Earlier this week, M got a phone call from a radio station in Japan asking him for a phone patch interview. The radio station in Nagoya features Japanese expats living in different parts of the globe. We have no idea how they got his number but most probably from string of people who he worked with/for while in the travel industry last year.

Anyway, they sent him a couple of questions and there was one involving asking his opinion of the newly opened tallest building in the world in Dubai. The phone interview is short so he could just say “well, duh, it’s huge and tall and intimidating to look at” but that wouldn’t be his style. He researches every single detail and won’t sleep until his curious brain is fed.

M: “Guess where I am now.”

** I was so busy yesterday that I’ve been pounding on the keyboard while taking phone calls. Good thing I’m a woman and I can multi-task. Don’t react – that’s not a sexist statement but the TRUTH. (insert evil laugh)**

Me: “Uhmm, I don’t know. You tell me.”

M: “Burj Khalifa!”

Me: Silence.

M: “Hello? Are you still there? There are so many people lining up to go up the observation deck at the 124th floor (450 meters above the ground) you know!”

Me: “So, are you going up?”

M: “Yeah. I HAVE to know what’s inside that building!”

There goes my sleuthy husband, marching to that huge building not feeling queasy at all. 450 meters above the ground! Will they distribute vomit bags up there?

After like, 30 minutes I got a call again. The man just wants me to know every single step he takes.

M: “Unbelievable, immediate visit to the observation deck costs 400 dhs! (US$108)!”

Me: “WTF, don’t tell me you bought. That’s like what, enough money to buy rice for a family of 4 for a month!!”

M: “No, no, no. ”

Me: Breathing a sigh of relief.

M: “The normal entrace fee is 100 dhs (US$27) but needs advance booking…so I booked for tonight, 8:30 pm. You, me, Pristine. Two adults + 1 child is 275 dhs (US$74), better than the 400 dhs right?”

I stopped smacking my keyboard and tried to digest what he just said.

Him, Pristine, ME going up the Burj Khalifa.

450 meters above the ground.

8:30 pm. TONIGHT.

Me: “^*%&$*^%##&(*^*$#. WHAAT!!? How am I suddenly involved in this? It’s school day tomorrow, what time will we be home? 8:30 pm is Pristine’s bedtime, I have to wake up at 5:00 am everyday!”

M: “You’re…you’re not haaaa—-pppy? We’re going to see what’s inside the tallest building in the world!!”

How can I be haaaa—-pppy??

• I don’t like heights (ok, I can manage a little)
• I don’t like to go out at night on work/school days
• I was severely interrupted from my work just to listen to this phone call – if it were him, he wouldn’t even take phone calls when he’s busy!
• I don’t like the idea of climbing up that tall building this early as new buildings in Dubai still need some serious checks (don’t want to get stuck in an elevator midway like the 14 people earlier this week!!)
• He didn’t ask my opinion whatsoever if I like to go or not, the perfect timing, etc

Then he was upset that I was upset.

But I ended up bringing Pristine to Dubai Mall that night and because this post is too long already, I’m going to update all of you tomorrow – there’s even a video I took from up.

*****

While you’re here, please enter my two contests: one to win a cutesy Cotton Tail necklace from Emily Elizabeth Jewelry and the other, place for guesses at the apartment game. I’m loving the guesses submitted so far – I’m posting the answer on Monday next week! Keep them coming!