all my outer clothes.

Joys of Shopping

Posted by Kanga.

The joys of discount store shopping in Fujairah match those of doing it in Dubai. Here’s a few highlights from today’s adventure.

First, some quite realistic looking toy handguns and plastic rifles. I’m fairly sure that these have been eradicated from American store shelves.

Not far away are the Barbie wannabes. There were some brunettes in the bunch, but they were all fair of complexion.

This “one piece mug” apparently comes with two pieces – mug and spoon.

If you wondered where all those summer camp popsickle stick craft projects went, here they are.

Do these remind you of any well known detergent brand? Maybe it wouldn’t be so obvious if they weren’t displayed side by side.

Snappy Tom

Posted by Kanga.

I don’t think I’ve posted this picture before. If it’s a repeat, pardon me.

Our brand of kitty litter has an interesting mascot, Snappy Tom.

If only our cats were such dapper dressers and so well trained.

Recently, there’s been a change in labeling and Snappy Tom has been exiled to the bottom left corner of the label. I suspect that he will disappear altogether one day.

Always investigate the smell of burning plastic

Posted by Kanga

Whoever designed and manufactured this electrical adapter should be slapped upside the head, at the very least.

Now our wall socket looks like this:

Thankfully, this is as far as it got.

Hoses

Posted by Kanga.

When looking for a hose that we could use to wash off our balcony, we were amazed to find that it is nearly impossible to find a hose with connectors on the end. Hoses just have cut ends. You can buy a variety of “ends” to put on these hoses, but exactly how is the average shopper going to attach these to the hose in a water tight fashion?

Then, one day, came the revelation:

7-Eleven

So, I thought this was a knock-off store, playing fast and loose with an American business (kind of like TGI Thursdays or SFC Southern Fried Chicken), until I checked the Wikipedia entry for 7-Eleven. It may very well be the real thing. Now, I’m going to have to go by just to see if I can get a Big Gulp here.

Happy Chicken

This chicken is so happy and proud to be your dinner.