A few of you have asked about my Dad and how he is doing.. Here is an exerpt from the latest e-mail we rec'd on Monday. I will make sure to post pictures when he sends some. He is very missed!
Dear Family and Friends:
Here’s an update on my assignment in Abu Dhabi.
I am staying at the Shangri-La Hotel Quaryat Al Beri in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The resort-style hotel is about 15 minutes drive from the airport and project site. My room overlooks the strait that separates Abu Dhabi Island from the mainland. Abu Dhabi is situated along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. For those who have never been to the Middle East, the UAE has a similar feel to Cancun, Mexico. It is quite warm and humid. The city is highly developed with substantial new construction ongoing everywhere you look. 80% of the people in the UAE are expats; many from the US and Europe. The government is ruled by Sheikh Khalifa, UAE President. The people are highly tolerant of outsiders provided that we do not interfere with their culture and beliefs. The Emiratis are easily recognized by their dress – white full length shirt (khandura) and headdress (gutra). The women dress in black, including a black veil. From what I understand, the Emiratis do not readily interact with outsiders, although they are very polite. In my limited experience, they are very reserved and avoid eye contact.
The project is quite interesting and unique. CH2M HILL is the programme manager for Masdar City, which is going to be the first sustainable (“Green”) city in the world. While Abu Dhabi is very oil rich (getting richer every day thanks to those of us with SUVs), they are concerned about the environment and eventuality that the area will exhaust its fossil fuel resources at some point in the future. Therefore, they desire to be at the forefront of energy technology development for the future. Once complete, Masdar’s energy needs will be provided by wind, solar, passive cooling, geothermal, and other green technologies. Fairly interesting stuff!
Ma is-salaama (good-bye),
Craig
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment