The new normal

My lovely friend Becky Beach introduced me to a new phrase early on in my time in Dubai – ‘the new normal’. It’s so relevant here because it’s amazing how things that are so freakin’ weird can quickly become flat out unremarkable.

Here are a few.

Ugly is the new normal

I come from a land of rolling green hills, crystal blue waters, sweeping plains, far horizons, yadda, yadda. I never failed to draw in my breath with delight as I drove home over Good Dog Creek, past Cambewarra Mountain, whether fog was seeping over the ridge or the golden rays of the setting sun were gilding the peaks.

Now I drive home past this.

But what’s weird is that I hardly notice it now. In fact, I find myself thinking, oh, those high voltage power lines look kind of beautiful in the twilight.

Servants are the new normal

At first I found being called ma’am multiple times a day disconcerting, to say the least. I found the swarms of gardeners, maids, shop assistants, labourers and cleaners both disturbing and overwhelming (because you should never have one person do a job that can be done by ten). I found the fact that anything I wanted made, delivered or serviced could be done, on the double, very surprising.

Now, a line of gardeners cycling down the freeway, each pulling a lawn mower behind them – ho hum. A man offering to put my groceries in my car – but of course. Coming back to a freshly washed car in the mall carpark – yawn.

Hot is the new normal

If it’s under 50, you can still actually breathe outside. If it’s under 40, you can walk, run or play outside. If it’s under 30, you need a cardigan. If it’s under 20, you must be out of the country.

When I open my wardrobe, a wave of heat rolls out because the air conditioning can’t get inside. I have become used to putting on clothes that feel like they have been on a slightly warm towel rack.

Automatic is the new normal

I have nearly walked into glass doors that don’t slide open for me. What? I have to push them? A broken escalator stops me dead in my tracks. I have used toilets that flush automatically, soap that dispenses automatically and taps that turn on automatically. Just stand there, it’s all automatic. And if it’s not, there’ll be an assistant to do it for you.

Crazy driving is the new normal

You could call it ‘cultural differences”, you could call it bad manners, or you could call it sociopathy. Whatever you call it, it certainly gets the blood pumping. Just in case you missed it on my Facebook, here is a picture of a kid travelling in his sunroof.

As you do.

And my kids are so attuned to this normal environment that they chant (before I even get a chance) “Your parents don’t love you” when they see toddlers roaming seatbelt-free at 100 kms an hour.

Aah, I could go on for hours. I think we’ll revisit this topic sometimes soon. The possibilities are endless.

What is normal for you that would have shocked you a few years ago?