There is an endless fascination with this country. The climate, culture, customs, clothing – they are all a launch pad for continuous observation.
I give myself a gold star for each Arabic word I learn. My mentor is a Pakistani who arrived here in Dubai a few years ago and learned to read, write and speak the language. I am impressed, especially with the reading and writing.
“Yul-lee, he says – you learn 1 word, then 10, then 100 and soon – you speak the language.” I don’t discredit this theory but laugh off its optimistic content. I count my words – 10. Long ways to go.
We will spend a number of hours working together so I switch gears to see if I can learn more about this person. I discover he has two dogs and I wonder aloud about their names.
Onlydog is the short reply.
I repeat…Onlydog? The reply…”Yul-lee, No! No name, just d-o-g.” It’s a firm reply as if he imagines my dog is living a life of luxury somewhere, spoiled beyond belief.
Perhaps I looked disappointed or confused because he followed with an explanation. He says, “the dogs… they don’t live long – so much heat – it goes to their head, makes them crazy and they die after 7 or 8 years. So, no name. Only – dog”. It’s not a sad story the way he explains - just factual.
I nod my understanding and he shows me pictures. He seems happy I comprehend.
And I do. One small piece of the puzzle is in place.
I am a part of all that I have met. ~Alfred Lord Tennyson
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