Thread: "awrence" al Sarab

Looks GORGEOUS, but...average August temps of 102, record high of 118, and not a dry heat (like it matters once you're inside an oven?), and of course the intermittent sandstorms. Ugh! No off-season in Abu Dhabi for me. Although the Sept - April package might be perfect. I can't say I've ever dreamed of vacationing in the desert, but those photos really make the sand look beautiful.

You got that right. I spent 8 months out in the Middle East back in 90/91 and those temperatures are BRUTAL!!!!! I dread it enough in Houston in the summers, but forget that joint in summer over there. How is that a vacation? And there ain't a hill a beans in that desert. Only thing I saw was blown up tanks and bunkers and burning oil wells in Kuwait. Sandstorms last for days sometimes, and it really blows around. Had to wear tanker goggles and ravaged into the medical kits and used those green arm slings to wrap around my face. When the sun came back out and the temperatures climbed, I would use that sling as a bandana and keep it wet with my bottled water. Yes, I complain about the weather in IAH but then I remind myself that I've seen much worse. Aint no THREE KINGS hovering over a cute child or a cute manger, with cute cows and sheep, with presents laying around and a glowing fireplace round where I was. Not even the drummer boy. Just scuds and oily air.