Snow Day

It rained. 

Apparently, deserts don't see much rain. Well, I guess water mitigates the whole desert motif. Naturally, the appearance of rain is very exciting. Actually, a couple weeks ago, it got too exciting. There was a severe thunderstorm. Those of us in Fujairah experienced an electrical blackout. It only lasted a couple hours. This was great for those who, like myself, could comfortably view the storm from a living room window. Many others were very inconvenienced because the city does not have a very good drainage system, so the streets flood easily. 

The UAE had not seen rain for some years. When it rained a second time within a few days of the previous storm, many of the Emiratis became overjoyed. Some performed their own Gene Kelly like dances in the outpour. My students became distracted (actually, they are always distracted), and began to open windows and stick their hands and arms out to feel the rain. 

At first, of course, I was not cognizant of the momentousness of the occasion nature had bestowed. I continued to teach and admonished the students to pay attention. The students seemed bewildered by my blase attitude. Fortunately, I recognized the value of what was taking place, and put away my geographical insensitivity and talked rain with the students. 

Within an hour of the initial rainfall, students from every campus within our school system were sent home.  

We had a "rain day". 

Teachers and faculty were also released. I went shopping. The mall was virtually empty. The rain did not return. The sun came out. It was a lovely day.

Between the "rain day" and the impromptu holidays (and the fluidly scheduled annual holidays), these people are trying to get me to stay. 

LOL