What I like about the UAE

When I am feeling down or homesick I try to remember what brought me here and the things I love about the UAE.

1. Safety
I love the fact that I forgot to lock my car and the next morning it was still there.
That I left my keys to my house on the outside of my front door, when I woke up they were still there!
I can go for walks late at night on the Corniche no one bothers me or gives me a second look.
I can leave my phone and bag somewhere in the school and no one has touched a thing.

I know safety is a big thing for South Africans, this is one of the reasons why so many South Africans come to the UAE.

2. Government
The UAE government always listens to its people and shares the wealth of the country with ALL its people. Children get free schooling, locals get housing and at one stage the government even wiped out the debt of some local people!  

A simple example would be with the clothing scandal at one of the malls, where a video was taken of someone who dressed inappropriately- they acted immediately and listened to local peoples complaints. They dealt with the issue, even though it was something simple- if it upset the people they reviewed the law to try and please their people.
In South Africa we have so many natural resources (gold and diamonds), it should also be possible to share the wealth of the country among all its citizens.

3. Rainbow nation
Literally on every corner you will hear a different languages being spoken.
On my apartment floor alone we have 4 nationalities: Irish, South African, American and Spanish!
You meet people from all over the world.
My colleagues are Emirati, Jordanian, Tunisian, Egyptian, Polish, Irish and American! Where else in the world do you find that mix. I have learnt so much about their countries and cultures- it is fascinating.

4. Lifestyle
South Africans tend be outdoors people. We love the sun. This climate and environment suits us completely. I have seen on Facebook many South Africans have taken up camping in the desert! There are beaches, water activities and cultural places to visit. Ice skating rinks and tenpin bowling!  If that is not your thing, there are so many hotels and brunches that are accessible. Back home it would be unheard of for locals to be brunching at hotels every weekend! That would only be for tourists. Here that sort of lifestyle is accessible- obviously if you are not planning on saving!

Abu Dhabi always has a something planned! There are many concerts happening. They have Taste of Abu Dhabi, Street food road show and markets in local parks on the weekends.

5. Religious freedom
The government of the UAE has kindly allowed Christians and other religions to worship freely here. There are many Churches that are packed every Friday.(Only expats obviously!) The biggest Mosque in Abu Dhabi is open to non-Muslims to try and create better understanding of the local religion and create mutual respect. We get Christmas holidays during December and there are even Christmas markets. The government even granted a Christian band to come and play last year (Passions). (Although at the concert there were men from the government to make sure nothing inappropriate was said and no trying to convert people! Fair enough).

6. Housing and medical
All teachers get free housing and medical! This is something huge to take into consideration. We pay for our electricity, water and Air Con. But housing and medical are taken care of. This is a enormous weight off my shoulders. I love the fact that the government cares so much about their children and future generations that they have invested so much into us (teachers) coming here. 

7. Tax Free
This is a BIG BONUS!!!
Although don't be fooled, Abu Dhabi can be expensive- especially food. A small bowl of rice at a restaurant can cost you 24 Dirham times by 3 is 72 Rand!!
A standard meal out can cost you 60 Dirham which is R180 for a burger and chips out.
Most restaurants charge 20 Dirhams for juice, that is R60 for a glass of orange juice! 

Many expats leave with less money then when they arrived, why? I think the lifestyle can be very enticing (keeping up with the jones) and people miss their family and friends and start to fill the void with many other things which they would not normally do at home.  

8. Travelling
Travelling is more accessible from the UAE. Money goes further with travelling.
In South Africa it would take me up to a year or more to save for a trip overseas (especially Europe), and I would probably be in debt when I came back. Due to the weak Rand value. Here is Dirham stronger, so within a couple of months of saving you can afford to travel.

These are 8 positives I can think of!! I am sure tomorrow I will think of more.

Respecting Culture and modesty.

 

As I have previously mentioned I teach in a very conservative community. To avoid gossip and offense I have chosen to wear the Abaya to work. It gives me freedom on hot days to wear whatever I want under it. In recent days with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius I wear cycling shorts and a t-shirt under. The Abaya hides a multitude of sins, not to mention I am chubby so all skirts and pants reveal my curves! Something interesting to note is that my sisters school have asked the western teachers not to wear the Abaya to work. 

 

 

 

I make sure I wear high necked tops, but due to the heat and horrid sweating I choose to wear sleeveless tops. This restaurant had many expats so I felt comfortable. But it is always necessary to carry a scarf, as seen below.

Modesty and what is appropriate for expats depends on the situation and area. I tend to carry a scarf where ever I go. As you can tell the gentlemen behind me are locals, so a quick cover up was necessary. According to dress code policy in Abu Dhabi malls you can show your arms but not your shoulders for women. This really puts me a jam as I hate to wear sleeves in 40 degree heat.

Something to note is that a few women continue to dress provocatively in the malls and in public, I know modesty leaves room for personal interpretation. But I have a rule of thumb, if I would not wear it to Church, I probably should not be wearing it here in Abu Dhabi in public.

Comfort food

If you are wanting to relocate to Abu Dhabi be prepared to pack on a few more pounds. With the heat in summer reaching up to 40 Degrees Celsius, the only comfort can be found indoors... more specifically MALLS... malls...malls and more malls. Shop till you drop and eat till you roll!!

 

So I thought as a foodie, I thought I would share some restaurants and food experiences with you.

 

Abu Dhabi has such a WIDE variety of food and restaurants- which represent its large expat community. You can find traditional Indian, Syrian, Lebanese, Chinese, Thai, Jordanian, Italian and American food, just to mention a few. As well as local Emirati dishes. Teaching at a school with local Emiratis and expat Arabs, I have had the privilege to taste many of their traditional dishes. At school I have also picked up another custom- eating with my hands! And I must say I love it!    

 

 

Traditional Syrian food to celebrate the birth of my colleague's baby.

The atmosphere of everyone sitting and eating together on the floor is quite delightful.

 

 

I have forgotten the name of this dish, but I was told it is an Emirati dish.

Nevertheless it was scrumptious, and just what I needed after teaching the entire morning.

The bread, (more of a pancake consistency) can be eaten with honey.  

Language barriers sometimes get in the way, I was told this was bread as my colleagues only knew the Arabic name and could not think of the English translation.

 

 

Lemon Grass, is a fabulous restaurant with Thai and Asian dishes.

Egg fried rice, chicken satay and veg spring rolls are some of the standards I seem to order every time I go, (creature of habit).

 

 

Above is the decadent Leopold's of London, one of the best places in Abu Dhabi for breakfast and brunch. And of course a little something sweet to have with tea.

 

 

 

 Smoking Doll on the Corniche serves Thai food that will blow you away.

 

 

Café Blanc by the Eastern Mangroves serves some of the best Lebanese food. In fact this picture does not do it any justice, the variety is huge. Definitely a must if you want a lovely atmosphere with great food.

 

 

  As a South African I love a good milkshake. As a child whenever we had the privilege of eating out, I always chose a milkshake- especially Spur's! So in Abu Dhabi I was on a hunt to find a good thick milkshake... Not even Mac Donald's serves milkshakes in Abu Dhabi- you can imagine my surprise!! So I am happy to announce Johnny Rockets is the best I have tried so far! The Oreo and Strawberry mix has stolen my heart, (and my stomach).

 

 

PF Chang's never disappoints, if you are craving a delicious tasty and hearty dish they are the place to go.

 

 

Burger Joint, has an alternative and funky vibe. I didn't manage to snap a picture of the food but trust me it was a delicious burger, not to mention it has balcony with a view overlooking the Corniche, (bonus).

 

 







Exploring Abu Dhabi

 

The view of the city from the beautiful Eastern Mangroves. One of my favourite places in Abu Dhabi. The environment is peaceful and calm. Here in Abu Dhabi nature and man made live side by side.

 

Down town Abu Dhabi City.

 

Down town Abu Dhabi City. The view from the Shining building. Photo credit: My sister

 

A traditional Souk by the Shangri La, Abu Dhabi. I love being in nature and surrounded by water it reminds me of Cape Town.

 

The Heritage Village, Abu Dhabi. Where traditional meets modern. The contrast is so evident, Abu Dhabi has changed dramatically in 43 years.  Photo credit: My sister

 

The Coin building, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi. This was a fantastic day where I celebrated my work colleague's birthday. They had a braai (BBQ) on the grass, it was just too lovely. 

 

Jodie and I went kayaking in the Eastern Mangroves in Abu Dhabi. Photo credit: My sister

 

The Heritage Village, Abu Dhabi. Photo credit: My sister

 

The Corniche, Abu Dhabi

 

The Observation Deck has the most amazing view of Abu Dhabi, I would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to get a overview of the city.

 

 

Emirates Palace. A gorgeous hotel in Abu Dhabi, based right next to the palace.

The gorgeous Souk by the Shangri La.  

Caution: There is comfort in routine

Caution: Take heed one of the many reasons for relocating is to escape our day to day routine and to discover another world. Well once we figure out the ins and outs of that foreign world it becomes familiar. This is good and bad, good because you know what to expect in your daily routine and bad because you can become stuck and stop growing. I think when you have learnt all that you can from an experience it is time to move on. Initially I had given myself a 2 year goal (coming up in August 2015) after 2 years I would need to assess if I am still growing as a person, in my career or am I just comfortable and financially stable? Another point to consider is whether your financial stability is able to support you travelling and your own person goals, in my case it is, so I given myself one more year to save and then reassess what the Lord wants for my life.

Divine Intervention

[Context: This is what I wrote on the 31st of December 2013. This is a reflection of getting my job in Abu Dhabi and the first 4 months of settling in. I posted this on Facebook and thought I would share it here, as it shows it does get better- when you change your attitude and see the hand of God at work in your life.]

Divine intervention...

 

Has been my year..

Gods hand has been laying down the path...

First He connected me with some of the most wonderful teachers (Good Hope Seminary, CT).

Who through amazing advice and wisdom were able to make my dreams come true as they gave testimonials for me and guided me with the application process. Which can be tough.

My sister and I both got jobs in Abu Dhabi.

Which is a complete blessing, as I was a bit nervous to take the leap alone.

We got apartments next to each other. I got told to teach Science which is completely out of my comfort zone- but God likes to challenge us.

And anyone who knows me knows parking ain't my thing... I even got a parking spot with no one on either side of me.

We found a sweet Church- which surprised us.

 

Divine Intervention...

God has also surrounded me with an amazing support system - my friends and family in South Africa. My sisters are always there, my folks always care, and my best friend who always cheers and brings a smile to my face.

 

Thank you all for your love and support.

Above all thank you to Jesus who is always a prayer away, and who has His hand of love and protection over my life.

 

All praise to Jesus. 

 

Here is to 2014 another year full of adventures and blessings.

 

 

 

My first day at work.

I had always felt so at home at my old school where I worked. We were a little community.

I never felt out of place or unsupported.

 

But boy can I tell you my work day of work in Abu Dhabi was tough.

The first day of work I came back to the hotel with a pounding headache!

My introduction to my new job was to be thrown into a 3 hour staff meeting, all conducted in Arabic with no translator. Everyone was shouting (so I thought, I later found out this is normal).

 

All those mixed emotions from my first day were later completely erased when I met my delightful Science Department and they invited me in with open arms. (I will go into detail about that in another post).
 

 

[Context is needed: I was hired to teach in Abu Dhabi, we got no choice of the school that we were placed in. I was placed 30 minutes out of the city, in a very conservative community. The school is cycle 2, grade 6 to 9. This was the first time the local teachers had EVER worked with "westerners" or native English speakers. So we were the ice breakers. It was also extremely awkward as I later found out we had taken local peoples jobs.]

 

My first classroom for the 2013/2014 school year.

 

 

The view from my classroom.

 

 

The view from another teacher's classroom.