Across the Airwaves

A few weeks ago in one of my "What I'll Miss" installments (that I am behind on, I know...) I talked about the radio station I have enjoyed listening to over here: Dubai 92. Remember how I wrote that for a while I was pretty sure they were my only friends? Well now I have actually met a couple of the morning DJs. Here's how it went down:

The station is having a contest called "The Hook-Up." Listeners can call in and ask for help getting whatever it is they need. Really, anything. Even though I am pretty much pessimistic about winning radio contests, I even called in with a request--non-bakery type clothing. The second part of the contest is for people who can provide the chosen listener with a hook-up. The daily giver gets dinner for two at a nice restaurant and a chance to win a prize of 15,000 dirhams of free advertising. So as we listen to the radio each morning, I have been listening to see if the bakery would have an opportunity to assist.

Lo and behold after a few days, the DJs announce a request a British lady made for a space-themed birthday cake for her soon-to-be six year-old son. I immediately called the station and stated that we would be more than happy to help. Since we've had a few promotions with them lately, they were really glad that we volunteered. They also stated that they needed a bakery representative to present the cake plan to the little boy at the radio station. My boss said I could go, since it was my idea to help out.

Needless to say, I was pretty excited. I got in a cab the next morning and headed straight to Studio City (a part of Dubai where all the broadcast studios are). My appearance was a surprise to the mother and son. (Well, we were all in the studio, they didn't know who I was.) On air, the DJ's described the request, and then presented me, and this is where I got to talk into the microphone and present the cake idea to the family. The staff and I drew up a three-tiered cake with the top tier decorated as the sun, and the bottom-two decorated as our solar system with planets, stars, and spaceships. We also decided to throw in some alien cupcakes.


here is a photo from that day that I got off the station's Web site. I just colored my hair that dark, and I think it looks rather smashing.

It was so much fun! When I got back the staff all told me that I was now famous. The radio station played the clip a few times a day and I actually got to hear my voice. Or rather, what is apparently my voice because it did not sound like me. (Really, I sound like a Valley Girl with a lisp? I have a lisp?) But it was very cool to actually talk on the radio--and not just a call-in thing either. So that was my 15 minutes of fame.

I do want to post a picture of the cake, but right now my internet is out at home. I haven't figured out how to download my pictures to the work computer. (I swear, everyday it's a new method.) It turned out great, and the family really liked it.

And if we all believe in good Karma, maybe this good deed means that my Hook-Up request will be granted!