Summer in the Gulf
The six states making up the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) are in essence made up of large expat communities from many nationalities.
As has now become common practice, when the summer months come, large chunks of these expat communities trek to their homeland, in an attempt to escape the notorious heat. The heat this year continues to make headlines around the world, with thermometers regularly going beyond the 50C mark, fuelling the now almost religious debate of global warming. In addition to the foreigners migrating home for their annual vacation, the locals also pack up en-masse and look for cooler destinations around the world to spend their holidays.
The local populations of the GCC are generally well off materially, and it is almost an expectation that the annual vacation must be spent abroad. At least a portion of it for those who are really financially squeezed. Not that the citizens of the Gulf states need any excuse to travel abroad.
This exodus of people turns the Gulf States into a most pleasant place to be. Like magic, the usual manic activity that goes hand in hand with a thriving metropolis vanishes as the plane loads of people depart from the airports of the region. The truth of the matter is... it is always hot here. Whether it is 35, or 45 degrees C, it is hot. Trust me, there is little distinction between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius. Hot is hot... and whether 40 or 50 degrees, the air cons of the regions operate at full capacity... to provide that cool air relief required to make the GCC the place to be.
As if to underscore my point... Qatar, one of the six states in the GCC, has announced to host the FIFA World Cup in 2012... a tournament normally held in June... the heart of Summer!
With the absence of the manic activity, it becomes a pleasure to drive on the roads of the GCC. Notwithstanding where you stay in the GCC, any resident can testify to what a harrowing experience it can beat times to get into a vehicle and go from one place to another, using the roads, the traffic circles and the traffic light intersections.
The many Malls become a pleasure to visit. The GCC states collectively boast some of the most amazing shopping experiences, and the malls here can hold its own against any elsewhere in the world. The problem with these fantastic shopping extravaganzas, it is hugely popular, and frequenting them normally is like being in Harrods on after Christmas sale day. But alas... the departure of the masses transform the experience of visiting the Malls into a holiday experience in itself!
The point I want to make is that Summer in the GCC is... contrary to popular belief, a most pleasant place to be.
INteresting enough you have given me a diferent outlook on Summer in the GCC lol!..I do have the compound bus to myself..and no other bored housewives bickering as to where they want to go. The malls are pleasant but thats about it!
ReplyDeleteIts too hot to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Being confined to indoor life is a bit suffocating. But lucky we have sattelite tv and uncapped internet. I suppose making oneself happy wherever u are is whats most important. Home is where the heart is.