If I Make it Through a Year, Can I Make It Through 7?

The year I was hired to come to the Sand Box was the first year they sent people out to the Far Far West. One of the options was a very small island and the other was a very remote small town. They even sent out an email asking for volunteers to be the first western English Teachers to work and live in the communities. So, knowing what my chances were, I chose the place with continuous BEACH, I chose the island. The money was great, the amenities were non existent and the night life nil.
The view of the gulf from every window and fantastic sunsets and my very own private beach were amazing.
It was great to have these fantastic perks considering the numerous stressors unlike any I have ever experienced before. Not only did the children NOT speak English, but trying to communicate with a co-teacher who had little, or NO English was truly a challenge. Not to mention trying to establish  Educational Reform where no other English Teachers have yet been.
At the end of each day you are totally exhausted from trying to communicate, play charades and listen to other speak another language that your brain cannot comprehend. Oh wait, did I say at the end of the day? I meant by noon.
Those first two years were brutal, and gorgeous, and isolated.
The first year I saved enough money to make a down payment on a house (which will be paid off this year), took a 21 day Mediterranean cruise, a trip to Germany for the Christmas markets, went home for Christmas & Summer and took a tour (personally designed) of the 7 Emirates.
The second year was Greece, A cross country trip in the US with Washington DC,  Boston, Niagara Falls and the Eastern half of Route 66.
All because I allow my every day life to torture me in ways I never imagined.
At the end of the initial 2 years, I moved into the city. Easier for shopping, restaurants and a more modern apartment (although I prefer my island apartment), but work was not a step forward, but a step back.
Your work life will make or break your experience and it is simply luck of the draw. There is no rhyme or reason to where placements are made. Plus the fact that things can change on a dime. People are moved, let go, leave because they are miserable, or any of another dozen situations. You never know what is going to happen next. You may come into work and find there is a field trip that day, which you knew nothing about previously (for example).
So when I say the 4th and now this, 5th year, have been amazing, that doesn't mean they have been perfect. They have been, however, good enough for me to trust I will be here long enough to pay off my car loan (just bought it, 2 year loan, mainly for cruise control and a USB port).
It seems, through some research on my part, people do choose to leave. Most, when asked, get to a point where they just know it is time to go home, or go somewhere else, or they hit a wall.
There are so many wonderful things, and just as many that are difficult adjustments. In the middle are a myriad of curve balls that you never see coming straight for your head.
How do you prepare for that? I have no idea…
How do I survive it? My curve balls are not hitting near me and I say "ok", "no problem" or "seriously?" and then go with the flow and let all the best laid plans fly out the window never to return.
Go forth and prosper. (always have a backup plan and a 2nd backup plan, and a 3rd and your passport in your pocket).

I am still HERE

I haven't updated this blog, but I will soon and add to it as well.
Some things have changed in the last two years.
With me and with where I am.
I hope you will find the information here helpful, or at least entertaining.
If you have questions just let me know. I will try to address them as soon as I can.

Hand up, with loud voice "TAXI !".

All of the national taxis are silver, usually a Camry, but not always a Camry. The drivers are from all over the world. Some speak better English than others. Their friendliness, sense of humor, driving skills and ability to find where you are wanting to go tips from one side of the scale to the other. 
So here are a few tips for taxi riding... 

1. Always, I mean ALWAYS make note of the number of your taxi. It is on the outside of the taxi and will be printed on the receipt. Receipt? you ask> yes, if you get a receipt when you pay him, it will state any needed info you may need. 

Why would I need the info? you ask...
Ummm well if you are like me, you might accidentally leave something in the taxi that you want need back. 
Your taxi driver might not be up to par, and in some way offended or talked to you in an unprofessional manner, or you may need to report a squirrel running loose in the taxi or any of a myriad of reasons. Just get the number. 

2. If you like a particular taxi driver, get his cell phone mobile number and see if he is available the next time you need a taxi. Works well for some, not so much for others. I have had several I like and if I am in the hotel and going many places I used them if they were available. 

3. If you have been at a hotel and had a lively libation or two, please be aware there is no tolerance for public inebriation here, and if your taxi driver is aware you have had too much fun, he can take you directly to the police department to drop you off. 

4. Refrain from any PDA in a taxi... what's that you say? It isn't exactly Public? Oh honey, yes, yes it is and did you read number 3? That is the scenario... 

5. If your taxi driver is obviously lost, the meter is climbing right along with your frustration... your voice is about to get loud... What do you do? POLITELY say "This is fine right here, just let me out at the corner". Then pay and get out of the car. What's that you say? You still aren't at Jones The Grocer and have no idea where it is? Hail another taxi, ask him before you get in the car if he knows where your destination is and then choose to take that taxi or not. 

6. If you have a problem with a driver, he will argue, just take the number and call the taxi hub center and tell them about what was wrong. It isn't worth a few dirhams to have a public brawl with a taxi driver. 

7. What? You don't like being thrown from one side of the car to the other or your neck popped as he is slamming on the brakes at a stop light? The incessant honking of the horn is not music to your ears? EASY PEASY, tell him to slow down, you are not in a hurry. If he drives safely you will tip him more. Works MOST of the time... if it doesn't, see number 5. 

8. If you want a taxi and there are none to be found, make sure you take note of the number where you can call and one will be sent specifically for you. Ask any hotel concierge or desk person or a taxi driver and they can give it to you. It is a short wait, it costs a few more dirhams, but 99% of the time, it is worth it. 

9. If you leave something in the taxi. DON'T PANIC. If you got the number of the taxi or the receipt, you will get your item back. IF *GASP* you DIDN'T... you *probably* will get it back. I have had one thing returned and lost the other forever. (before I started keeping the number of the taxi) 

10. If you ever catch a taxi that is NOT silver, they do not live by the rules of the others. If you are traveling out west in it, NEGOTIATE the price AHEAD OF TIME. Even after you arrive at your destination they will try to get more... stick to your guns, state what was negotiated and pay only that. These guys hang out at the bus station and will approach you if it looks like you are riding a bus out to the western region. If you are cheap like me, just tell them you only have enough money for the bus. They usually turn tail and run walk away at that point. IF they don't, just ignore them and walk on. 

*That goes for anyone bugging you, just ignore and keep moving... 

Hope that helps, and remember a taxi ride to IKEA is expensive, plan to spend the day and eat dinner there as well. (Unless you are staying at the Yaz, in that case, insert Marina Mall for IKEA) 

Life is Life, No Matter Where You Are

This summer I have had the opportunity to drive across the US of A, on a selfish tour of areas I have always wished I could visit. 
The thoughts that cross your mind as you look out the window at sites you might have never seen if it weren't for the teaching opportunity in the UAE are varied and enlightening. The ability to travel more, do things I have never done and see the wonders of the world is the icing on the cake, but don't think that it doesn't come with a price. 
Wherever you teach/work, there are consequences or trade-offs. This job is no different. 
I have to say it is very rewarding for me, but it is also the most difficult work I have ever done. I have never worked harder or gone home more tired than I have for the last two years. 
No matter where you live, you have bills to pay, choices to make, temptations to avoid or fall into and money issues, good or bad. 

Personally, I have tried to not have any debt, pay my bills off every month or two months if necessary. The UAE is not a place you want to have any debt (within the country) and try to leave the "right" way. 

Work is work, no matter where you are. It is messy, difficult, frustrating, rewarding, fun, an adventure or miserable from one day to the next. This is a constant, no matter where you are. 
You will be informed about how you have been hired to work, not play and wait for the next vacation period. 
On the other side, you are able to have some wonderful adventures in and out of the country....  due to location, holiday breaks and in some cases, ability to save money because there isn't any temptation to spend it (Western Zone).
I do think it is easier to save money due to the housing allowance and low utilities as well as the low price of gas. 

Fashion Fest

When you first arrive in the sandbox, many places you go, you will see women dressed similarly to this:

At first, you won't be able to tell the difference between nationals, locals, Egyptians, or Expats dressed in an abaya. 

Then when you see the shops that make abayas in the mall, you will see fabulous abayas with just as fabulous prices.

 DO NOT BUY AN ABAYA 

IN A REGULAR MALL! 

Thy will look similar to this one, however, they also have other colors, collars, and decoration. The main thing to keep in mind is that it should be to the floor, or even a bit too long for the floor. One other tidbit, is you will wish you had pockets and if you have one tailored, just tell them you want pockets and voila' you will have them.

If you are placed in a school that has Egyptian teachers, they wear abayas of many colors, sometimes black, but mostly other colors. This one is very similar to ones I have seen in the western region and sometimes around Abu Dhabi. 

Personally, I haven't been to any Emirate weddings, but I have been to a few birthday parties for Egyptian children at their homes and the dress was similar to this one. From what I hear of the weddings, it is very similar with very dressy dresses. As the weddings are segregated and there are only women in the party room, there is not a big need to cover up, but most are what we would consider ballroom attire. 

So, what do you pack since you don't have an abaya and you shouldn't worry about buying one before you come (take it from me, they are nicer and less expensive here and you can have them tailored to fit)? 

The maxi skirt, a light knit sweater and scarves are your three best friends, and the next one is a long sleeve button down long enough to cover your bum in the back. Even with high waisted pants, it is best to cover your bum. 

This is a bad picture but they are great skirts and can be found inexpensively at Old Navy. 

This type of jacket is very common here, and can be dressed down or dressed up. 

And then there is the scarf. If you have any you love, bring them. They are a staple here. 

DON'T GO OUT AND BUY ANY BEFORE YOU GET HERE!

They are everywhere, pashmina, hashmina, and you will find more than you can wear in a year very inexpensively. Never pay more than 40 AED for a nice one and never more than 100 for a super fancy one, either silk or wool. Inexpensive ones are in all the mega shops such as Lulu's and Carrefour. 

When I came, I brought 4 button down shirts, two of which are fine wale corduroy and I am so thankful I have them. I wear them often, sometimes over a sleeveless shirt and unbuttoned. 

 So how do you cover up with respect and not look dowdy? Well here are a few looks, you might consider... 

A great winter look and you will probably not need any more of a jacket than this.

 Here are a few fashionable ideas. Keep in mind that these are all work attire ideas. You can 

Keep in mind that these are all work attire ideas. You can wear clothing of your choice elsewhere, but it is always good to be respectful of the culture. 

How could you wear this sleeveless dress to work? Add a jacket and a scarf, or wear it under an abaya. 

For a day out shopping this is appropriate, but personally, I would wear a scarf or a higher neck (most of the time). 

I hope these visuals help you. If you don't have any of these, it is ok, you can build a pretty simple wardrobe easily and then add a piece or two as you go along. 

An example of what people wear out and about, today I saw a woman in a string tank top and jeans at the grocery store, in the middle of Ramadan, when you should dress more conservatively. I was wearing a tank top with some loose slacks and a grey sheer long-sleeve shirt over it, unbuttoned except for the top button. 

Guest Post- Surprises- Guest Post

Below is a little insight from another sandbox friend. 

I have always been a planner.  But of course that comes with the territory, doesn’t it?  Teachers are planners.  Most of us love making plans, though admittedly at some times the time required to plan seems to get in the way of what’s actually being planned.    That’s irony, teacher style.

Now as I’m getting older, I seem to be discovering another passion, the thrill of being surprised!  In fact I think it’s become one of the great joys of life.  As I think back over the course of my life and career (they aren’t the same?), the surprises that came to me seem much more interesting than those things that I planned and expected.I came back to the States from Kuwait in 2001 wanting to buy a house.  And lo, 7 years later, I was returning to the Middle East.  As I was sitting at my desk one day, out of the blue came a call from an old supervisor in Kuwait, “What are you doing?  Want a job?”  And that’s how I continued the journey that was to put me in Kuwait for a total of 7 years.  Hmmm… I was waiting for a flight for Kuwait one day, looked up and noticed the Gate Number, 7.  I got on the flight and, lo and behold, seat 7, row G, the 7^th letter.  Hmmm…I got to Kuwait and the 7’s were popping upeverywhere.  Now I’m not generally superstitious, but I began thinking maybe God was trying to tell me something.  I began thinking back over things and I saw patterns of 7.  Masters in 1991, flight to Kuwait in 1998.  Graduate program in 2005. Return to the States in 2012.  Intervals of 7.  Hmmm…
I am coming to the point in life that I like surprises.  And this is how I look at this new opportunity in Abu Dhabi.  Maybe I won’t see patterns of 7 when I get there, but I just know that there are going to be many good and glorious surprises.  With a little willingness to pay attention to people, I’m open and hopefully wide awake.  Oh, God, don’t let me sweat the small stuff and be aware of the wonderful surprises that are just around the corner.
Meanwhile, I guess I’ll have to think about plans for this trip…are the suitcases packed?  

x

Dialing It Up

First of all, a HUGE Thank You to all of you who are reading and giving positive feedback. 
Your requests for certain topics you would like to read more about are very welcome. However, you need to be aware that there is not freedom of speech here, written or spoken. Things have to be seen through rose colored glasses. 
There has been a recent incident in Dubai taking to the headlines of Yahoo about a Norwegian  woman and her being jailed instead of the man who she says raped her. Just google it. 
I would link it but the link will not stay a working link I suspect, after the story dies down. I think her story came out due to her nationality and the fact she had been working in Doha, and not the UAE. 
So, on the subject of safety. Like drinking and driving, things here don't mix. If you are going to drink, have a license. If you are going to drive, don't drink. If you are going to socialize and hope to meet someone, don't drink. If you are drinking, don't put your self in a difficult and possibly dangerous situation. 
Having sex out of wedlock is against the law. Drinking without a license is against the law. 

Now think about Prohibition in the '30's.... exactly. 
Now, even though I do try to see things through rose colored glasses, I don't want you to think things here are perfect. Everyone has their trials and tribulations. Your life will never be the same, and yes,  I know how silly that sounds. 
My friends told them the same thing before I came here. 
They were absolutely right. I see many things very differently and am glad I have had the chance to see things I could change about myself and how I "view" things. 
Common sense and patience are the best allies you can have here. Use them wisely and don't expect to find them in others. 
Some show this adventure as pure "play" and at school, that is exactly what I try to do. However, after school, keeping things on the DL is the best way to go. 
Now, give me some easier subjects to address.