What is reality?

Living in the region in which we find ourselves, whenever we travel around these days we usually stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel. Back in the home country, we've always stayed in comfortable places, but not usually 4 or 5 star places! I find myself constantly explaining to my children that the 'ex-pat lifestyle' is not real. We don't really live in reality. I don't want my munchkins to grow up thinking that valet parking, massive breakfast buffets, and giant swimming pools are 'normal' living. That is just not how most of the world lives. So, what is reality? A most excellent question....

When I drive into the 'big city', I am struck by the massive number of buildings going up. I then ponder further, upon the dropping rental prices. I mean wow, what's going to happen? Who's going to rent these places? Hmmm.... me thinks that there are gonna be some bargains around! Happy shopping! I know that I love a good sale (preferably on designer handbags, but that's changing the subject a bit).

In further thinking about the current world economy, I came across this:
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/housing-property/empty-pools-in-discovery-gardens-annoy-residents-1.679484 I have seen this development. Its location is fabulous if you work in a certain area, and it's very close to excellent shopping and mass transit. It is so very sad to see an empty swimming pool in such a hot climate.

After further on-line news skimming, I came across this story:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jU1Hoflsvxcjus-_cWkikkiJHHwwD9I71AAO0
I have heard via the 'grape-vine' about more than a few women who were in a steady relationship but not yet married. And...surprise, they find themselves expecting a baby (You know how mums sit and talk. I 'hear' things). There then seems to be from these women tremendous concern and worry. Are they about to encounter legal trouble? Frankly, I don't know. I don't have the answer to that question. I am not a lawyer. I have only heard rumours of worries. I am not defending the actions of a mother leaving a newborn in the trash by any means! But...I can only imagine what desperation would drive a new mother to do such a horrific thing.

Different women, different realities. Knowledge is power. We must educate our daughters.

Peace.