Ten Years Have Passed...and Look at My Life Now....

September 11, 2011

I have to start off with saying that I have wondered all day today how America is spending the ten year anniversary of 9/11. I can remember that day almost as if it was yesterday. Actually, probably better than yesterday. Its days like this that remind me of “home” and makes me miss it more. Oh well I am a big girl and am doing what I have set out to do.

I haven’t blogged in a while due to time constraints and lack of internet. I am not even sure that I will get this blog out by tonight (here in AD). I’m going to have to beg and plead with someone to let me use their internet. So yes, I was officially kicked out of the hotel about a week ago and had to move into my “flat”. Doesn’t sound bad right?! Well, our flats were not really ready to be moved into quite yet. I have to say that they are still not all up to par, but what can you do? So we moved in and for a while I was camping out on the floor in my living room. Really my furniture came in yesterday sometime. So last night was the first night that my place looked like a home and that I didn’t have to rummage through suitcases to find clothes. Now I have everything that I officially need as far as furniture and appliances go. The only thing that lacks is gas to cook with. Most of us have gas cookers but have found out that there is currently no gas in our flats for quite some time. Rumor has it that it could be weeks and even up to months until we get gas. Thank goodness I have some friends who bought convectional ovens that allow us to heat up small food items. For now though cooking a meal is still out the window.

Last Sunday was the official fist work day for teachers and today was the first day of school for the children. It has already been quite a challenge and the language barrier makes things that much more difficult. I have signed at least five papers all written in Arabic that has been written by my principal. I had to find out the hard way that one of them was telling me that I had to attend a meeting right then and there. The Arabic teachers I feel have somewhat opened up with the new Licensed Teachers. The first couple of days there was a complete separation between us. They would sit and gather alone in one room and we would sit and gather alone in another. It wasn’t until we had our meeting that discussed the schedule for the new year, that we came together with each other realizing that we need one another’s help to do our job the right way.

At the Bedaya "New Beginning"

This year they have the Arabic teacher and “LT” working side by side in the classroom. So while she goes over something in Arabic I am there alongside her to reiterate in the English language. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that I am actually teaching KG1 this year which are the 3-4 year olds. So really it’s like pre-k in the states. So this is why they have both an Arabic and English speaking teacher in the classroom. They have decided this year to start from the ground up. Really it’s from the roots up to implement this reform in a way that they like. They hope that starting them now will have them a lot farther by the time they reach the upper level grades. So that is why I have an Arabic teacher in the classroom with me. I can’t complain because that means the language barrier is not quite as much as it may be without an Arabic teacher.

New Co-Workers at Bedaya

So my cooperating Arabic teacher is a few years older than me and has four children. She received her bachelor’s from a university here and learned English while at the university. Really she had no choice because all of her classes were taught in English, so either you learned it or you did pass your classes. She seems to be a really great teacher and gets rave reviews from the staff around her. She had a lot of the basic labeling in English/Arabic before I arrived so she really does know her stuff. There are some things that I need to help her set up, such as centers and a few more labeling items. I think its best that I don’t say her name here on my blog out of respect for her and her privacy, so I will call her “Zoon”. The first day that “Zoon” and I met she made me feel very welcomed and privileged to be working with her. She told me that she was looking forward to working together and that she wanted for us to be close like sisters. I thought that this was a very nice thought and made me feel comfortable with her and the classroom. Zoon also stated that I could put up anything that I would like in the classroom to help out with English and to make it my own.

So last week we had meetings with the principal and head of faculty (HoF), grade level meetings, and the bedaya. Bedaya is an Arabic word for beginning, so this bedaya was a kick off to the beginning of our new school year. It was televised and had several media sources inside the convention center along with about three five thousand Arabic and English speaking teachers combined. They discussed the new school model that they want to implement and showed us their statistics from previous years. All in all it was an interesting even and was spoken all in Arabic. They say the “English speaking” teacher to one side of the room so they could pass out headsets to us so we could hear a translator through our headsets. It was an interesting experience sitting in the shoes of a person who needs a translator, trying to keep up with the speaker and translator as well as accounting for the bits and pieces the translator may have missed. After the speakers they served us foods galore from all different parts of the world. It was an International buffet that was extremely tasty and definitely satisfied my hunger.

Fast forward to today and we have the first day of school. It is quite different than what I am use to back home. Usually we spend weeks, even the whole summer planning for the school year and the first day of school. “In’shalla “ we will have kids, “In’shalla” the first day will go well. Everything here in the culture is “In’shalla” and it isn’t any different when it comes to school. “In’shalla” is a phrase that could be compared to hopefully or for the religious people Lord willing. So here they have no concerns or worry about how things will turn out and they do not like to over prepare because “In’shalla” things will happen or get done. So with that in mind a day like today was a crazy first day. There was nothing planned and about fifteen three to four year olds inside a classroom crying for “ma ma”. Again the language barrier was the toughest part I have to say. I had kids yanking my arm and crying and I am only going to assume that they wanted “ma ma”. I was helpless since I couldn’t reciprocate to them that they would be okay with Zoon and I. I couldn’t distract them with a conversation. I could only speak my language and they could only speak there’s. I found myself at some points speaking to them in Spanish. I guess my brain is use to speaking in Spanish if there is a language barrier. Really I think I must have started the tears with at least three of the children. There were in a unknown environment and I am speaking to them in a foreign language. They would look at me with concern and confusion then would begin to cry.

I refuse for that to continue any longer so I went out and bought a program similar to Rosetta Stone called byki Arabic. It was fast and convenient and seems simple to use. The man at the mall selling it to me showed me all the quick and easy selling point. I was sold and plan to begin my fist lesson after I finish writing this blog. I also plan on making some flash cards to carry with me that may help me and the students in my classroom as well. So “In’shala” I will learn some more Arabic and become semi proficient that I can decently communicate with my students and their parents.

Hoping that this blog finds everyone on well terms and that I can get internet very soon to keep you all up to date. So many new and interesting experiences are happening in this new chapter of my life. To my family: I love you all and miss you all. You are in my thoughts and literally in my dreams every night. To my friends/co-workers: Thank you for keeping in touch with me and reading this blog. Really your simple replies and comments help me feel a little less far from home. Thank you to everyone for your love and continued support. You all have been the ones to motivate me and inspire me to stick to the journey when times get difficult.

P.S. Sorry for grammatical errors and continued use of “garbage” words in this blog. It’s been a long day, but I had to post for you all so that way more time wouldn’t pass without filling you all in on things out here in Abu Dhabi.

AD and KG

Flower Grill at Lebanese Flower

So the past three days have yet again been filled with adventure and have been relatively interesting. On Saturday I decided to take a day to relax and play it easy.  I hadn’t done this since about early July and I figured if I still had a little bit of time left I might as well. The most I did was go out to eat with some co-workers at the Lebanese Flower. It’s a restaurant here in Abu Dhabi that gets rave reviews….and I can see why. The food is amazing and served in large portions as if you will not see food in years. The service is also one of the many amazing things about this place. The owner was ready to greet us and even take our order. He gave us some complimentary hummus as well as the usual “salad” that is set at the table in the beginning.  We all ordered (split) a Flower Grill which has the various types of meats on the platter. Similar to what a botana would be in south Texas. It’s very fulfilling and can easily be split among four people.  This has to be hands down the best food that I have eaten here so far.

Ramadan at Al Wahda Mall

 Sometime last week I had found out that I have been placed here in Abu Dhabi which was a tossup from the beginning. I’m going to say that I’m pretty pleased with my choice and look forward to staying here in the city and seeing what more it has to offer. Sunday night we were asked to be up and in the hotel lobby at about 8:00am so they could shuttle us to see our new apartments. Well…I should really say high rises….yes a high rise.  So Monday morning (8/22/11) we were off. The place is beautiful and amazing. I can’t believe that they are paying for me to stay in a place like this. I will be on the eleventh floor which has an amazing view and a cozy little balcony. The place it a great size for a single person such as myself and will be even better if Romo can soon come and join me.  The high rise also has a roof top pool and a separate gym (workout) area for the men and women, along with Jacuzzis. The floors are all tile and the and trimming in some areas is all pure granite…..!!! They have done nothing but treat us with respect here in Abu Dhabi and they are even going far beyond my expectations. I was thankful for them giving me a place to live, but I never dreamed that it would be like this….Amazing!!!!

Al Wahda Mall Inside (check out the bowling alley)

Shortly after seeing my place on Monday I decided that I needed to start looking for appliances and living furniture for my place. This has been a completely new experience and even feels awkward in a way. One, I have never had to shop around and look at appliances such as refrigerators and stoves. I can’t really say that I am doing things the right way either. I am just trying to find these appliances at a feasible price as well as also make sure that they last two years. Two, just a few months ago I was moving out of my apartment where I once lived that was filled with everything I needed. From couches, beds, tables, and clothes….now I’m back to square one; nothing. It’s a weird feeling to know that I am back to the beginning with my basics in addition to having to find out again what it is that I really need. Truth be told, back in Texas I always had someone who could help me out. If not then they knew someone who knew someone. Now I am halfway across the world and do not have those types of connections out here yet. I have found some deals and some not so great deals. We shall see in time what will happen and how things work out. I just have to stay positive and proactive on finding things for my new place.

 Grand Mosque at Sunset (very far background)

Here we are on Tuesday; we just finished out first day of orientation. It was quite enjoyable and I was very pleased.  Going back to a “work” setting was quite nice and has been much needed.  Things have felt “funny” here knowing that back home everyone is already back to work. I love my vacation time, but I think I may have already had too much. I know one day I may miss this time, but right now I’m craving the work. I also enjoyed the orientation because my interviewer was there. I think I was so happy because the last time I saw him was in Texas. So it was kind of like having a little piece of Texas with me here in the Middle East. We just covered the basics and learned our grade placements. As of right now I am a kindergarten teacher, but things could change. I am excited about this either way. If I get moved to second grade then that will be awesome since I already have that experience, but if I stay kinder then that will also be great so I can try something new.  

  Within the next few days I should be moving into my new place and out of the hotel. I have been in the hotel for almost two weeks now. I love it though because we get free breakfast and many of the hotel workers know who I am, know what I like to order, and call me by my name. The service here is wonderful and will be missed when I have to get out.

 In the video above you will find some pictures of this past week. Things from American food, grocery store items, waiting at the bus stops, and even some of my new high rise. Enjoy and I hope you all like it. Let me know if this works for you all.  :D

A City view of Abu Dhabi

Is This Really My Life?!

I know I haven't posted for a week now, so much has happened too. It has been quite an adventure out here so far with so many wonderful people. I will have to catch you all up sometime very soon...hoping that I can balance those "old" memories with the new ones. For now though I decided to write about the day I had today and hope to start keeping up with this blog daily since *so* much has gone on in a week. Yes, can you believe it? I have been living here in Abu Dhabi already for a week. Here we go for today:

     Today was quite a day to say the least. After only having four hours of sleep and surprisingly still making it to our tradition of 9:00am breakfast I had quite an adventure.  After breakfast we decided to check out our apartments, which are about about twenty minutes from the hotel we are staying at.

 If I have learned anything about living here so far is that the cab drivers take a major advantage of you especially if you do not know the city and its ways around. The city does not have very many street names to help you understand or explain where you are going. Imagine that on top of some of the language barriers. Our first cabby took us about an extra five minutes around the town until we reached our destination. So, seeing as how we are no longer living in a country to speak your peace; we had no choice but to pay him the full price. We finally made it to our apartment building which was pleasant. It was hard to get a good clear perspective of them since they are still under construction. I took a few quick glances, but didn’t hold my breath for too long since I had really wanted to wait to see them until they were finished. There was no harm going though. I just decided not to take pictures of the unfinished project. I take it that is why the council has not set us up with a ride to go see our places. Coming back from the hotel our cabby seemed to be much friendlier and I decided to try and make conversation. I found out that he was from Pakistan and has lived here in the Emirates for three years. He tried moving to America, but it sounds like either paperwork or money was why he didn’t make it in. We talked about a variety of subjects and he thought I was from the UK, Australia, or Germany. I finally told him I was an American and he said “Ahh yes, Obama….Hilary Clinton”. He also knew about New York, Chicago, and California. It was interesting to say the least…..oh and the cab ride was six dollars cheaper coming back (since he wasn’t trying to cheat us out of our money).

On Top of A Sand Dune

  After arriving to our hotel we relaxed for a bit in our own rooms. I saw one of my co workers for a tad to make sure we had things ready to go for our evening adventure. Shortly following, I came back to my room and a few more co-workers came over and had some lunch. Before you knew it….it was time to start heading out for our adventure in the desert.



Our Traditional Iftal Meal

 There was much anticipation as we all met up in the lobby and finally boarded a shuttle that would eventually take us out to our desert safari excursion. The ride was about an hour long and very lively on the way out to the desert. Many people were laughing and conversations were not scarce. Eventually after much anticipation we made it out to the desert and ride a land rover to our specific destination. There you first rode on a camel which was rather amazing. You are so high in the air while riding a camel. I just felt really bad because the camel I rode on did not want to cooperate and you could tell that it did not enjoy being ridden on by so many people. Following our camel ride we were able to sand surf from the top of a very tall sand dune. I only made it down about an eighth of the way before falling. It was truly a thrill despite the fact that I fell so quickly. I really should have gone back up and tried it another time.  Oh well, maybe a different time. Finally, we got to ride in the Land Rovers and go “sand bashing”. This was by far the best part of the excursion for sure!  We must have gone sand bashing for about twenty minutes; with each and every moment an adventure and never a bore.  There were some parts where you thought that for sure the vehicle was going to flip over and it was going to go tumbling down the dunes. I would have to say that “sand bashing” is for sure something to do for the thrill seekers.

Dressing Up Was an Activity on the Excursion

                When all the sand “excursion” was done they had a nice place for us to sit down, mingle, do some activities, and eat. The food was what they considered a traditional Iftar meal (the meal breaking the fast for the evening).  It was quite delicious and the portion was very generous. Actually there has not been a meal here that I have not enjoyed. Once done they shut off all lights and had us sit in the desert with nothing, but the natural light from the stars. The peace and serenity was unbelievable and had me thinking yet again….”Wow! Is this really my life right now?”  I also thought about my how amazing it was that I was sitting underneath the stars about to finish my day while my family and friends back home were still working in the middle of their days. This is truly amazing and still mind boggling to me.  Then once the experience was completed we all loaded back on the shuttles and headed back to our hotel. The ambiance of the shuttle was quite different than on our way out there. This time many were sleeping or much quitter. I’m positive our adventure and the sun was the culprit seeing as how it was only 9:00pm and many of us have still not adjusted to the “time change” in our lives.

   Today was an amazing day and had me excited to have done something that most only get to think to do. I really am still in the “honeymoon” phase of this process and want to take full advantage of it. It really is wonderful to be surrounded by people who are a lot like you and have the same thoughts, wants, and goals. We all for sure were able to cross off something on some kind of “list” we have.

Sand Surfing!!!