Tales from the Desert

Off!

2010-04-29T13:47:00.002+04:00

Am about to head off to UK for a week - plans have changed slightly - due to National Rail though, not the volcano! I must admit I was worried when it was doing the whole ash cloud thing but it's all go now.

I'm not doing the three days in Scotland as National Rail have decided to upgrade some tracks or soemthing like that for two of the days intended. So I'm now heading to Paris for two days and just doing one day in Edinburgh.

I have a very light suitcase - very unlike me - but plan to do a bit of shopping so am sure it'll come back full!

Will update FB while away and do a proper catch up on here when back. x

April (!) Update

2010-04-13T07:40:00.002+04:00

Yep, just as I thought in the last blog, things settle into a way of life here and it's hard to remember how different things may seem for the readers! Anyhow have a few things to report luckily!

Work is going well - busy at the mo as we have monitors in checking that our contract givers are getting bang for their buck! I do believe changes are happening but as we know all good things take time.

Have started doing yoga and pilates each week now - really enjoying it - hey if it works for Jennifer Aniston, maybe it'll work for me?! Have a sore back thsi week so taking a break but am grumpy without exercise!

Went to Il Divo last weekend - free tickets at the Emirates Palace so couldn't resist. Beautiful night, amazing surroundings and gorg sounds - so a good night! Will put up pics for those who haven't seen them on FB.

Off to UK in 3 weeks - really looking forward to it! Three days in London, 3 days in Scotland, night in Bath and then 2 more nights in London - and going to the Black Eyed Peas concert - so happy! As for July have decided to do Spain, France, Austria and Italy witha friend - total of five weeks away so should be good.

Everyone here is well - Measina is growing and turning into a real Kiana copycat. if you want her to do soemthing like wear a hat when swimming - if Kiana does it - all is ok! So cute!(and stubborn!) Hard to believe we're nearly at the end of two years here and that our "newbies" like Dave and Beks have nearly done a year! Where does the time go?

Hmmmmm

2010-03-01T21:36:00.002+04:00

Hmmmm maybe one of my resolutions should have been to be more regular with this. So sorry - feels like I've been here so long now things aren't so new or exciting now. Which is silly really - it's always going to be different.
Ok so where to begin? I'm happy - really and truly. Life is so great at the mo - I know you need the down times to appreciate the ups but think I'm past a big glitch and ready with open arms for whatever's coming next.
I had my eyes lasered - amazing! The improvement means my eyesight's better than most peoples' (ie better than normal - Susie style) and no more irritation from sand wedged between eye and contact! It's also helped with my confidence a little and I can have a bit more fun with makeup.
I am still losing weight - I try to run when I can and am loving my spin classes. I put on a bit while I was home but sorted that now.
Home - NZ - was wonderful. I so love all my family and friends there and seeing them - even just for a few hours - was awesome! NZ is such a great place - so glad I can call it home. While I'm not ready to come back yet I am thankful my life will always be there. Had a blast travelling through the North Island and my American friends loved it too - we knew they would!
Work is going well - busy but I like it that way. I have a week's leave owing so trying to decide where to go and what to do- was thinking of a resort in Cyprus but can do that for a long weekend or Eid break so think I'll head to UK, base myself in London but explore a bit more, head to Scotland for a few days and maybe Paris for one. For the big holiday in July we're going to do the rest of Europe - start in France, around and down to Italy then prob back to Spain - have 6 weeks so should be able to see a bit.
The romance front - not ready at all for anything "serious" but have met some nice guys. One in particular has made me smile - from the UK and here for three month's work. Nothing like anyone else I have met - but great stories, makes me feel special and so refreshing. Just fun - but well deserved. Brent and I are getting on fine as friends and work colleagues which is a relief.
Things are warming up here - we're out of winter and am thinking will have to turn my AC back on at night - geting hard to sleep again - which indicates it's between 20-25 degrees at night now. Daytime still hovering between mid 20s and early 30s but it's def heating up!
OK so that's me updated for now - still enjoying it here and still very thankful for my dear friends who have supported me through emails lately - your aroha is deep within me and I use it for my strength. xxx

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-10T19:27:00.003+04:00

Wow another year - more useless resolutions made and another brithday to look forward to!!! 2009 just flew by.
For New Years Eve we went to Rihanna - she played a concert at the Emirates Palace. Lots of fun - great peformance. Fireworks galore at midnight and a general feel good buzz.
Since then have been counting down to the trip to NZ at end of Jan - really looking forward to seeing everyone and beinga little normal for a while. American friends are coming over at the same time so have had fun planning their trip too.
Resolutions for this year? Well to let go of the things I still hope for or am sad about from last year and look ahead, to continue to lose weight, to get my eyes lasered(next weekend!) and continue to travel.
There's a giant world out there - I've just gotta get out into it too!

Xmas 2009

2010-01-10T19:25:00.002+04:00

We had a lovely Xmas at the Raeli's house this year - all the NZ (and two Brits) orphans clubbed together, got yummy food and relaxed for the day!
The day is really all about the kids and Measina got a beautiful bike from myself and her Uncle Brent so she's pretty pleased!

Dubai 7s 2009

2009-12-08T14:24:00.002+04:00

What an excellent weekend and way to finish off a holiday! The Dubai 7s are always good entertainment and NZ starting off ths year's campaign by winning was just awesome! NZ and Samoa in the final - woud have been happy either way but was cool that NZ won! Even better was laughing at Tui who was torn on who to cheer for and kept putting on and taking off his blue top over his black one!
Caught up with DJ - my fav 7s player- he just looks better every year on (and off!) the field.
Great company, great weather and great results - makes for a pretty amazing time!

The Maldives!

2009-12-08T14:20:00.003+04:00

Amazing amazing place - had a week there and it was incredible! Quick flight from here and only 20 mins in speedboat to resort. Had a lovely beach bungalow which stepped out onto white sand and then our lagoon complete with amazing reef for snorkelling.
Hard to describe in lots of words because all I did was eat, sleep, swim, sunbathe and snorkel! So relaxing though and just what I needed. Sheryl was great to travel with too!
Def recommd a week away there to anyone! :)

My birthday

2009-12-08T14:16:00.002+04:00

Well turned 34 on the 16th Nov and hd a lovely day - thanks to all for the messages - felt very loved and special. Had a dinner on the 19th and three of us there were birthday people! Wore a lovely dress that the Raelis gave me and had fun! Pics included of course!

What a month!

2009-11-10T18:07:00.001+04:00

Apologies for not having written sooner – it’s been one heck of a month!
I went to Doha couple of weekends ago and caught up with Nat from NZ – had a blast with her even though Doha’s not the greatest place! Interesting to look around and quite a novelty having a 20 min plane ride to be in a new country!
Work is full, full on but loving it. It’s great to have two roles because when you’re over one, the other one is there which means a variety.
Brent and I have split up – started off with some small issues that had been niggling and got a little too in our face to ignore! Was quite hard to actually make that final decision but we’re working on being good friends and getting on with it – especially as we work together! Thanks to those who sent me lovely messages. x
A friend from LML in Wellington died of cancer a couple of weeks ago – far too young and left behind a sweet six mnth old son – sometimes you have to wonder why but she def lived her life to the fullest – so I need to remember that!
Am off to Maldives in a few weeks – just looking forward to soft sand, sun and blue water – pure relaxation. Going with a good kiwi friend from here - Sheryl – so bound to have some laughs.
My boss Andrew is moving on to Saudi to work – so we’ve had a few farewells for him. Trying to be happy for him as he’s excited but gutted about not working for him anymore – quite an inspirational leader.
Have booked my tickets home for two weeks at end of Jan – not looking forward to the flight but so excited about seeing everybody! Will keep you posted of my plans. xxx

SOS - Samoa on Saturday

2009-10-11T19:25:00.002+04:00

So as I'm sure you all know, Samoa is in a pretty bad way at the mo after the tsunami and even though we're half a world away we wanted to do something. John, an amazing Samoan guy living in Dubai - organised SOS - Samoa on Saturday - a touch tourney to fundraise.
It was held at the 7s rugby ground and was well attended. Even made today's National newspaper! I didn't play - sold raffle tickets, cheered teams on (we had two teams from SIP) picked up rubbish! We did well money and donations wise - huge thanks to all!
Chris Cairns was there playing which sent our girls into a tiz! He's still in primo shape and still a nice guy!
Pics atached for your benefit!

Back to normal...

2009-09-25T16:53:00.002+04:00

Well London was great! We did a few touristy things but mosty shopping and relaxing! The weather was nice - we didn't get any rain and while there were a few cloudy spots, it was mostly about 22 degrees during the day which was a welcome relief from the heat here. We just enjoyed being together and eating what we wanted when we wanted (simple but true!)
The weather here has cooled a little which is nice - it's about 35-37 degrees during the day which is much more bearable. School was supposed to have started for the students on Wed but after 3.5 months of being off most of them decided to take two more days! So most schools had between 2-40 students turn up so I'm guessing Sunday will be the day most of them return.
Am enjoying the new role so far - school hours have been extended to about 7.30am-3.30pm s it's nice that I have a bit more flexibility than that.

Outta here!

2009-09-17T07:09:00.002+04:00

Finally all the sleeps have been slept, the bag is packed (although it's only half full to leave room for shopping so doesn't really count) and the 5 day weather forecast has been checked!
Really looking forward to going but doesn't seem real - this week has been so hectic! Am loving the new job though - so interesting going into other schools and seeing what they do - some much good stuff happening.
Ramadan finishes this weekend - and while I respect this tradtion - it will be sooooooooo nice to have everything back to as nomal as it gets in this part of the world!
Not much else to say really - kind of been in limbo waiting for the school year to start and for Ramadan to finsih - and for the weather to get just a little cooler! Actually it is down to about 37 at 7pm now - much better for netbll!

Yes I'm Going Back To...London!

2009-09-02T07:29:00.004+04:00

In 17 days (just a wee bit excited!) it will be our first Eid break - to celerbate the end of Ramadan and it's a different story this year from last. Last year I didn't have my passport due to residency pending but this year we're ging to London for the five days!
As you all know, I love London and had a magical time there last December. Brent has been once for a work conference, had an afternoon off and it was raining the whole time and he saw nothing! Well what do you expect for January? So it only takes 7 hours to fly there (through the night) and will be nice and "normal" after some of the exotic places we've been lately.
I'll get to be tour guide and we all know how much I love that! We've got a few things planned including a solid shopping day. I thank my stars that Brent loves shopping too! Have printed off street maps of all the good shopping areas - that have the shops on them in order and started highlighting places I want to go! Yay!
My dear Lisa, who I had so much fun with last time, won't be there - she's leaving London and tripping around for a bit before heading home to NZ. I miss her by 4 days but she showed me some great places (and shops!) last time so I can enjoy those again. (Safe travels hon!)
Work is going fine - school hasn't started yet - such a l-o-n-g break! Am liking my new position and enjoying setting up systems - will be interesting to see how it goes when we actually start going into schools.
We're halfway through Ramadan at the mo - I notice quite a few things that last year I was just too new and overwhelmed to. The shops shut halfway through the day for a while and the hours are all out of kilter! Makes it hard to plan to do jobs etc. Also people who are fasting are hot and tired and irritable - I don't blame them but last year just thought it was par for the course! This year I really empathise with them - especially in this heat.
We may be getting a break in Dec which would be great - we'll go to Japan. My beautiful cousin Liz has just had a baby boy so it will be great to meet him and see the rest of the gang. Plus we can go to Tokyo Disneyland and a bit of shopping! Inshallah that all happens!
Not much else to report - hope you're all well. x

Back into it...

2009-08-19T20:33:00.002+04:00

Well it's been full on ever since we got back and the holiday is a very distant memory now! We had a week in the office getting ready for induction, then a week oreintating the new people - which included an old friend of mine Dave, and Kalala's sister in law Beks! So great to have them here and they are part of a very cool group.
This week has been mixing last year's and this year's group together and getting used to working in my new role! I miss the girls I worked with last year - feels very weird not to be sitting with them - but am excited about the new challenges. One so far is that we don't know how my new role is really going to work - so need to all sit down and nut it out.
It's still quite warm here - all the people who have come over from NZ are loving it of course!
Not much else to report - still here, just ticking along... :0)

Back to "normal"

2009-08-03T07:48:00.003+04:00

So I'm home - in Al Ain - unpacked (that took a few hours!) and have set up my new office. Why? My job has changed this year and I'm now doing cross-cluster advisory work in ICT and SEN so I need a base - the spare room has been tranformed. It was good to have that to carry on with when we got home so I wasn't flat after the holiday.
The holiday was amazing - I don't remember being away for so long like that before. If you've read the blog you've probably guessed that I really liked Santorini and Istanbul, Turkey was great as well. Greece (apart from the islands) and Egypt - I wouldn't be in a rush to do them again. At least now I know and can say I have been there, done that.
Another lesson I learnt is to pack, divide by half, repack and divide by half again! I took FAR too much stuff - when will I get it right?
Have some friends arriving here this week to work for us - quite exciting to get to see them again and help them settle in. Have been trying to get others to come (you know who you are!) but they have prior commitments - which makes me realise how lucky I am to be doing this and how it was obviously meant to be.
It's quite warm here - feel sorry for the people retruning from NZ - taking me a while to adjust - be harder for them!

Cairo

2009-07-27T17:09:00.002+04:00

Well after two nights of middle of the night at the airport, we were shattered when we landed in Cairo Sunday morning at 3am. However to come to our lovely 5 star hotel and be staying in an amazing executive suite is making up for it a little bit :0)
We slept most of yesterday and lazed around - unpacked and repacked our bags (due to having room to do it), got laundry done and had an amazing meal in one of the 8 hotel restaurants.
Today we had a personal tour of the Pyramids etc. Much nice to get in a car with a driver and your own guide than a bus load and plan out your day based on what you want to see. We started at the Giza Pyramids which were cool but my highlight was the Sphinx. We then moved on to some earlier pyramids a bit further out, had a nice lunch and visited a papryus place where we learnt how ti's made and brought some.
Our tour guide wanted to show us so much more - such a cool guy - but we were so tired and came back to the hotel early. However we'd seen enough for this trip and we can return anytime.
Tomorrow we're going to catch the hotel shuttle to the centre of the city and check out the bazaars.
Impressions of Cairo? Hot (I'm so gonna die back in UAE), brown (EVERYTHING is) and dirty - rubbish everywhere. Shame really coz it could be so much better. Who knows, I might change my tune tomorrow :0)

Never ever, I repeat, NEVER EVER fly Olympic!

2009-07-27T17:02:00.002+04:00

OMG - I have had the worst customer service experience ever - with Olympic Airways (Greece). The first flight from Istanbult to Athens was ok. The second flight from Athens to Satnorini was 3 hours late - with no explanations, with one hour of sitting on the place waiting to take off and with a crew changeover once we were all on the plane! Thought that was a once off.
We then waited six hours at Santorini Airport (with NO explnations) to return to Athens, which meant we missed our connection flight to Cairo - they couldn't get us on another one for 24 hours so we had an awful day (after checking in at 4am) in a crap hotel in Athens (not a place we wanted to spend more time in!) and if you wnated to eat coz the airline was paying for your meals - you had to be in the dining room at 8am til 8.30 am, 12.30-1pm and 8-8.30 pm. Otherwise too bad. Felt so sorry for a couple who were with us and were finshing their honeymoon - due to flights to Beiruit timings, they had two nights.
When we got back to the airport we complained (along with another couple) about the bad service but no one listened or cared. Then we finally got on the plane to Cairo and it was 40 mins late! Our baggage wasn't nicely treated then but we were so over it all.
So word of warning to the wise, the fact that 75% of our flights were bad is a sign - do NOT fly olympic airlines.

Santorini...where I will leave my heart

2009-07-23T22:14:00.002+04:00

Love this place - have never been anywhere as nice or relaxing. We just looked through our photos and laughed - we have so mnay the same but things look different every day.
We have an amazing apartment with verandah overlooking several islands and the Aegean sea - several cruise ships every day,
We have a rental car and have been to the top and the bottom of the island, plus a few stops along the way like Kamari Beach - so relaxing.
Rode a donkey up 566 steps today - an experience all of it's own - I had no control of it - it's only mission was to get to the top and get me off!
Thoroughly recommend this place to all -we will be back and for longer!

Moving On

2009-07-20T20:41:00.002+04:00

So we're now halfway through the holiday and ready to move on. Athens was nice but a place we could have done in a few days. Anyway we've seen things we didn't think we would - such as the Acropolis, tasted new flavours such as Frappes and tried to read signs in a language that doens't use all the same symbols as English - the reasons we travel - to open our minds!
The cruise was ok - lot of time on the boat and not enough on the islands. We went swimming at Aegina and it was amazing - we are so looking forward to swimming in the sea every day while in Santorini.
So we fly to Santorini tomorrow lunchtime for three complusory days of rest and relaxation - we will do a bit of exploring as we have a rental car but mostly want to swim in the sea, photograph the white and blue around us and watch beautiful sunsets.
We fly out Friday night to Egypt so wil update the blog then probably.

Delphi

2009-07-18T22:46:00.002+04:00

Have been away in Delphi for a night - was nice to see a bit more of Greece and some more of the history. Not really into musuems etc but was amazing to walk among the ruins and think of the many, many, many people who had been there before. And seeing artefacts from 7th century BC was just incredible.
Dephi is a very slow relaxing place so we did a lot of sleeping and relaing - nice to have those little pit stops along the way!
Tomorrow we're doing a day's sailing - going to three islands - Hydros, Poros and Agina - swimming and wandering the towns - should be good!

Hot Hot Hot

2009-07-15T21:28:00.003+04:00

Ok so we thought we were leaving the heat - damn fools we are! It was 36 degrees today - prob too hot for what we did but when in Athens, gotta see it!
We did a hop on, hop off bus tour today - enjoyed the one in Istanbul lots and it was by the same compnay - really well done. We saw all the important sites including Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the first modern Olympics were held, Hadrian's Arch and of course the Acropolis. So after riding around once we went back to the Acropolis. The people! There were so many but we still got to be close to the attractions and have a good look - the view was amazing too. Where we are you woulnd't know the sea was that close but when up high, you can see it wonderfully.
It is soooo illegal to take anything from the sites - even a little rock - pretty obvious why. At all the historic attractions we went to today there were watch people everywhere to make sure you don't try. They sit or stand all day and watch all the tourists - not a job I envy.
We walked down from the Acropolis past other attractions and through Plaka - I was so hot and seemed to put sunblock on every hour or so but am still a little red on the shoulders tonight. Trying not to look like a typical tourist - you can spot them a mile off with their red arms and faces!
When we finally got back we just relaxed. Exploring in the heat really takes it out of you!

Athens Part One

2009-07-14T18:34:00.002+04:00

Wow - this city is hot and busy! But amazing even though it's so different from Istanbul
We had a quick one hour flight from Turkey this morning and arrived in quite a different culture. This place is much more western and more what we're used to.
In saying that the history that is evident is amazing. For example we can see the Acropolis quite close up out of our hotel window - after all these years of seeing or reading about it - and it's right there. Just incredible.
We did a wander this afternoon and found the markets - hmmm what a shopping nose I have! However due to bringing too many clothes that I won't wear I have no room for new stuff and it's all in Euro which is not cheap. Some things are ok but other things are over priced - so will be aiming for many photos and amazing memories, not tacky souviners...ok well maybe one or two ;0)
Going to eat on the hotel rootop tonight and enjoy the sunset over the Acropolis - having a relaxing night as tomorrow (and from there on) will be busy!

Istanbul Part Two

2009-07-12T20:04:00.002+04:00

Yesterday we enjoyed the new Istanbul - especially the view from the Galata tower which will post on here when have downloaded Brent's pics. The ones on here so far are from my camera.
There's so much going on everywhere you look in this place - and last night we enjoyed a walk along the waterfront before heading up to a place we had found behind the Blue Mosque which had a beautiful rooftop to have dinner - watched the sun set there - amazing.
Today has been a quieter day - but I went and had an authentic Turkish bath! Was unsure what to do- but so were all the tourists! We stripped off to undies, wrapped a cloth around and went into a huge central room where we steamed and were then scrubbed and soaped by middle aged half naked Turkish women. After that a swim in a very warm pool followed by a half hour oil massage. They gave me a wee present when I left - of my own wrap - because I was a Kiwi (big thing here) and was so friendly. So nice! I also got all sorts of free advice - like listening to aunties!
Been out for another yummy dinner - had thought I might lose some weight with all the walking we do but am eating to make up for it. Just LOVE apple tea and Turkish delight (the real stuff!)
Our last full day here tomorrow - not quite sure what we'll do as we've done everything we really want to - so may just ride the tram all the way from one end to the other and get out anywhere that looks interesting for a look around!
Would love to come back with an empty suitcase -could spend hours (and money!) in the shops here - good fun!

Istanbul Rocks!

2009-07-10T19:22:00.002+04:00

I am absolutely in love with Istanbul! It is green, sort of clean and the people are very friendly. We flew in Wednesday afternoon, checked in - our hotel is in a great location - and started exploring. We found the Grand Bazaar and just had an amazing time looking around that. There is everything you can imagine for sale and haggling is part of the fun.
Yesterday we did a hop on, hop off bus tour which was great! So much to see and do. We did a circut and then went back to places that were high on our to do list. We saw the Aya Sofiya which is quite cool along with the Blue Mosque but prob would have had more impact if we'd come straight from NZ and not seen so mnay in UAE. However the historical side is great - things are sooooooooooooo old!
Today we did a cruise down the Bosphorus and stopped at the last place you can before you're in the Black Sea. We had lunch and checked out amazing views there before returning and seeing so much more of Istanbul al the way down the river.
15 million people live here and we can see why. There is so much happening - and it's all so much better than we ever imagined. They have a great tram system which costs about $1.50NZ to enter but once in, you can ride as far down the line as you wnat without paying more. We've got this sussed and use it every day.
The only down side is the food- we haven't quite found what we like eating yet but have a few more days to try the places out.
Am loving being on holiday - we're relaing and enjoying exploring. Brent is great to travel with - he's relaxed and thoughtful where as I'm planned and learning to be flexible.
Tomorrow we're off to eh "New" Istanbul and Taskim Square - should be great!
We do have lots of photos but as we haven't downloaded them I can't post them here yet but will when I can! x

Nearly away...

2009-07-05T10:06:00.004+04:00

Three more sleeps to go until we get on that plane and head for Istanbul! Suitcase is fairly packed (few bulges to re-place) and passports ready! What else do we need?
So the plan is Istanbul for a week - exploring and sight seeing. Then to Athens for a week, with an overnight trip to Delphi and a day sailing. After this we head to Santorini for three nights - have organised a wee rental car and hope to see some beautiful sunsets! After this we head to Cairo for six days - a pyramid trip is essential and hopefully some Nile cruising.
Will be working hard to relax - it's just been announced here that school will now not start back until Ramadan - nearly 4 weeks after it originally was meant to! However we don't get longer holidays - so will have induction and lots of work meetings. Then we have to try and fit into 9 weeks what we had planned for 12 - not as easy as it sounds when there's end of semester exams! Anyway these things happen and there's nothing we can do about it. However we are hoping to get a week in Nov - when we'll head to Japan to see Liz and the crew, then 2-3 weeks in late Dec - and yes we'll come home to NZ!
So most of the crew here have left! Kalala and family have gone to France and then UK. Most kiwis have gone home. I'm glad I didn't go earlier - I spent all Friday sleeping and then a very lazy day yesterday. today we've been at the National Identitiy office - getting ID cards. I was the first woman (we lined up at 7am) but Brent was the 21st man. So I finished at 8.30 am and he's still in there - 10.14 am! Hopefully he's not far away now. The rest of today and tomorrow will do some work and then relax on Tuesday and make sure we really DO have everything.
The hardest part about this time of the year is saying goodbye to people who are not coming back this year. Kate, an Irish friend, is going home - this has been a hard year for her with a family bereavement - so she's going to spend time with her family and look at options closer to home. Will miss her bubbliness but a good taster of what may happen next year in larger numbers. At this stage will stay for a few more years but some people just want to save a bit of money and head off on their next adventure - which I totally get.
Will try and blog while away - if not will make up for it when we get back in early August.
Take care everyone. :0)

Emirati Weddings

2009-06-29T08:25:00.003+04:00

The other night we got to go to an Emirati wedding - our principal's brother was getting married.
Weddings are a huge deal here and can be held on any night of the week - this was a Wednesday. They tend to start at 8pm so we got there at 9pm, dressed up as you can see from the pic. But nothing compared to the Emirati women - they were amazing - tight dresses with clevage, hair and make up extreme - amazing!
Now we only celebrated with the women - women and men have seperate venues - although close. However we could see the men through video on data shows - their event looked boring compared to ours.
There was a live singer with four exotic (as in exotic, nudge nudge) dancers who gyrated around the stage - even Kalala and I blushed and weren't sure where to look.
The food flowed enbdlessly - no alcohol of course! Main course was served at 11pm - how I wasn't snoring in my plate of rice I'll never know! the bride arrived about 11.15pm - it took her 20 mins to walk in and up onto stage where she proceeded to walk across - like a Miss Universe pagent before sitting down. There were professional videos and cameras everywhere. She was very very slim, very young looking and very nervous. Her dress was beautiful - little diamonds sewn in and the train was long of course.
About midnight, her groom and his male escorts (family) came to 'collect' her. She was so happy to see him. They cut the cake and he sang a poem he had written for her. Even though they couldn't hold hands when sitting for their formal portraits, you could tell they were so happy to be marrying each other.
Amazing experience - food, decorations, mucis - the work and cost that went in was incredible. Very honoured to have been invited.

Reflecting on my time here

2009-06-29T08:20:00.004+04:00

Wow so a year of the reform contract is nearly over - before I head off for my exciting holiday, thought I'd reflect a little and share what looking back on this year has shown me.

The not so great aspects:
I have missed my family and my friends more than I thought possible. I love hearing from them and know that they think of me regularly. I am extremely lucky to have Kalala and family here and now Brent, and my mum was here for 3 months…but still I miss the ups and downs of the lives of the people I love at home.
The frustrations that come from language or cultural barriers – while these experiences have made me stronger, the stress I went through with my lost passport was more than I could believe was possible. I would love to just say “Look there’s an easier way to do this” but who says my way is right? (Apart from years of it working with no stress!)
Finding a balance – I know you get this anywhere – but I find it hard at times to do work, keep life ticking over, go to the gym, see friends, travel….despite having good funds to do this – time is of the essence. And I’m an organized person! The heat and processes here do slow things down a bit.
We are all sure the worst drivers in the world are here in the UAE. Large 4x4s travelling at nearly (and sometimes more than) 200km/hr on the highways freak me out but happen on every trip. My Mum can attest to this for the NZ crew!

But the upsides are:
My adventures – every day brings new learning or experiences. I visit places I didn’t think I ever would and have more of that to look forward to.
The people I work with – both expats and locals – I have made many wonderful friends and am learning more about their lives. As a friend said: “The UAE is a truly multicultural, though intensely culturally and economically stratified, country.”
The cultural aspects and beliefs of this place are solid - the call to prayer happens five times a day and it is so routine now we don't even notice it really. Measina still joins in the call occasionally!
Experiencing some of the different things - the sand, the sand, the sand, the heat, the lack of rain and subsequent dryness, the date palms and camels, dunes, forts and palaces, shaylas and abaya, dish dashs…all part of the scene here.
And of course the work – I do believe in the reform – sometimes I despair about whether the change will ever happen but then I see little glimpses of movement or what is possible and it keeps me going.

So there you have it - the experience so far.

Peg's Gone

2009-06-02T20:25:00.002+04:00

So dropped Mum off at the airport this am - so weird to know she's still flying and isn't home yet! NZ is such a loooooooooong way away! Has been wonderful to have her here, helping me out and doing things. She really enjoyed her Europe trip and has lots of stories for everyone back home.
Four weeks to go of work - things have really slowed down and it's warming up - averaging about 47-48 degrees daily.
Not much else to report - final oragnisation of holiday being done now - very cool.
Have a few people thinking of coming over to work here - fingers crossed that I can create my own little NZ away from NZ!

Also...

2009-05-14T11:10:00.003+04:00

...realised I'd blogged about my passport and then not said anything else.
I have a new passport thankfully - finally got through the process and survived! Have offered my help to the NZ Embassy for anyone else living in Al Ain who goes through that as it's pretty time consuming and difficult unless you know the drill.
Learning curve I guess...

HUGE apologies!

2009-05-14T10:59:00.003+04:00

Hi all
Sorry I haven't blogged for ages but have been having trouble with my "cookies" and then finding time. But here I am.
Life is still going well - school is winding down to working about 3-4 hours a day and the tenperature is heating up - averaging about 44 degress at the mo - poor Peg's going to die when she gets back!
Speaking of Mum she is having a blast on her trip around Europe. Loved London - and was there for the marathon weekend - ie people everywhere! She has been through Amsterdam, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. She's now in Spain with France to go. Looking forward to hearing her stories and seeing her pics - so great for her.
Ou trip in July is all booked, paid for and quite well planned (no surprise for most of you I guess!) I'm most excited about Santorini but know the whole thing will be a blast! So we're away from 8th July to 5th August and then some relaxing time here before helping the newbies be inducted.
Brent's good - busy as and hanging out for our holiday too. He and Mum have gotten to know each other well during her time here which has been really nice.
Kalala and co are going well - Measina's walking now - still getting used to being upright but I tell you when she does it'll be like a tornado in that house!
Anyway will sign off but hope all is well with each of you. xxx

Time flies...

2009-04-01T17:10:00.002+04:00

...when you're having fun! It's been all go here and I was so surprised when I saw someone write first of April on a form today - already?!?!
Mum's having a fab time - Measina loves having her to play with and is always so happy to see her. Kalala's settled into school and all seems to be going well.
I have had some hiccups recently as I lost my passport and getting a police report let alone a new one here is a very difficut task. I have been to Immigration a few times, been around six different courts getting stamps to say they haven't confiscated off me for some reason, advertising it in the newspaper AND now tomorrow I'm going to Dubai to the embassy. So it's been frustrating - thank goodness I have Brent and Mum who have been so good - my boss has been really understanding too bless her.
Last weekend Mum and I took Kiana to the Cirque du Soliel - Alegria in Dubai - absolutely amazing and well worth the money. Didn't think iI'd enjoy it so much but brought the CD and DVD so must have!
Quiet weekend planned in AD for me this weekend - have hurt my back a bit so a weekend of doing nothing and being waited on is in order. Mum's prob going to Duabi Aquarium with the Raelis on Friday which will be good for all of them.
Also planning a trip to Europe for Mum - figured while she's here might as well make the most of it so she's doing a 24 day bus tour around Europe - Amsterdam, Germany, Austria, Rome, France and Spain to name a few places. So jealous she gets to do it before me but prob deserves it more! She'll also do a few days in London which I can help her with at least.
Am thinking of you all in NZ and hoping all is as well as can be for you - I'm only an email away if you ever need me ok?xxx

Quick Update

2009-03-22T17:46:00.003+04:00

Hi - sorry for the lack of blogging but you know how having someone else around makes life busy! Mum is here, quite settled, getting used to the heat and sand and almost over the time difference! Measina is loving having her as she plays with her lots and Mum is getting a buzz out of bubby too.
We spent this weekend in Abu Dhabi and took Mum to the Grand Mosque (only mosque for non-westerners) - she was blown away! She know understands what I mean when I say it's undescribable and really enjoyed her time there. I think she looked cute in her abiya but she thought she looked old and will prob kill for me posting the pics!
We then headed to the Emirates Palace Hotel which was great too - had coffee and cake (worth about $135NZ) because it was arabic mothers day! We also saw part of a royal wedding with singing and dancing - Mum's getting the full cultural experience here!
Next weekend we're heading toCirque du Soliel in Dubai - that'll be fun and Peg's eyes will pop when she sees Dubai - ie Las Vegas on steriods!

The Secret's Out...

2009-03-12T07:57:00.002+04:00

No I'm not getting married, and no I'm not pregnant! Kalala has got a job over here - secret number one - very excited for her though. Secret number two (and directly relates to number one) is that my Mum is here - she flew in last night. Poor thing was holidaying in the sunny north when she got a call to say go hoem and pack your bags - you're coming here - a weeks' notice - not bad...
Why is she here? Well Kalala needed someone to look after Measina until their maid arrives from the Phillipines and Mum is a logical choice. It'll keep her busy, gives Kalala and Tui peace of mind, free trip for Mum and best of all I get to see her and show her around.
So for a woamn's who never been further than Australia, she did very well - had a long stopover in Sydney which she didn't like but the flight was good. She looked great when she got off the plane and is in AD recovering today and tonight before coming to Al Ain tomorrow to get reaquainted with the Raelis before Kalala starts on Sunday.
So sorry it's not as exciting as some of you were hoping but it's pretty exciting for me to have my Mum here for a month!

Long Weekend

2009-03-08T20:10:00.003+04:00

So this weekend was a three day one due to the Prophet's Birthday - the one extra day we get off until July! Spent most of it relaxing, catching up onb a few jobs and of course, went to the World Cup 7s.
Such a topsy turvey tournament! NZ knocked out in quarter finals by Wales, so then we were cheering for Kenya or Samoa who made it to semis. However Wales won the whole thing, beating Argentina (so lots of big nations out early - Fiji, Austrailia, SA....) We did have a good time but were a little flat after everyone we were supporting was knocked out - so didn't stay for the final. Doesn't sound like many people did though! Did catch up with DJ though - as the photo shows - still in fine form!
Have a seccret too to be excited about but can't share for a few more days - so promise I'll reveal in the next blog!

Babysitting

2009-03-03T11:02:00.002+04:00

In the weekend we had Kalala's two wee ones - Kiana (7) and Measina (10 months) for the night to let mum and Dad have some quality time. They were both SO good and slept all through the night but I was still knackered after they went home!
It's nice and warm here agin - winter's def over! As you can see it was warm enough for all of us to go swimming!
This weekend we've got a 3 day weekend - off to the World Cup 7s in Duabi Saturday but relaxing the other two - can't wait!

James Blunt

2009-02-26T07:23:00.002+04:00

Now I know some of you aren't James Blunt fans but I tell you being able to sit outside in an amazing ampitheatre (in winter) and it's warm at 10pm and you're up for a good show - is fab! Regardless of what you think of his music - he himself is a great performer and looks like he's having a great time.
The concert was in Dubai as part of the Duabi Jazz Festival they've got going on for 10 days. It's not far from The Palms and it was an amazingly clear night. Kalala, Brent and I were pleased we paid for good seats - we were nice and close - and of course Kalala went and danced up the front. (groupie!)
Little bit tired today as got home at 2am and had to get up at 6am - but it's the weekend after work today so yay!

Halfway through Feb already?!?!

2009-02-14T15:13:00.002+04:00

Ok so time does fly when you're having fun - or just incredibly busy doing not much it seems! I've had two weeks of work now and am back into routine there - great to be over the initial getting to know how everything works stage and to be actually making changes. We have 23 weeks of work without a break this semester - last semster was def the holiday one! However we can do little weekend breaks to keep us going until July when we'll head to London and Greece.
Other things to do in weekends? Well this weekend we painted! Paint's reasoanably priced here and when you move out, they replaster and paint anyway so made sense to try and make it a little more like home. So picked a lovely burgundy colour and did a lounge wall and my little hallway. Next time we have that much energy again we'll do a wall in my bedroom but this was enough for this weekend as poor Brent had to also put up new pictures and towel rails. Makes the house more functional and relaxing.
This morning Brent, Kalala, Measina and I did a walk for cancer fundraiser. We started at 10am and oh my gosh it was warm already! It's also been getting a lot warmer at night (and it's only Feb)- we'll be turning our air con back on very soon I think. It's been ok in the 25 daily but don't think that'll last.
Not much else to report - off to James Blunt next week in Dubai - which will be fun! May have a couple of days off the week after that (how desperate do I sound?!?!?) due to the prophet's birthday - will have to wait and see.
Happy Valentine's Day all! (Although I don't believe in it, it's still nice to share the love)

"Home" from NZ!

2009-01-31T14:32:00.002+04:00

Have been "home" from NZ for 2.5 days now and it feels like it was a LONG time ago already! Funny, when I'm here, NZ doesn't seem too far away but that flight is a killer! I know you folks in NZ love visits but so glad I only do it once a year - wears you out. Coming back is actually worse coz you've have a full on time while away. Also I handled the jet lag well there but flying against time is hard and exhausting. Anyway I had a fab time!
Flew into Wellington on the Saturday and was met by Susan (yay!). Crashed early that night after compulsory Japanese Thai. Sunday Mum came down and we all went shopping. There is so much that is hard to get here (believe it or not) and it was great to get out and know the shops and buy what I really want or need.
Spent the week tripping around visiting people - thanks to all who had me to stay and made the effort to catch up - appreciate it all. Brent flew down Friday morning and we had a night at my brother's farm which was great. We did dinner in Palmerston North the Saturday. He went home Sunday and we headed south again. Spent my last two days in Wellington doing last minute jobs and catching up with people.
Cried and cried when I flew out of Wellington - I definately miss family and close friends - and the things that are happening for them right now. The other thing that made me homesick (for NZ) was seeing my beautiful homeland - people say oh so clean and green when I say I'm from NZ - and I so agree - especially the colour of everything - it's amazing!
So am packed and working on sleeping past 3.30am - not easy :0) Ready for work tomorrow - looking forward to being back in routine.

Holidays!

2009-01-15T09:56:00.002+04:00

Ok so off on holiday this afternoon - no prizes for knowing where I'm going!
Fly out of AD tonight with Brent on Singapore Air which means a 7 hour stopover at Singapore Airport, then to Christchurch and on to Wellington. Susan's picking me up which will be great! Have incredible Japanese Thai cravings so know where we'll be heading that night...
Mum will be down the next day and I'll go back to Feilding with her on the Monday. Flying to Tauranga for a night on Tuesday. Thursday we'll head to Napier for the night to see Kels. Brent flies in Friday morning and gets to meet Mum and we'll stay at my brother's for a night before heading back to PNth where he'll fly out later that day. Sunday is down to my sister's then Wellington Monday for two days before flying out Tuesday night.
So pretty full on as you can tell! Hence I won't be blogging much but will post some pics etc when I get back. For those of you also on holiday - enjoy and keep safe! xxx

Chairman's Dinner

2009-01-11T10:32:00.002+04:00

Last Thursday we went to an amazing dinner at our Chairman's house in Dubai. He owns a whole block in Jumeria Beach by the Burj Al Arab (the one that looks like a sail) and his place is just stunning! There would have been about 130 people there and we sat outside on the "lawn", which was covered in carpet, at amazing tables. Before this however we'd had drinks and nibbles (oh divine nibbles) in the "courtyard" by the pool. Valet parking, someone to serve you every which way you turn...oh how the other half live!
Dinner was incredible - HUGE buffet with differnet sections - you could have fresh bbq, Mongolian, kebabs along with seafood for miles, hot dishes for ages and salads galore! And then there was the pudding table - plus fresh crepes cooked alongisde. WOW!
I had to use the bathroom at some stage of the night (as you do) which was inside. Part of the house is obviously the business end which we used. The long hallway down to the toilets was covered in framed pictures - our Chairman with Bill Clinton, Elton John, Prince Charles...you name the person, they were on the wall! As I was behaving myself, I didn't take my camera although some pics of the photo walls and of the bathroom would have been amazing!
Quiet weekend - trying to get organised for NZ - only 4.5 sleeps tilll I go - I fly out 1am Fri monring so not really a sleep. Looking forward to seeing so many of you. xxx

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T08:41:00.002+04:00

Hope you all had a wonderful New Years and wishing you all the best for a great year to come!
I had a fab break over New Years - I am so lucky to have Kalala and family here - makes me less homesick and much more fun to do things with them! We headed to Abu Dhabi to stay at a friend's apartment in town and basically explored, shopped, ate and drank - as you do. Was really nice and relaxing. Despite it being the middle of winter, the weather was beautiful - tshirts all the way!
One of the things we did was visited the Grand Mosque - one of the few that allows Non-Musilims in. They give the women an abiya and headscarf to wear which is very sensible. Kalala looked great in hers. As soon as I get pics off the camera, I'll post them.
Have two more weeks of work and then off to NZ for 10 days - am looking forward to everything about it except the flight. However I'm seeing a kiwi guy here and he's going home and back at the same time, so at least I'll have company on the long haul!
This Thursday we have a company dinner at our owner's house in Dubai - apparently very magnificent so will be interesting. But I'm really excited about shopping in the new HUGE Dubai mall on the Friday - have my priorities right!

Muscat, Oman

2008-12-30T08:47:00.004+04:00

Have just spent three days in an amazing place called Oman. It's the country next to ours and while some things are the same, some things are VERY different. The environment for one - it's very hilly and Muscat itself is spread out over inlets around the water. The climate is much warmer (although UAE is nothing to scoff at) and the people are very friendly.
We headed over Thursday night and relaxed that night - pretended it was Xmas Eve, not Xmas Day so that we could do Xmas properly on Friday. Friday was a day of exploring - Muscat has a lot of history and is big on it's forts - they're everywhere and in many sizes! The beach was close to the hotel and was great to walk along - so much happening everywhere. We also went to the souq(markets) - amazing - carpets, silk, silver, incense - goodies as far as the eye could see. Yes my purse was hurting afterwards but so worth it! The sights, sounds and smells were amazing.
There were plenty of great places to eat - Xmas dinner was in a nice Italian restaurant. Very authentic food and added to the holiday feel.
Saturday we explored a bit more and visited the Grand Mosque. As you have to cover up when there, I had to change into a skirt and long sleeved top in the car park (had been too hot to wear it all morning) and then wear a head scarf. I look so different all wrapped up and am so glad I don't have to do it all the time. However the mosque was simply amazing. It's huge and took 12 years to build. the carpet is the biggest in the world but hard to get a true picture of how amazing it is as it has blue sheets down over half of it for tourists to walk over. Took many pictures here.
We also dabbled in a bit of rug shopping for my sister. I couldn't choose so we got the two I really liked - she likes them too! Luckily I didn't have to do the bargining as I'm just no good at it - used to paying the price I hear I guess.
On Sunday we came home a different way and went through Nizwa where stopped for a while. This is the old capital of Oman and has an amazing fort and souq right in the middle of it. However as much as it's meant to be geared for toursits, some things need improvement - like nearby eating places, signage and toilets! These things would make the experience much nicer. However I still manged to be in awe of the histroy and the shopping was still great!
The drive home from there seemed very long and much of the same - imagine driving through the Desert Road in NZ for 3 hours with a few less bends. Was quite tiring. However did get a second wind when home - so much unpacking of shopping to do!
So a recommended holiday for anyone considering it - plenty to do and see. The next holiday is in three weeks - home to NZ for 10 days - very excited!

Xmas Day

2008-12-25T08:07:00.003+04:00

So it's Xmas Day here and after days and days of sunshine (don't get much else here!) today is very low fog and a bit dismal. The funny is that it reminds me of NZ as normally Xmas Day gets a bit like that! However have had good hot weather reports from NZ so pleased for you all.
Strange feeling being at work Xmas Day - the staff here we work with are amazingly respectful that we';re celebrating Xmas Day and we've all done little things to support each other. Not quite the same though.
Funny coz I never used to be a huge Xmas Day kind of girl but am missing my family big time and friends, the build up and the great food!
Love and peace to you all wherever you are! xxx

Merry Xmas Everyone!

2008-12-23T08:51:00.003+04:00

Hi all - sorry for delay in blogging - been quite sick with a cold and as exams are starting here, things have been full on! The first semester finishes the 15th Jan so not much time off for Xmas - work the 25th but do get the 28th off to make up for it - so 3 day weekend!
Due to it not feeling like Xmas - partly because it's not big here (although the lights are still up for National Day and one can pretend) and also coz I'm not with my family, I'm going away to Muscat for the three days. It's in the next country, Oman, and is only a 3 hour drive away. It sounds like a great place and will be good to explore locally a bit. So keep an eye out for pics.
The weekend after that we get three days for New Years so I'll be spending time with Kalala and co - we'll go to Abu Dhabi for a night and hang out - nice and relaxing.
Am looking forward to NZ - very full on schedule already but if I haven't been in touch, remind me and we'll see if we can catch up!
PS - No I still haven't solved the Jack the Ripper mystery!

Afterwards...

2008-12-13T20:02:00.003+04:00

Yes I love London! Doesn't matter that it was cold - it was all part of the experience. Thanks so much to Lisa and Rhys for being a fab part of it all.
Have developed a wicked cold since I've been home though - being frozen and changing seasons will do that to you. Yes it's winter here but I can still wear tshirts and need my air con on in the car. So have just spent the past few days taking it quietly, unpacking and preapring myself to go back to work tomorrow.
Next stop - NZ in 5 weeks time - not looking forward to the flight but very excited about seeing everone! xxx

Day Seven

2008-12-13T19:59:00.004+04:00

My last day...sniff! Decided to do a Hop On, Hop Off bus tour to see if there was anything I'd missed. Turns out I picked the coldest day in London to do it but was great to see the places I'd been (which was most of them) and to see the odd ones I'd missed as well as hear more about the area on the audio provided. Got off the bus absolutely frozen and found a nice warm restaurant to spend the afternoon in - drinking mulled wine and going through my pics. Left for Heathrow at 5 and had a quick night flight home.

Day Six

2008-12-13T19:59:00.001+04:00

Today was a shopping day. Decided I wasn’t worried about my luggage (turns out I should have been but paid the excess!) Went down Oxford and Regent Streets – picking up little bits for people. Caught the National Rail out to Greenwich – lovely and historical out there. The royal observatory was interesting and I imagine quite scenic on a nicer day! Had a nice dinner out and relaxed at the hotel – had done so much walking over the last 5 days – my feet were sooooo sore!

Day Five

2008-12-13T19:52:00.000+04:00

Headed over to the East End for a look around – interesting place! Saw the largest mosque in the area and visited local recommended eateries. Went to Petticoat Lane markets – wonderful just to wander – so much available but was already worried about the amount of luggage I had! Met up with Rhys and we visited Brick Lane and Spitalfields markets. We then headed to the south end for a look before walking over London Bridge. Rhys hadn’t been to tower of London or over the Tower Bridge so he let me play tour guide from the outside and was quite impressed with what I knew! Mum – you’re in good hands next July!(as long as I can remember it all!) After that we went ice skating at the tower. I was nervous to say the least and only lasted two laps before being so sore and cold. Rhys did 8 and was really getting the hang of it. We went for a drink at a great pub – the Coal hole – before I headed off on a Jack the Ripper night time walking tour. It was really interesting – am now reading a book trying to decide who I think he was!

Day Four

2008-12-13T19:50:00.001+04:00

Slightly warmer day this day – most days were around 4-5 degrees but think this was about 10! Caught tube to Knightsbridge and thought I’d beat the rush to Harrods! Yeah right – everyone has the same idea! Anyway had a look around there, wandered through Hyde Park, past Kensington palace and the memorials to Diana and then decided to check out Portobello Road markets – crazy place! Lots of signs about pickpockets so was a bit worried and held on as tight as I could! Was so tired after that, caught a cab home and had a nap before heading out to explore Edgeware Road – quite an Arabic area. My henna-ed hands were a hit and got me a free meal in an Arabic/Lebanese restaurant – chatted away to the locals – very interesting. Also it was VIP day which meant roads were shut off for shoppers – it would normally take me 35 mins to walk down and back – for fun I tried it that night and it took me nearly 2 hours due to the crowds – nuts!

Day Three

2008-12-13T19:46:00.003+04:00

Met up with Lisa in the morning and went down to Buckingham Palace. Picked a bad time as they were doing the change of guards and it was packed – but still great to be there. Moved hotels after lunch – this one was in Marble Arch, just around the corner from Oxford St so we HAD to spend the afternoon shopping! That night we headed to the Roundhouse in Camden to see Fat Freddy’s Drop – a Wellington reggae band – was great and even made me homesick!

Day Two

2008-12-13T19:46:00.001+04:00

Got up early again – went on an all day bus tour called Discovering London. Great guide. Had half an hour of rain in the morning which was the only rain I had my whole trip – so lucky! We went to St Paul’s – amazing building – lit a candle for Dad and cried – but what a place to do it! Moved on to the changing of the horse guard – very ceremonious and official. After this we saw a bit of London before having lunch on a boat on the Thames. We then went for a cruise – I froze! – down to Tower of London. This was incredible – all that I’ve read about in books – just so easy to imagine when there. Could not get over the size of the ravens – quite spooky really. Headed back to hotel to meet Lisa – an old student teacher and great friend from NZ who’s been living there for a year. Catching up was great! Wandered around, had great Italian and a few drinks.

Day One

2008-12-13T19:45:00.004+04:00

Got up early and went wandering. Was heading in direction of London Eye, saw lots of police around and asked what was going on. They looked at me like I was from another planet, which basically I was! They said parliament was going into state (or something) and would I like to see the Queen? So I said yes, they told me to come back at 11 and they’d save me a place. So I went on the London Eye (awesome!), saw Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and wandered around that area. Got back to spot at 11 where they’d put a big cone to save a place for me – so nice! So got to see her ride past and took pics. Headed off to Madame Tussaud’s which I really enjoyed – thought most of the figures were really good. Then went to London Dungeon which was ok. Walked home via the tower Bridge – amazing as it was getting dark (4.30pm!) and such a thrill. Met Rhys (friend from NZ) for dinner – enjoyed a nice flash French restaurant, then wandered around through Chinatown and down Regent St. He then taught me how to ride the tube – yay – such a thrill (so easy!).

We’re off to London to see the Queen…

2008-12-13T19:45:00.003+04:00

…Well not really but I did! I had a great week away and will blog about each day in following blogs. Had a good flight there, arrived just after lunch and driving to my hotel on the Strand was amazing – was blown away by the history I could see all around me. My hotel was well located for what I wanted to do and enjoyed the black cabs – so roomy! Did a bit of shopping when I landed, had a bite to eat and went to the Dirty Dancing show. Great show but when I got home it was 2.30am UAE time and was pretty knackered!

7s Day Two

2008-11-29T23:10:00.003+04:00

After not enough sleep, we were on the way again! Another sunny day but had a huge sandstorm this morning as those of you watching on tv will have seen - games continued - Tui even played in it! But made us pretty dusty for the rest of the day.
Highlight of the day? Meeting DJ Forbes - NZ's captain - such an awesome guy and quite cute up close. I do have a pic as evidence but it's on Kalala's camera so will post it tomorrow. They had just played Kenya and won even though it looked shaky for a while there. We told him he'd given us a scare, he laughed and said they'd had one too and that they were nervous about playing England that afternoon. He also said England would have most of the crowd support so we promised we'd be as vocal as possible in our wee corner. In saying that, as it turned out, yes England did have an incredible amount of support but NZ were popular too.
However that leads to the lowlight of the day - we lost to England in the semi final - 21-19. They just ran all over us in the first half. We almost caught up in the second half - one missed conversion was what was needed to have drawn and gone into extra time. Gutted? We sure were. However we all got together and did a haka for them on our stand as they moved around the field thanking fans - they stopped and watched us - amazing feeling - everyone rushed to watch and I KNOW we were on tv!
We were a bit flat after that but swung into supporting South Africa in the final - they were playing England and there was NO way we were going to cheer for red and white. Thrilling final and South Afirica pulled it off in the last seconds of the game.
Sevens are great wherever they are but having the opportunity to attend the Dubai ones was amazing. So a huge thanks to Brent for organising so much of it - and thanks to all the kiwis I went with - real and honourary!

Sevens Day One

2008-11-28T22:05:00.003+04:00

Awesome day! 36 of us (all Kiwis bar 1 SA, 1 American and 2 Aussies) went to Duabi 7s today - we caught minivans there and most of us were wearing the tshirts we got made - looked awesome!
Great venue, warm as, awesome seats and lots of fun. Not as jammed as Wellington which was really nice. Kiwis played well winning all games, as did Samoa. Some of our boys, including Tui and Wayne, are playing in the local tournament and they won all their games as well - tomorrow's gonna be an interestng day!
Kids came today but won't tomorrow as we'll be home much later and it would be a long two days for them. Jamin and I wandered down to give Gordy a few tips for the game - pic attached. Nice, nice guy - very friendly and great with the kids! Thanks to Tui they also all got to meet the Samoan 7s team and get pics and autographs - just in heaven!
Not as many people get dressed up in costumes as they do for the 7s in Wgtn but there were still a few. Most people were quite relaxed. The merchandise was amazing with huge selections so spent a bit of dosh there.
Anyway another early start in the am so off to bed- hoping to see a good kiwi haka tomorrow night - will prob cry!

Henna

2008-11-28T21:51:00.001+04:00

Finally got my hand henna-ed - they were doing it at school to get ready for National Day. A 15 year old did mine - she was very talented. It's like a thick gooey, smelly paste and can't imagine it's that easy to work with!
Once the paste is dried you rub it off and are left with bright orange stains - which deepen in colour overnight and then look amazing for a couple of days and then fade over a week or so - so will have mine for London!
Pics attached :0)

National Day

2008-11-27T11:26:00.002+04:00

Next week - the 2nd of Dec - is National Day here - it's been 37 years since the Emirates were united and the celebrations are a big deal - seriously guys - a BIG deal! The whole place is kitted out in lights (no small feat in a city our size) and everywhere is selling flags, costumes, badges, etc - all with the Shiek (the one who did the uniting but has now passed) on them. At school every morning this week they promoted it in assembly and have been selling flag earrings etc at break.
So today Sara (my translator) and I were invited to see the children's parade through town happening - my two PE teachers helped to co-ordinate it so we went to see. As it was close to Kalala's we picked up her and Measina too for a look.
It was so well organised and the children looked amazing! I was allowed to wander and talk to the children waiting to go out into the parade line and have photos - so lucky. Kalala was amazed at all the REAL gold the children were wearing! Measina just loved the colour and noise - she even waved a flag enthusiatically!
Apparently the actual day is full on everywhere - parades, food, singing - the works! I won't be here to see it all because I'll be winging my way to London but I don't feel I've missed out - the build up has been amazing!

Yay - a Tyre!

2008-11-27T07:23:00.002+04:00

You can not believe how happy no longer driving around on a space saver makes me! What would have been such a simple thing at home was a nightmare to do here but got sorted yesterday and I'm in a much better frame of mind - just did not feel safe on the space saver - especially in this country!
There's some things that seem so easy at home but take a lot of effort here - such as a new tyre (for me anyway!), getting your phone installed if you live in a newly built building and trying to explain where to have something delivered to. Then there's things that would be big deals at home and are not here - can't think of any examples at the mo but will - promise!
Have attached pics of the "fraud house" - it is about 1 min away from my school and we drive past it every day. It's huge and all walled off - has a helicopter landing area and it's own mosque. Apparently has a ballroom too! Basically apparently a non Emirati businessman started to build this, high up people got wind of it, said "you can't live in something like that - it's fit for royalty", had him investigated for fraud (hence the name) and found guilty (whether he was or not) and thrown in jail and work has stopped on the house. Now only the sheik and family can have it and are still deciding whether to buy it or not...taking their sweet time apparently. If work does not continue on it within 14-18 months, it'll have to be pulled down because of the time it will have sat in it's current state. So how much of this is true? Who knows but it's a good local legend!
As for the last long post, it's amazing how many people asked if that was about them. No - I don't need to dig at people, it was just saying to people not in this country that things are not all easy. And at times some problems are teh same, regardless of where in the world you are.
Ok life is about to get very busy - I will try to blog where and when I can but forgive me if they're short and not at all over the next two weeks!

Think It's Time for A Break!

2008-11-25T13:27:00.002+04:00

Roll on Dubai 7s, roll on London next week and roll on NZ in Jan! :0) Am really looking forward to being with you if you're going to be at one (or more) of those! xxx

Culture Shock

2008-11-25T13:15:00.002+04:00

We've been told about culture shock and I guess it's always expected. But am struggling with a few things that are just this place and a few things that I guess could happen anywhere but seem magnified because you have a smaller group of people to care about and be with.
Will start with the things that are about this place - as previously mentioned need a new tyre. It has taken me three nights and loads of haggling by my dealer and his driver (with me standing useless in the background) to get me two decent quality new ones that can go on my car. Yes two coz can't get exactly the same and need to be even. So after weeding out the liars and dodgy suppliers, I have paid someone to do it tonight. Getting a receipt was hard but got it in the end - was so reluctant to hand over the cash until the job was done to my satisfaction but just not how it works here. Also what time should I drop the car off? Hmmm maybe 4.30, maybe 5, maybe 6, would I consider 7pm? Heck no! Don't want to be in that part of town at that time of the night. So will go (not on my own) at 4.30 and attempt to lay down the law. Wish me luck!
Another culture shock issue is the laid back attitude - it'll happen. All year we've been worried about curriculum coverage and teachers having enough time with students and getting stuff done - it'll happen...yeah right! Now our poor teachers may be working Fridays and Saturdays with students to make sure they're ready for exams in 3 weeks! Just wouldn't happen at home.
Not so much about culture is the realisation how much I depend on the other ex pats around me for normality and how "right" I think I am! The "rules" about interactions and appropriateness seem to have gone out the window - is that coz we're a small group and rely on each other? Or have people always been like this and I've never noticed? For example if you ask for someone's advice, don't so blatantly go against it the following week and if you know someone's busy with something, don't try and tempt them to your 'better' offer - I used to believe this and thought more people did. However the cutting in thing is very common here and bound to be absorbed, and the advice thing - well I am young and guess relatively inexperienced compared to people here so should just go with the flow and enjoy my learning curve.
Not whinging - just reflecting - hopefully it's all part of making me a better person while on my journey. :0)

DIshes

2008-11-24T07:09:00.003+04:00

Have been trying for a while to get a good pic of the satellite dishes here. The free TV isn't that great but LOTS of channels on sat dishes. What cracks me up is that some people live in the most run down hovels but have a satellite dish - shows where their priorities are!

Brats anyone?

2008-11-23T12:06:00.002+04:00

Ha ha just realised when I posted the photos that I have none of the kids enjoying the water - the main point of the trip! Will get some :0)

Brat Camp Explained

2008-11-23T11:34:00.002+04:00

http://www.southtravels.com/middleeast/uae/dreamlandaquapark/

Ok some of you have tried to match my Facebook comments up to this and I now realise I have been a little confusing. Last weekend we were going to go away to a water park but it got moved to the weekend just been. As it was 7 "families" going away with lots of kids - we were calling it "Brat Camp". So as you can guess, we went this weekend!
It was a great facility - have provided a bookmark for it above - things in this country are so geared for kids and ease for parents. Took two hours to get there but the place is really well laid out with loads of lifegaurds and the whole thing felt very safe.
The park is next to the Arabian Gulf which made for spectacular scenery. Unfortunately my camera only lasted until Friday night (must remember to charge it much more for London!) so I don't have any pics of the rides etc - will steal some off the others for here.
Spent all Friday going up and down the rides etc with the kids - was great - good excuse to have fun - especially when I mostly had Kiana who's 7, Anja who's 3 and Niamh who's 5 - they needed adult supervision! (Any excuse eh...) However one ride was called the Kamikaze - HUGE slides that go very fast - I got to the top and badly wanted to chicken out but had the 5 year old waiting behind me - had to save face - OMG! Only did it once!
The park was really well laid out, well supervised, reasoanbly priced (considering you couldn't take food and drink in) and even though it was busy think the longest I waited for a ride was about 4 mins! They have cabins on site so we booked 7 to stay the night. The price included food for a bbq, breakfast and great facilities (with air con!) Luxury camping I tell you. I stayed with G and her two girls - there was plenty of room and comfty air beds.
That night we had a big bbq all together - quite funny coz we are all kiwis and sat around, had a few drinks, sang some songs, chatted away and ate BBQ food - could have been at home! Made us think of NZ that's for sure. Beautiful sunset - which you'll kind of see in one of the pics - just finished it all off. Also we were allowed access to some pools etc once the main crowd had gone and the park was closed as we were staying right inside it - and they provided two lifeguards still - the kids were in heaven! There was also a belly dancer provided but I was knackered so crashed before she came. However everyone said they had a good time and of course some (boys) stayed up til the wee hours...as you do!
Yesterday we got up and cooked some more bbq for brekkie, went off swimming and relaxed until check out at 12. We could have stayed the afternoon but were all tired so made our way home slowly. Amazing trip though - great facility and no doubt we'll return.
Have the 7s this weekend so now trying to gear up for that as well as getting organised for London whihc is only two days later! Yay, yay, yay!
Bit of a quiet week at work as there's baseline exams and not much we can do to help - and we're not spending too much time with teachers so they can get assessment done. Paperwork week coming on. :0)
Hope you NZ people are getting some sunshine and warmth - it is cooling down here but still lovely during the day!

Happy Birthday to me...

2008-11-18T20:29:00.002+04:00

Well have had a lovely couple of days being spoilt for my birthday! The actual day was Sunday and did girly things with the others that night and pampered myself - nice.
Last night (the 17th) 16 of us went to Trader Vic's at the Rotana Hotel for dinner - it was really awesome. I have been getting lots of phone calls, skype calls, texts, emails and Facebook messages (thanks everybody!) and was really missing some NZ people but was totally fussed over by my UAE family which really helped. We had a relaxing evening and they brought out a cake afterwards for me which was unexpected but lovely!
Am hanging out for being in London in 2 more weeks - work is very very busy with exams and no team leader as such and covering work - roll on the holidays! Will be an expensive trip but well worth it! :0) Well I plan to make it very worth it!
Had a wee incident tonight - a guy came up behind me driving silly and I moved slightly (hoping to get out of his way) and ripped my tyre and smashed my mag on the curb. So a friend came and helped me put my space saver on (hate those things!) and I wnet to my dealer to replace it. I was informed that I should have stayed put, rung the police, waited for them and got a police report! I was like 'why?' Well no repair jobs can be done without it - I tried to explain it wasn't an accident as such - just misjudgement. It was suggested to me that I go and change the tyre back somewhere - ie set up the scene, call the cops and get a report. I was like 'bugger that!' and said just order the parts - I'll pay. It would have affected my no claims bonus on insurance anyway. Think the car guys thought I was nuts but I think it's crazy I need a police report to get my own mistake fixed! So I have a new mag on order and can only drive at 80kms an hour for the next week - lucky I wasn't planning on going anywhere too far in my car! So strange though...when in Rome etc etc I guess!

Where does time go?

2008-11-15T18:50:00.002+04:00

OK so I've been here for just over three months now and it's as good a time as any to reflect. I am loving my time here, and feel I've grown so much as a person. Such a cliche but I'm more open minded, willing to take risks and paitent (hard to believe I know!)
I keep thinking of things to put on my blog but when it gets down to writing it, I've forgotten them! We were going to go away this weekend but have moved it to next weekend for a number of reasons. Then weekend after that is 7s (go NZ!) And thankfully we've had our holiday break extended by 3 days so I'm actually leaving for London the morning of the 2nd Dec and back the night of the 10th. Am so excited but had to go shopping for some winter clothes to get me through the first couple of days there - so hard to find that sort of thing and then to try them on in the heat!
Mind you it is cooling down a bit now - winter is here next month and we're down to 18-20 degrees at 6.30am. But still gets up to 28-30 during the day. Occasionally wear long sleeved tops at night - prob would be easier to alter air con! :0) But kinda nice to wear soemthing else at times.
Had a sand storm tonight. Was out waiting for a taxi to go get my car from being serviced when it blew up - quite freaky really. Got a pic but doesn't really capture it. Don't miss the rain as such but it is dry here - Al Ain has a drier climate than most of the emirate.

Busy Weekend!

2008-11-09T18:42:00.003+04:00

Oh it is soooo good to have a great shopping buddy again! Kalala had a blast at Marina Mall on Friday - although after a few hours of walking around, we were all kinda over the size of the place! And Tui made a good shopping partner Saturday at the Al Ain Mall where we got more stuff for their house. So things are really starting to get settled there.
This weekend we're all heading to a water fun place overnight - other side of Duabi and has a great bar for the night along with a bbq - or so we've been told. Then I have a birthday to celebrate, a weekend to get organised, the 7s the weekend after that then two days of work and off to London - yes just a little excited!
Saw the aftermath of a very yukky accident the other night - an emirati man got hit while trying to cross the road - one of the roads you can do 120kms on - yes they have those in town. Judging by what we saw he was in a very bad way and ahrdly anyone was stopping or warning oncoming traffic that there had been an accident. Was very unpleasant and made us all very quiet. I know accidents happen but the high accident/death rate here could be lowered so much if people just slowed down and drove a little more carefully and with awareness. Just one of the things I guess happens here.

Long Week

2008-11-06T17:25:00.003+04:00

This week we have worked six days due to needing to make up a day that was an extra given to us in the last hols - despite the fact that our company still worked it! Anyway it is finally the weekend - and two glorious days stretch out in front of me!
Am going to Abu Dhabi tomorrow - taking Kalala and Tui to IKEA for shopping (daresay I'll do some too!) Little bit nervous as I haven't driven there before - well not in the actual city - but if I can do Duabi, AD should be a breeze...hah! The trusty GPS will definately be on.
Saturday should be a fairly relaxing day - have some jobs to do though - including working out how to get an identity card. It's a new thing out and all expats have to get one by Xmas. Sounds like the wait where you go is horrendous though - one person we know was in line from 1pm-5pm and then had to come back the next day as she hadn't made it to the counter before they closed. OMG! Will tell you about my experience when it's my turn for sure!
The weather is cooling here - most days it's about 30-32 degrees and am turning my air con off at night. Kalala and Tui are still happy with how warm it is - coming from the icy temps of NZ, I'm not surprised! yes still put on tshirts etc when I get out of teh shower, but have thought a cardi would be nice on a few occasions - well will be able to buy something in London when I'm there in four weeks!
Am watching the NZ election with interest - very impressed with America's choice - good luck to Obama! (Huge talking point here)

Catching Up!

2008-11-03T17:02:00.002+04:00

Ok no excuses - but have been busy hanging out with my "family" - it's so great to have Kalala, Tui, Kiana and Measina here. There's a number of reasons - mostly because having them here feels normal - like home just got a bit closer or something. It doesn't seem quite real that they're here to stay - almost more like a holiday. Tui has started work though and Kalala has a rental car so that makes them a little more permanent.
Took Kalala for her first trip to Dubai yesterday - had to pick up a friend so she came for a ride. A friend described Dubai as "Los Vegas on steriods" - but she loved it as much as I do. We came home after only covering half of one level at the Mall of the Emirates but we have 2-3 years to get through the rest!
Long story but didn't end up needing to do the border run - lots of people labour contracts came through the day before. The funny was that Dave went but didn't have his camera so I lent him mine - only for him to get it confiscated off him! He got two pics before being called over. Now Dave's a great guy and not an intentional law breaker so was rather surprised until they told him no photos and took the camera. No idea how he got it back, but he did and was too nervous to take any more! I haven't seen the pics yet but funny story anyway.
Mo-vember has started here via the rugby club - Tui's signed up so at the end of the month I'll share his progress with you. Lots of our SIPs guys are doing it and will sport beautiful mos for the sevens at the end of this month! Quite good timing!

New Car!

2008-10-29T07:36:00.002+04:00

Finally I have my new car - so happy! It's a Dodge Caliber 2008 and is lovely. Has awesome interior, MP3 dock, chiller for my drinks, lovely handling and is just a great car to drive. Despite my early fears I'm loving driving here. Yes you get cut off - especially at roundabouts and everyone drives fast, but hey when in Rome, do as the Romans do! (Just kidding - still practicing my safe driving skills!) It's very reasonably priced so the monthly payments aren't going to affect my travel plans - especially not with the shocking NZ dollar at the mo!
I'm annoyingly excited today because Kalala and Tui fly in tonight - am so very happy! Will be at the airport to pick them up and will spend the next couple of days at the hotel with them before they move into their new 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom and maid's room apartment!
Doing a border run this Saturday - some of our staff's families haven't had their visas come through yet so need to head to Oman to get extensions. Only people who own cars can take people as rentals here don't have insurance for Oman whereas we have. So will attempt to get some interesting pics of all that!

Ok, ok...

2008-10-25T09:16:00.002+04:00

...so I wouldn't win a prize for most regular blogging but I can assure you if I'm not blogging it's because I'm working too hard and having too much fun!
Another week down! Time is def going quick - soon I'll have been here for 3 months - so hard to believe! Work is busy, busy, busy - this week we have a monitoring agency visit to look at us and teh school - so lots of paperwork, lots of meetings this week and in the middle of it all, Kalala and Tui arrive! That's so cool though - I am really excited!
So they fly in Wed night and hopefully I'll have my car by then. I know - I was hoping for it last Thursday too but only one person here (within my bank) deals with car finance and she's been away sick. Will call her today to see how things are going - maybe tomorrow it'll be sussed - inshallah!
No new pics sorry! The camera lives in the bag but no time to get it out.
Hope everything is going well with you all - am home in Jan for two weeks so any requests, let me know!

Catching Up

2008-10-17T11:44:00.002+04:00

Firstly apologies for not having Martin's blog link properly set up - it is now. For those of you who don't know who Martin is - he was my principal at Paremata School and is currently working in this part of the world.
Secondly sorry for not having blogged all week - it's been a busy full on one. Last weekend I had a friend's two wee girls to stay - lots of fun but was knackered at the end of it. The funny for me was when we were in the taxi and Anja - the 3 year old - took the money out of my hand, gave it to the driver and thanked him in arabic. She continued to do this for each and every ride afterwards.
The highlight of this week was that I finally got my passport back with my residency in it - for 3 years. Now on Sunday I get to go to Dubai for my driver's licence. As our sponsor is based in Dubai we have to do admin things there like that - DL, car registrations and the like. So once I have my DL I can have my car so hopefully this time next week I'll be driving around and independant.
The other night a friend and I went up Jabal Hafeet - it's a large mountain made out of sand and is lit all the way up. Hard to explain but amazing to experience. Heaps of people were up the top - there's a huge car park, cafeteria and seats everywhere - just incredible. Also up the top were lots of cats everywhere - they depend on the visitors to feed them. Attached is a pic of Al Ain from the top - next time we'll stop at a car park partway up and get a pic of all of Al Ain - it's actually a lot bigger and more spread out than I realised.
Last day we had a company dinner at the Hotel Rotana - the invite said bbq - well not at all like what we do in NZ - but it was a huge buffet meal that was absolutely divine. It was so good to catch up with everyone - if people aren't in your building or school, you tend to not get to see them much - however when I get my car it'll be easier.
Only another 6 weeks until I head to London - very excited about that!

Where does time go?

2008-10-09T22:30:00.002+04:00

Hi there - sorry to those of you who check this regularly and have started to grumble to me that I haven't updated it! The honeymoon period at work is definately over and it's all go! Just can't believe that it's the end of the working week already!
Was good to be at work and see the teachers - after a month you feel like part of the "normal" scene now and that you're developing great friendships with them all - which is important to me - after all who I am to come to their place and "tell" them what to do? Of course I don't do that but I can imagine thinking "What do you know about our country and what we do?" if the roles were reversed. However have suggested a few things (schway schway) and nice to see theose ideas taking effect. Also everyone is not as tired or grumpy now they're not fasting - and I'm loving being able to drink water when I like! People who have been skyping with me will know that I just can't get enough water - it's def the right climate to drink lots of it.
Also have been busy with the gym this week - go and work out after school - otherwise if I go home and sit on the couch, it'll be all over red rover. So by the time I've been to school, worked out, been for a swim and found a taxi to get me home, there's not much day left to do much else.
Yes - still at the mercy of taxis - most of my group got their passports back this week with their residency - however since they "lost" my photos two weeks ago and "forgot" to get me to sign my UAE Labour Contract until Saturday, mine's a little behind the 8-ball. No idea when I will get it but am pleased for the others that their process is moving along - people with families and who need to sponser their partners, maids, etc have much more to sort out than me - mine's all about the car! (Ie - freedom!) Anyhow Inshallah I'll get it back this week.
Have a quiet weekend planned - lots of paperwork to do as we have an inspection agency coming end of Oct - bit like ERO for those of you in NZ. Am also babysitting a friend's wee girls and getting in some practice for Kalala's wee ones. (Not long now - yipee!)
Sorry there's no photo updates - have been very slack about getting the camera out of the bag - but will make more of an effort from now - promise!

Back to school...

2008-10-04T20:23:00.004+04:00

Ok so back to school tomorrow - having this past week off was great but am looking forward to more time off when I have a passport and wheels.
Ramadan is now finished for another 11 months - thanks goodness it's like Xmas and only comes once a year. Although the time is very important to the locals' religion, I do think they're glad it's over for now - a month is a long time! Shop hours are now back to normal and you can get a taxi anytime again - ie not having to worry about iftar or crazy driving because they're hungry - no, now it's just the standard mad driving! The best part for me is being allowed to drink water again anywhere at any time - in a taxi, in a mall and best of all - at the gym! So now I can have water, I've started going regularly - have a personal trainer who's a little scary even though she's young and half my size!
Been just hanging out the last few days - catching up on paperwork and housework (although my cleaner starts this week!) A friend who works with me has gone home to NZ - her dad died unexpectedly - so there was a rush trying to get her tickets and make sure everything was sorted or covered while she's gone. Soooo much to think about when you have to leave the country quickly.
Anyway like the title says - back to school tomorrow - looking forward to it - will be fun to see the teachers and find out what they got up to for Eid and they'll all be wearing their new dresses they brought for it. Will be good to get back into the swing of it - although now the hard work really starts!

PS Explaining the toilet sign

2008-10-01T13:42:00.002+04:00

Have had a few requests from people asking me to tell which is which on the toilet sign - the white outline is the mens and the black is the womens - this shows a man wearing his white dashdash (I think that's what it's called) and a lady wearing her black abiya. But takes a while to work out when you're busting let me tell you! So then you look on the door for just one of these images and you're in the right place! Very different from our stick figures!

Aw shucks guys...

2008-10-01T13:35:00.001+04:00

Thank you so much for your emails and comments about my last blog – you’re so sweet. I’m just going through what sounds like you’ve all experienced – appreciate that most of you knew how I was feeling.
After re reading the blog on Monday and realizing feeling a little down is just not me, I jumped on last minute.com (love this site) and booked myself for two nights in a 5 star hotel in Dubai. It was only $260 NZ a night and sounded great.
So now I had a place to stay and had packed my bags, I needed to get there so I caught a taxi to the bus station! A wee experience all in itself – the bus station is crazy! As soon as I got out of the taxi, all these drivers rushed up to me trying to take my bag and telling me they’d take me to Duabi for 150 dhs. Well was I confused! Finally saw someone wearing a bus uniform, who directed me to the ticket office and got a ticket for 20dhs (much better price). Problem – bus was full – so I thought I’d have to wait for next one but no because women must only sit in the first two “rows”, they moved a young guy off the bus and gave me a little seat to myself – not too far away from the driver – which turned out to be a good thing coz he’s frown or shout at any guys who tried to talk to me. I just put my ipod on (thanks again for that amazing present you guys!) and watched the desert roll by.
Got a taxi from the bus station to the hotel – I was staying in downtown Burj Dubai. You may remember a while ago an email circulated with an amazing (and scary!) view from the top off a new building being built in Duabi? Well it’s called the Burj Duabi and my gosh it is TALL! It’s not finished yet but you can’t miss it.
When we pulled up at the hotel – I just laughed – couldn’t believe I was staying there. It’s called The Palace, Old Town and is just like a palace. When I found out what it normally costs to stay a night there, I can see why I was out of place in my shorts and t-shirt! Beautiful place, amazing room and lovely service – I wanna go back!
So I settled in, got room service and then headed to the Mall of the Emirates. Now this is the biggest mall in Duabi and has so many amazing shops. My credit card was smoking after that visit. It also has a massive ski field in it – my picture will not do it justice I’m sorry.
It was here at the mall I was reminded just how small this world is and how some people are meant to be in your life. A friend of mine Iain (who’ll love this story!) had hooked me up with a friend of his on Facebook who he used to work with in the UK – he’s now moved to NZ and she’s living in Dubai. So Rochelle and I had touched base when I got here, then she’d invited me to a hen’s party Friday night but I couldn’t go due to work and tiredness so I said to her I’d catch up with her when I was there this week. However I realized I’d left her phone number at home when I arrived in Duabi and was kicking myself. So I was in Boots (one of MANY shops in the mall), went to leave, couldn’t get down the middle aisles, went to the far one and headed down and walked past this person. Thought to myself ‘hmmmm she looks familiar”, then walked past a guy who also looked familiar (her partner Scott) so took a chance and said “Rochelle?” Now bear in mind I’ve never met this person – only seen her pics on Facebook. It was her – and she knew it was me once I’d said her name – what a laugh! Out of all the places either of us could have been that night, we ended up in the same aisle of Boots recognizing each other from photos. Needless to say we swopped phone numbers!
Tuesday morning I woke up and the clock said 11.30 – now I must point out I didn’t realize it was morning and thought to myself how strange – I went to bed after 11.30 – clock must be wrong. Imagine my surprise when I checked my phone and yes it was 11.30am! Darn dark curtains in hotel room! I’d missed my massage at 11am but the spa was lovely and moved it to 2pm. Got some pool time (fab pool), had a hot stone massage and then went sight seeing with the hotel driver. Yes girls I could go on and on about the amazing spa clinic and massage and treatments and freebies and service and ultimate pampering – but I’ll tell you about it when the boys aren’t reading! (Kalala – you and I are going here for a weekend- start preparing Tui!)
Went for a sightseeing drive – saw Burj Al Arab which is iconic for it’s shape – if you google an image, you’ll know what I’m talking about – it’s the one that looks a bit like a sail to me. Also went to The Palms – obviously you don’t get the same effect from the road as you do from the air – but the houses! The centre part is all apartments where you can stay (ie not permanent homes) and then out on the palms themselves are the most incredible places. Shudder to think what they’re worth. The World is still being built but am sure it will be even more extravagant. Reclaiming the land in such a design focused way is very typical of here.
Met up with Rochelle, her partner Scott and their friends Kirsty and John for dinner last night – went to Leftbank which was very trendy but relaxing. Then we realized it was Ladies Night in Dubai – which means free drinks – so jumped in taxis and went to a few places, collecting 2-4 free drinks at each. Fantastic! Ended up at an Irish bar which was great – very relaxed and crowded – lots of interesting people.
Was still tired when I woke up this am but needed to check out and get on the road for home – had a fab time away and so nice to make new friends and see new things – will be doing a trip back to Dubai as soon as I have my own wheels!
Am going to relax this afternoon – and unpack all my hotel goodies! Have the gym and other appointments tomorrow, work to do Friday, heading to Abu Dhabi with Dave on Saturday and back to school Sunday. But feeling a lot better – getting out and doing new things always helps!

Surreal...

2008-09-29T10:40:00.003+04:00

Hi all
Am on holiday this week - a little frustrating as no passport (next week) and no car (next week) so feel a little cooped up - trying to relax and enjoy the quietness and the chance to catch up on sleep and work but would love to be out doing more! Guess that'll all happen next week! :0)
This whole adventure feels a littel surreal at times - even though I knew some things wouldn't change or be different just because I'd moved countries, and that there's the same problems no matter where in the world you are, I think the newness of everything is getting to me a bit. I can't just go back to the comfortable I know - such as the dear friends I have back home who know everything about me and who I know I can trust and talk to. It's so new here and getting to know and udnerstand people, the work team and systems is really hard at times. Not complaining - love a challenge but can be hard to be steady and level when there's so much going on. People do say I seem calm and supportive and even - that's nice as I'm trying to be.
There's things I'm considering that I never have before and that's scary - have I really changed so much in 7 weeks or are my eyes just open more?
Wow re-reading this I sound a little homesick and I guess in a way I am - not for NZ as such - just for the familiar and dare I say it - safe. But you know this is temporary - I am loving it here, just working out what's changed and how I deal with it all.
Have found the best coffee shop ever - oh if I go there for hot chocolates too often, I'll be in trouble! So good! Also went to Duabi the other night - a friend had an appointment so I went for a ride to keep her company - driving through that city at night was amazing - I can't even start to describe the largeness of it all and the lights - hey I like lights! Am hoping to get back there this week for a day or two.
Spending my days hanging out with friends, swimming, shopping -you know the holiday type things - prob adds to the surreal feeling!

Today's Successes

2008-09-24T23:11:00.002+04:00

Sometimes you just have to count the successes no matter how small they may seem. I had a full on day busy day trying to please people and thankfully my two successes today came later in the day.
Success number 1 - I found a great cheap hairdresser who is at the hotel where my gym etc is - so handy as! Hair style attached in picture to your right.
Success number 2 - a group of us went to the very popular (as in jam packed) quiz night at the rugby club tonight - and we came third out of 14! Won 6 free drinks and have decided the only way is up!
So will focus on these for now - am so tried but last day of the working week tomorrow and then a holiday for a week! Roll on 2pm tomorrow.... (only coz I'm tried - sfill love my job!)

Hospital Part 2

2008-09-23T16:49:00.005+04:00

Hi all - thanks for the feedback about this site - glad you're enjoying it and smiling.

I know I've written about hospital visits before but have experienced a different scenario I want to share with you. One of my apartment-mates fell up (yes up!) our stairs last night. She really hurt her wrist and smashed her shin/knee on the cocnrete step. So she did what all sensible people do - went in, iced it and waited for me to get home and give her an opinion about what she should do! So I took a look, smiled sweetly, rang Geradline to come get us and took her to hospital.

Frist dilemma - which hospital? There are quite a few here in Al Ain - one even has a roundabout named after it. So I chose the one I thought I knew how to get to - Emirates International - and after a few wrong turns (seems my map reading's not as flash as I thought) we got there, got a park outside and thought we were sweet.

Dilemma number 2 - Leeana couldn't walk and I haven't been to the gym enough to carry her so went inside for a wheelchair. Well couldn't just walk in and walk out with one so found an orderly/cleaner (not sure which one he was) who then got a very narrow wheelchair. How to explain I needed a bigger one? All the universal signs weren't working so there I was in the main foyer of a busy hospital trying to explain - I even pretended to sit in it to show my hips wouldn't fit (so then he thought I was the paitent!) - and finally managed to make him aware that a child sized wheelchair wasn't going to cut it for my friend. Quite embarassing really but hey it's gonna get me closer to heaven! However by the time he came with something more reasonable, Geradline had gotten sick of waiting and had dragged Leeana in. Shway shway people!

Third "dilemma" - after being taken rather promptly to emergency and being seen by a doctor quite promptly (two promptlys in a row - good thing) we were taken to xray. While we waited outside for Leeana, we were seated across from two lovely large stained glass doors. What could they be? A chapel? No hang on we're in a muslim part of the world - no chapels. Our guesses got wilder and wilder (and probably louder and louder) so imagine our surpise when the doors finally opened...to reveal a file room! Stained glass for files?

Fourth dilemma - no broken bones but we'll soft plaster her anyway! They put Leeana on the bed and soft plastered her from mid thigh to ankle. All good - when does it need to come off? Well a day later we still don't know the answer to that question - no idea when to get it off or who will do it. I think the doctor was saying she'd need to go to an orthopedic specialist and they didn't have one in that hospital. I think...oh well, Leeana will work it out eventually!

Dilemma number 5 - I had come home from the pool and then we left for the hospital quite quickly. I wasn't thinking about what I was wearing (naturally all my concern was for my injured friend!) so I turned up at the hospital in a tight-ish black tshirt and jean shorts - not good at Ramadam but ok at the hotel! Whoops! What was a girl to do? So I put a big smile on my face and just counted down until we could leave - although surely people were too busy being sick or looking after someone sick to notice? Yeah right...

Butr we were in and out in 2.5 hours, and it cost 650 dhs (about $270 NZ) for an exam, xrays, plaster and prescriptions - not bad. Liked that - you pay all at once and then pick up the drugs from the counter next door.

Think it'll be fine there if I ever have to go (touch wood) - but I'd want friends with me - think it made it easier for Leeana having Geradline and I there who laughed loudly at everything - probably no one appreciated it...oh well!

The Waiting Game...

2008-09-22T07:32:00.002+04:00

Ok so I'm a go-get person who makes thinsg happen when she wants or needs them - well I'm having to learn to be a little more relaxed here and understand how shway shway (slow, slow) things can be here. It's a good test of my paitence and I've started saying In'Shallahlah (God willing)!
I'm waiting for the end of Ramadan so things go back to normal and you can shop or eat as you need. I'm waiting for my residency so I can come and go and sort out other things. I'm waiting for my drivers licence ( which I need residency for) so I can buy my car. I'm waiting for my car (which I need residencey and DL for) so i can be independant. And the list goes on...
BUT in saying that this is a good place to be waiting - everyone is in the same boat so you have support. All the people who serve you know and understand - my car dealer is so paitent. It'll happen. :0) (Watch out when it does!)

Oh what a night!

2008-09-17T22:26:00.003+04:00

Wow - just had such an awesome experience - I have to write about it before I go to sleep - although I've had a week of late nights and am so tired!
Tonight 5 friends and myself went on a desert trip - 4 wheel driving (scary and amazing!), camel riding and eating, drinking and shisha.
The 4 wheel driving was awesome - the guy was a great driver and we bumped our way over the most amazing terrain - up and down and around - we five girls screamed while the guys just grinned (think they were in 4WD heaven!). We stopped at the top of one high level and saw the sun descnding - very pretty before heading off to a fort area for tea.
Now some of you know there's been a long standing joke about me and camels - as in riding one and this was one experience I wanted to do and get done! Our camels were lovely - well behaved, didn't smell and didn't spit. But getting up and going down was a mission in itself - and even watching others nearly eat sand first didn't help! Anyway I did it and have photos to prove it. The thing that amazed me and will stay with me for a long time was how quiet it all was - when we went off on the camels and were away from the group, it was very quiet, tranquil and relaxing - peaceful.
We had a lovely simple meal with lots of cold drink, had a bit of shsiha - magical under the stars. no lights - just the moon and stars. If you had told me 3 months ago I'd be here doing this, I would have thought you were mad but what an experience to have had.
As you can prob tell - I thoroughly enjoyed it and now we're planning an overnight stay - sleeping out in the desert.
To my desert buddies - Dave, Jay, Wilco, Jo and Nic (and Mohammed too I suppose) - thanks for an awesome night!

The Big Smoke!

2008-09-13T18:27:00.003+04:00

Had a weekend of exploring and finding new things. Started with the Al Ain Rugby Club which I have taken a pic of the sign so I have proof such a place exists! It's good - nice food and drink - cheap and lots of expats. Didn't see any rugby - was pure socialising :0) However am very pleased with the AB's efforst a couple of hours ago! Yay NZ again!
Had a ball in Abu Dhabi - went to Trader Vic's at Rotana for lunch - bit of a legendary place here - nice atmosphere - Kalala and Tui - I'm so taking you there when you're here! Celebrated Simon's 40th at Bam Bu last night - all you can eat and drink for 150 dhs - about $60 NZ - so of course the boys (and some of the girls) made the most of that! We had a few very merry people by the time we decided to leave.
Rereading this it sounds like all we do is eat and drink - and at Ramadan too! :0)
Got an email tonight to say that a Wellington friend passed away - she's had cancer for a while but has such a big, unbeatable personality that it's hard to believe. To my NZ friends dealing with this loss - lots of aroha - wish I was there to hug and help. At times like this I am reminded of how we all need to do as much as we can in our lives and live it to the fullest. I know Sue would have approved of this sentiment - RIP doll. xxx

Expats galore

2008-09-11T06:46:00.002+04:00

Yay I can finally share my exciting news - one of my dear best friends Kalala, her hubby Tui and their beautiful girls are moving here to live! Our company had a position going that I thought he'd be perfect for and they agreed! So they're going to be living here in Al Ain in a family villa - there's other families here so there's lots of kiwi kids and great friends for them - as well as me of course! So I can't wait to get to go to the airport and pick them up. Love that I'll be able to show them around and that they'll be here for two years (at least) with me! So that's been exciting getting that sorted.
Am off to Abu Dhabi this weekend - have a party up there to go to - no doubt there'll be some more pics on here soon of that. Al Ain (where we are) is nice but it's also nice to go and do different things at times.
Egypt's not looking promising at the end of the month due to flights being very unavailable but London's all go - can't wait to see everyone over there! Will keep trying the Egypt thing though.
Not much else to report - last day of the week and looking forward to the weekend!

Internet at Home

2008-09-09T17:58:00.000+04:00

Yay - I finally have internet at home - it's great - I can use it anywhere in the UAE - the SIM card is inside the modem which is like an USB key - so easy and so cheap! So I can't download Skype but if I did have it, I could use it - so when I'm in NZ next Jan I'll download it then.
We had our medicals for our residency this morning - I know we complain about the NZ system but I never will again. We all went together but the females had to go and sit in a seperate waiting room from the males. Then we were told to get a number, then told not to. Then shifted rooms, and so on. Finally we got a number and things got a little more efficient from there. Has bloods - to check for HIV/AIDS - you have to leave the country if you have that - and a chest xray - to check for TB. So should get my passport back next week (fingers crossed) - then I can book for Egypt. Because we were at the hospital at 8am but got out about 11 - so didn't have to go to school today - wouldn't have been worth it by the time we got there.
I keep seeing things and thinking I must put that in my blog - then forget! So will write things down. But if you have any questions, just email me. I'll answer a couple now:

What's the local talent like? Well there are some nice looking men here - but most tend to get married young - the govt gives them a house when they get married and money when they have children. However I do like tall, dark and handsome and there's a few bits of eye candy that fit that bill. :0) Have met one (not so local) guy that's nice but nothing happening so don't get excited!
What's the food like? You can have anything - normal food like steak, chicken etc - the supermarket even has NZ brands like Watties, traditional food like curries, rice, etc, fast food like Pizza Hutt, McD's, KFC - pretty much anything.
Still enjoying it? Yes I really am - am amazed at how quickly things feel right - gotta be a good sign. My boxes arrived from NZ yesterday which was fun - and nice to get my pics etc - and NZ will always be home - but this is a pretty awesome adventure!

Iftad and Shisha

2008-09-05T18:14:00.000+04:00

Last night I broke my fast (not that I was really fasting!) in the traditional way of Iftad. Went to the hotel restaurant with some of the crew and after the prayers has shown on the tv, we could start. It's traditional to start with dates, nuts, other dried fruit and milk - so will attach a photo of the start. After that you could have soup (skipped that) and then salads (skipped those too) and then into the good stuff. Photo of my main meal plate attached. It was beautiful! I just could not eat it all (photo attached) but so badly wanted to! And then pudding! Contrary to popular belief I did not eat everything in my pudding bowl - merely loaded it up for you guys - good photo opportunity! Sat there feeling a little ill for a while.
After that we headed to the Ramadan tent - to give you an idea of size, it's been set up on the hotel's rugby field! It was amazing - chandeliers inside and tvs everywhere - nice dining tables and then comfty lounge areas. We paid 60 dhs to get in - which was for food - sooooo did not want any more so they offered us shisha instead. Now before you freak, when in Rome, do as the Romans do - so we tried it. Shisha is basically a packet of flavoured tobacco which goes through water and you smoke it. Not being a smoker made it challenging and didn't try to inhale too hard out. We had apple which was a bad move - Hoda had grape which was nice and light - if I ever was expected to do it again, that's the flavour I'd go for. So there'll be a pic or two of this experience - which was an experience and something I had to try.(Just thought it would take me a bit longer to do so!)
Am having a nice relaxing weekend - wnet to Al Ain mall this am which was deserted as everyone was at mosque - so I managed to get a pic of the inside ice skating rink without being too obvious. And even though I love you guys, I was not about to go on the ice for the photo!
Also spent the am cleaning - now those of you who know me well know I love cleaning - well not so much so here - am kinda over it! There is sand and dust everywhere and keeping my feet clean is a challenge! So I sweep or vacumn most days and wipe a fair bit too - over it! Can't wait til our cleaner starts!
Anyway have managed to sneak into an internet cafe before it really opens - the fast breaks in 10 mins and I can't wait - have my order ready! Hope all is good with you wherever you are - Ramadan Kareem to you - which is happy Ramadan - a time to be nice and giving to each other!

Being sick :0(

2008-09-02T12:58:00.001+04:00

Well I finally did it - finally gave into the bug going around. Well it was either that or the turkey in my salad, but after a night of vomiting, my bathroom seems very small and I'm over that! I have two toilets and the guest one is much bigger - just could not crawl that far. Thankfully I have a free standing water cooler with lovely filtered water now - so am living off that. One way to start Ramadan!
So missed a day of school - quite gutted as do like it here and want to make a good impression with the teachers. Met with the Sport teachers today - both lovely. However the girls don't do sport during Ramadan due to fasting so next week the lessons will be about nutirition and light activties. This week is chat time for the students - catch up on the holidays. And do the girls travel! They went to some amazing places - definately a bit of money around here. So nice they can have these experiences when young.
Have a dinner party tonight - should be nice - hopefully I keep it all down! :0) Ramadan is a very social month where people go and see each other and eat together.
Have been keeping up with NZ news thanks to www.stuff.co.nz and see that you're hvaing soem sunshine - yay! Also saw that Becks is coming again - girls trip ladies? he he

Ramadan

2008-08-30T09:27:00.000+04:00

Ok Ramadan starts tomorrow and this will be a true experience. It is basically a month of fasting during daylight hours - happens annually. So no food or water is to pass the lips from sunrise to sunset. For non Muslims (like me) if we do it, we MUST do it in private. Sounds easy? Not at all - no water in the taxi and no eating in front of the Muslim staff we work with - last thing we want to do is offend anybody. So school will be reduced hours - 9-2 for this month, food shops and cafes are closed until dark and then everybody goes out! They all go shopping and to friends/family's houses to feast - night after night. There are 3,000 taxis in Al Ain and last night with people getting ready for Ramadan you could not get a taxi for love or money - luckily we had our wonderful driver on hand! So because of this and the crowds, we will be keeping quiet and not getting to the internet cafes and prob not the hotel as much - so I won't be blogging for a while or as reguarly.
However this weekend we shot up to Abu Dhabi and finished the apartment shopping - pictures attached.
Had a birthday dinner last night - Kate is from Ireland and is into her second year of the contract - so good to see everyone and catch up - if they're not in your apartment or school you don't see some people for a while.Nice food, good restaurant so after Ramadan, will head back there.
Still very warm here - am at the hotel and about to go swimming and do some poolside relaxing - school starts with the students tomorrow! Wish me luck! :0)

Another week over - almost!

2008-08-28T08:07:00.000+04:00

So am typing this in Starbucks before we head off to school - so can't wait til we have internet at home and I can skype people!
Have been busy at school this week - I am now in charge of Health/PE, behvaiour, ICT, pyschology (!), art and Islamic studies. Yesterday the teachers asked how I would be able to help with this when I can't speak arabic - good question! However my job is about environment, behaviour management, support for their ideas and methodology/pedagogy - think they took that on board!
Amazing school and staff - about 700 girls - not a male staff member in sight apart from the gate guard! Any men that come in have to enter the foyer and then ring a doorbell. Someone will cover up - ie their face - and then see what they want. So we see a lot more mothers than fathers at the school. I'm quite popular with the teachers because I smile lots, they like what I wear (have to funk up those skirts somehow!) and wait for it...I look like Monica! Who? "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" Monica! OMG! However they think she's cool.
Went to a networking evening last night at the hotel - lots of things on special and lots of local trades on display. So joined the hotel gym - yay! Also sussed out a car I like - very very good price. Won a meal voucher for a nice restaurant - all good.
Am going back to Abu Dhabi tomorrow to get the rest of the stuff from IKEA that I knew I wanted but probably wouldn't have fitted in the van! Have a back to school party with the cluster tomorrow night and then will take Saturday easy in prep for school with the students back on Sunday!

Another weekend down!

2008-08-24T12:21:00.000+04:00

Wow had the most amazing weekend! Friday is a morning of relaxing - nothing is open. So touched base with friends in Abu Dhabi city, jumped in a taxi and headed up there. Abu Dhabi city is about as far away from Al Ain (where I am) as Palmerston North is from Wellington. The ride only cost me $50 NZ (so cheap) and I now have a taxi driver who knows where I live so I can call him for my rides until I get a car.
Went straight to Marina Mall to meet my friend - amazing place for those of you who like shopping...and skiing! Yes it has a snow dome in it. Probably the most disconcerting thing for me was that the food court and the amusement park are in the same place - so you sit and eat lovely food while rollercoasters scream over the top of you!
We then headed to the Emirates Palace. Google this guys - I can't remember the website - but probably the most amazing thing I've seen in a long time. It is a hotel - with gorgeous driveways up (despite being in very central spot, you feel quite remote thanks to the long and lush driveways) and amazing staff - but the public can go and visit. So we rocked on up in our shorts and walked around in awe. There is gold and crystal and opulance everywhere! Will put up pics from it but has to be experienced to be believed. We then sat for a drink (or two) and my first was called "Beauty" - and blue as! Was 122 dirhams (about $50 NZ) and was my friend's shout - thanks!
Later we headed out from the apartment for tea - about 10.30pm (time goes fast when having fun) to a Lebanese place - I was the only female there - the men here go out together and have food, drinks and smoke together - females stay at home with the kids.
Saturday, (your Sunday) I got up and walked around for a while - town was too noisy to sleep - went to Nissan and checked out the dream car! :0) I then met some friends, who came up from Al Ain on the bus, at the mall and we went shopping - IKEA didn't know what hit it! My apartment looks so much better now. We had a van to come home in (thankfully!) and it was a squeeze but we got there.
This morning we went to see the school - amazing place and nice staff. They have everything from a cafeteria that is huge to a cinema room. So excited about it all. We only stayed for a few hours and will do that each day this week - the kids are back next week so will be full on then.
The weather is still warm but getting used to it quite quickly. Love coming home to air con though!

Settling In

2008-08-21T16:11:00.000+04:00

Just love it here! Now that the apartment is quite familiar and I'm recognising areas and where I'm going, it's becoming very comfortable here. I haven't been homesick apart from missing good friends and family but have set up a new posse here to steer me right while in this part of the world.
Have found a local internet cafe where the guy recognises us and because we smile so sweetly, gives us free internet - it's great! So after work, we go home, get changed (ie out of skirts!), jump in a taxi and come to the local mall.
Am pretty sure going to buy a Murano - that or a GMC Terrain - somehting that's cute but safe! Can't buy it til residency comes through though so will be at the mercy of local taxis for a few more weeks.
Will add some photos of what we see out of the taxi windows - so hard to describe or explain but simply amazing. Looking forward to getting some great pics of Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Saw my school today - it's lovely and in a very well to do area. Only 10-15 mins from home so that's good - some people have a 40 mins drive each way every day!

Schools

2008-08-20T17:02:00.000+04:00

Had two school visits today - so different to home - basically square buildings with courtyards in the middle. Both were two levels. Both were gated and have a guard on the gate 24/7 to get in. I've put a pic up of the courtyard at one school.
Get the impression the job's not going to be easy but that's ok - I didn't come here for easy - after all the challenge is what attracted me. The resourcing is interesting but displays and support is what I'm good at so fingers crossed I get time to do that.
We start in the schools on Sunday but the students don't start for another week. Good chance to get to know teachers and get some ideas about what they do.

So few animals here - have heard a dog barking, saw a lizard last night and two wild cats this am. No one seems to have pets.

One more day of work for the week - am quite tired - compulsory sleep in Friday am as NOTHING opens before lunchtime really.

Have talked to people in NZ over the last two days - so great to hear kiwi accents - so clear - sounds like you're in the next room - hard to understand how far away I really am!

Blue Sky

2008-08-19T18:23:00.001+04:00

We had blue sky this am - you'll see that in the pic of my apartment from the outside. It's funny - we take blue sky for granted in NZ but I've been here a week and today's was the first I've seen!
Normally it's a brown colour from the sand - sand storms are happening at the mo but I haven't been in any (thankfully!)

Work

2008-08-19T17:56:00.000+04:00

The comapny I'm working for is amazing - I got very very lucky - they are such a people first place!So today was the last day of induction - the next two days we visit schools - including our own - but no kids in them yet - school starts 31st Aug. Then it's the weekend (Fri/Sat for us) and into schools with the teachers next week. Am trying to recruit a dear friend for a job within my company as it would be perfect for him (so if he's reading this, that's a hint!)
Have attached some photos of my crew - some of you may recognise some of them!
Joined up with a bank today - interest rates on loans is 3.5% and credit cards are 2% per month - plus a limit 5 times as much as my monthly salary! Dangerous!
Am trying to decide what kind of car to buy - maybe a Nissan Murano ( I think...) Any suggestions - tell me!

Heat

2008-08-18T08:20:00.000+04:00

The heat here is quite different - it's quite muggy - a bit like what I experienced in Samoa but hotter. I can wear long sleeved tops but I just don't go outside for very long in them! Go walking at 5.30am - about the only time it's bearable!

Weekend over!

2008-08-17T13:06:00.000+04:00

So I'm typing this in my lunch break at work and it's Sunday - yes we work from Sun - Thurs. Had an awesome weekend - moved into my new apartment - will try and post photos. It's brand new - think I got the nicest in the block and loving the air con!
No street address so trying to explain to a taxi how to get me home from the mall is very very hard. I will get a car and drive when residency comes through but the speed limits do and large roundabouts scare me a little.
Have found the local mall - Al Jimi - love it! It has McD's, KFC and Baskin Robbins...so stuff I know. It also has Carrefours - an awesome supermarket and Home Centre - spent lots there already!
The locals are very varied in their approach to you - from totally ignoring you to smiling and winking. Just keeping my head down and trying not to make eye contact too much. I'm not quite sure what to do in some situations but am sure I'll learn!
Watched the rugby at the hotel yesterday - was a great game and fun to watch with South Africans!
Am off to Abu Dhabi city and IKEA this weekend for stuff for the apartment and then to Dubai next weekend - very excited about that. We also get a week off soon so trying to decide where to go...will keep you posted.
Susie :0)

Photos

2008-08-14T16:01:00.001+04:00

Oh and I promise to put up photos soon - bear with me :0)

The weekend

2008-08-14T15:52:00.001+04:00

Ok so today is Thursday and I am finished work for the week. The weekend here is Fri/Sat so back at work Sunday. Tonight we have a pool party so that'll be a nice way to unwind.

Tomorrow morning I check out of the hotel and move into my apartment. It'll be so nice to see where I'm going to be for the next two years at least and to get my stuff out of my suitcases. My boxes from NZ haven't arrived yet so will be relying on the bits I brought with me to make it feel more homely.

Tomorrow the shops are open til 10pm ish so once we've settled into our apartments, we're going to make a list of stuff we need and go shoping. So that will be exciting as that will be my first real taste of local life. Living in a hotel where everyone speaks English and the air con never breaks down and there's room service is not preparing me for the REAL life - although it is really nice!

Going to visit my school next week - apparently it's really "flash" - it's one of the more kitted out and nice places. All girls - secondary age - oh I so thought I'd was over that teenage angst stage of my life!

Oh and thanks again for the emails - it's so nice to hear from people. :0)

The Heat

2008-08-14T06:34:00.000+04:00

I know a lot of you are wondering about the heat - yes it's warm! Just woke up at 6am and went for a 20 min walk - as long as I could handle due to the fact that I'd run out of water! Thank goodness for air con! Tried to find the weather forecast in the paper to see what it will be today but it's a huge paper and hard to find sorry.

Thanks for the emails and texts I'm getting - I woke up yesterday feeling a little cut off from people but all comm systems seem to be fine now. And we can skype - we can do computer to comp\uter so that's great! The internet in the hotel is quite fast so I'm crossing my fingers for a decent connection in the new place!

Tired...so tired...

2008-08-13T15:18:00.000+04:00

But am here! Had long flights and waiting times - landed in Abu Dhabi midnight their time, went through passport control, got bags and walked out - that's right, no customs as in NZ - very very lucky.

Went to take picture of how amazing the airport was outside but due to the high heat my camera steamed up. So will put up a pic of my new laptop's keyboard with arabic on it - don't think I'll be using those! :0) Also have my cell phone - green - fav colour luckily.

We then drove to Al Ain - where I'm living and checked in to the Inter Continental. Was 3 am local time when I finally got to bed and then we got up for induction at 8.30am. Am proud to say have lasted the day and am now going to have a bath, dinner and then bed!

Am very excited about this move - so happy with be working with Shorty again - he's still just as laid back and awesome as he always has been. My new team who I'll be in the same school with are amazing. We move into our brand new apartments on Friday and so much is sorted out for us already.

So all in all very pleased with how it's started. Yay!

Almost gone!

2008-08-11T13:10:00.000+04:00

Ok so packed today (thanks to Susan for rolling 100's of things for me!) Am sooooo over the limit of 20kgs but am moving there for 2 years so to be expected I think. Anyway have two suitcases for the plane (about 30kgs) and one small one to take on board - fingers crossed the Air NZ staff feel nice at the airport at 4.30am and won't charge me too much for excess!

Thanks so much to everyone who texted, called, emailed or facebooked me recently wishing me a safe, happy journey and fun times - your aroha and good thoughts is very appreciated!

Will hopefully touch base in a couple of days! :0)

Blogging Etiquette

2008-08-08T23:49:00.000+04:00

Hi all
Ok so we're started - but before we do, some blog etiquette:

I will have slow internet so if I make a mistake as in spelling or missing words, move on - you'll probably be able to guess what I meant.
If you weren't able to get what I meant, then register and place feedback or email me :0)
I will try to blog regularly but will really only do so if there's anything interesting to report and the time to do so.
I do appreciate you reading (and hopefully laughing at times) this - keeping in touch with home will be awesome.

OK moving on, I fly out of here (Wellington, NZ) Tuesday am at 6.40 to Sydney, have some time there and then fly direct to Abu Dhabi - so will be there midnight their time - 8am Wednesday morning yours (for the NZ people).

Very excited!