Self censorship ...

Ok so two blogs on the UAE have bitten the dust or is slightly beaten up - it is a shame really - some real good stuff with a nice sense of humour from Lulu's Arabian Adventure which is undergoing a rewrite as I blog and a real factual, low critisism one from Secret Dubai Diary who has now joined the outside world which we can not see. But you can try your luck here with some more information by Hauteur Pill here.

So what can I say which has not been said before - we are in Dubai, part of the global village but in some ways constrained by self censorship.

Anyway - been to Abu Dabi today - looking for the Austrian embassy - what a shlep! Had a map which clearly showed the exact location of the embassy- first mistake!

The map showed the embassy one place but it must have moved years ago - nobody working in any of the shops knew anything until a someone finally told us it has moved. Thanks to the Etisalat Info line - quite efficient bunch - I got the number and I thought my problems where solved - I could just phone and get the directions - second mistake! .

Tried to get the direction from their button controlled, useless PBX. I must have phoned at least 15 times - but the mumblings of the canned directions was such that it was just impossible to understand and it was not a even in an Austrian accent! Next tried the operators but the person supposed to be able to help me was either busy on the phone or not in the office - another few wasted calls. Finally tried my luck by getting the directions from the operators - Man you guys may not be Austrians but you are Austria's face to the world - ever heard of client service?! When somebody calls the embassy he is your customer. No use talking down to someone who is asking for directions.


All I can say to you Mr. Austrian Ambassador- we are not amused by that little fiasco - what a waste of a day! Had to finally accept defeat and tail between the legs turn around to face the road to Dubai.

Anyway - who wants to visit Vienna - I can always save my money for a trip to the Kruger Park.