About the title: Chai is a staple of daily life in Afghanistan. It is considered to be rather impolite to launch straight into politics, business dealings, or anything “heavy” prior to chai being served. Otherwise, most everything is discussed over chai, from local gossip, to personal business...

OK, granted, the first thing that comes to mind when someone brings up "scuba diving in the Middle East" is a spot like the Blue Hole or Sharm al-Sheikh in the Red Sea.  However, I had the opportunity recently to experience a somewhat less visited dive spot in the United Arab Emirates.  Most...