retraction

as it turns out, i was reading in the dubai residents' guide, umm al quwain apparently has extraordinary wildlife and marinelife off of their coast (which is as of now, undeveloped for the most part). in addition, some sketchy beach resort there (called "bahamas" or something) has a duty-free alcohol shop, no liquor license required. aha, now it makes sense. we'll have to go back and check it out for real.

in addition, sharjah has towns on the east coast that are supposed to be very beautiful. so before making commentary, we shall check it out.

AND...some town in the east of the country is where all of the fruits and vegetables are grown. so there ARE local strawberries. and surely i thought they were jesting. alas, no. i am the idiot. we will go and we will behold the wonders of farming in the desert.