My Mom and Dad's Life in Oman and Abu Dahbi


1. Dad when and where did you participate at the World Cup at the stadium ?

Dad :
— match between Italy and Austria in 1990
—happy because Italy deserved to win the match


2. About regional events, how did you feel about Dubai under ocean hotel ? How does it affect the environment ?

Mom :
—affects the environment
grabs the tourists’ attention
—explore new things
—but harm different species of marine life


3. Mom, where were you born and raised ?

Mom :
—born and raised Abu Dhabi
—Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates
—rich in petroleum
—walked to school nearby


4. Dad,where were you born and raised?

Dad :
—born and raised in Muscat , Oman
—Muscat is the capital of Oman
— rich petroleum and traditional export of mother pearl, dates and fish

5.Mom and Dad, what are your hobbies?

Dad :
—playing soccer and reading newspaper

—Mom : biking and reading
—Mom and Dad : watching TV ,an hour daily

6. Mom and Dad, how did people communicate at that time ?

Both said:
—by phone
—visiting each other, everyone lived close by
—participating in social functions –
birthday parties, weddings


7. What changes occurred during your adolescence and at what age ?

Mom :
— closer to her mom and helped her with housework

Dad :
—felt more independent when 18
—spent much time studying and playing soccer

Fantastic Spring Break
In Paris of Asia
by Hatim Al Taei

During the spring break, my family and I visited the most exciting city in Asia also named as the Paris of Asian Hong Kong. We checked into the Renaissance's Harbor View Hotel. The rooms were luxurious, full of comfort. It is also a 5 star hotel. That of course has a huge swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a spa, and more facilities. When we first arrived there, we weren’t as exhausted as we thought we would be. The minute I saw from the window the magnificent Disneyland and the glittering ocean park, I was thrilled and I decided to go to the Ocean Park the next night.

I woke up jumping from my bed the early next morning, raring to go to the ocean park and ride all the thrilling rides with my dad and maybe my sisters if they weren’t really scared. Off we hurried and soon we entered the Ocean Park. The first thing I saw was the beautiful view of the crystal clear sea. I rushed for the ragging river games with my dad and my one of my twin sisters, Noor. It was awesome. It is a thrilling game where first you go up high on a big hill and down it goes rushing at full speed and with no stops. My heart beat was pumping as it dived into the currents and I got all wet. The experience was awesome.

The next game we went was the biggest and highest roller coaster in Asia. My dad and I rushed to the game. The queue was not long because everyone was too scared to go on the highest ride in South East Asia. We entered and went on the ride I was actually scared but I wanted to show my dad that I was as brave as a lion. It started going up to the top at 38 feet and crashed down at supersonic speed.
I couldn’t breathe when it touched the ground again. After the game was over,
everyone in the queue congratulated me and my dad. Yeah, we made it !!

Later on we had lunch at McDonalds. We were shocked that there was McDonalds in the park. Each family member ordered cheese burger but my dad ordered Mc Chicken. The lady on the counter gave dad a rotten sandwich with not well done meat and had ants inside. Dad complained and gave it back with a glare. He said, “ Why did you give me this sandwich ?” They replied, “ Because you made us late for choosing the menu. My dad was not impressed and told them to return his money and replaced it with a cheese burger. They agreed and apologized. After that unpleasant incident we went back to the hotel.

We planned to go to Disneyland the following day but we had to have a good sleep before doing that. “Welcome to Disneyland” We entered with huge smiles. Every corner I looked was more beautiful than the other sides. All the world famous Disney characters such as Lion King, Tarzan, Nemo, Mickey, Goofy , Brother Bear , Donald Duck, and a lot more were there to welcome the excited children and adults.


The first game we went to was Space Mountain. Before entering the game area, the ushers gave us brochures which describe how scary it was and it may cause heart attack. All this was a joke. It was a just medium speed roller coaster with its indoors totally in darkness which gave us spooky feelings of fear and hopelessness. After the game, it wasn’t as scary as it looked. It was just a joke or trick. After that we went to the Golden Mickey show that involved some Disney characters like Donald Duck mascot. The guy knew how to copy his voice exactly and his same attitude. Mickey’s mask and outfit were worn by a person that had the same voice and characteristics of Mickey which was like seeing the real characters right in front of you.

Next we went on a ride to see the Small World that involved all people of the world, their traditions, cultures and national costumes of what Arabs, Europeans, Asians, Americans, Mexicans, and more. Basically you go on an ocean ride that will move slowly through the different cultures and nations. That was an awesome ride. Next, we decided to get some shirts and souvenirs that would remind us of Hong Kong Disneyland.

Later in the evening at 7.30 pm, we saw the fireworks that exploded all around the castle of Sleeping Beauty and that were the highlight of the Disneyland’s most awesome experience. We came back to the hotel with smiles on our face that we had visited the most fascinating place in Hong Kong.

That was the end of our trip and we left the airport by the Cathay Pacific Airline that took us directly to Kuala Lumpur. It was a memorable flight back home, we got to watch movies, play games on the front screen and also buy souvenirs and things from the duty free counter. The most memorable spring break with my family indeed!

W h i t e
by Hatim

White bright light at night fades away,
and in the morning it comes back,
the beauty of a dove as innocent as purity,
it glides through the marshmallow clouds like magical tour through the world,
the soft soap foam smells fresh vanilla creamy milk milkshake white is the color that everyone loves,

white….