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As someone who struggles with the heat and who currently lives in a subtropical climate, I can really relate to this post. It is so true that seasons are markers of the years going by and when they are removed, life does feel a little more ‘flat’. It is also very difficult to describe to someone who has just lived through a European or British winter, that having relentless sunshine virtually all year can be quite challenging. I have visited Dubai in the past and found it a fascinating city. I went up the Burj Khalifa and it was such an interesting experience to look down on skyscrapers. I hope you enjoy your time there and make great new connections.

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Thank you for your comment and for sharing your experiences. It is nice to hear I am not alone in struggling with the heat and without seasonal markers. And you are right - people who have lived a long time in Europe are so used to enjoying the sunshine it can be hard to fully comprehend the negatives.

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Oh, this is wonderful! Thanks for sharing your project. It’s such a nice way to connect, isn’t it?

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Thank you Sarah! So glad you enjoyed the piece 🙂

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And yes its such a great way to connect and to know someone through a different lens - pun intended of course 😂

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I love the idea of this project with your friend! I often have to consciously remind myself of which season my friends and family in Europe and Australia are experiencing, and it's sometimes jarring to think that they're boiling hot when I'm freezing cold or vice-versa. Do you sometimes get out of Dubai just to experience different weather? I remember visiting the UK when I was living in Jerusalem, and feeling as though I was drowning, happily, in all the many shades of deep green that my eyes had been craving.

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Thank you for your comment Michelle. Yes I relate to drowning in colour - especially when I go back to Scotland. I think there is a lot we take for granted in my home country and being in dubai helped me see that. I think getting out and into nature is essential for me - especially in the summer when the heat is unbearable. And I am in Greece now as it is eid - so enjoying nature around me. Interesting to read about your similar experiences of contrast in seasons. I try to relate to nature/seasons wherever I am but in the desert it is just different ⭐️

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Very lovely photos indeed! Thanks for sharing this experience!

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Thanks for stopping by Alexander. My friend says the book picture sounds a fun little mission - so hopefully you will have few pics from scotland soon!

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haha nice!

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This is so relatable. Now you know how I felt reading your previously posted piece. Also, you can imagine how I was drawn to the contrast in the pictures posted in this essay. The street cats have my heart - I say this as I'm about to go feed the strays in my neighbourhood. They come out later now that it's so darn hot! I loved this essay, Catriona; felt it deep!

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Thank you Sanobar. I thought you might like this! Yes I very much relate to that urban overload! Aw that is so beautiful you go to feed the street cats. I do that sometimes but I don’t go every day - just when I remember.

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Sanobar - there is a talk about street cats on at Al Serkal mid July. Its a midweek evening. Would you like to go? We could meet in person!

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Sending you my number...let's connect. Would love to have more details of the event, Catriona!

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