The Desert Wind E-Book

Esa Kinnunen

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 561

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

This book is an English translation of the author's the first published book, Ruwais. The Desert Wind focuses on leisure time as bachelor boy, until he finds Filipino girl. The stories are based on true events that author have handwritten daily in his notebooks. Daily events are told as accurately as they are documented in his diaries. At the same time, author have mentioned excerpts from Islamic culture and world events that interest his. Author also tells in this book how he fell in love with a Filipino girl and tell how they celebrate the weddings in Dubai and the Philippines, and about the birth of their child.

Leseprobe

Table of contents

Prologue

United Arab Emirates, UAE

Ruwais Here I Come 2007

Immigration Formalities

The New Home in Ruwais, Commencement of Work

My Own Home H203 and Everyday Life

Night in the Sandy Desert

Free time life and a little bit eroticism

The Case of Marte Dalelv

Motorbike

A Finnish Student Girl

An Irish Teacher

Japanese Girlfriend

Al Ain Palace

Comforter

A Chinese Night Guest

Age Structure in the UAE

The Desert Snake

I fell in love with a Filipino

Free time life and gossip while working in Borouge

Some experiences on our trips to the Philippines

Weddings in Dubai and the Philippines

Wedding Party in the Philippines

Great Grief

We have a baby, lovely for us

Ruwais Clinic

Pregnancy Test

Health Checks

Spinal Anesthesia

Child’s Birth

Driving license

Emirates (UAE) Driving License if You Have a Valid Finnish License:

Emirates (UAE) Driving License, First License:

Dangerous driving culture

Traffic statistics

Purchasing cars

Volvo V 70

Volvo XC60

Ford Mustang

Picks from everyday life

For the Liquor Certificate (Liquor License) You Need:....

Tours

Liwa

Al Ain

Musandam

Sir Bani Yas

Mirandam and Ice Waterpark

Dubai Wild Wadi

What happened in the world?

The Brutal Punishment

What has really happened in UAE:

Janet Napoles

Almarai:

Asteroid

Extract from Islam

Sharia Law

Prophecy

Temporary Marriage

Kaaba

Lailat al Miraj

Mohammed’s Night Trip

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

Ramadan

Five Pillars of Islam

Building a house in the Philippines

Back to home

Epilogue

PROLOGUE

This story is a documentary about my experiences in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (September 1, 2007 - December 31, 2014). This book focuses on leisure time. Only the most major events that complement this story are told about the work. The stories are based on true events that I have handwritten daily in my notebooks, those I have used as a source for this book. Daily events are told as accurately as they are documented in my diaries. At the same time, I have mentioned excerpts from Islamic culture and world events that interest me. I also tell in this book how I fell in love with a Filipina girl, and I tell how we celebrate the weddings in Dubai and the Philippines, and about the birth of our child.

This book is an English translation of the author's the first published book, Ruwais. In this translation, he has edited the text, combining the phases of building a house and visits to the Philippines into his own paragraphs, and added or removed relevant or inappropriate events and gossips about some subjects

The book can be called a hybrid because it consists of a travel event, documentary parts, life in an Islamic country, and reflection on human values.

In 2007, I was contacted from Ruwais. I was offered a position of a Laboratory Technologist. The production manager of the Borouge plastics plants (Staf Faes) called from Ruwais and announced this vacancy in the construction project of a new laboratory related to the second phase of Borouge. My area of responsibility would include acting as an expert in the construction, installation, and start-up of a new laboratory project. Yes, I knew about this task, but I thought it was too demanding in terms of the job description. I told the application manager of the Ruwais plastics plant that the application period had already expired.

Staf Faes said, "Just put in the application." I did the work as instructed and sent the application by e-mail and my CV as an attachment. The following week, I received a response asking me to come for an interview in the Austrian capital, Vienna, at the Borealis Head Offices. I told my secretary. Together with the Secretary of the Head Offices, she arranged a meeting for May 2007 in Borealis, Austria. I did not feel any pressure because I thought there was nothing to lose if I did not even get to Ruwais. One week after the application was given; a proposal for the date of the interview came. I accepted it. All details were agreed on for the flight tickets, the booking at the hotel and the date for the interview. The trip to Vienna went well, even though I had not been there before. On the Borouge side, the interview was attended by Karl Ebner, an Austrian laboratory manager, and Staf Faes, a Belgian director of plastic production. The interview lasted about 1.5 hours with a relaxed conversation. Finally, the interviewers said that it would take two days to make the final decision. There were other applicants. The interview was on Wednesday. The phone rings on Friday of the same week. Staf Faes from Ruwais announced that they have chosen me for the position. I said thank you for your trust. I showed my desire to make a “previsit” before making the final decision. This was agreed.

The date for the Previsit was agreed to be in June 2007. I flew via Frankfurt, Germany to Abu Dhabi. I had a room booked in the Rotana Beach Hotel, near the Abu Dhabi Mall. In the reception the service was good and friendly. The next morning, I contacted Tor Johannessen from Norway; he is Borealis Abu Dhabi’s HR Manager. Everything was pre-arranged for a factory visit. A temporary oil passport had been arranged for me. Without it, you cannot enter the factory area. Later, I learned that a visit to the factory site had hardly ever been arranged as part of a tour. In the morning I left with the HR manager Tor Johannessen, he was driving his SUV (BMW 5) towards Ruwais. The scenery before the Ruwais was gloomy, for the most part a mere sandy desert. A row of palm trees had been planted near the road to protect it from the sandstorms. After reaching Ruwais, we went through Hospital Gate to the factory site. I had a cell phone called Siemens in my pocket with the camera deactivated.

The guard did not believe my explanations, that I could not take pictures with my mobile phone; therefore, it was confiscated before the factory visit.

I must keep it at “Hospital Gate” inside the guard booth. This episode took at least half an hour. We finally got to the lab. There were old acquaintances at work, e.g., Anwar Ghasali, Wawan Ruswandi, Akhlak Divan, Mahimi Ibrahim and Mohamed Salahuddin. The men introduced the laboratory. Seems promising, I thought. At the end of the factory visit, the guard returned my cell phone.

In Ruwais we stayed overnight at the new Danat Hotel. It was two years old, and it had been completed in 2005. The next morning, we returned to Abu Dhabi. The flight to Germany was at night, so I stayed at the hotel for the evening. The hotel arranged its own limousine transfer to the airport. When I left, I said I would announce the final decision when I returned from the trip; the decision still needs to be considered. After arriving in Finland, I announced the next day that I would accept the assignment and all arrangements for this assignment could begin.

Previsit in Abu Dhabi, June 2007. On the road with Thor Johannessen, Borealis Middle East HR Chief somewhere between Abu Dhabi and Ruwais.

Philippines, Cebu 30.05.2018.

I dedicate this book to my readers as a therapeutic reflection on religions and the way the world goes, and as a reminder of how a posting abroad went from day to day in both good and evil. Writing was a project of unifying my mind.

This book is based on my diaries, that I handwrote every day, and This English-language book is based on the original Finnish-language book, “Ruwais Travel Story.”

Special thanks to my wife Neng. She has enabled my experience and acquaintance with Filipino culture.

Thanks to my colleagues for Borealis Polymers Oy and the Abu Dhabi Polymers Company for the opportunity to work on projects for the multinational company Borouge and at the same time to get to know the Middle East as a workplace as well as Asians and Arabs as colleagues.

Thanks to my sons for waiting for me to come home to Finland after my assignment ended.

The warmest thanks to MSC Henna Iivarinen for careful proofreading of this book.

Many thanks to BSC Roselyn Minorias for proofreading house build section.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, UAE

Ruwais Here I Come 2007

1.9.2007 Last night I slept restlessly with Laura. The alarm clock rings at 06:30 a.m.. I woke up in the morning when the departure for a business trip to the United Arab Emirates had come. My mind was filled with a tense feeling, as if the hunter sees the prey after a long wait. A new adventure begins and the freedom to be as I want without controlling of anyone. This idea seemed fascinating, but at the same time contradictory. I felt emotional when I knew I had to leave Finland and my friends and loved ones for a long time. Laura was still sleeping sweetly. I watched her, admiring, and recounting in my mind the journeys we experienced together, as well as the fruitful candlelight conversations we had in the light of the candle about what happens in the world. I slowly descended from the bedroom down the narrow creaking stairs of the old house, careful not to wake Laura.

I looked out the kitchen window at the garage that I completed yesterday. I thought, "It took one year to build it." I made tea. As I drank it, Laura had woken up and she came to the kitchen with me. We played CD’s of Virve Rosti and Petri Laaksonen together. The choices were sad love songs appropriate to the situation. We did not talk much because we were trying to cover up our feelings. We knew what was to come. A long time not seeing each other and uncertainty about whether our relationship would last beyond that.

Laura brought me by car to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. We arrived there at about 07:50 a.m.. There was a long queue at Finnair’s counter for check in. The queuing took about an hour. Laura waited there to help me with the security check. She occasionally went to put money on the parking meter. My bag weighted 30 kg, which mean 10 kg overweight. As a result, I had to pay 470 € two floors down from Finnair’s special check in counter. Yes, it annoyed me, and I complained this was an outrageous rip off. There was an avid inspector at the security check. He also performed a pat down. Finnair’s plane left the gate at 8 a.m.. We were allowed to leave about 30 minutes late due to the maintenance of the plane. I visited at the counter number 26 to check the connecting flight, if the departure from Helsinki will be too late. Fortunately, we were able to leave without further delay. From Helsinki to Munich, I watched the clouds from the plane window and tears were dropping down my cheeks. Laura is a good girl after all, even though she put me down at some times. While watching the clouds, I also thought about all the adventures my trip might bring. I sometimes think that I do not like to bring a souvenir girl to Finland after my trip, and I was less interested in having a child in my old age. In Germany, the Munich airport it was easy to find out the right check in counter to Abu Dhabi, because the walking distance was short. I walked through the second floor where passport control was situated.

The service was good in the Etihad plane. For example, my coat was put in a wardrobe by a flight steward. Before the meal was served, a menu list was distributed. I chose chicken for the meal. After eating the flight went smoothly while listening to music and watching movies.

An Asian, Chinese, or Korean-looking woman was waiting for me at the Abu Dhabi airport. She had a cardboard with my name written on it. I went to her and introduced myself. We had to wait for two more Polish men. When they arrived, we went together guided by the woman and followed her as Roosters. This is now the “Golden Service” I thought. First, we were led to a room where pictures of both eyes were taken for the information system. This is now necessary for safety; biometric identification is possible. I got an Employment Visa. The passport check went smoothly and so did getting my bag from the luggage strap of the airport. With its infamous 30 kg bag, I continued my journey to the airport arrival hall. I was little disappointed. I was not met with the hotel service, as I had experienced with the previsit. I talked to the airport clerk about that, and he gave me the hotel number I should call. The hotel was the Hilton Corniche Residence. I called the given number. The friendly hotel receptionist recommends that I will take a taxi. I went out with the airport clerk to queue for a taxi. Airport staff guided me out of the airport building to the taxi queue. It was hot outside and my glasses got wet because the relative humidity was high, corresponding to a dew point of about +22 °C. The taxi’s outside air thermometer showed from +34.0 °C to + 34.5 °C. There was proper behavior at the hotel reception. My Visa Electron card was not accepted as a method of payment at the reception. They asked me to pay for a 75 € security deposit tomorrow. I got a suite level double room because the hotel was so fully booked that there was no cheaper one. I went to have dinner. The restaurant was open until 10:30 p.m.. I sent a message to Laura. “Heissuli Hauveliini” my Darling! I have now arrived happily. Thanks for escorting me to the gate. On the plane, I looked at the clouds and a tear of longing rolled down my cheek. You are dear to me. Your teddy bears. To this Laura replied, “Glad you got there well! I used a handkerchief as help from the airport to home. It was good to be in the mushroom forest and talk to Eija. You too are dear to me, sleep well."

Immigration Formalities

2.9.2007 I woke up in the morning hearing some man’s lament like singing, coming from outside. I wondered what it was. Then I remembered, oh so I am now in a Muslim country. The moment of morning prayer was present. The hotel room was cold, so I had to wear on warm nightwear. Fortunately, I took it with me from Finland. UAE does not seem to save the needed energy for air conditioning here in UAE.

Breakfast was plentiful with fruit and hot food. This Hilton Corniche hotel is completely “absolute” with no alcoholic beverages throughout the area. On the other hand, that’s good. Although I use alcohol infrequently and a little at a time, it is now good to take a break from drinking.

I got my computer connected to the hotel room network. I went to check the emails. No mail from anyone else than Taloussanomat (The Financial news, Finland) and Apple.

In the morning I noticed I did not have a razor. I had forgotten my makeup bag in the bathroom mirror cabinet of my home in Finland, too bad. I was about to exchange money at the hotel reception, but the hotel boy said it was not worth it here. At the currency exchange in the city, you get a better rate. The hotel boy drew a map so I could get there. So, I went for a morning walk to the pharmacy and the money exchange. I was shopping and my spirit was high. I thought of Laura. Likewise, I thought about my son’s life and wished all the best to my loved ones and especially to my son’s mother.

I called Borealis at Abu Dhabi Head Offices to say to Tor Johannessen, “Hello, I have arrived.” He did not answer. Then I called Rana Awada. She replied and I agreed to come to Head Offices. Tor Johannessen called back after the call, but the call was disconnected for some reason.

Together with the reception staff, we found out the location of the head office of Borealis. A Filipino woman from the friendly reception staff called Rana and asked how I could get there. I got the instructions correctly drawn on paper. Yes, here the service is good, I thought. The hotel staff is from India, the receptionist is a charming Filipino woman for whom friendly service is already in the backbone. The hotel Corniche Residence is part of the Hilton chain.

I arrived by walking to the Borealis Abu Dhabi office. A polite Indian head office reception boy asked where I came from. I said from Finland. The mouth turned into a wide smile. He shook my hand, as if he had known me. No need to show me your identity papers, just put your name on the list.

I went up to the office, to meet Rana, and Thor on the 19th floor. I also met Jussi Juhola there. He told me how he had gotten familiar with this country. No suitable apartment for the family has yet been found. A month had already passed. It seems that it is expensive to be in Abu Dhabi.

On the 16th floor of the ADNOC tower block, I filled in the necessary documents to complete the entry formalities. I got my Borouge ID number, it is 90117. This number means I am the 117th person to get a job at Borouge company since it was founded.

The first routines include a health check-up (HIV test and a lung x-ray) at the health centre, where I went by taxi. The taxi driver did not know where the health centre was. He called Head Offices to find out where I was going because he only knew Arabic.

I got a tip from Jussi. He told: “Ask to open the glass door to the parking garage and walk across the road.” So, I did. We had to wait for a taxi for a long time.” Yes, they were driven a lot, but they already had a customer. It was hot outside. The shirt started to get wet. Yes, here I have to think about my own interest in getting a taxi. Only fast living. I watched where I should stand to grab a taxi from the flight. Several people were without a taxi, for example a single expectant mother with an older woman. I had little time to go to the health centre for an HIV test and a lung x-ray, so I had to be selfish.

Access to the health centre was awkward because the taxi did not know where it was. Once again, I called the Head Offices for a man on the sixteenth floor who guided me through the test and filling out the forms. The taxi driver spoke Arabic with the Head Offices man that cleared things out. Here they go by the name of the house, not so much by the names and numbers of the roads to the desired address. I had to first register at the health centre and show copies of my passport and residence visa, after which I got a queuing number. In turn, a dull local woman greeted me at the customer service door. I got a bunch of papers with tests written in Arabic letters. She even took a photo of me for the health centre archives and forms. At least here the wrong person cannot give a blood sample on behalf of someone. Then once again I was queuing. Now to the doctor, before I got to the blood test and x-ray. An obese local man was howling in excitement in the blood sampler’s chair. He was so fat that walking was already a hard performance. When I got out of the health Centre, the same arrogance in getting a taxi was repeated. I was already starting to be in a hurry to get back before three o'clock. I waited along the road when I saw a taxi curving into the yard of the health centre; I quickly took a hard spurt, accelerating to run across the grass field next to the taxi and past many people. Hardly any earlier customers had gotten away when I was already sitting in the front seat. No wonder here no one seems to complain. It is the will of Allah that I was able to move smoothly. Again, the same episode was repeated because the taxi had a hard time figuring out where I was going. Luckily, I had a map of the Abu Dhabi city, and I showed the place. Old Corniche Road, Oil Business Tower. After that, I went back to the Head Office. I received a refund of two hundred Dirhams for the health centre fee. The local money giver joked with me that you are now a rich dollar man. I comment back that only a euro man!

3.9.2007 I told Rana that my situation is that the health check had now been completed. It was agreed that I would not come to the meeting tomorrow until 12:30 p.m., when guests would arrive to Abu Dhabi from the Borealis Group's Head Office in Vienna, Austria.

At the end of the workday at the hotel, I moved to a smaller hotel room. The service counter had friendly service. I got a paper to wipe my face when I was wet walking from the Head Office to the hotel. Likewise, the hotel boy helped moving the goods from the Suite to a normal size room. After that I went to the cafe. I drank a glass of Hawaiian. It is a blend of tropical fruits. Jussi was also in the cafe. I introduced myself to his family. After spending time in the cafe, I went to the hotel room to rest. In the corridors of the hotel there is a pleasant scent of perfume.

I went to the top floor (19th Floor) to watch the Fitness Centre. There was great gym equipment with a relaxing view. I went to dinner at 9:30 p.m., and then went to sleep.

So far, I already filled the below mentioned official forms:

1. Personal Admin Requisition, PAR

2. Non-Disclosure Agreement

3. Medical Insurance Scheme Enrolment Form

4. Undertaking and Declaration of Commercial Interest

5. Identification Document

I have handed over my Finnish driving license and international driving license to the UAE driving license issuance process to Rana Awada, Secretary of the Borealis HR Department in Abu Dhabi.

At Borealis HR department at Abu Dhabi Head Office, I attended a meeting chaired by Laila Rokersted (future HR in charge of Borouge 2 recruitment). She said that about sixty new employees are needed as experts and managers for the Borouge 2 project. Erik Palmears HR in charge of Middle East operations at Borealis Group.

I got a company phone from Nokia, 2660 model. When I first turned it on in the hotel, the language was Arabic, impossible for me to understand. I have to try tomorrow with Rana to find out how the language can be changed. I walked again to the Head Offices, and back in the heat. I went back through the park. It was picturesque, with birds and flowers as well as trees. I thought it would be nice to walk here with Laura and admire the scenery. The wellmaintained parks of Abu Dhabi are the complete opposite of the sandy deserts.

When I got to the hotel, I went to see its 19th floor swimming pool and sauna. The water was quite warm. There is a Finnish kiuas (stove) in the sauna. The sauna is similar to that we use in Finland. What was striking was that there is a threshold in the sauna. There is no such thing in Finland. It is rumored that here in the UAE, all saunas are equipped with thresholds. The local standard requires it.

4.9.2007 Today I did not visit the Head Office because it was agreed that I would come there when the HR secretary calls next time. This day was spent exploring two malls. First Abu Dhabi Mall in the morning. I walked around there, spending for at least an hour looking at the shop windows. In the afternoon I was coming back to the Marina Mall. It was set up on the Gulf Peninsula. From there was an impressive view of the silhouette of the tower houses on the opposite shore. I made both of my trips by taxi. The Abu Dhabi Mall did not cause any inconvenience, but when I returned to the hotel from the Marina Mall, the taxi by no means figured out the location of my hotel, even though the taxi driver looked it up from the map. The taxi driver drove twice to the wrong Hilton. Namely first to Hilton Abu Dhabi, then to Hilton Baynunah and finally I got to the right place Hilton Corniche. This became just a little extra trip because the wrong addresses were along the road (Corniche Road) that leads to my hotel (Hilton Corniche Residence). In the evening I went to the sauna and swimming. I also went to drink a fruit drink called Mango tango at Hanoi Cafe, which the Hilton staff recommended to taste, especially Vietnamese cuisine one day.

I received the logistics number of my goods sent from Finland to Abu Dhabi. I also received 29,000 AED of pocket money that should make it to my first account. Rana arranged the money for me. As part of this process, I had to visit the 16th floor (Cheikh Khalifa Energy Complex Tower) to take stamps and signatures on paper from two Arabs dressed in Kandura. Once the paperwork was done, I went to withdraw money from the bank downstairs.

5.9.2007 I called Karl Ebner, the head of the Ruwais laboratory, in the morning, but he did not answer. I called a little too early because at this moment he was visiting Europe. I heard this from him when he called me while I was in the Abu Dhabi Mall. Karl mentioned everything was ready for me.

I also called my secretary Riitta Nuutinen in Finland and asked if everything was fine in Finland. She was just rushing to the bus when I called. Riitta said at least my car was well in place in the parking canopy of my apartment in Porvoo in Juttenpolku. Once again, I called too early, because the clock here is two hours ahead of the Finnish time.

I feel very motivated to start working, so maybe I am a little impatient and I do not want to experience unnecessary procrastination.

When I came from Hanoi Cafe, the hotel reception mentioned that I had to pay seven hundred Dirhams because Borealis does not pay for the Internet. I went to pay the bill. I also needed to pay for my laundry the company had previously promised to pay for. The Payments should be made tomorrow.

6.9.2007 I went to the Borealis office. With the help of Rana, I managed to arrange another 29,000 AED (a total of 58,000 AED). The Finnish leader signed the check. I still needed a copy of my passport and residence visa. These papers required the signatures of two people from the sixteenth floor. I got the money from the entrance layer bank, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi. I walked there guided by Rana. On the 19th floor (Borealis) I went to read my Email. Rana said my air freight is in Abu Dhabi with Air Waybill number 17265501494. My salary is always paid on the 15th day of the month.

I bought a Garmin GPSMAP 276C map plotter from the Marina Mall. It cost 2150 AED. It had no memory card, and no map of the Emirates. What a shame. I went to the Abu Dhabi Mall to ask if they have a map. There was no map, so they recommended going to the ATKOM Mina Port in the area of the fish market. I went there by taxi. I saw a door with the name Garmin there. I told the taxi to stop and wait for me while I was shopping. There was no memory card. The seller said the model is so new that the maps are not ready yet. Arabic culture avoids saying to the customer: “I don’t know,” if one’s own store does not have the product the customer is asking for, another store is suggested where it could be found.

In the evening I tried the navigator outside. It got connected to satellites. I also read the manuals. The navigator I bought is a map plotter type. It draws a white line on the screen to show the route taken, that it was driven.

I went for a walk outside. I stopped at the Millennium Hotel to drink a juice near my Hilton Corniche Hotel. While drinking the juice, I heard music from somewhere. I decided to find out where it was coming from. On the second floor, the double doors of the hall were open, and a lot of people went in and out. I decided to go in and listen to the music and singing. I asked from the doorman: “Can I come in and what is my opportunity to stay there?” There is a wedding ceremony, I got the answer. I had no reason to become a wedding guest because I had not been invited. I felt like a fool somehow. I have come here to learn, and not to mourn, I thought in consolation to myself.

I got a message; “My moving cargo from Finland had arrived at the Abu Dhabi International Airport.”

7.9.2007. The day was spent on holiday. Nothing was heard from the Head Office. I met Jussi’s wife and were discussed a topic of difficulties and experiences in living. In the middle of the day, I went swimming and in the sauna. The stay was reminiscent of a vacation. Dinner at Hanoi Cafe. In the afternoon at the Abu Dhabi Mall. I bought shorts and a shirt, information about the UAE and Off-road maps. I tried to find out from Garmin the possibility of buying maps of the Middle East, which were not available here at the time. In the Abu Dhabi Mall, I ate warm sandwiches and a mango drink. I also visited the Rotana Tower Hotel. It is the same one I was in during the previsit in June. I drank coffee and walked around places.

I went to the Al Ain Palace Hotel for a beer (Guinness). I bought books: Do not They Know it is Friday, 2007 The Good Food Guide and The Insight Guide Oman & The UAE.

8.9.2007. It is Friday, a local holiday. The complete day went on holiday and rest. In the morning I walked in the garden between the seafront and the hotel. There I saw only one European man walking with his two little dogs. I saw a few garden workers and a karate group practicing under a shady roof. I took a few photos of the garden and the row of tower blocks. I also tried my Garmin navigator. I had aromatherapy starting at noon, which lasted an hour and a half. I had an oily and restful feeling after that. It was good for my muscles. I went to the sauna and swimming. I took photos from the pool plateau to photograph the shoreline. I rested in my room and read the books I bought.

The day was spent touring the malls. Initially at the Abu Dhabi Mall. I bought two pairs of pants (GANT) and three shirts (Daniel Hechter) and shoes (Rieker Antistress) from there, all for everyday needs.

In the Abu Dhabi Mall, I became acquainted with B&O stereos. I asked for a quote on a package, which was about 37,000 AED! At Marina Mall, I visited Harman House. The Harman Kardon package costs 2,500 to 8,000 AED. At the same time, I watched Samsung and LG TVs.

Otherwise, when I was at breakfast, clouds were visible in the sky, which is usually a rare sight.

I found out the location coordinates from Google Earth. Among other things, I looked at the coordinates of my hotel’s main entrance on Google and measured with a new navigator from the same point. The difference is negligible. In a spreadsheet, I calculated Google coordinates to match the Garmin’s display.

9.9.2007. I had been issued a Security Pass (Oil Field Pass). I sent a status report by e-mail to my Finnish Borealis supervisor Marita Oksman and Kari Sarantila. The Residence Visa is at work. I have received Settling in Allowance money of 29,000 AED. It has to be enough until the first paycheck.

While checking in for my breakfast, the cashier asked if I was a Muslim because my first name is referring to a Muslim name Esa (Essa, Easa), which means Jesus in the Holy Koran. I said I was not. I am a Christian and come from Finland.

At the Head Office in the morning. I got my Security Passport today. It was granted on the 5th of September 2007.

An attempt was made to open a bank account for me. It did not work out today, but I got all the necessary papers for it. These included a copy of my passport with a stamp affixed as a valid proof of proof, a copy of the Employment Visa, a handwriting sample card, bank account terms and conditions, an employer certificate, and a document of my address, and a telephone number.

Karl Ebner, the head of the Ruwais laboratory, called and mentioned he was coming to the Head Office this week. The secretary of Plant Manager Staffas is Stannly Fernandes. I need to contact him when the move to Ruwais is settled.

I went to the sauna and shower on the 19th floor. In the evening, while eating in the hotel restaurant, a man in a chef's suit was walking next to my desk asking if I knew him. I said at first that I did not know him. He mentioned being that man in the19th floor and now I got a job here in the restaurant. I congratulated him on his “promotion.” He told the same story to everyone who sitting in the restaurant. Yes, it was nice to see how satisfied someone is with the change of job.

10.9.2007. A bank account was opened for me at the head office. A bank clerk asked if I needed a check book. I did not really know if I needed one or not. When I discussed it, I felt like I was not at by best, and I felt like a fool.

In the afternoon after dining, I went to the Marina Mall. I chose furniture from Ikea to Ruwais, my future apartment. Purchases cost 1,572 €. I do not think much because the order had everything I needed. A dining table, six chairs, a cupboard, a living room table, a sofa bed, a TV stand, a double bed + mattress and the bedside tables.

At the same time, I went to Harman House. I chose a stereo (Harman Kardon HS 200) and a TV.

I had to visit another supermarket. A really big store like Näsi S-Market in Finland Shopping Centre, but many times bigger. There were several TV brands for sale that could be compared with each other by their quality difference between Sony and Samsung of a particular interest. I was still visiting Radio Stak, where Sony was the most interesting. Obviously, the Sony model KLV-40V300A would be the most suitable.

Once the basic acquisitions were completed, I was waiting for a “health card,” a residence visa, and a driver’s license. The liquor License card can only be started after I have obtained a Residence Visa.

11.9.2007. When I visited the Head Office today, it was agreed that I would go to Ruwais and start working, although I have not yet received all the necessary documents. Rana booked me a hotel room (Danat Resort) for moving to Ruwais. I spoke to the laboratory manager Karl Ebner on the phone. It was agreed that I would go to work on Thursday. Tomorrow at 8 a.m.. Karl will come to my Hilton Corniche hotel in Abu Dhabi, and we enjoy breakfast together. I also spoke on the phone with Stannly Fernandes, who is the secretary to Production Manager. I explained the situation. On Thursday, I have to give him the papers related to my phone. Shortly before four, Rana called that the Health Card was ready to be picked up from her. I promised to pick up the card before I left the hotel at 10 a.m.

I did laundry in the fourteenth floor. I went to the Marina Mall. I bought a new bag (about 750 AED) because I have so much stuff that I needed to carry. The Harman Centre did not have a Harman Kardon HS 200 in an unopened package, so I did not buy it. On the other hand, better so, because now I get more time to reflect. I bought three CDs, one Elton John Rocket Man, Hits, Celine Dion Volume one and Nirvana 15 Classic songs. 54 AED/CD disc.

The New Home in Ruwais, Commencement of Work

12.9.2007 I am moving from Abu Dhabi to Ruwais, initially staying at the Danat Hotel for ten days and then finally settling permanently in the village of Ruwais when the bachelor apartment becomes vacant for me.

One day in Abu Dhabi, I met Karl Ebner at the Hilton Corniche for breakfast. This meeting had already been arranged yesterday. He told about the work plans, one of the first tasks for me is the dismantling of the polymerization reactor and after that it will be transferred to a storage. I also met Jussi. We agreed to go together to work on Sunday morning at 06:45 a.m.. Jussi comes to the same Danat hotel where I am going today. After breakfast I went to the Head Office. I got a Health Insurance card from Rana. Now there is no obstacle in obtaining a Residence visa and a driver's license. Jussi was at the head office. I got tips from him for doing business at the driver’s license office. Rana had not ordered a taxi, so I walked to the Head Office and back to the hotel.

I paid my bill in out of the Hilton hotel before going to the Head Office (I gave Rana a receipt for my payments). The Hilton Hotel arranged my transfer to the Danat Resort Hotel in Ruwais. The driver was smartly dressed and drove a big Mercedes-Benz, although it was a bit old. Before leaving for Ruwais, the bank was called to ask for a check book that I might need before I could use a credit card. I did not really understand what it was about. Because using a check book is already such an old thing that I had forgotten the whole thing.

I arrived at the Danat Hotel in Ruwais at around 12:06 p.m., meaning the journey from Abu Dhabi had only taken two hours. I got the checking in the hotel done. The hotel boy carried four of my bags in a cart to my room.

I went downstairs to the hotel restaurant for lunch. After lunch, I slept for a while. I went to Danat’s sauna and swam in the pool. The atmosphere was nice, and now I have settled here in Ruwais. My wish to get to work abroad had finally come true.

I went to the hotel reception complaining that the internet was not working. From the reception, they called and checked if the maintenance man had already come. There was nothing wrong with my computer. The fault was that the internet was down at the time.

I went to dinner and drink a beer at the Bar. There was the same Belgian man (Stefan Vanderbilt) as in June during the previsit. Oh, the misery, how much beer and tobacco has this regular customer enjoyed between my earlier visit and today. I drank one pint and that was enough for me. When I returned from the bar, I could not get to my room with a credit card-sized programmable card key. I went down to the front desk. The clerk reprogrammed the card and explained that one of the cards is for opening the door and the other one for switching the lights on by inserting it into the switch slot of the door jamb. So, I had taken the card for the lights with me when I went for dinner and beer.

In this moment I still do not have a Residence Visa, a Driving License, a company car, a Liquor License, and a Credit Card. Only those are needed, and I need to wait for them.

13.9.2007. Now it was finally the day when I went to my workplace for the first time.

I called Anwar at about 7:55 a.m. in the morning that I was coming to work. I asked Anwar to arrange a transfer from the hotel. That is how the transportation was organized. I went to work with two other men. One of them the blond one was going to the lab. The technician was on the film line. The gate asked for a pass and whether there was a mobile phone. The journey to the In Borouge factory gate, security training continued. There, this training had to be done by a computer and at once followed by an interrogation by answering questions on the PC screen. When I had received a sufficient number of questions correct, the guard printed out a paper version that was nicely signed. It was a temporary three-month valid pass for the Borouge factory site.

I arrived at the laboratory, greeted the people there Anwar gave me a tour in the laboratory. I got an office room (microscopy room) for my use. The desk was gorgeous dark wood. There are usually no such tables in Finland, at least at a basic level. With a little toil, I got the mouse to work. I fed the username and password for the Borouge network, and then the network was open. Anwar and the computer man helped.

Now that Ramadan has begun, Anwar explained the situation a bit. Nothing should be put in the mouth in public. Muslims are not allowed to use the tearoom with the door closed.

I managed contacts with Finland. I wrote a bulletin about my current situation to my supervisor, Oksmann, and the head of laboratory operations, Sarantila. Now it has been announced in Finland: “on October 1, 2007, Petri Lehmus will start as the leader of the Innovation Centre construction project and the director of the IC organization.” It’s a good thing that a Finnish man was the manager.

I called Susanna Maaniittu in Finland; she is working as support for PC the Finnish information system. I asked her to arrange for me access to the Borealis network. She sent me the first part of the password. The second part comes randomly from the Tookit generator that Susanna sends me in the mail. I left work at 1:30 p.m.. A small Indian-looking man was the driver. On the same ride, in addition to me, there was a man who came along from the fire department. Upon reaching Ruwais, I at once went to eat at the lunch table at Danat Hotel. Due to Ramadan, the restaurant was fenced with movable wall elements to obscure the line of sight. After resting, I checked at my email. In the evening I went to a hotel restaurant to eat. Now there were no walls covering the views of the restaurant because the sun had already set and therefore dining was allowed for Muslims. In other words, Muslims are allowed to eat after sunset Iftar in the evening and in the morning before sunrise Sufur. At the end of my meal, I walked in a lighted park sensing the beauty of the lights and the sound of the sea.

14.9.2007. Friday's day off at the Danat Hotel was really being on holiday. After breakfast and reading the magazines, I navigated to the sandy beach of the Gulf. I went swimming for the first time in that ocean. It was the warmest water in which I have ever swum. It almost burned. I lay in the shade for two hours contemplating things about my childhood, my marriage, that ended and my children, and Laura. I intentionally skipped lunch. I want to get used to fasting during Ramadan during the day. I slept during the day at home. I drank coffee on my balcony. I tried the navigator on the beach and continued reading the magazines. In the evening in the restaurant with a meal. At the end of the meal, I went out for a walk in the lighted park. I drank a Cappuccino at the cafeteria. There was the same waitress as yesterday (Olga). She remembered in which table I was sitting yesterday. She is Belarusian nationality and has a two-year contract with Danat. She told me that it was cold and rainy during last winter. After coffee I headed to the Lattitude Bar and drank my third beer during my entire stay here.

15.9.2007. This day was a real holiday. On the beach, I lay on a mattress in the shade for two hours reading literature related to my profession. I fasted for the day. In the evening I went to eat at Danat’s restaurant and then for a cappuccino. Olga was not serving. I saw Jussi who came from Abu Dhabi. It was agreed that we will leave to work in the morning at 06:45 a.m..

16.9.2007. Today I got my first salary. Part of it in euros to my home country and the rest to my local account in dirhams.

The second day at the workplace consisted of meetings with the laboratory and PE production. A presentation tour led by the Laboratory Manager Karl Ebner. I familiarized myself with the PC as well as the operating instructions. I visited Borouge’s secretary, Fernandes is Indian. I handed over the papers of my phone. I met Martti Honkala. He is the head of the EU (cracker). We shook hands and Martti welcomed me here to confirm the work. I got the keys to my apartment from HR’s Anwar (Egyptian). My apartment is H203. It consists of a living room, a bedroom, and a kitchen. We went to see the apartment with Jussi after work. At the same time, we visited the East Market.

I send a message to the Borealis HR department about my employment contract and the status of the Residence Visa process.

I attended today also a lecture on Ethylene process.

Working hours during Ramadan are from 07:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. Suitable for me because in the laboratory there are freer working hours, and I needed more time to recovery recover.

I learned from Jussi that if you drive to Dubai, you will need a special electronic identification sticker (Salik Tag) on your car windshield for automated toll payment.

I have to get a fridge freezer, a stove, a washing machine and a dryer in my apartment. I do not need a dishwasher because there are so few dishes for me. Rugs and curtains must also be bought. In this country, it is customary for a resident to buy a stove, a refrigerator, a drinking water bottle rack, and a dishwasher for the kitchen because they are missing from a ready-to-move-in house.

In the evening I went to Danat for dinner and to drink a Cappuccino. Olga (beautiful Belarusian woman) was at work. She carne to chat with me and hoped to see me tomorrow. This is not only nice friendly talking and enjoying coffee together.

17.9.2007. In the morning I went to work with Jussi. The same ritual at the factory gates every morning. Showing an oil passport and rummaging through bags by stone-faced soldiers. They are always equipped with handguns and one pallet truck is ready for a bigger hassle with a heavy machine gun pre-loaded with a cartridge belt.

After work, I returned to my accommodation to the Danat Hotel with a shuttle arranged by Borouge.

Once again, I called the freight forwarder about my stuff. The delivery date for the goods was agreed to be on Thursday this week. At reception I asked how long I could stay in a hotel funded by Borouge. It was said that for 21 days. A Residence visa is still not issued. I have heard from many of my colleagues that it has taken them up to three weeks before all things are sorted out. Tomorrow it’s bee one week since I got my local health insurance card. Without it, I cannot get a residence visa.

I went to the sauna department. There has to be a towel around the waist because being naked is forbidden. In the pool I swam a few laps. After eight in the evening, I sat still drinking a Cappuccino and ordered another piece of cake. The waiters were an Indonesian woman and a Belarusian Olga. I was making small talk with them. A few thoughts were exchanged, and then I asked for the bill and went to my room to sleep.

BBC news was at the forefront; Iran threatens retaliation if their nuclear facilities are attacked.

19.9.2007. By transportation from Borouge to work. Two other men joined us. We took a new route to work. Before the hospital junction, we turned left into the oil business area on Takriir Road. There was no traffic. The gate had an armed soldier in addition to the police. Yes, it is heavily guarded. From the Borouge gate I went with Karl Ebner to the factory. He arrived at the gate by car at the same time with me.

I called Rana to inquire about the Residence visa. She asked me to call again after one hour. When I called, she replied that I will call to you later on. She did not call today. The conclusion, a residence permit has still not been issued. After work, I got to the hotel after a small arrangement. Anil had not arranged my transportation as requested by e-mail. Without the help of the Indian laboratory technicians and speaking the drivers’ own mother tongue. I would not have been able to get on board. Akhlak, Ibrahim and Salahuddin left with the same transportation. They were first taken to the Ruwais House complex. While driving, the boys introduced Tuomo Mäkinen's home while he was here during the Borouge one project.

I went straight to eat when I got to the hotel because it was already so late. When I was eating, the phone rang. The woman who arranges the transportation of my goods from Finland called and after talking shortly, it became clear that I would receive my goods on Saturday. Well, that is fine by me. I am leaving the hotel on Saturday morning and will be waiting for my packages. A bit annoying when I had already discussed this day off. I am not going to work when that’s how things linger here. After eating, I rested a bit, went to the sauna, and asked to join the Health Club. I booked a Japanese massage class tomorrow, starting at 4 p.m. Let us see what it is like.

In evening coffee with Olga. I asked at the reception for a taxi transfer from Danat Hotel to Abu Dhabi and the village of Ruwais. Everything will be all right. I got a business card with contact information for the hotel to arrange the trips.

At the end of the day, I made coffee, which I drank on Danat’s balcony, sitting in my own thoughts in the middle of the night alone, admiring the garden lights.

20.9.2007 I was out of work today. I was thinking of having a day off because things seem to be going to be frustrating here. I was therefore in a slightly lazy mood. Karl Ebner called during the day and asked where I was and if everything was well. I said I am in Danat and waiting for my goods to be shipped from the Abu Dhabi airport. I called Rana asking about my Visa, was it granted? It was not there yet. Then Rana called in the afternoon, saying. "Now I have good news." A Residence Visa has been issued for you. The passport will be sent to Ruwais where Residence Visa was attached. I asked Rana to send me an email saying from whom I will get my passport.

Full day staying at the hotel. I tried to enroll in the Health and Fitness Club. But of course, the certificate of the employer (Sponsor) is still needed before the accession is successful. I went for a Japanese massage starting at 4 p.m.. The masseur was apparently an Indian dark guy. It was disappointing when I wanted a woman. I did not mention anything about it. It was Danat’s first and last massage experience because I hate a man’s touch on my skin. That evening I made a record of drinking two beers at the bar.

21.9.2007. A Day off at the hotel. Killing time by reading and eating. I was at the beach for at least two hours in the shade. I read Kaarina Tuomaala's memoirs about the United Arab Emirates. From her book, the narrowness of the lives of housewives living with their husbands is conveyed here. Even a whole paragraph of book was about swimming. Swimming is so fascinating because it is a common hobby in Finland.

I went to the barber shop from 3:20 p.m. There was a barber, strange to me. The price of the hair cut was 60 AED. So about twelve euros. A similar style of hair cut in Porvoo, Finland, costs twenty-four euros at its cheapest. So, the price of work here is on low level. In the evening I went to eat at Danat’s restaurant. This hotel life is not very variable. All day are the same.

My Own Home H203 and Everyday Life

22.9.2007. In the morning I woke up on the day I would permanently move into my apartment in the H203 Bachelor Flat area for about three years. Danat Hotel arranged a taxi transfer to the Ruwais Housing Complex for my apartment H203. It cost 40 AED. The apartment was completely empty with echo stone surfaces. In the beginning the land was deserted and empty, I thought biblically. There was a deadlooking spider on the floor in the middle of the living room. I took it out with a piece of paper. As I moved it, the spider began to show signs of life. I arranged my stuff that I brought from the hotel here. The phone rang at some point; I was told that my goods from Finland will be delivered today from the Abu Dhabi terminal here to Ruwais.

I called Jari. They were just at the ATM nearby. The he came to pick me up. We went together to the store.

I bought groceries to survive until tomorrow morning. Jari gave me the phone number of the TV antenna man. I called him, he promised to come.

We went to the Eastern Market. I bought a Hitachi refrigerator & freezer and a cold-water dispenser. Yes, I was lucky, just after the cabinet was bought a couple of Arabs were looking at it. Apparently, they were also about to buy the same cabinet. I was lucky when I got it before the others. Thanks to Jari because he brought me to the store at the right time.

TV antenna man Filipino Alfredo visited. I agreed with him to install in a similar channel package as Jari had. Alfredo said my name in the Qur’an means Jesus Christ. I was proud of it, so I am Jesus.

I heard the truck spinning outside. I went to see and there was my moving load from Finland. The boys rolled inside my twelve packages. I carried the dishes and clothes into the kitchen. I did not unpack the book packages yet. The bed for the next night was a duvet and one mattress pad. It was soft enough to fall asleep. I made my first coffee here in my own apartment happily. Most of the work related to my move has now been done. Late in the evening I went to sleep in an empty uncovered apartment on a thin mattress pad.

23.9.2007. The first morning, I woke up in my bachelor flat. I went to work with Jari. At work, I asked for certificates from HR for the Danat Resort Hotel, Etisalat, and Post Office.

I went to Etisalat, in the evening the internet connection started to work after 9 p.m.. A mailbox was opened for me in the mail.

In the UAE, it is common practice to let a woman past the queue, meaning she is the first to be served before the men’s queue in all offices, e.g., the Post Office. I got the number 12396 as a mailbox.

I agreed with Rana to go to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, so I made a room reservation at the Hilton Corniche for two days. I went to eat an Iftar meal in a multipurpose building near my residence at the Recreation Centre. I bought food downstairs to take home.

For a Finn, this way is strange. When dealing with an agency, such as the post office and Etisalat a telephone company today, there are others at the same door. In it, then, the clerk serves many at the same time shuttles. This just needs to be swallowed and adapted to the situation. We in Finland there are used to respecting the shift system and serving one at a time.

In the evening I once again ate at the Multipurpose House. I went in and at once in the doorway introduced the matter. Man asked which company I work for. I said in Borouge. Man recommended that I go to the second floor. I paid 34 AED for dinner at the Buffet place. i.e., less than 7 €. Not much. There was plenty of food to choose from. A variety of delicacies with desserts. I was one of the few Western-dressed. After eating, I went downstairs to leave. That is when I remembered Jari’s recommendation to take food home. I went to a place where food can be taken along. I showed a few options from the choice. I was amazed when my portions were finished pre-packaged in plastic bags. About how much food came to be taken home? My small purchases had become plentiful enough to eat, in my apartment; I noticed that they had put in more food than I had bought. There were juices, dried fruit, and thin bread.

In the evening, I vacuumed the bedroom floor from ants, the living room floor from dust from the fridge packaging material, and small pieces of Styrofoam. I wonder what advice ants handle. I noticed them using the left corner of the bottom of the bedroom window as their passage. I put liquid soap in it. I thought no one would go through the soap layer at least happily. The idea seemed to help.

24.9.2007. When I got home from work, I called Rana at Borealis ’HR office in Abu Dhabi. I said I would be there on Wednesday. It was agreed that I would arrive at Head Office on Thursday at 9 a.m.. Then I get a driver's license and a car. I asked money of “Furniture Allowance.” Rana said the matter is on the process, as is often said. I made sure enough of the company car that it really exists. When Jussi had said the cars had disappeared from the group from which he chose his car. Rana asked me to tell Karl Ebner to send Sonia Raphi Ahmed (Borouge) the cost centre number for my hotel reservation. I need a hotel from Wednesday to Thursday. I am leaving back towards Ruwais on Friday morning. There was no money left today. I ate yesterday’s snacks I had bought from the Recreation centre. I even took water and fruit from them to the workplace.

I met Axel at work today. We went on a trip with Jari to work. I massaged the washing machine shops with Axel and agreed on a price of 300 AED, or 60 €. I do not think much about a perfect working washing machine.

25.9.2007. Today I was in Axel’s home in the village. I bought a washing machine for 300 AED on the same trip. I stayed overnight in the village at his house. Axel’s son is Leo, and they have a bitch dog Lotta. It is Lassie's breed. Axel lives in the former Matti Tuomaala’s house. His wife Kaarina talks about in her book. The house is large has three high arches. The yard was messy and full of exotic trees and there are large pots for flowers. Yes, the house was full of stuff compared to my studio apartment. A mix of different styles. Not cozy in my opinion. A slum came to mind, especially as I looked at “Nanny’s” sleeping area next to the entrance. The house is surrounded by a high wall and has an iron gate next to the carport. A lot of things were discussed with Axel. Yes, he was a happy and outgoing German. Axel’s wife is a slender German.

26.9.2007. The next morning Axel’s wife drove me home with the washing machine I bought.

Today I went to the bank to handle my debit card activation at the Ruwais Branch. I got my account to work by putting pressure on the clerk. I also got my debit card, but unfortunately it had not been activated yet. I went to Abu Dhabi with Jari’s family. In the evening, I bought modern furniture from the Marina Mall Ikea store.

27.9.2007. Today I got a driver's license and a car. The driving license was in my hand at 1:30 p.m., and the car keys at 2:10 p.m..