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.