For anyone who has filled their car with petrol over the last year and baulked at the bill, I can set your mind at rest: the price was worth paying. Of course, that’s with the exception of the share taken by western governments, who fritter it on useless activities.
However, here in Abu Dhabi, where the oil is drilled, the proceeds are being put to good use. The other evening we went to a party to celebrate the country’s National Day. The United Arab Emirates was formed 37 years ago. It is quite strange to live in a country younger than oneself, although of course Helena pretends she is younger still.
As we stood on a balcony overlooking the Corniche we suddenly saw four microlights flying in formation, spraying fireworks like rockets. Then there was a roar from a barge in the bay and the fireworks began. Trying to describe fireworks is like trying to paint water, but here goes: huge circles of colour, sapphire blues, grass greens, gold and silver, then other rockets with lights that parachuted down into the water, roman candles throwing up yellow and pink sparks, other rockets with colours like the French flag, then the UAE flag, then more rockets and bangs and sparks like fireflies. At times it was as if the sky were filled with giants chandeliers.
All the while this was happening a simultaneous show was taking place opposite the Emiratres Palace Hotel. It was a firework display in Dolby Stereo. The children stood looking in awe, uttering the odd “Wheee” before collapsing either cold or asleep. The display went on longer than a firework show decently should. It was like eating a kilo of caviar or drinking a full bottle of Chateau d’Yquem.
For the first time ever, when the show ended, I felt like I had seen enough fireworks for the day. “That’s enough fireworks,” I said. And went inside to talk to our Pakistani hosts, who poured me a large whisky and discussed economics and the stock market with grave faces.
Dear Rupert,
Never argue about a woman’s age. Helena IS younger than The United Arab Emirates.
Sincerely,
Patricia
(Born in 1968, 35 years old)
Dear Helena and Rupert,
I wonder what your Pakistani hosts felt about the fanatical Islamic terrorists they are training and sheltering in their country even as they accept millions of dollars of US economic aid. I would really like to know this. We never seem to hear and can only imagine that the whole country is filled with terrorists intent upon bringing down the Western democracies. It makes it very difficult to accept the Pakistani economic immigrants who come to this country but are unwilling to assimilate their culture into ours. My forbears were Palatine Mennonites who came to Lancaster County, PA in the early 1700’s to escape religious persecution in Europe. They were only to happy to merge their culture with the German and Scotch-Irish economic immigrants that settled here for the fertile farm land and religious freedom. I really cannot understand Islam. Why would I, as a woman, want to be covered in a burka and kept from being a participating member of my country? How could any Father want that for his daughter? My Dad always encouraged my sisters and I to pursue our dreams as equal members of society. My “sisters” and I fought for the equal rights amendment and the freedom that goes with it.
Also, Helena is only as old as she feels (as are we all) which puts her age at about 30. Your wife will love you forever if you tell her this.
Sharyn G
Now, now, to blame terrorism on Pakistan is a bit simplistic, isn’t it? That country is also a victim of terrorists attacks, I seem to remember there was one only yesterday? I think terrorism is born out of discontent helped along by propaganda. Prejudice against other nationals and religions is not going to solve the problem.
Rupert
I love your calm style of writing and describing.More please.
Clare
Amazing isn’t it? You write a pleasant story about a firework display and get a rocket from an old banger.
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