Observations and Thoughts

I have been meaning to write for a while now, but to be honest there hasn't been much happening. Though, there have been somethings that I have been thinking about and wanted to share with you.

First, the anniversary of Sheikh Zayed's death. For those of you who do not know, Zayed was the beloved ruler and leader of the Emirati people. He is the man responsible for forming the country and having the vision to know what it needed to grow a prosper. The key word I want to address in all of that is beloved.

Last week in school we honored the anniversary of his death and I witnessed first hand how much his people love him. We may not have a lot of Emiratis at our school, but because of the each one was allowed to honor Zayed in their own way. What I found most memorable was that whether reciting a poem, prayer, or a simple message-each of them cried. Not the eyes get watery and you can tell them are upset, but actual tears rolling down their cheeks. I was taken aback, not just because I don't do well around other people crying without crying myself, but because I could really tell how much they love him and miss him. This is a man they never elected, who never campaigned, but was just such a powerful figure in his country's life. I immediately started thinking about our leaders in the US. Would we cry? Would it be just tears of general sadness at the loss of life or tears because we lost a great person? In a country where we get to choose who leads us, we do not have the same connect. At least most of us don't. What does that say about our society and systems?

Now, before my patriotic friends start getting all upset I am not saying that I don't love America, I do. However, notice that I said America. We as a country and people love an idea. A group of people and lifestyle. We love our freedom, our opportunities, etc. I know it hard to compare just drastically different cultural, but it was just something that made me wonder. Is there anyone in our history that we value that greatly?

Sure in times of tragedy, like the shooting of the Arizona congresswoman, we band together to get justice. However, as optimistic as I am in nature, even I have to admit that we are not so kind and generous all of the time. It is the unfortunately reality of life that humanity shines brightest in the darks hours. Watching these students pour out their love for Zayed gave me hope that maybe humanity is surviving more than we know.

We hear about death, destruction, bankruptcy, unemployment . . . and sure those problems are real and they are serious for a lot of people, but does that mean humanity for each other has to die in the process. I think sometimes we all forget that humanitarian acts do not need to be a large gesture. Sure the larger it is the more you will be noticed, but those that are small are noticed by those who you helped. As a teacher, I am bias and believe that most of out there, despite all the trouble, try to instill this atmosphere in our classrooms and in a lot of ways are humanitarians everyday. Like I said, I am bias, but I would like to see humanity back in our lives more. In tough times it is hard to focus on what is good, but I think that is the only way we can move forward.

I know a lot of you are probably lost in my logic, but I hope you got the message regardless. My thoughts may not be linear and logical, but they make sense to me and this was just something I was thinking about.

Reflections

I was killing time on the internet and decided to look and see when the last time I wrote an entry. Considering how consistently I wrote my first year here in the UAE, I was appalled that I had not wrote anything of note.

Two things occurred to me.

The fairly obvious thing is, that things do not surprise me as much anymore. However, the sadder reality is that I am not doing anything exciting enough worth documenting. When you first move somewhere you want to explore as much as possible. You go out on the weekends to all the new places that are part of your new home. I know that is what I did.

Coming back for another year, I haven't done any exploring. I have still only been to three of the seven emirates. I have not been to Oman of Qatar which are right next door. I keep telling myself that I will get there someday, but it has yet to happen. For better or worse, Liwa has become home for now. I know my way around and have explored the beautiful, yet limited, sites to see.

Recently, a friend got a fancy camera. What I mean by that is he got a Digital SLR. Explaining to him when I use mine, how to use his, and the quality of pictures, has made me want to get back out and explore more. Go to the dune and try to climb to the top this time. Find a local with a buggy to ride the sand dunes. Go up the mountains in Al Ain. Go to some of the other costal towns in Abu Dhabi.

I don't know how much of this to do list I will be able to accomplish. Though life is pretty laid back here, it isn't like I can take off work to explore. I still have to work and study. However, what I do know is whether or not I manage to see all these places and do all these things-- I need appreciate what I have while I have it. I don't know how long I will have this job and the ability to travel like I have been. I have to remember that and make the most of the time. It may feel like I am just back for the same old gig, but I need to remember there is always something new and exciting out there if I look hard enough to find it. 

A New School Year

A new school year has begun. I have kissed so many cheeks and gotten everything from hugs to handshakes. I am less of a stranger now. I may still not know most of the Arabic, but I have an idea of how things work.

When I think back to my first impressions and experiences this time last year it is hard to remember all the details. Struggles and triumphs throughout those first few weeks stick out the most in my head. The daily ups and downs are lost in the blur of new news, new faces, and new language.

This year I returned a seasoned veteran ready to take on any challenge thrown my way. As I read posts stressing over getting to the first day of school, or what grade they might teach, I would smile and remember not to judge too harshly because that was me just a year ago. The major difference is they have someone to answer their questions. When I think about the fact that we did everything by trial and error really, I am amazed at what I accomplished last year.

With plenty of rest, a year behind me, and new brilliant ideas, I cannot wait to truly get rolling. I'm sure ADEC will throw a few curve balls my way throughout the year, but at least I am prepared and can hopefully see them coming, and duck out of the way.

Since this may be my last year in lovely Liwa. I don't know where life will lead me next, but I plan to the most of the time here and continue to grow the relationships that have come to mean so much to me in and out of the classroom.

Coming Back

It is hard to explain being back in Virginia for the the past month. Things are still familiar and I know my way around, but it is not the same place that I left, nor am I the same person. Midlothian, Virginia will always be my childhood home, but it isn't where I currently call home. I know that some say that home is where the heart is and I am not saying they are wrong, but I think that your heart can be in more than one place. I love my family and friends, but a piece of me and my life are in Abu Dhabi. For all its quirks that is home for me, at least for one more year. 

Being back in the states has been a lot of fun. I got to catch up with long time friends, make plans for the future, and get some much needed rest-- sometimes. While a month seems like a long time, it was just enough for me. I have some good memories to take back with me. The wonky house we rented at the beach for a week, the silly laughter with family and friends, and my bed-hog of a 96lb. dog. 

I wish that I could say that I want to stay, I am sure it would make my friends and family feel much better, but it would be a lie. It was really nice to come back, but it is not where I am supposed to be right now. Home is Abu Dhabi for now and I don't know where my next home will be . . . I am living my life moment to moment for now, and I kind of like it that way.

Santorini and Athens

Santorini is the island that I was looking forward to since I planned the trip back in March. Formally a circle formed by a volcano, it is current a crescent moon shape with an island volcano nearby. The volcano is sleeping, but active. It has three main areas on the island. The northwest end where there is the city of Oia. The southeast end with the black sand beaches and last the middle where the capital Fira is located.

Our villa was located nearby the capital in an area called Firostephani. Built on the cliff side the only way to access our rooms was through a series of steps. Lots and lots of steps. Thankfully, we did not have to take these steps with our luggage, but the steep stairs were exercise enough.Despite the work involved, it was the most luxurious location and room we were in the entire trip. Each of us had our own queen size bed, I had a jacuzzi and shower, we even got a free bottle of wine, which of course was drank. Outside we had a breakfast nook and lounge chairs. I couldn't have asked for anything better. From our hotel villas we had a clear few of the Mediterranean and the volcano. It was such a beautiful and relaxing place that I was ready to look into getting a flight out of Santorini and skipping Athens completely. In the end, logic won out and I made the best of the two days I had, but it is somewhere I will want to go again.

There was nothing officially scheduled for us by our original tour group, but we arranged a tour through the hotel and spent a whole day touring Santorini. It started with a visit to the highest point on the island. The view from there was exquisite. It was a almost cloudless day and you could see for miles. After taking time to get all the bet pictures, we headed back down the cliffs to the port.

An an old style pirate like ship, we made our way across the seas to the volcano. It was much steeper and taller once you got up close. Though considering my only view before that was from up on the cliff side, I guess a up close view it would have seemed larger now matter what. Looking back, I should have picked up a rock or two, but seeing as I didn't know how to fit the things I had already to bring home, rocks would have been difficult to fit--not to mention the weight they would have added. As much as I wanted to explore the volcano and enjoy going around Santorini, I also didn't want to end up exhausted and sore the next day. Traveling is never fun if you are in pain. I went half of the way up the volcano to the first set of craters, but opted out of going the full way up.

After the volcano it was time for a swim! I was excited. It was in the Hot Springs near the volcano, but we had to leave the boat a fair distance away. This made for a nice swim. You could slowly feel the heat increasing in the water as you got closer to the hot springs. They were not as warm as I thought they would be though. I have never swam in hot springs, but I expected it to be much warmer then it was. I guess some are warmer than others maybe. All I know is that my bathing suit, even after repeated washing, is stained a coppery color in some areas from that swim. Something that will always make sure I remember it, not that I won't. For the brief time I was able to be in the water . . . it was one of the highlights for me. Though I have always felt more at home in the water than on land. So explain to me why I am so happy living in the desert? That is a discussion for another time. I am veering of topic.

After the swim we stopped for lunch on a island nearby, once originally part of the circular island of Santorini, called Thissira. Once again, a long winding path was the only way up. I choose to remain down near the port because we had more steps to climb later in Oia. There was the option of a donkey, but I was more concerned with getting my stomach satisfied. It was a nice break after our swim. I was able to take my time and explore the port area a little before it was time to head back to the boat to make our way to the main island.

Oia, was the area I was most looking forward to visiting. Known for it traditional style buildings and charm, people flock the northwest end of the island to see the beautiful sunset. Since we can see the sunset from our villa, I chose to take the time to shop and explore the city a little. To get to the city I took a donkey. It is one experience I don't think I will forget. While others were less well-behaved mine was chill. It was like he could sense my attitude. He kept up with the rest, but just ambled from side to side as he criss-crossed his way up the winding stairs. I am glad that I took the donkey because it is an experience that is unique to the islands. Plus, those steps would have been killer. I found more jewelry, took some great pictures and soaked in the atmosphere. It was a wonderful way to end our time in Santorini.

The next afternoon, it was time to make our way to the port to get on our last ferry to Athens. As was the trend with all the ferries that we had taken since leaving Turkey, this one was late as well. We arrived in Athens very late, where we once again found out that taxis were on strike. Luckily, our agents had gotten us a car, but the guy did not seem pleased that our ferry was late. He wasn't very friendly and then on top of it, dropped us at the wrong hotel at first. We did make it to the right hotel, but by then it was nearly midnight and I just wanted to crash in bed. We had a full day of touring the next day and I already knew it was going to hard to get up.

I did get up though, begrudgingly. So what do you go and see in Athens . . . the historical sites of course. The Acropolis, Olympic Stadium, Zeus' Temple, and various others. Those are the ones that stand out in my mind. As much as I love history, I honestly could have done without Athens. Though I am glad that we went, and I really enjoyed the dinner and show we saw our last night, I am not a city person at heart. Athens was too much of a city, what I mean is that the charm was lost behind graffiti, and traffic. The Plaka area was the only area I felt I could walk around and truly get a feel for the city. I realized that the current politic issues in the country could have had a large effect on the atmosphere of the city, but it just wasn't that highlight of the tour for me. The views from the Acropolis were wonderful and I enjoyed getting to see the detail of the structures.

At night we got our reward for the trouble in Samos in the form a dinner and show. It totally made up for the struggle in Samos, and it was the perfect way to end our tour. I would have to say that it was the best display of culture, new and old. If not for that food of entertainment and good food, I am not sure I would have left feeling positive from Athens.

If I look back at the time spent in Greece, I can smile. It has always been somewhere that I have wanted to visit and I am glad that I was blessed to have the opportunity and means to be able to see that dream fulfilled. Did it meet all my expectations? Yes and no, but even when the expectations were not met, I was pleased with the experience nonetheless. It has given me memories to last many lifetimes (sorry for the cliche) and if given the chance to return, I would glad make my way back to experience it all again.

Samos and Mykonos

The Greek part of our adventure got off to a not so great start, but fortunately went uphill from there.

It all started when our ferry decided to take us into a smaller port on Samos instead of the main port. The plan was to stay one night and get on a ferry to Mykonos in the morning. The hotel was less than one kilometer from the port so our travel company did not arrange for anyone to pick us up. That would have been the case if the ferry had come into the correct port. Upon arrival we did not know that there was more than one port. We assumed we were where we needed to be and started walking to try and find our hotel. We walked maybe four blocks down and realized that something was not right. Asking a nice looking man we found were given a double dose of bad news.

Bad news one: We needed to get to Samos Town on the other side of the island.
Bad news two: The taxis were on strike so our only option was a bus. The bus station was up the hill a few streets.

Despite this bad news, which of course I didn't take so well at the time, I guess things could have been worse. We got to the bus stop, paid the cheap fare and made ourselves comfortable as we wove our way across the island. It was actually quite pretty as the sun was setting, but at the time I was tired and pissed off. I had two very heavy bags and the bus driver did not even help us get them in and out of the bus. Secondly, he refused to travel just a little further down the road to get us closer to our hotel. Dragging our luggage behind us, we weaved in and out of pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks. First passes the hotel and making it all the way to the port, we backtracked and found the place we were looking for. Apparently, the ferries were having all sorts of problem that day because when we arrived we were fed the next piece of bad news.

The ferry we were supposed to leave on the next morning was in an accident and it was unsure whether it would be running the next day.

Isn't the saying that bad things happen in threes. At that point I was pissed, tired, and just ready to get some food and rest. After getting our bags into the room we headed to the roof for a lovely late dinner. I got to eat a delicious salad and PORK. I love Greek Salad! It was a nice end to a very long afternoon and evening. Though thinking back, I am not sure I was as nonchalant about the whole thing at the time. Looking back at it now, traveling always has its bumps and this one got us an extra treat our last night in Athens. I still enjoyed the trip, bumps and all, that is the part that matters.

The next morning, well rested and fed, we checked out and dragged ourselves the one block to the port. After sitting around in an empty port for a while, I decided to check in with the offices nearby. Though we were told the night before by our agents that the ferry was running as usual, that was not exactly the case. It was delayed--significantly. It was supposed to leave at 9AM and didn't leave until closer to 3PM. It worked out better in the end because that allowed us to explore Samos while we waited. The best part was being able to dump our bags in the travel office so we were able to walk around more freely. After some lunch, and wandering through shops, we were able to waste enough time until the ferry arrived.

Mykonos' arrival went much smoother than the one to Samos. Things were looking up. Though arriving much later than we planned, we had someone waiting for us, and he helped with our bags.

The Princess of Mykonos Hotel was more an elaborate maze of suites and villa like rooms. Now I am not saying that is a bad thing, but the name hotel doesn't have the same meaning on the Greek Islands. We had a beautiful room with a sea view, its own balcony--not that we were there to use it--and comfortable plush bed. It was the first time we were in a room that was bigger than a closet. We had space to move around and spread out a little. Too bad we were not staying that long. We enjoyed our time while we had it though.

After a bus into town and a short walk through the labyrinth of streets, we found the bus to the beaches. Not what I expected, but then I am not sure I expected anything but beautiful blue seas. That much I had. The only thing I didn't expect was the cold water. I wasn't able to stay in the water very long. Maybe five minutes at the most. The sand was less sand and more pebbles, but there were comfortable lounge chairs that I was able to rent and just lay back and enjoy the nice weather.

There is a nice charm to the Greek Islands. Each one is different, but have similar aspects. For one, it is laid back and stress free. As I wandered the streets I had no idea where I was going, but I just kept walking anyway. Took a turn here, another there, and in the end I was able to get where I wanted to go each time. I am not sure I would say that Mykonos was my favorite of the island, but there wasn't one I didn't like. It would have been nice to spend some more time there and explore some of the other beaches and town some more, but what can you do. You just have to make the best of the time you have, and that is what I did. The two relaxing days passed quickly and it was time to drag our bags back to the port to skim across the water once again towards Santorini.

Kudasi

The last stop on the Turkey tour was Kudasi. From here we were able to travel to nearby locations to see beautiful scenery, lots of amazing history, and a few religious sites too.

Kudasi in general reminded me of home. It is very mountainous and has trees running up and down the hillsides. As we got closer and closer to home I guess I saw what I wanted to see and that was the Blue Ridge Mountains. Looking back at pictures--I think I was starting to get a bit tired and homesick.
One of the bad things about this leg of the trip was the travel time. There are probably a lot of other things that could have been done and seen if we didn't travel the 3 hours each way to and from Pammukale. However, travel is never perfect, especially when someone else plans the tough stuff for you.

At Pammukale is the ruins of the city Hieropolis. It was a Roman city at one time complete with a theater, school, baths, and much more. Today, most of the buildings are just random collections of rocks--my opinion-- but the view from the city is beautiful. From Hieropolis you can look down on the town from cliffs or sheer white rock. Dotted along the cliff's edge are pool of natural spring water that you can wade through. It is rumored that Cleopatra and Marc Anthony came for a honeymoon like trip to the city because of the natural springs and pools. The beautiful views were gorgeous, but I am hesitant to say that I am not sure I would have made the long trip if I was planning it on my own.

The last day in Turkey ended well. It was a long day of touring and then travel, but it was worth it. We started by going to see Ephesus, an ancient Greco-Roman city. It is remarkably well preserved in the mountains near Kudasi. My favorite part was the detailing on the stones. From animals and food, to depictions of the gods each line and curve shapes a beautiful piece of art. The whole city stretches throughout a valley and ends with a long market street that takes you out to the water. It was really interesting to see how the people lived then, and to get to walk among so much history.

After Ephesus we went up the mountain to the House of the Virgin Mary. For those of you who don't know, it where she was rumored to spend the last days of her life. I think if this is true, she has really good taste. It is pushed back off the the main roads in a lush green area with flowers and trees. From parts of the grounds you can look down into the valley and see the ancient ruins of Ephesus. The house itself is something that would be considered very small by our modern standards, but I guess it served its purpose. Inside, of which I was not able to take pictures, one religious woman sits and prays and protects the shrine created for the Virgin Mary. With candles, pictures, flowers, and statues. Shrines are set-up to honor her. Once leaving the house, you may light a candle for a loved one and pray that Mary watch over them. Further down from the house is the spring where she got her water. It is believed that if you drink from this, you will receives blessings. Last is the wishing wall. Where thousands of wishes have been hung in hopes that Mary will help to make them a reality. I am not a deeply religious person, but it was still a moving experience for me.

Artemis Temple was next on our list, but I am not sure you can really call it that. In reality all that is left of the temple is a  single column. Storks have built a nest and turned it into and home, and except for some intricate detailing it is hard to really imagine what the temple must have looked like.

The tour for us ended when we were dropped off at the port in Kudasi. From there we boarded a ferry that would take us to Samos where we would start our Greek adventures.

Cappadocia

The next stop on the tour was Cappadocia. It is located in central Turkey where there are a lot of hills and valleys with beautiful rock formations. Most of this leg of the trip was enjoying the great outdoors, and getting a bit of exercise too.

The night we arrived we got in too late to explore at all. We barely made it in time to get dinner. After a good night's rest, we set off the next day to explore the region. I really enjoyed the tour guide that we had for this leg of the trip. The one in Istanbul was talking more to hear himself speak. Ranya, the one in Cappodocia, was spunky and full of energy. She gave us enough information to know what we were looking at, but didn't make us listen to a bunch of meaningless details.

The first stop of the day was a valley along one of the major roads. From there we were able to see some of the fairy chimneys that make the area famous. Then came the first test of the day, the underground city in Derinkuyu.

Used as a place to hide from invaders, the city can hold up to 3,000 people. Apparently, very short of stature because for most of the tour underground I had to walk bent over, sometimes crouching as well. It was a true test of how strong the muscle of my back were. Through a maze of stairways and sloping tunnels, the people of Turkey built an entire city. By storing food and water ahead of time, they would be able to remain hidden underground for months, as enemy armies lay siege to the ground above. Though not somewhere I would want to spend an extended amount of time, with the amount of invaders coming through the area throughout history, its existence makes complete sense.

After "crawling" my way through the underground city, it was time to enjoy some open-air on an easy grade hike. Well, at least easy grade was the term that the brochure used. I don't think I would have done the same. The sad fact is that we only really hike about half of the entire length of the valley, but that half (4km) was plenty for me.

At some point while we were underground, my camera died, so I will do my best to explain the beauty of the valley hike. Someone along the line a smart person decided to put a set of steps along the wall at the halfway point of the valley. This was the start of the journey. The stairs we steep and after the time in the underground city my legs were not real happy with me. I fought through the aching and tried to keep up with our energetic guide. It was at this point I was wishing that she had a little less spunk, but I guess when you do this day in and day out for tours, the hike was just like walking to the corner store for her.

The valley was a decent size with a small stream running the length. With lush green trees, and natural rock formations, you could spend hours enjoying the scenery around you. With houses and churches carved straight out of the rock, the valley has been inhabited for a long time. Now home to birds, and passing tourists you can enjoy the quiet serenity is offers, if your guide will give you the moment to stop and relax.

To be bluntly honest, one of the things that kept my aching legs moving was the promise of a delicious lunch waiting at the end of the trail. Set next to the stream, down in the heart of the valley was our restaurant for lunch. I dug in and enjoyed fresh bread, delicious savory meat and vegetables served in traditional pottery fashion. Thankfully the hike concluded that days adventure and I returned to the hotel happy to be able to rest up for more exploration the next day.

The next day was only a half day tour because that night we were getting on a plane and heading to Izmir, but before we get there I want to talk about Imagination Valley, and the Pottery and Rug Places that we were able to visit.

Imagination valley is called such because of the various shapes and images you can create out of the rock formations. Any your imagination can come up with, you can see formed from these natural rocks. As you wonder around you can see how the wind, water, and shifting of the earth has slowly eaten away the surface over time. Further into the valley you can see old houses that are built into the rock. No one lives there today, except this one dog. He followed around as we explored the valley and when we went inside somewhere he dutifully stood guard.

The pottery place was the last stop. All I can say is BEAUTIFUL. I spent too much money and could have spent more. To see people still put some much work and art into something like that was really nice to see. each piece was unique and hand-made. A nice change from the factory duplicates that you see in stores.

 Fairy Chimneys

 The guard/guide dog.

Though I had already gotten a brief history on Turkish rugs, I had not seen them made, or the process which they get the silk for the carpets. Thus, the trip to the rug store/factory was actually one that I enjoyed. The other three times we had to sit through the history and types of rugs, well lets just say they really want you to come home with a rug. Before you ask I didn't, but I am getting off topic. The Turkish rug is the only rugs that use the double knot technique and are still made by hand to this day. As I mentioned, they also harvest a weave their own silk as well. Except for the fact that a dead silkworm was currently inside all the little white cocoons, it was an interesting process to watch. All and all it was a really nice relaxing way to end our time in Cappadocia before moving on to the next and last stop in Turkey.

Istanbul is Constantinople and . . . well you know how it goes

As excited as I was about my upcoming adventures and the eventual arrival at home, I struggled to pack. I just wasn't motivated. It involved too many decisions that I didn't have the energy to deal with. Though my stress factor was much lower than it has been in years, by the end of the school year I was still worn out and ready to sit around and do nothing for a while. I didn't have much time to accomplish this, thus the last minute packing, which I believe is the result of why I had too much baggage. Well that and I cannot buy just one thing for friends and family, I must buy everything I see.

July 16th I dragged myself out of the Four Points Sheraton in Dubai and made my way to the International Airport. The Dubai International Airport is not one of my favorites. It is broken up into three terminals. I knew which we needed for the flight, but finding where to drop the rental car was a little more complicated. It is only after you exit to go to the terminal of choice that you actual see signs that tell you the various choices that you have at that particular terminal. I had planned ahead and left myself with plenty of time to get to the gate so it all worked out fine in the end. After paying a small fortune in baggage fees, I boarded my flight to Istanbul, the first stop on my fourteen day vacation.

The airport in Istanbul was fairly easy to navigate, though I have to say I was glad to have someone waiting for us on the other side. Though that didn't necessarily mean that everything would work out well once we got to the hotel.

Upon arrival at the Lady Diana Hotel, we were told that there is a problem with our room and it would not be ready until the following day. However, just around the corner (or up the hill two blocks and down another two) was a room for us to stay the night. After a day of travel, I just wanted a shower and a bed. However, I am glad that the first hotel was not where we were staying the entire three days.

It was the size of my closet back in Liwa, and my only closet is a four door wardrobe. I am still not sure how we fit in there with all our luggage. Two inches taller and I would not have fit in the shower, though not a terrible loss since it either froze me out or scalded my skin. The bed was small, but plenty comfortable and I got a good night's sleep so that is all that really matters in the end.

I am struggling to sift through the details of my memory to give you the most poignant details.  I guess I will breezily state that the Lady Diana was better than the hotel that first night. As tired as Susan, my travel partner, and I were we needed to venture out to find dinner. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with this city.

As we walked along the cobblestone streets and marble sidewalks in the fading sunlight, I tried to take in everything around me. From the street vendors to the ruins tucked behind overgrown greenery, each step brought new charm to the city. Living in the UAE for the past year, I had seen how people can try and live in a modern world while holding on to their old world charm. However, I never really felt it the way I did that first night in Istanbul. The old relics are placed right in the heart of a modern, thriving city. It is hard to explain that it is that made me truly fall in love so easily. I mean you still have the tourist traps and the men who try to peddle things on the street, but blocking out those elements, I was able to just enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.

Good food, good people, good times. That would be the best way to describe those short three days in Istanbul. I wish we could have had more time, we just barely scratched the surface of the city, but I am glad that I got to spend even some time there.

As beautiful as and Bosphorus cruise was, I have to say that my favorite thing in Istanbul was the Hagga Sophia. It is also known as the Saint Sophia. It is one of the few places in the world were you can see the influence of Christianity and Islam diplayed together. Built as a church and then later used as a mosque, the two religions are both on display in this beautiful old building. I could have spent hours on end taking in all that Hagga Sophia has to offer, but unfortunately, there were other things on our list to due that day.

The Blue Mosque was beautiful, but to me just another mosque. Once you have seen the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, no other mosque compares in beauty, but it was still nice to get to see it. Though I am not sure why it is named as such, is still a mystery to me.

As mentioned earlier, I was able to go on a cruise down the Bosphorus, the body of water that connects the Black Sea and Istanbul. While cruising the water, I was able to take in elaborate houses, old palaces, and some forts as well. It was a beautiful day and made me wish even more that it was not the last day in the city, but alas after three days I had to move on to another part of Turkey.

 Blue Mosque

 Hagga Sophia

 Inside Hagga Sophia

Closing of the First Year

The countdown has reached double digits. In eighteen days I will be in Istanbul. Seven days later I will be in the islands of Greece. About six days after that . . . USA.

It is hard to grasp the idea that I have really not been home since September. I video chat with my parents, and it sometimes seems like I never left . . . sometimes.

It is at the end that we start to think about the beginning, or at least that is what I am told. To be honest, I am just thinking about the days ahead. If I am really reflecting on anything it is how complicated life can get. How decisions can cause you to tear yourself into pieces in order to do what is necessary. Don't get me wrong, I do not feel that moving here to teach was the wrong decision, I actually I think it was the best decision that I have made in a long time. 

I Should Have Known Better

There is nothing much going on in life worth writing about, but I thought I would share this funny story. Maybe some of you will learn something, the rest I hope just get a good laugh. 

No stranger to dogs and the mischief they manage to get into, I should have known better than to believe this sweet abandon puppy was any different. Being halfway across the world may mean people react to dogs differently, but the dogs are the same.

Bintee was abandoned in the park across the street from my building. I had jokingly talked about taking in the numerous stray dogs you can find here in the UAE, but I never really thought about it seriously until her. Much friendlier than most of the "wild" dogs I had seen, there was something different about her. Turns out she just wanted someone to take care of her and a chance to get out of the grueling heat. I was okay being "used", because as I said, she was extremely sweet and well mannered.

I was baking muffins to help release some of the stress of the exams. The plan was to bring them to my students the morning of their exam. The were made, looked good, tasted good, and were sitting on the counter. Being the god person that I am, one good deed is not good enough . . . I went to help out with online college work. I locked Bintee in the living room. Nothing there for her to get into trouble. However, when I came back things were not the way I expected.

Sure she was in the living room when I entered, but I soon realized that she did not stay there the whole time. After learning how to open the sliding doors, she went through the rest of the apartment getting into trouble. In the bedroom  trash was on the floor. Then there was the kitchen. Seemed fine at first glance, but then I noticed the empty muffin tin on the floor. It was full when I left. My little saluki mix at 6 blueberry muffins, wrapper and all.

As I said in the beginning I am not stranger to dogs, puppies in particular. Back in the states, I have a dog with  a bottomless stomach who will eat anything he is able to get ahold of. I now know better to not let the sweet exterior make me leave my guard down. She may look small, but she is tall enough to reach the counters and that is the important thing to remember. Guess the short time without a dog put me out of practice. Amazing the little adjustments we don't even realize we make when we get a dog. However, even when I am ready to throw them out on the street to get some peace. . . in reality they are worth all the fuss; at least most of time. 

The End is Near, but Not Close Enough

As usual the end of the school year is seeming to take longer than the rest of the year combined. Whether it is utter exhaustion, rising heat, or anticipation of trips abroad, the time seems to have slowed to a crawl. What adds to this frustration is an unnecessary month of time add to the school calendar after the students have left.

Most of the changes to the ADEC curriculum and policies have come from Western practices. However, one thing that they have come up with all on there own to torture us with, is a month  spent stuck at school once it is officially out. We all hope that they will let us out earlier, but in the end we have already bought the plane tickets home and would be stuck in the blistering heat of the UAE in July either way.

It isn't just the sheer amount of time that seems ridiculous to me, but the fact that it is the peek of summer in this part of the world. It is the time where shoes melt on the sidewalk, and power grids are dangerous close to shutdown. None of us has been told what the month will be used for, but considering the staff is already brain dead and we still have a few weeks left, anything done during this time would not be productive. We all know this and yet . . . as we have been told thus far--"You are expected to work until July 13th."

I know that I should try to find a bright side in all of this, and hope for the best in the end . . . that isn't working. I read messages of friends already done with their school years and I look at my calendar and wonder why I am still working my butt off. I know that in the end I will survive this. It will somehow make me stronger or some mumbo-jumbo like that, but for now I am just going to whine a little bit to help get me through each day and hope that times moves just a little quicker. 

FIRE! RUN!

As teachers we deal with multiple interruptions to our daily routine. One such interruption comes in the form of drills. Fire, earthquake, tornado, lockdown .  . . the list is endless. When I was teaching in the states, we had a fire drill at least once a month. Though reassuring to know the system works, it was a huge disruption to the lesson that day. However, I have come into some information that makes me grateful for the simplicity of a fire drill in western culture.

As we are approaching the end of the school year, we finally had a visit from the municipality to talk about fire drills and fire safety. It is the end of the year! That isn't really the crazy part though. In order to have a drill . . . . what for it . . . . they set an ACTUAL fire. Yes, you read correctly, a fire is set inside the school to set off the alarm. No buttons to push here; our drills are hardcore.

It was just last week when we had our first fire drill and I found out their method. I laughed as I was being told by a colleague that they set a fire in the secretaries office. I did not know how else to react. Letting students light a fire in the school seems so ridiculously dangerous and crazy, that I thought it was a joke. However, yesterday as I left school they were testing the system to make sure everything would go well for the drill today. As I exited the front of the school, one of our bus drivers was standing on a chair with a lit piece of paper next to the smoke alarm. Yes folks, in order to have a drill here, we must first create fire. It was no joke before and now I am left hoping that they are practiced enough to not let it get out of control and end up turning into a real bad situation. 

Coming Home

As the school year slowly approaches its end, I am filled with nervous excitement. When I think about everything that has happened, I am flabbergasted. Does anyone even use that word anymore? Anyway, thanks to technology I have been able to see and talk to my parents and friends. Actually getting to hug them, sit and eat dinner, and other mundane daily activities, is what I am looking forward to most. It is crazy to think that I have not been home since September 2, 2010. I'm mixed with pride that I was able to adjust and build a life here, but under the surface is a bead of fear. The fear isn't because of my family, not really. Though I am afraid of not wanting to leave them again. It is such a strange feeling to think that in less than three months, I will be back in the States. Huh, interesting how I said States and not home. I guess it is hard for  to see the States as home when my daily life occurs here. The upcoming travel feels more like a vacation that it is a return home. In some ways my parent's ouse will always feel like home. A large piece of my heart will always be in the U.S. with them. They say home is where the heart is, but how does that work if your heart is in two places at once?

This experience challenges the way I define home. Used as an adjective like in home country, it is easily pinned down to a specific reply. However, when trying to define the place we call home . . . the answer remains a list. Can you have more than one home?

I know that the very fortunate often have more than one house that they spend time in throughout the year. The question is which one is home? I think what makes this so difficult is that at this point in my life I am in a transition. In reality your whole life is a transition from one point to the next,  but right now I am in that awkward stage of having family, but not yet having one of my own. Let me explain that a little better. I have lived at four different addresses since leaving my parents house after high school. Those four addresses are not including the dorms that spent three years of college in. My family is still defined in the same way: my parents, sisters, nephews, cousins, aunts, and all the other traditional defining factors. However, one day in the future I hope to have a husband and then I will have him, any children we have, his family . . . At that point, where is home? Is it just about where I live? I guess a lot of that depends on what my definition of home will be at that point. For now, I am not sure how I define home so I just see myself as having two: one in Abu Dhabi and one in the U.S.

In less than three months I will be returning to my home in the U.S. As anxious as I am about shifting cultures again, I am more excited about seeing the people I love most. It will be hard to go back and I sure as soon as I have adjusted and begun to relax it will be time to leave again. Such is life. I choose to look at it this way, either way it is all about coming home. 

The Same Old Routine

A lot has been going through my mind this past week. Now, it could just be the extra dose of hormones fluctuating right now, but if I have learned anything since being here, it is to not write off something too quickly.

You see, there is still a lot about this culture I don't know or understand, but for the most part I am settled. I go to work each day, come home make dinner, hang out with friends. Then, my weekend is usually spilt between time in Abu Dhabi and Liwa. Nothing spectacular. Now, I am not saying that there is anything wrong with a ho-hum life, but now that  life here has become routine, I find myself reverting to old habits, and they aren't the good ones.

I just have to wonder why we do that? Why is it that when something becomes routine, we fall back on the same old behaviors that made us unhappy in the first place? I know that a lot of it has to do with what makes us "comfortable", but that answer just doesn't seem to be enough for me right now. I want something better; something that will help keep me from going back to that dark place of self-hatred and depression. And to think a few days ago I was actually consider the idea that I might be able to ween off the psych meds. I guess I spoke too soon.

Maybe it is the summer itch, or the anxiety about what it is going to be like to go home. I think what is really bothering me the most is that there are so many possibility that I cannot know for sure which factor is strongest. I feel like I have woken up in another persons life and I cannot figure out what to do next. I guess I will just have to wade in the waters and hope that I can see where I step. 

The Hardest Part of Teaching

As I approach the end of my first year teaching abroad in the UAE, I cannot help but become retrospective. I look at the calendar and know that May is just around the corner and I shake my head, because my brain cannot believe it to be true. It has been a trip, but what is on my mind the most right now is the end of the year teacheritis and studentitis. Taking creative licensee and borrowing from the well known concept of senioritis, I have "coined" two new concepts.

The truth is out fellow teachers. I am spilling the beans. The students are not the only ones who desperately want it to be summer vacation. We have struggled to get our students to turn in work on time, excel on standardized tests, and fit every last ounce of information possible in their heads. While that might not seem like much to some people, it is a lot of work and the long stretch after Spring Break until summer is tiring on us all. However, being the stellar professionals that we are we push through and prepare our students for state standards, end of year tests, and even middle school, high school, or college. The crazy part is that even when our body and brain is telling us, enough is enough, our heart is still in teaching. It is the hardest and most rewarding time. The end is where we see the students excel. They finally understand the parts of speech, they can give a presentation while making good eye contact, and they know how summarize research in their own words, and the finally admit that you were right (sometimes). The truth though is that teachers are human. Yes, we are a special breed built with compassion, drive, intelligence, etc. but those things aside, we are like everyone else. We want to get out and enjoy the nice weather. We want to sleep in for more than two days in a row. We want to stop multi-tasking with dinner, grading papers, planning, and our favorite primetime show. We want to finish a novel instead of reading a few pages of a chapter  each night before we fall asleep with the book on our chest. Is that really too much to ask?

The hardest part of teaching is not the job itself. Managing students, coming up with brilliant and engaging lesson plans, and balancing all the duties we are assigned, is the easy part. Somewhere deep down we love the pressure, otherwise we wouldn't be teachers. Pretending we don't care that it is a beautiful day for the beach, or that we only got two hours of sleep the night before, takes skill. At the end of the year, that skill is put to the test as the upcoming summer draws near.

I am glad that got to go through this experience and I know that next year will likely be a whole new set of challenges and adventures, but I cannot deny that right now I'm ready for it all to be done. So much has happened and changed and I have learned a lot, but enough is enough bring on summer vacation!

Culture Shock Funk

I know at this point in my experience culture shock should be done. I should be well adjusted and living life to the fullest. For the most part I am, however, there is that small part of me that is resisting.

One of the phases I should have gone through long ago was "anger and frustration." I think that is starting to hit now. Everything seems to rub me the wrong way and I find myself getting frustrated over things that I thought I loved about this culture. I am not saying that I want to leave and never come back, but I need to find a way to bring myself out of this funk.

Hopefully, the Arabic classes that I am starting tomorrow will help me feel better about not knowing enough Arabic yet. At this point, I feel like I should at least know some of what the students are saying when they are talking in Arabic, but I am still having to rely on body language and it is frustrating. They can tell me whatever they want and I wouldn't know the difference. Insa'allah that will slowly begin to change with lessons and practice.

As for the lack of communication and organization from my "bosses", well I am not sure how I am going to resolve that one. It was stressful in the beginning and then I adjusted and just came to accept it. However, now it pushes me to eat pounds of chocolate to keep from saying or doing something stupid. It never even bothered my this much in the beginning, but now I find myself asking, "What the f***?"

I know this all seems a bit dramatic and I am sure that I am making a bigger deal out of this than it seems. I just want to feel at home again. I find myself feeling like an outsider again, and that feeling is never fun. I guess the only thing that I can do for now, is put my head down and push through. I know on the other side of this wall is a brighter happy me, I have been there, I  just have to keep pushing until to leave all this funk behind. 

Stress-- It's All Relative

For those who know me, or possibly even met me early on in my overseas experience, know that I was uptight, controlling, and got stressed out over just about anything. Things have changed. I still can be a bit controlling, but I am certainly better than I was and am getting better the longer I am here. I don't stress as much, if ever, anymore. I am sure I mentioned this all before, but I bring it up again because of an upcoming event at school.

You see, as part of ADEC's vision, they have an outside agency come and see how things are going in the schools around the emirate. They have been doing so for a while now, but being out in the Western Region we are, of course, the last stop. We officially got word that the group, referred to as "Tribal", is coming to our school on Tuesday and Wednesday. We know that they will look at the school as a whole and may or may not come to classes, may or may not want to talk to us, etc. Now under normal circumstances it is perfectly logical for everyone at the school to be freaked out. However, these are far from normal.

When they arrive we don't know who, what, where, when, why, or how they are going to evaluate us. We just know that they are coming. We have a set of things to do to make sure we are prepared, but we can't possibly know everything. Here is where it gets weirder. I don't care. Let me rephrase that, I care, but I'm not worried or stressed. I know that the impact I am making on these student's language development may not always show up in tangible evidence, but I am doing what I can. I am putting together what I can, and things will happen they way they happen. Just as I cannot predict whether we will have another sandstorm tomorrow, preventing me from enjoying some time at the pool, I cannot predict what Tribal will like or dislike. Stressing over things that I have no control over used to just end up adding extra stress to my life. The thing that makes these strange isn't that I am reacting the opposite manner that I would have last year, but that everyone around me is freaked and I am the calm reassuring voice. I feel like everyone is holding their breathe and it is beginning to be a bit suffocating.

I really don't know why or how this change came about. I will be honest and admit that I don't think I live a stress free life, but I have definitely come a long way. The next few days will be spent in teaching and preparation for the visit to come and God only knows how that day will unfold. I for one just want to it done so things can calm down again. I miss my social break times with my colleagues drinking tea (well they drink tea, I have my water) and sharing stories and I will certainly not miss the hurried pacing and stacks of paperwork this visit has unveiled.

I don't know what this visit will mean for the school or my job, but if I worry about all the unknowns, it doesn't mean I will get the answers any faster. 

Weather Moods

I have never been one of those people who believe that the weather can affect the way a person acts or feels. Winter lovers are just as peppy on the dark days of winter, and can be less so when the sun is shining in the peak of summer. Sure vitamin D is linked to happiness, and there is a whole lot of scientific proof that links the weather to our emotions, but like I said I was never a believer. It took moving to a country with mainly one weather pattern, and some weird shifts in that pattern for me to finally understand.

The forecast for the UAE most of the time is sunny. If it is April through September, warm or hot will accompany that statement. Even the heart of winter, the sun still shines. Lately, that sun has been blocked by storms and general cloudiness. The rain has created a muggy atmosphere in the normally dry and breezy desert. This change is not one that I am welcoming. I had come to appreciate the weather and the need for lotion and lots of water. Cloudiness causes laziness. In my case anyway. The cloudiness has made me want to curl up and take naps. This is not a bad thing per say, but when you have papers to grade, an exercise routine you need to get back into, and various other menial tasks, sluggish behavior is not to your benefit.

All this weird weather makes me question what is happening with the world. It is storming in the desert. Earthquake after earthquake is shaking Japan . . .  these are some weird times. I for one would just like the sun back so I can enjoy some nice weather before it becomes unbearable. I guess I will just have to wait and see what the rest of the week brings.

WOMAD in Abu Dhabi 2011

This weekend started out as a typically boring weekend. I was going to go into Abu Dhabi to get some shopping done, and then spend my Saturday relaxing and cleaning. However, as I waited until my traveling party was ready, I was online talking with a friend. She mentioned a festival happening in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Me being oblivious to what is going on half the time, I didn't know a thing about it. She invited me to go, we worked out the details, and we met up in Abu Dhabi. It was a spur of the moment thing, which I think came at a perfect time.

Going back to work after a nice break was hard. It isn't that I don't like work, but having to get up early, and the warmer temperatures, had me feeling very rundown by the end of the week. This little moment of spontaneity was just what I needed.

WOMAD stands for World of Music and Dance Festival. On the sands of the Corniche, bands from around the world rocked out to an eclectic crowd. My friends and I did not say for the whole thing, but what I did get to see, was well worth the long hours spent in Abu Dhabi. We arrived in time to hear the last performance of a Russian Quartet called the "Terem Quartet". The music was lively and it wasn't ear splitting or anything, but I would not say it got me  moving. The festival was set up so that we had different stages, and they were set quite a distance apart. Therefore, the next performance we saw was on the big screen. Nonetheless, you could feel the Honduran energy as "Aurelio" performed. The last performance that we stayed to see was Toumani Diabate from Mali. It was a perfect end to the whole thing. Standing in the sand, with a nice cool breeze rolling through my hair, I listened to the music. It was nice to get to hear and see musicians that I would not have normally gone searching for on my iTunes. I wouldn't call it the concert of my life, but it was nice to get out with some friends, and be out of Liwa for a little while. Maybe next year, I will be better prepared to go and will be able to enjoy it more.

The rest of my weekend, went as planned. I did a major overhaul cleaning of the apartment, and got to relax and read for the remainder of the day. Overall, a good reviving weekend. I think I am ready for another week. 

Sky Flying, Beach Lounge Time, Swimming, and Shopping . . . A Typical Spring Break

At the risk of sounding like an ungrateful, spoiled, princess . . . luxury is nice, but not my thing. That said, I still took full advantage.

On a splurge, a friend and I booked a five-star resort hotel in Dubai for spring break. The Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa. Private beach, two-pools, what more can I say really. I arrived early, hopefully without any speeding tickets, and after a few awkward exchanges with bellboys and valet parkers, I sat in the lobby to wait for Brenda to arrive. It was weird how many people tried to help me and make sure I did not need anything. It was not anything out of the ordinary really, but I had forgotten how accommodating hotel staff can be. You would think after living in hotels for two months at the beginning of this adventure, I would have been well practiced.

As I sat watching and waiting, I looked around and tried to figure out how I would explain this hotel's beauty and extravagance to someone. The luxury is easily summed up for me with the  plants placed in the self-revoling circular door. Before you even ask, yes they are real. The unique thing about the lobby is though it certainly screams upperclass, it does not seem as in your face as it could be. However, considering I am typically not a five star type of girl, I guess I am not a real good judge of what makes a resort flashy or not. As we walked to beach later in the week, we heard it described as a "simple resort". I guess it is all a matter of perspective.

Having to wait ended up paying off. I never win the drawing, get bumped to first class, or get the free dessert, when it isn't my birthday. I had come to accept this and worked hard to get anything that I wanted. Today, my good karma paid off. They overbooked the hotel, this meant they needed to rearrange the room reservations. Brenda and I were one of the lucky ones that got switched into one of the unbooked suites. It has a nice large sitting area, a king bed, and large bathroom. After getting pampered like this, it makes it difficult to return home to an empty apartment that will need to cleaned, a kitchen that will need to be stocked and a bed that should be made. Suite or not, it is always hard to return to reality after a good vacation and this one definitely qualifies.

The first evening was uneventful. Dinner and shopping led to a quiet night in the suite. I actually prefer when vacations are more relaxing. You need some excitement, but too much and you could end up having to spend more time trying to recover from your vacation. The next day was a day at the beach.

It was everything I needed on this vacation. Minus burning my feet on the sand, it had a comfy lounge chair, and cool aqua and sapphire water. I managed to enjoy it, burnt feet and all, and was happy to see waves. You can have sand, and salt water, but the sound of the waves is what makes a beach scene complete. Except for the burnt feet, and the wave bashing resulting in lost sunglasses, it was a very good start to a much needed vacation.

It turns out that the hotel we booked, is in a serendipitous location. Right next door is Sky Dubai, a skydiving company. I watched people come down all day and decided to see if I could be one of them the next day. When I got there that morning, I was expecting to wait, but they got me on the plane almost immediately. I filled out paperwork, was strapped into the harness and boarded the plane. Part of the first timer's package is a video. I have to admit that it was kind of corny. I am not big on talking into a camera about what is happening. I don't like being on camera at all really, but I am glad I did it. The video turned out great. In the spirit of honesty, I have to admit that the big breakfast I had that morning was a bad idea and caused a slight mishap. I got sick when Freddy, my tandem partner, pulled the parachute. I was mortified. They seemed so fine with it, and nice. I think that made me feel more embarrassed. The truth is I am not the first and I won't be the last, I just know better than to have eggs, pastries, and orange juice for breakfast the next time. I have to admit that I am just waiting for a chance to do it again. It was just a thrill and adrenaline rush. By the time I got to the beach later, I crashed on the lounge chair and took a long nap. I managed not to get burnt as well, which is a big accomplishment considering I was mostly in direct sunlight.

The next day another item on my life list was completed. It is crazy to think of the amazing things I have been able to do here. Sometimes I feel like I'm just a visitor in someone else's life. After another delicious breakfast it was over to Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai for the day.

We were actually running a bit behind which made me grateful that Dubai runs on Arabic time. We were shuttled to Dolphin Bay where we checked in, got wetsuits and a crash course in dolphin swimming 101. I am not a fan of wetsuits, they are not forgiving, nothing can hide. I was glad we had a vest that help hide some of the flaws drawn out by the wetsuit. Enough about my wardrobe issues.

Manie Lou was our dolphin. She was so sweet. The dolphins they have at Atlantic are Indo-Pacific bottlenose. This means they are darker in color and tend to be smaller. They also have really cute freckles on their belly. We had thirty minutes to play and swim with Manie Lou. I think next time I will want more time. I got a kiss, hug, dance, twirl, and ride with Manie Lou. It amazes me how intelligent and friendly dolphins are.

After peeling out of the wetsuit and picking out some keepsake photos, we headed over to the water park. I could not remember the last time I had been to a real water park. It was also nice to see so many people in bathing suits and no one had an issue with the amount of skin showing. My favorite was the "Leap of Faith". It is a water slide that shoots you straight down, allowing you to achieve the same speed as a dolphin in the water. It was scary, but such an adrenaline rush. I guess I am a bit of an adrenaline junky. The other rides were nice, but nothing special. After a full day in the sun, I was ready to go home by late afternoon. It was a great end to my time in Dubai.

Friday was checkout and the ride home. It is back to work and reality on Sunday, but at least I have all Saturday to come to terms with that and recover from all the fun. This was just what I needed before a long three month stretch until the end of the year.

Times are Changing

According to Urban Dictionary, change is "a word that was used so much in the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election that it no longer has meaning." Well, no offense to Urban Dictionary, but for me change holds a lot of meaning. 


Changing my clothes allow me to transform from a Westerner "playing dress-up" to a Westerner just far from home. One simple element, clothing, here means everything. From the abaya to the sheila, each piece of clothing you choose says something about who you are, where you are from, and what you believe. Clothes are not the only way that I have changed since embarking on this ongoing adventure. 


I am slowly learning Arabic. A change that seems to be ongoing and right now seems never-ending. One of my Arabic colleagues has agreed to work with me one period each day--insa'allah, of course-- to help me learn Arabic. Sometimes I think they think I have not been trying, and well in all honesty, I guess I wasn't. It wasn't for a lack of trying, I just didn't have a class or anything to go to so progress was slow. Chances to use the Arabic I know is limited as well. I know that seems hard to believe, but they want to practice and learn English just as much as I want to learn Arabic so it is hard find that balance where both parties are benefitting. 


Another difference, I have trouble labeling it a change because it was a habit all along, is my extra time to read and write. I wouldn't try to claim my writing has gotten better, it still needs editing and a lot is probably best left for my private collection, but I find that I am more inspired and have time to write. I am not stressed out with work, no football games, dances, or meetings to attend that steal away the evening. Now don't get me wrong, there are things to do out here in the desert. However, if I want to stay in and write some fiction, or work on an essay. I have the time. I seem to be going through books a lot faster too. Though Pillars of the Earth, as good as it is, makes me feel like I have been reading the same book forever. 


I know that neither of these things seem to be real life altering changes. In fact, the are quite simple and something that really could have been accomplished at home, maybe. It is hard to really take in everything that is going on when you uproot your life. Yes, I still have a storage unit of stuff, a family, and a crazy puppy waiting for me at home, but my daily life is lived out here in the desert of Liwa. I reach for long sleeves even though I know it is 90+ degrees and never think twice about the choice. No I am not completely comfortable in this environment, that would be a lie. The dust kills my allergies, and while the heat isn't as crippling as those first steps out of the airport, but long sleeves in hundred degree weather is sometimes uncomfortable. However, with the benefit of air condition, evening excursions, and late night hours, I am able to enjoy what life has to offer here. 


It is hard to believe that it is already the end of March. I have been able to experience so much and grow from each of the experiences I have had since arriving in September. I know that my growth is not over and I am sure more changes are in the cards. I just have to remember to not lose myself within the changes, and enjoy this time. I am not the same person that stepped off the plane in September, and so far I don't regret the changes that have lead me to who I am today. I hope that my experience here will continue to allow me to "find" new parts of myself that I might have forgotten, blocked, or been too afraid to let shine. Maybe I will even find a way to love those parts of me that aren't so perfect, weirder things have happened. 

Testing and Education

Whether in the U.A.E. or the good old U.S.A, testing is a reality that you cannot escape no matter where you teach. Unfortunately, one of the most reliable ways to see if your students have learned anything is through testing.

One of the positives with the program here in Abu Dhabi is the lack of testing. As we approach the EMSA test, it is hard to keep this in mind, but as I sat down to write I realized I have not wrote a single test for my students. They have had quizzes here or there, but in the end their grade is comprised of various tasks. These tasks test their reading, writing, and speaking skills. They challenge the students and allow for results without having to put a testing label on it.

However, you cannot completely escape testing. As I said, it is one of the most reliable--sometimes. With testing, comes rules and regulations on how to administer the test. Today, as I sat in a meeting about the upcoming exams, I could have sworn that I was back in Cumberland, VA listening to the information about testing procedures on the SOL's. The information and the mode of delivery is the same. The only difference being the translation into Arabic. It was definitely one of those moments where I was reminded that education at its foundation is the same no matter where you teach. It has one goal, to see children succeed. The methods and modes of getting them there may be different, but in the end they are not as different as they appear.

The testing preparation, has also shed light on some of the culture here. Pressure, everyone's motivating factor to get in shape, study for the quiz, etc. America knows how to pressure people, but they have nothing on the culture here. There are days that I wish I had a stress monitor on each student in my class. Whether it is because they are women and must work harder to achieve things in life, or because it is just the trend toward education, these students are under a lot of pressure to succeed. Now when I say succeed, I don't mean "B"s. A 99% is just good. Anything lower is a problem, especially for seniors. For those of you who thought getting into college in America was difficult, listen to this:

Student grades are looked at strictly as numbers. No A, B, C stuff here. It is all about whether it is a 99% or 95%. Those four points can decide whether they study the field they want to in college. Sometimes it can even mean whether they get in. There is no choosing your major, your grades decide for you. Then you might have a choice between a few in a certain field. Before you even think about getting to college you are set on a track, arts or science, this track determines the course you will take and the types of schools you can attend after secondary school is completed. If that wasn't enough, you have national tests that determine whether you have to pay for junior college before heading to a real college. If you do not score high enough you do not even have the choice of applying to college. You must take at least a year at junior college.

I don't know about you, but I feel a lot less pressure towards the college system in America. Yes, there is a lot of competition and things are getting extremely difficult, but comparatively, I think there is a lot we take for granted. Sure you may not always get into your top choice, or get the class schedule you wanted, but at least you have a choice. You can study what you want, take the classes you want as long as you are accepted that is all that matters.

The students here feel this pressure daily. They work hard, and even in classes of their native tongue, struggle to learn all the information they need. I sometimes wonder how much they really take with them in the end. With all the pressure and expectations put on these students by themselves, friends, family, and culture - - - how to we ensure success without destroying individuality? All we can do is continue to give them the tools they need, encourage their creativity, and hope that by giving them the tools they can build the future. 

The Little Things

There is so much that I know I took for granted living in America. I knew where to shop for the best clothes, shoes, bras . . .

The funny thing about it, I don't ever remember learning these things. One day, I just knew. You ask friends, you just go and check it out, or the countless commercials draw you in. Whether it is the fact that I cannot understand the commercials, or that the same products are not available, I don't know, but shopping can sometimes be an adventure of sorts.

First of all, I have never done this much research on malls and stores before heading out to go shopping. I have read the description of countless stores trying to find the one with the description that appealed the most.  With suggestions  from our Arabic counterparts, which is an interesting task in itself, Judy and I headed out on Friday in and attempt to find a store that would have what we needed-- bras.

After nailing down where were going, we took the two hour drive into the heart of Abu Dhabi. First stop Al Whadha Mall. First store, did not even have a tape measure. Strike one. Next store catered only to teens so they did not have a bust size large enough. Strike two. Strike three, came quickly after strike two fast and looking exactly the same as the previous strike. Needless to say, that mall was useless. We found sizes that seemed unnatural, but nothing that would have worked for the average woman. We were started to get worried that we would go home empty handed, but with a few suggestions from the saleswomen and another mall to check out, we headed back out.

Our next step Khalidiyah Mall was much more successful. After a delicious Mexican lunch, we were revived and ready to tackle the next store. I must here make a shout out to the person who thought of making a bra extender. Not the biggest confidence boost, but a life saver in my case. This little piece of stretchy material with extra clasps allowed me to be able to leave the mall with new bras I would have not been able to wear otherwise. Truly a great invention.

After finding bras, our spirits were uplifted and we roamed the stores for a while. I got a few tops, a beach dress, and other odds and ends. Overall, it was a successful trip. Four malls later, and some careful navigation of the back streets of Abu Dhabi, we came home with a car full of goodies. It was a tiring day of shopping, but fun all the same.

There are some conveniences of American life that you just don't think about until the issue arises. At least if I stick around for a while, I know where to go first next time. It may not have been easy, but the good things in life never are.