Dubai . . . Oh My!!!

Yes, I spent a fantastic day in Dubai.  More in a minute.


This is the second day in a row that I've come done early for breakfast, and the second day there has been a dining room with guys only.  They're wearing a logo on their shirts. Probably contractors.  When I'm down here later, it's mostly women - ADEC folks.  Note to self:  eat early, the view is much better.

A few more comments about my visit to the Grand Mosque yesterday.  The beauty of this structure is extraordinary.  It cost $545,000,000 to build.  That white marble you see was imported from Italy.  It's incredible!  Now keep this in mind when I describe the ladies' restroom.  It is located diagonally across the courtyard, closes to the prayer room that the ladies use.  You take an escalator and go underground. You make a few turns and before you is a circular round of bidets.  Must be at least 30.  They're out in the open.  No privacy at all.  I can't imagine using one, and no one else down there with me did either.  When I entered the stall, I was surprised to see a hole in the ground.  A beautiful marble hole, but a hole nonetheless.  There was also the hose that I'm so fond of, but the hole was a little oft-putting.  In fact, I thought for a minute I was in the men's room by mistake.  No, I was in the right place.  So using the restroom was a colorful experience.  Note to self: go before you visit again.  I want this to be a one time experience.

The other thing worth nothing is that the daily prayers that I can hear are, in fact, heard all over the city.  The prayers are prayed live at the Grand Mosque, and projected via satellite all over the city.

Our guide also shared that there are 8 million people in the UAE, with more than 7 million being expats.  (Just  googled it - 50%=Indian; 23%=Other Arabs & Iranians; 19%=Emirati Citizens; and 8%=Others including Europeans & East Asians).  The influence of the expats is causing the natives to recognize that in order to keep their culture alive, they must make a conscious effort to do that.  Hence, the wearing of the official garb while out in public.

Side note - There's a Will Smith movie playing in the dining room this morning - Independence Day.  A few days ago it was Michael Jackson music, today Will Smith.  I'm loving it.

Just went to the ADEC Office trying to get more info on my placement and the fact that I'm expected to visit this week.  Still nothing yet.  The person I need to see has been out since before the Founder's Day festivities and he is the keeper of all knowledge.  The right hand not knowing what the left is doing is not unique to the bureaucrats in the US. It's reach is far and wide.  In the mean time, I will decide what to do today.


I still have a ticket to tour Dubai, so off I go.

I take a bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, a two hour ride, about 80 miles up the coast. Being a woman was most helpful in boarding the bus.  There were two lines.  One super long for the men and a much shorter line for the women.  There were three guys traveling with women who boarded with us.  The bus holds about 40 people, so most of the guys were left to wait for the next bus and hope there were no women waiting.

The bus has two flat screens that broadcast the view from a front end camera, so that you can see what the driver sees.  They're curtains to shade the sun, but I'm sitting where I can see outside on both sides.  We're driving along the coast.  The water is the most vibrant blue.

I need to be careful not to get whiplash from turning side to side, trying to see everything.  I can't wait to get my own transportation so I can explore on my own.

Just passed camels grazing in a field.

The landscape is very sandy.  If there was any doubt, you see that this is a desert.  It looks barren with tumbleweed type vegetation.


We're here!  I get off the bus.  Go to the restroom in the bus station and . . . you guessed it.  Another hole in the ground.  Note to self:  avoid the bus station restroom, too. Stopped by a little restaurant, and got a bite to eat.  This was a spur of the moment trip, so I didn't plan for lunch.  This place only had men, so I'm guessing I should have felt out of place, but I didn't.  Had a great meal - chicken and rice - for a great price. Then I hailed a taxi to catch The Big Bus Tour.


Dubai . . . Oh My!!!  It is spectacular!!!  The grandeur, the glitz, the style, is over the top wonderful.  My Arabian brothers know how to build a glamourous city.  I'm reminded of the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz.  

Dubai Skyline

I immediately thought of New York City, Manhattan in particular, when we traveled through the commercial district of Dubai.  Although the business section here rivals anything the financial district in New York has to offer.  The beach area reminded me of South Beach in Miami.  The place to be and be seen.  There were expats in bikinis, but they were dwarfed by the locals, fully clothed, playing in the water.  


The buildings and the architecture here defies the imagination.  They're every shape, size and configuration imaginable.

Sail motif building

Same as above, in traffic

The Atlantis Hotel sits at the top of one of the man-made palm islands.  It is extraordinary!  We were on the island before I realized it.  It's so big, you can't tell that you're on an island.  The homes along the way are phenomenal!

Man-made island.  Atlantis Dubai sits in the middle of the circle

Professional photo of the Atlantis

My photo of the Atlantis

Homes on the Palm Dubai

We left there and stopped by Dubai Mall, which has to be one of the largest in the world with 1200 stores!  Through the mall is the way you access the pride and joy of Dubai and the whole UAE, the Barj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.  It looks like it's touching heaven!

Professional photo of the Barj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world

My photo of the Barj Khalifa

The building that looks like a sail sits in the water all by itself and it is a sight to see! There is a magnificent view of it from one of the beaches, but you can see this building, wherever you are in the city.  It is iconic.  

Professional picture of the Barj Al Arab

My photo of the Barj al Arab

I needed to pinch myself today, just to make sure what I was experiencing was real. Just a few days ago I was in Sacramento struggling to believe this move was going to happen, and being here now experiencing this is truly an incredible blessing.

Egyptian themed Wafi Mall

I hope you're enjoying these posts as much as I am creating them.

The People & the Mosque

Entryway to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

It is a breathtakingly beautiful morning.  I came down early for breakfast today and watching the sun rise, over the all-glass high-rises, is stunning.

This is a very clean city. There are men dressed in blue overalls and it appears that their express job is to sweep the streets and pick up garbage in public spaces.

Someone compared Abu Dhabi to New York City.  I think they're very different.  New York is much more compact, compressed and densely populated.  It has a lot more people concentrated in tighter areas.  This city is much more spread out.  In New York, you can get anywhere by walking or by subway.  Here you must rely on your personal transportation or the taxis or buses.  I was told to avoid the buses, so I haven't ventured on them yet.

The cities are alike in that they are both home to people from all over the world and therefore are both very diverse.  They also share the bodega concept - the little stores on every corner.  Here they're called souqs.  The traffic is very similar - fast and furious.  Again, it's more congested in New York.  Here most of the roads are at least eight lanes across, four in either direction.

I don't think I've described the people yet.  Let me.  I think the folks who are in the traditional dress are native to the Emirates.  The men all wear these snow white robes with  white, sometimes red checked, head coverings that is held on the head by the black braided rope.  Almost, without exception, the men have beards . . . short, very neatly groomed.  Most of the men are big guys, too.  Not like Samoans big, not fat either, just big, muscular guys.  They wouldn't have any trouble fielding a rugby team.

The women wear the abayas with their head covered completely . . . usually.  I've seen some with the scarves loosely covered.  I'm not sure if they are native, or like me, they're just wearing the abaya out of respect.  What is fascinating is for the women who cover their hair completely, and for the men also because you can't see their hair either, their faces are more prominent and the focal point of your eye.  You can see and appreciate the features more clearly without being encumbered by their hairdo's.  They are a beautiful people.  Various shades of brown, from high yellow, as we say in the black community, to darker than me.  The women who were at the bank celebration were heavily made up.  Someone said the women wore a lot of make-up but I hadn't seen it before then.  The women are in all sizes, but most tend to be petite.  They wear the abayas really long, dragging the floor.  What's amazing is that they don't have trouble walking in them, I suppose it's because they have been in them for years.  It's darling to see the kids in the traditional dress, but that's rare.  They tend to wear street clothes.  I found out today that the women who wear burkas (the mask-like material that covers their face) do so at their husband's discretion.  If he's the jealous type and doesn't want to share his wife's beauty with the world, he requires that she wear a burka.  OK.  Now I totally agree with France in banning them from their country.  I also learned that the men wear white robes to reflect the sun. Traditionally they were the ones out in the elements working.  The women wear black because it is opaque.  It's all about modesty here for the women.  

Official Professional Photograph - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

I visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque today.  What an incredible monument!  The history is so vast and the beauty so extraordinary, there is no way I can do it justice trying to describe it.  Seeing it and being there reminded me of the Vatican and it's glorious opulence.  Below you'll find a YouTube video link that shows the mosque in all of it's glory, along with a professional photograph and the ones I took.  Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX51jMnwqFw

Walking to the mosque from the parking lot

Looking down the column corridor

Ornate outside wall

Vast center courtyard

Small chandelier

Huge chandelier

Large bronze round structure in between columns = air vent/cooling system

Rug in the main area of mosque

Clock indicates prayer time and Islamic calendar

Our tour guide

Church & Almost Fireworks

This morning at breakfast I was all set to start writing this post, when I struck up a conversation with an ADEC Vice Principal from England.  She's the other person I had seen earlier with kids.  Two girls ages 6 and 8.  Her husband has also been hired by ADEC, but is waiting for his VISA to clear.

She was headed to church.  She invited me to come along and I accepted the invitation.  Now remember, today is Friday.  All churches, in addition to the mosques, have their services on Friday because it is considered the holy day. Sunday is the first day of the work week.

The church is located fairly close to where we're staying.  The ride over took about ten minutes.  The church was called The Evangelical Community Church (ECC).  I was surprised at how big it was and how many people were there.  Talk about a rainbow coalition!  There seemed to be folks represented from every corner of the globe.  First time visitors stood up and we were from England, Australia,  the Philippines, China, and the US.  In fact, there was a black guy and his teenage daughter that I recognized from the flight over that was from Florida.  It continues to be a small world.

The praise and worship part of the service was led by a black guy who looked like he was 12 years old.  Cute as a button.  Compared to what I've been used to, the service was calm and sterile.  I heard one "Amen" and I wanted to turn around and check out this brave soul.  I was sitting up front at the request of Dionne, the lady I went with.  Normally, I would have stayed closer to the back and the exit.  I'm sure I would have been totally distracted by the people if I'd been in the back, so this was better for the intended purpose of being there.

After the service, Dione gathered her two girls from Children's Church and we went downstairs to have some refreshments.  The room was abuzz with chatter.  Very different from the solemn atmosphere in the sanctuary.  It was at this point, I think I was hit on.  It's been so long, I'm not sure.  A man recognized us as visitors and came over with crackers for us.  A very nice gesture.  There was the usual small talk.  He asked us about husbands.  Dionne stated her's was waiting to come over. Of course, I said I was divorced.  We asked if he had family and he said yes, but they were all still back in India.  So he asked me, "You're here alone?"  I responded that I was and was having a wonderful time.  We then ask questions about the big Founder's Day Celebration that's happening tonight.  He shared some info and then asked if I'd like for him to take me.  I quickly thank him and graciously declined stating that I was going to go with Dionne and her girls.  What do you think - proposition? or wishful thinking?

We left soon thereafter and got a cab that was waiting right outside the church and came back home.  Dionne had info on how to learn more about my assignment, so I visited her for a few minutes in their suite and it was quite productive.

I've been assigned to a new school in the Um Ghafan region of Al Ain, which is about two hours from Abu Dhabi and about 30 minutes from Al Ain proper.  It is a co-ed elementary school first thru fifth grade, which is different.  Most schools are single sex.  This location appears to be more remote, which is fine.  I know I'm going to be where I'm supposed to be.  Of that I'm sure.

Tonight we're planning on going to see the fireworks on the water.  That should be nice.  More when I return.

Side note - I discovered the pool and spa on the rooftop.  Not interested in getting in the water, but the view from up here on the 15th floor is amazing.  There's a couple up here and the woman's bathing suit is a knee-length dress with leggings. Very, very modest.  The guy has on a regular bathing suit.  Guys get off easier, no matter what the culture, but especially here.

I never understood why folks lay in the sun.  You're literally baking your skin.  If I had pale skin, I think I'd spray some color on and be done with it.  The sun is fierce and unforgiving.  I guess it's human nature to want what you can't have.

Side note 2 - Speaking of tanning, it's been rare that I've seen white folks.  They really stand out because most of the folks, in this city at least, are various shades of brown.  There were more white folks at church today than I've seen since I've been here.  Starbucks is another place I've seen some.

Side note 3 - Forrest mentioned something in response to my comment about the heavy breakfasts that made sense.  He said it's probably that way to prepare for the holy month of Ramadan when they have to eat a hardy breakfast before sunrise and when they are not allowed to eat again until after sunset.  They need to eat enough to get them through the day.  Just a theory, but it makes sense to me.  Today pasta and beans were two of the choices for breakfast.

Side note 4 - Hands down my favorite gadget is the electric pot for heating water.  It boils water in less than a minute.  Perfect for making tea at night.

Side note 5 - The stove is called a cooker.


Just went downstairs to hail a cab to the Corniche, the beach area where the fireworks will be held, and after waiting for a few minutes and watching taxi after taxi go by, I opted not to go.  I don't want to be stuck not having a ride home.  There were three other cars that stopped to offer rides, but they were definitely not taxis. There were cars that went past with kids hanging out of every window, including the sunroof, blowing horns and making all kinds of noise.  That's not my cup of tea, so I'll watch the fireworks on TV.  Safety first.

Riding in Style

The school buses here are awesome!  They're like a touring bus.  They've got comfortable bucket seats, they're air conditioned with large windows so even the smallest kinder can see out of them.  They stopped where the city bus stops dropping off students in the same area.  I couldn't tell if they drop off in neighborhoods, too.

All of the students I've seen were in uniforms.

I met another ADEC teacher and her family as they were moving out of the hotel to their assigned city and school, which is where I'll be, about an hour and a half away. One of those cruiser-looking buses picked them up, along with about 10 other teachers.  This couple was from Columbia, South Carolina, which is one of the places we lived for three years.  In fact, that's where Frankie was born - small world, right?  This is one of the two teachers I observed with kids.  Two boys ages 4 and 8. What an adventure for them!  Her husband was the technology administrator for his district and is looking to work here, as well.

The first ADEC teacher I spoke with today was traveling with a teenage son and they had been here in this hotel a month, too, waiting to be assigned.  Thank God I'm way past dealing with those teenage surly years.  What a chore!

Side note - I've been forgetting to mention the cigarettes.  There are two packs of cigarettes in my room, along with other refreshments - cookies, candies, juice, etc. - from the bar.  Interesting because it's a no smoking room.  I think the buildings might all be non-smoking because I see guys taking smoke breaks outside.   Actually, the guy who runs the little market that I shop at smokes in there, so maybe not.

This was a decidedly slower day after all of the running around yesterday.

The city is in full holiday/party mood.  There was a car in the parking lot decorated with the usual streamers, flags and feathers - all in the flag's colors.  I didn't have my phone, so no picture.  Sorry.  It was a sight to see.  They're a patriotic bunch, for sure.  The government is good to her citizens, so I understand the affinity.

Side note 2 - Bidets. The extra toilet-looking things found in bathrooms in other countries is not present here, but a bidet hose is mounted next to the regular toilet instead.  Best thing since sliced bread.

On that note, goodnight.

Eggs & Rice

8:45am

Ben & Frankie will appreciate this - today at breakfast there was eggs and rice! That dish used to be a staple in our house when the boys were growing up.  At home in Texas, rice was a crop that my family farmed in abundance, so we ate it three times a day.  It warmed my heart seeing it here.

Last night I received an email announcing my school placement.  I can't wait to get the details later on today.

Again I'm writing this in the restaurant.  Some of the folks in here today look like administrators.  Funny how you can usually just tell by looking, isn't it?

Side note - When I was married and we traveled a lot, it was always fascinating to "people watch" at the airport.  You know, looking at folks and trying to guess their story.  Ok.  Ok.  Maybe it was just me, but I loved doing that, which is why I never minded layovers.

Side note 2 - Women here ride in the front of the bus, and the men in the back.  The beaches are separated, too.  There is a section for women and children and a separate one for men.  Same thing in the mosques, women in one part, the men in the other.

Side note 3 - I haven't seen any pets here, no dogs or cats, except for a couple of feral cats scrounging for food the other day.

Side note 4 - I noticed a similar thing in New York City when I was there recently.  In Brooklyn where Frankie lives, I saw two dogs being walked at the park.  When we went to Manhattan, to a much more upscale part of town, there were scores of dogs being walked - several on every block.  It appeared to be a class thing as to whether or not pets were seen in the neighborhood.  Could that be?

Side note 5 - Funny the things I notice.  Oftentimes I miss the elephant in the room because I'm focusing on the gnat in the corner.

3:55pm

It was a productive day.

I went to the ADEC offices to get some info on my new school assignment.  I also needed info on opening a bank account.  I received the info about the bank business, but I'm still in the dark about my assignment.  The lady with the info was busy, and signaled she'd be right back.  After waiting for what seemed like forever, I decided to take care of opening a bank account and get back to her later.

I then proceeded to hail a cab and ask to be taken to a specific bank.  The driver asked which one.  I said the closest one, but that got lost in translation.  So just as I was about to question where he was taking me, we arrived at the party.  Yes, I said party.  The bank was in full party mode outside in the entryway, where there was live singing, food, decorative cake, senna tattoos, picture taking with bank executives, and a huge sound system blasting music that could be heard from blocks away.

Party at the bank entrance - here & below

                                       
         
                             


What's with the celebration?   Glad you asked.  It was in recognition of Founder's Day, on Dec. 2nd, which is two days away, but since the bank is closed on Fridays, they got the party started early.  Gotta love 'me!

When the banking executive was finishing up with me, he said I needed to come back in four days to get my ATM card.  But he stopped and really emphasized four WORKING days.  So, whenever the party ends, it's four days after that.

From there I went back to the cell phone store, then I asked about buying abayas and was sent to yet another mall.  Compared to the other two I've seen, I was slumming in this one.  It must be designed for all of the expats who do the manual labor in the city.  It was clean and well kept, but without the glitz.  In other words, my kinda place.

Side note 6 - The escalator at this mall was fun.  It didn't move until after it was stepped on.

Side note 7 - I saw at least six different stores in this mall that sold cloth by the yard.  It was beautiful silks and chiffons in the most vibrant colors.  There must be folks who custom make clothes, right?  What else would you do with the cloth?

Side note 8 - Stop signs are merely suggestions here.  It's rare to actually see someone stop or come close to a stop.

Note to self - don't try getting a cab on a Wednesday afternoon after 1:30 on a holiday weekend.  It took more than an hour.  Trouble was, everyone else and their brother also needed a cab and there didn't seem to be enough to go around.  I was tempted to kiss the driver when I finally got one.

It was back to ADEC to drop off the bank info and then home, three doors down.  I'm a tired puppy tonight.

New Experiences

Michael Jackson's music is playing in the restaurant this morning for breakfast.  It is on the second floor and faces the front of the hotel, which is on one of the major thoroughfares.  Across the street are high rise buildings with businesses occupying the ground level.

There are several ADEC teachers having breakfast, and a couple have their kids with them.  Little people.  I'm guessing 4-8 years old.  This experience is a fantastic one as a single person.  I think it could be challenging trying to keep little ones occupied.  God bless them for trying.

In many ways, the city reminds me of The Jetsons cartoon.  (Yeah, I know.  I'm dating myself here).   Some things are space-age, they're so modern.  The buildings. The architecture.  The appliances.  In other areas though, they haven't caught up yet.  Like, with the internet.  You would think the whole city would be wireless.  Not so.  Each place I've stayed, including this one, limits wireless access to your room. I'm writing this in the restaurant, and if I wanted to be online, I would have to request and pay for an access code.  Of course, the Internet is my life-line to you all, so it's important to me.

I think this whole experience, living and working so far and so different from what I know, works for me because of who I am.  By that I mean, I've never been a cliquey, clingy person, needing to depend on someone else to be happy.  I'm reminded of my first adventure going away to college.  Home for me is Texas, and I went to college in Florida.  I attended the same school as my brother Forrest.  I had never traveled more than 200 miles from home and had never spent a night away from home before going away to school.  I will forever be grateful to my mother who had the foresight to let me go.  Going to college was a rare occurrence in my town, and even rarer to go away to school.  Of the 100 folks who graduated with me, only five of us went to college.   I will also be forever grateful to Forrest for leading, guiding, and in every way, helping me to get to school and graduate.  In fact, he paid for over two years of my education. My gratitude to he and his wife, is steadfast and everlasting.  I believe it's because of that first adventure of a scared 18 year old being dropped off for what seemed like a million miles from home and everything I knew,  that prepared me for where I am today.  For those folks who questioned my decision to move 10,000 miles away from Sacramento, I'm reminded of my Mom who used to say, "The same God who took care of her (me) here, will take care of her wherever she goes" when she was questioned about her decision to let me go. She had a third grade education, with a PhD in common sense.  I think she would be proud.  I hope so anyway.

Side note - Ladies, just had my eyebrows threaded.  Yes, threaded.  I guess that's what you call it.  Instead of using wax, the lady held a piece of thread in her mouth, and with her hands, pulled it apart.  That action causes the thread to spin and when pressed against the skin, cuts the unwanted hair.  Maybe this is available in the US, but it was real new to me.  The pedicure was a little different, too, but not enough to make you go . . . hmmmm.  All this happened in the hotel salon.

Side note 2- There was a young woman getting her nails painted in colors representing the country's flag.  Red, green, white & black.  Not my style, but very nicely done.  She was wearing street clothes - jeans, plaid dress shirt, flip flops. When she got ready to leave, she put on an abaya, that I hadn't seen before, over her clothes.  She then covered her hair with the matching scarf, and off she went.  I wondered if they wore clothes under abayas and today it was confirmed that, at least, this girl did.  Chances are others do as well.

Side note 3 - Although those of us working in the schools were directed not to wear flip flops, it seems most everyone else does.  Flip flops or sandals appears to be the national footwear here.

Side note 4 - The dress is not nearly as conservative as I expected it to be.  The men wear anything they want, although I haven't seen any locals in shorts.  You see women in street clothes, slacks, and dresses (usually past the knees).  However, in the ADEC Building, it is ultra-conservative.  The women are in abayas, the native men are in their long white robes, with other men wearing suits and ties. Professional attire is seen and expected.  I'm guessing with teachers coming from all over the world,  they saw some pretty crazy outfits and decided to make it formal for everyone.  I'm cool with that, too.  There's nothing worse than having to ask a male teacher to pick up his pants because they're revealing way too much of his backside.  Yes, I've had to do it, my first year as principal.

Exploring

Today I ventured out and toured the city via The Big Bus Tours, which is a double decker bus that takes you to all of the major landmarks covering the entire city, with a personal audio commentary providing fascinating insights into the history and culture of the city.  It was wonderful!

Abu Dhabi Skyline

I picked it up at Abu Dhabi Mall and about halfway through, we stopped at Marina Mall.  This tour is a 24-hour pass of Hop-on, Hop-off, so you can stop and visit the sights at your leisure and hop on another bus in 30 minutes.

I thought Abu Dhabi Mall was spectacular until I walked in Marina Mall.  It takes glitz to a whole new level.  With more than 300 stores, it's the largest mall in the city. That's saying a lot because there're at least a dozen different malls, each fancier than the rest.  Marina Mall is magnificent. This is the one with the domed restaurant that gives a spectacular view of the city. Truly amazing!  The picture below is one of the entrances.  Sorry I couldn't figure out how to turn it right side up. These new fangled machines!  The men pictured are the heads of state from each of the city/states.

Entrance to Marina Mall

Marina Mall - Inside

I saw my first sign of school kids today when little ones were on a field trip visiting an area called Heritage Village, a place that preserves the way of life from long ago. They're pictured below.

There is this area downtown that has statues in the middle of the street.  I didn't catch what the symbolism was for anything except for the coffee pot.  It represents hospitality.  The first photo is a professional one and the coffee pot alone is mine. I'm guessing you would have figured that out.

I hopped off the bus at Abu Dhabi Mall, went downstairs and did a little grocery shopping, hailed a cab and headed home.  And that my friends and family, concludes my adventure for the day.  Thanks for joining me.

Side note - In my UAE vs. US post yesterday, I forgot to mention cell phones. There's quite a difference.  Here you pay the full retail price for the phone but there is no monthly fee.  You buy a SIM Card to activate it with a local carrier and the card is good for a year.  You renew it annually.  My SIM Card cost 75 dirhams or just over $20.  I'm loving this!

Side note 2 - I saw grass today and everywhere I saw it, it was beautifully landscaped.  They used desalinated water from the Persian Gulf to take care of the grass and plant life.

Side note 3 - I moved past ear hustling to introducing myself to one of the ADEC teachers.  She's from the Bay Area (small world - right?), but moved here from Atlanta.  She's been here a month and hasn't started to teach yet, but she's gotten paid and she's gotten her furniture allowance.  She'll be working in one of the outlying cities.  Although she's had a month to acclimate, she has a friend who started the day after she got off the plane.  Having some time to acclimate is ideal. It was delightful meeting her and she shared some great info.  I found out we interviewed with Teach Away at the same place on the same day.  (It truly is a small world!).  No more ear hustling for me!

Side note 4 - This teacher's mother and father also teach and her mother has taken elementary kids to over 32 countries in a program called People-to-People International.  They study about a country and then go visit it.  How amazing is that? Her mother was also hired by Teach Away and may be joining her daughter here in the UAE.  By the way, these adventurous folks are . . . black folks!

UAE vs. US

The following are differences, subtle and otherwise, that I've noticed since I've been here.

Let's begin with the work week.  Today is Sunday and a work day.  The work week is Sunday - Thursday.  Friday is a holy day.  Most retail stores are open on Saturday, but not other businesses.

Yesterday I went to the Pizza Hut next door and ordered a salad.  The salad bar was round, covered with a clear plastic dome.  Once I placed the order, the cashier used a remote control and the dome slowly lifted up, revealing the entries on the bar.  A picture is below.  It was so cool, I wanted the guy to make it go up and down again, but I settled for asking him to take a picture.

Remote controlled domed salad bar

Another difference is the cash drawers retailers and bankers use.  The bills don't lay flat, they're at an angle, making them easier to grab and easier to see how much you have.

The currency is the dirham.  One dirham is worth about about 27 cents.  (The cost of a ride on the public transportation bus across town).  Ten dirhams = $2.72 (The cost of a cab ride across town).  One hundred dirhams = $27.22; and one thousand dirhams = $272.23.  Thankfully, I have this wonderful app on my phone that comes in real handy when I dealing with all of this high finance.  Also, note the writing is in English.  It's in Arabic on the reverse side.  See picture below.

1000 Dirhams

Folks who can't find a parking spot, park in the middle of the driving lane here, making the traffic move on either side of the row of cars.  See picture below.

Overflow parking in the middle

Mercifully, all of the traffic signs are written in Arabic AND English.  I expect to be driving soon, and that alone is a lifesaver.  The locals are deliberate in most things, but not on the road.  The driving here is pretty ferocious.  Reminds me of New York City.

I figured out how to zoom and crop pictures, so I'm including a better shot of the view from my window from a few days ago.  Also included is a photo of the washer/dryer combo.  The washer works great, but I haven't mastered the art of drying.  A crash course in using it didn't help much.  Trial and error is my next approach.

View from my window - closeup

Washer/Dryer Combo

I cooked red beans and rice yesterday.  I know.  I know.  I said I wouldn't be cooking, but I was hungry for my staple.  The burners on the stove look like the bottom of an iron.  Thankfully, the beans and rice turned out OK enough to eat.

Each electrical outlet has its own on and off switch, which really came in handy the couple of times I plugged something in (with an adaptor) that threw a breaker in the fuse box, also located in the room.  This resulted in total darkness, and the first time it happened - a measure of pure panic.  Gratefully, there is 24-hour maintenance service.

My brother Forrest reminded me that this is a desert, which is probably why I haven't seen any grass.  They average four days of rainfall per YEAR!  The temperature has been really mild.  Highs in the 70's and lows in the 60's.  I'm told it's like this through February, then it starts to warm up again.

Finally, this is a dry country.  The only place you can find liquor legally is in the hotels.  Of course, that isn't a problem for me since I don't drink.  It makes the hotels popular hang outs for the locals though.

This concludes the lesson for today.  Thanks for humoring me with your attention.   More lessons to come, but like this time, you'll be warned up front and will know whether to proceed with the rest of the post.

WOW!!!

Hearing the call to pray is a soothing sound that can be heard from dawn to sunset at intervals throughout the day.  I'm about a block from a mosque and I don't know if it can be heard because I'm so close, or if all the mosques project the prayers at the same time so that it can be heard across the city.

Speaking of city, I discovered in my research about the United Arab Emirates that each of the seven cities that comprise the country is really a city/state.  Abu Dhabi is the largest and the capitol, and Dubai is the most progressive in that it has made itself the place to be/visit in the Middle East.  The whole country is about the size of Maine, so it's very small, relative to the US and most other countries in the world.

I decided to venture out today, first to see the Prayer Lot up close that I can see from my room, then to explore more of the city.  The lot is four blocks wide and about two deep.  It truly is a massive space.  Interestingly, it is surrounded by a stone wall that has to be at least 12 feet high.  Very intimating.  No doubt, what goes on behind this wall stays behind this wall.  Although I walked the perimeter, I couldn't figure out how to enter the open space.  No need.  I was cool with just walking around it.  The view of it is better from the height of my room.

After this, I was ready to see the crown jewel of Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace.  See the pictures below.  There is no way to describe how magnificent this structure is.  It truly is breathtakingly beautiful!  These are professional photos and they can't capture the extraordinary opulence.  It is AMAZING!  It should be considered one of the seven (plus) wonders of the world.  All I could say was "WOW!!!".

Emirates Palace Hotel

Emirates Palace Hotel - Front

The tall domed building is Marina Mall.  The dome houses a restaurant.  I'm told that the view is incredible.  In this picture you can see the water that the palace is surrounded by in the back.  It's the bluest water I've ever seen.

There is a beach across the street and I rented a little peddle-powered scooter to cover as much ground as possible.  It was a hoot to ride and is pictured below.

Can you tell I'm having fun?
  
Thanks for sharing.

Lazy Day

View from my window

Usually I write these posts at night just before bedtime, but today I'm writing earlier because I can tell already bedtime will come soon tonight.  Maybe it's the jet lag catching up with me, but I'm tuckered today.

The pictures above and below are the ones I promised from the window in my room.  It doesn't give it justice, but you can get a visual of my surroundings.

It's funny.  I kept waiting for the vacant space to fill up with men praying, but instead there were guys playing cricket!  The reason I know the name of the area is because I noticed the sign for it when I went to the store earlier.  The dots you see are people.  I'm on the 7th floor.

EID Prayer Lot

I haven't mention the food here because I'm not sure what a lot of it is.  The breakfasts are really heavy though.  There're refried beans, onion rings, potatoes, sausage, along with olives and bitter pickles.  Thankfully, there's always cereal and toast, and sometimes yogurt and fruit.  I don't think lunch is emphasized here, thereby making breakfast more important.  Of course, I'm guessing.

Today at breakfast there were other ADEC (Abu Dhabi Education Council) teachers.  I didn't introduce myself, but enjoyed ear hustling (as Sam would say) or eavesdropping to the most of us.  The recurrent theme was the laid back culture.  As I've enjoyed the slower pace, I think the natives might be on to something.  I bet ulcers are non existent here.

I didn't got far today, staying close by to unpack.  My bags have been packed since the first week of October, so  it was nice to hang things up.  As deliberate as things move here, I expect to be in this hotel for a while.

It occurred to be yesterday that I haven't seen grass since I've been here.  I'm sure there is some, but not near me as afar as I can tell.

The weather is perfect.  It's been about 80 degrees with a light breeze off the water, making it feel even cooler.  Thankfully, there hasn't been any humidity.

In addition to sharing my experiences, the reason for the blog is to let you know that I'm OK.  As long as I'm posting frequently, you know things are good.  I expect to have to slow the pace when I start working, but until then, they'll be regular postings.

I hope that all of you have wonderful Thanksgiving.  I'd love to hear from you.  Please leave comments below or email me at fayesharpe@gmail.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The list of things to be grateful for is especially long this year.  I was thinking of all of the wonderful things that have happened, plus the great friends in my life, my boys and their families, my brothers and their families, this fantastic opportunity to live and work abroad - are all incredible blessings.  If no other positive thing happened in my life from this day forward, I'd still need to thank God every day until I die for all of His goodness and mercy and for all that He's already done.

Yes, I pride myself on being able to cuss like a sailor, but I have sense enough to know from whom my blessings flow.  Thankfully, I never lost sight of that during the tough years.

I hope this finds you enjoying yourself wherever you are.

I ventured out to Abu Dhabi Mall today.  It is massive - four levels and hundreds of stores.  Mostly very high end.  It reminded me of the stores in Union Square in San Francisco.  Everything about this mall was elegant.  There were a few "regular" stores, too, like Starbucks and Virgin Records, but mostly it was signature stores from top designers, including a really racy lingerie shop. Clearly they're catering to the tourists because the native women look like nuns.  If the natives are wearing that racy stuff underneath their abayas, God help 'em.  That might be why there is no shortage of kids though.

Interestingly, on the ground floor of the mall, in the basement really, was a huge store like a Target or Wal-Mart.  There was a little of everything, including groceries.  It was different seeing this kind of set up - fancy stores on top and the economy one below.

I didn't have to go in to the office today.  Nothing more happens until the report from my physical is sent to the ADEC (Abu Dhabi Education Council).  That's why I had a footloose and fancy day.

I paid another visit to the cell phone company and I'm happy to report I'm up and running.  (No R & B in the taxi today though.  See yesterday's post).  There is a row of about 8-10 of these mobile stores all together and they share their stock and expertise.  I went into one store and asked for something they didn't have, but the guy went to the next shop and got it for me.  The day before I was in a different store and I asked a question that couldn't be answered there, but he asked his neighbor next door.  And this is not just questions or little ticket items being swapped.  I saw this with an iPhone, too, where someone came and got one from the shop I was in for a customer next door.  Wonder how they balance their books because no one wrote anything down.  It's all done on the honor system.

One of this most striking things I've noticed, speaking of asking questions, is that the men here don't mind asking for help.  Be it directions, or help or advise, they ask.  I couldn't believe it when I first witnessed it and thought it was an anomaly, but I've seen it every day.  Our guys back home could learn a lesson from these fellows.

Did I mention the Lamborghini Showroom that's nearby?  I have to go and take a peak soon.  I'd never seen one up close before.  It's not something I would normally care about, but this is an amazing looking automobile.

When I got back home I chilled for a while and enjoyed the view from my window.  It is magnificent!  I'm hoping to include a picture of it soon.  Nearest to me is a large open, concrete fenced in area that I think is used for prayer.  There is a beautiful mosque that sits to the right of this area, and this looks like an overflow area for the mosque.  I'll see if I'm right tomorrow because Fridays are holy days here.  Just beyond that is a sea of white buildings - homes, offices and store fronts.  Beyond that is the skyline.  It's a breathtaking view at all times, but especially in the first morning light.

Last thing - I'm fascinated by the little things, I'm guessing you can tell by now.  Well, when you enter the rooms here, you have to put your room key (looks like a credit card) into a slot on the wall.  It controls all of the electrify in the room.  When you leave, you take the card out and everything, except the refrigerator, is automatically turned off.  Pretty clever, huh?

I hate it when people drone on and on, just for the sake of droning on with nothing much to say.  So, please forgive the length of these entries.  I'm like a kid in a candy shop though.  My learning curve is steep, but the experience is awesome and I just have to tell someone.  Thanks for being my somebody. 

R & B

Today began with a physical.

I proceeded to the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and marveled at how leisurely the pace was for everyone.  Folks were talking, sipping coffee and enjoying life.  I wonder how they would respond in a real emergency.  Would they know how to move quickly, if they had to?

Already, though, I'm appreciating the slower pace.  It'll be interesting how that relates to the schools and teaching here.

Thankfully, the physical was quick and painless, once we got in to see the health professionals. Of course, there was a bit of a delay.

Side note 1 - Every office, bank, or business I've been in has this elaborate coffee set up on a coffee table.  The coffee is usually in beautiful, very ornate carafes, on fancy trays.  But here's the really interesting point - there's someone who passes through the office every 15-20 minutes or so, collecting the used cups on the table, and also in the cubbies where the employees are working.  They are replaced by clean ones and the process keeps repeating itself every few minutes throughout the day.  There's also some sticky, fruity something that is usually present, too.  I had some coffee because refusing the offer is impolite, according to all of my 'living in the UAE" handbooks.  I graciously declined the fruity stuff (impolite or not).  Everyone digging in with their hands made it less appetizing and reminded me why I got scoops for the snacks I used to keep on my desk.

Side note 2 - Every office, store, bank, etc. has someone standing ready to help.  They run errands, carry bags, etc., and it's usually from a darker brown people than the one they're serving.  It wasn't long ago (about 50 years) that the local folks were the ex-pats working as servants in other countries.  It's only when oil was discovered that the tide turned for them.

Side note 3 - That brings me to the very obvious class distinctions.  When we walked into the clinic for our physicals, where there were two rows of chairs on either side of the door, all of the folks who were sitting on the left side of the room were moved to the right and we were directed to sit where they were sitting.  The guy with me noted the nationalities of the folks that were asked to more.  They were all from neighboring countries who come here for work.  They are not allowed to sit next to locals or folks that are seen as professionals.  This, too, reminded me of the segregated South that I was raised in.

And finally . . .

Side note  4 - I had to go to the local cell phone store to try and activate my phone.  It requires unlocking or jailbreaking to work in this country.  I downloaded a couple of programs, but neither worked.  If any of you know of one, please let me know.

Anyway, I hailed a cab in the parking lot of the hotel, told the guy where I wanted to go, and once we were clear on where we were headed, he changed the radio to an R&B station.  Talk about catering to your audience!  That gesture made my day.

First Day

I didn't sleep well last night . . . too excited about this great adventure.

Called the folks who were supposed to set up the meet at the airport and found out where my new hotel is, three doors down from the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), our district office if you will.  It's a lovely space.  There's a full kitchen, although you know I won't be cooking, and a washer and dryer that is one machine that does both functions.  I saw one of these almost 30 years ago in Italy.  Wonder why this hasn't caught on in the US?

Tomorrow I get my physical, then I expect to find out where I'll be located.  After that, then they'll secure permanent housing for me.  I've been living out of suitcases for more than six weeks, so don't mind the delay.  In fact, I was expecting it.

Speaking of delays, it was crystal clear to me today why it took three months from start to finish in the hiring process.  Everything, and everyone is laid back.  Waaaaaay back!  The only seemingly frazzled woman was an Anglo who greeted me.

After checking in at the ADEC, I was given the day off to rest.  I used that time to learn my surroundings and get a new SIM Card for my phone.  It was sold at a tiny grocery store next door to the hotel.  Really simple process, but the phone isn't working yet.  The local carrier has to activate it and it hasn't happened yet. The number will be 971-050-917-4857.  I think.

Side note - the new SIM Card was larger than the original one, so I took it back to the store.  The guy who sold it to me wasn't sure what to do.  He asked a young guy who was in the store buying something if he know what to do.  As it turned out, he owned an iPhone and knew exactly what needed to happen.  He directed me to a mobile store a couple of miles away, then came back and insisted on giving me a ride to the store.  I love this place!

Later on, there was an issue when I tried to open a bank account here and I had to call Wells Fargo in the US.  I called using the phone option on the bottom left hand side of my gmail account.  The call had some static, but I called back and it was clear as a bell; sounded like the guy was next door.  So for all of you with gmail, keeping in touch that way is a real option.

The covered up ladies were out in force today.  They were all wearing abayas, the official dress of Arab women, and they were all black.  The hoochie mama kids I saw must be the exception to the rule.  Just proves that every culture has their rebels, and they're usually the kids.

I'm wired and excited, but exhausted, too.  Tonight will be an early one.  I hope to get back into my routine of going to bed at 8:00 routine real soon.  I need plenty of rest to function well.

It's 5:00 in the afternoon here, and 5:00 in the morning in Sacramento.  I love the fact that it's a 12 hour difference since our time changed earlier this month.  It makes it easier to deal with the difference.

As I expected, things are moving pretty fast.  Rather, I'm moving pretty fast to get everything situated in my private life before I begin work.

As always, thanks for following along.

Until next time.

Scenic View

Thank God, we arrived safely and on time.  Speaking of God, there was a prayer from the Holy Quran over the airplane's PA System before takeoff.  I was very OK with that.

The 400 passengers deplaned and headed for the highway, so to speak.  I had to go through customs, which was painless, thankfully.  There were at least 25 guys with signs with people's names in the baggage area waiting for folks.  Unfortunately, I was not met as planned, so I took a cab to a random hotel.  No biggie.  Some guy stopped and asked if I needed help.  I explained my situation and off we went.  He gave me a mini-tour of the city on the way to the hotel.  It's beautiful with seemingly wonderful infrastructure.  Of course, we were on main roads, which looked and felt brand new.  Not sure if it's like this all over.

I forgot to mention the Starbucks that was in the airport baggage claim area.  On the ride to the hotel I saw a McDonald's, a KFC, Pizza Hut, Popeye's Chicken, Hershey's Kisses, Adidas Shoes, Toyota cars, a Hilton Hotel, and a Howard Johnson Hotel, so those were pretty cool examples of the global expansion of named brand products from America.

Also, a wonderful surprise was seeing all of the road signs written in English as well as Arabic.  They drive on the same side of the road as we do, so that will make driving here easier than I expected.

I was SHOCKED to see hoochie mamas, I mean American Style Hoochies, with the tight revealing clothes and stiletto heals and the hair done all crazy.  In fact, it's here at the hotel where I saw them.  Kinda made we wonderful what kind of hotel this is - just kidding.  The guys are dressed in outfits that look they walked out of a 70's black gangsta movie.  There is a club that is jamming on the 2nd floor.  I can hear them and I'm on the 5th.  I think I was given some bogus info about females being covered from head to toe, or maybe young folks get a pass.

There's MTV (???) on TV, along with House and classic American movies.  The movie and MTV were in English; the other shows were in Arabic.

I left the US on Sunday morning and arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday evening at 7:30.  My cell phone is turned off until I can get service locally.  Hopefully that will be soon.

More later.

Hello Abu Dhabi!

They are people have my own heart!  The love affair began when I arrived at the international terminal in Chicago to see an army of brown folks waiting in line with mountains, literally, mountains of luggage.  All of the anxiety of my pile of checked luggage seemed minuscule in comparison.  Although the line was crazy long, because I came in from a connecting flight, I went to the front of the line and was processed quickly.

Now I'm waiting in the gate area and again, it 's a sea of brown folks.  It reminds me a lot of my youth when I lived in the segregated South.  Everyone in my world looked like me.  Although that was a difficult time in our nation, I have warm, fond memories of that time.  (Relative to these folks - I'm not forgetting about the HUGE cultural difference between them and me, but this is the most brown people I've seen since my years at my historical black university - FAMU in Tallahassee, FL).

On the flight to Abu Dhabi now.

Side note - Mothers with infants are seated in the first row of each cabin and portable bassinets are attached to the wall where the babies are strapped in and can sleep.  What a wonderful idea!  Where was this 30 years ago with I was flying with babies?

Side note 2 - There's a young man from Texas who is sitting next to me and he works for the same company that Ben worked for when he had his accident.  Small world.  Working for Schlumberger is this kid's first job, so I kept my negative comments about this company to a minimum.

Side note 3 - My super plans to visit Miami and New York again before I left the states didn't happen.  On the eve of my travel with ticket in hand, I went online to pay for my bags.  After some frustration with the website, I called US Airways to pay over the phone.  I was quoted a price of $1500 to cover the cost of the bags, over and above the cost of the ticket.  Totally insane!  (Never say never, but if I can help it, US Airways will never get a dime of my money again).  So, I canceled the flight and spent some time in a deep, dark depressed state.  Thankfully, that didn't last long, but I needed to regroup mentally.  I couldn't answer another question asking when I was leaving.  It was taking everything I had, plus a lot of encouragement from my brother Forrest, to keep a positive attitude.  I received the confirming email with my flight info on  Wednesday, the 16th, with travel planned for the 20th.

We're just over a half hour til landing.  Sorry for the jumping around, but those of you who know me well, know that's how I think.  Will come back to it have I get settled in for the night.

So Long Sac!

This past Sunday I went to church.  Twice.

Yeah.  Yeah.  I know what you're thinking, "What's up with Faye?  Wasn't she the one who was opposed to any and every thing related to church?  Isn't she the one who quickly cut off folks when the topic of church/religion/Christianity came up?"

The answers are 1)  I grew up, 2)  yes, and 3)  yes.  At the risk of sounding preachy, I realized 16 years was long enough to hold a grudge for the pain and suffering I endured at the hands of good church folks.  I had to let it go and move on, for me.  So, that change of heart prompted me to go searching for a church again.  I found one that is good and feels right.

Anyway, I said all of that to say, I was inspired by something the preacher said and I decided then I would leave Sacramento this week.  I contacted Teach Away and confirmed that I could change my departure city from San Francisco to New York, so with that info, I set off to make plans to leave as soon as possible.

I promised a dear friend I'd be with her for surgery today, so tomorrow is the earliest I could depart.

Those of you who know me well, know that I'm very close to my brother, Forrest.  Since I still don't have a departure date for Abu Dhabi, I decided to go to Miami to spend time with he and his wife.  I didn't think I would have enough time, but this delay in affording me that opportunity.  (A side note - I was able to travel to Houston to see my oldest brother, Willie, in August.  That was a real treat, too).

Tomorrow I'm headed to Miami, then to New York, where I'll be able to see my grand baby once more before I leave for good.

This decision to travel east reminds me of our days of flying space available on United Airlines. Oftentimes you couldn't get a direct flight to your destination, but you took any flight that was headed in the right direction.  That's what I'm doing.  Moving in the right direction, getting closer to my final destination.

So, to the wonderful friends I leave in Sacramento . . . thank you! You've helped to make this a great place to live for the last 22 years.  For those of you I was able to connect with personally . . thank you for your efforts to make that happen.

Waiting for the wheels of the UAE Government  to turn has been a tremendous lesson in patience. But, it as afforded me the time to reflect on all of the good things and good people I had the great fortune to meet and get to know.

Thank you again for your friendship.  It means more than you'll ever know.

Please keep in touch.  I can be reached through this blog or via email at fayesharpe@gmail.com.

So long Sac.

Signed Contract!

As promised, I won't write unless I have something to say and I'm thrilled to report that I signed the contract to work in the UAE yesterday!  It is for two years, through 2014.  I'm expecting to hear about travel arrangements soon.  Yoohoo!!!

I began this month retired.  Can you believe that?  I have to say I would have done this a lot sooner if I knew how much fun it would be.

Of course, it wasn't all fun and games.  I packed up my home and moved out.  What a chore that was!  Before moving to Sacramento, we moved every three years, so I was in the rhythm of moving.  We have lived in Sacramento for 22 years!  In fact, I've lived here longer than my home town of China, Texas.  Crazy, right?  Anyway, the things you, OK I, can accumulate in that time is staggering.  Hopefully this experience of having to deal with all of this stuff will cause me to live lighter.

With 98% of the move completed, I headed to New York City to visit with my son Frankie and his family.  Zadie Faye is 11 months now and is a doll!  She and I had a great time exploring the city by subway.  We visited Grand Central Station, Coney Island (accompanied by Alisha, my niece who also lives in the city), and the Central Park Zoo.  We had a blast!  Z is a beautiful baby, very friendly and engaging.  With her waving at the strangers on the subway, even the hardened native New Yorkers melted in her presence. 

HUGE kudos to Cara, Frankie's wife, for her warmth, kindness and graciousness as I visited only days after they moved into a beautiful Brownstone.  I was originally planning to stay less than two days, but after arriving and seeing "my girl" I opted to stay longer.  Changing the ticket proved a nightmare and resulted in my extending even longer.  While there, I cooked.  Yes, me, who hasn't seriously cooked in years.  In fact, I cooked more during my visit, than I have in about ten years.  Thankfully, no one got sick. 

My last Sunday there, Frankie and I went to a Broadway show, The Mountaintop, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett.  Yes, SAMUEL L. JACKSON!  You know how much I love that man.  (Frankie made up for the fact that I missed seeing him as the commencement speaker at Vassar, Frankie's alma mater because he (Frankie) was on the five year plan).  We had terrific seats, too.  I was in Broadway heaven!  We walked out of the theater into the frenzy of Times Square where folks were being entertained by a naked cowboy and cowgirl singing to the crowd.  Only in New York.  OK, maybe California, too.

I'll be spending my remaining days in Sacramento visiting with friends and resting.  I'm sure that when I get to the UAE, things will be moving fast.

Oh, while I was in New York, I purchased an abaya, the traditional dress worn by women in Arab countries.  You know, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

If you've made it reading this far, God bless you! 

I thought turning 50 was fun.  Who knew 55 would be even greater.

Thanks again for joining me on this ride.