Welcome to Abu Dhabi - The Land of Contradictions

Some people call it the Land of Contradictions while others might say the Land of Hurry Up and Wait. Good or bad, Abu Dhabi is definitely a place unlike any other. It's both progressive and traditional, fast-paced and leisurely, rich and humble...the list goes on and on. Some inhabitants rush about, pushing and shoving, as they go through their day while others move in a slow and graceful way as if floating on clouds. I've been here two and a half weeks and I'm constantly, and I mean constantly, discovering habits, interactions, and practices that both peak my interest and boggle my mind. I've even dedicated one of my Facebook albums to such findings called "Only in Abu Dhabi". 

I mean seriously, where else in the world would you find a stunning, white Lamborghini in the middle of a mall next to a Bath & Body Works? Only Abu Dhabi can make such a luxury item seem mundane. In another instance...

No biggie. I would like to order a children's play area with a side of roller coaster plus a bunch of arcade games, jumping gyms, and carnival rides inside a mall. (And yes there is a gazillion malls here.) This country is every kid's dream - clothing stores after clothing stores, toy shops after toy shops, sweets stands after sweets stands, play areas after play areas - Abu Dhabi has dedicated itself to catering to its next generation. It's family-oriented to the extreme.

Before I continue to ramble on and on about the various intrigues of this exciting nation, let me take you back in time to where it all began:

Week 1: 
After a 6-week delay that almost ended my life from the waiting, anxiety, and boredom, I finally received an email containing my travel itinerary on a Thursday morning around noon. I almost burst into tears from relief and shock. My mind was going all over the place, lacking focus. I somehow managed to confirm my travel details, call my love ones, and announce the good news to my friends and second family (members of a group that I joined that kept me sane) on Facebook without losing my head. The whirlwind was followed by two days of packing, going-away meals, and hugs and goodbyes.

Thirteen hours after I boarded Etihad 150, I arrived in Abu Dhabi, UAE with another ADEC English Medium Teacher (EMT) named Laura whom I have gotten to know over the past couple of weeks and am happy to call a friend. A lovely Nirvana agent, equipped with an iPad and our names on it, met us at the gate and guided us through the entire security process - eye scan, passport and entry visa stamps, and luggage pick-up. At the airport exit, another Nirvana agent drove us to our temporary home, the Ibis-Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate Hotel. It was not the most glamorous of hotels but wonderful nonetheless. The check-in was easy as long as you don't panic over the fact that the front desk WILL, I repeat WILL, take away your passport and original, stamped entry visa and make copies of them for you instead. (Advice: Take these copies with you everywhere you go. You will need them to apply for, buy, and register for various things. Ensure that whichever company or agency needs them make copies of these copies. They keep a set and you keep a set.) The front desk is tasked with the collection of these items to hand over to Nirvana, whom will then pass them on to ADEC and other government agencies to process our residency visas plus other relevant materials. Upon entering my room, I immediately connected my Sony Vaio and iPhone to wifi (thank heavens everything worked), figured out that there was a switch for everything electric, Skyped with family, and posted pics on Facebook once again. I also exchanged about $30 dollars into dirhams at the hotel despite the poor exchange rate and chatted with a few EMTs at the bar of an Italian restaurant onsite. After a shower that took a while for hot water to come on but don't worry it will come on eventually, I slept a restful five or so hours. Darn you jetlag! 

Breakfast time was always an excellent opportunity to meet people and figure out things to do for the day together. Upon discovering that the hotel provided a free shuttle to Mushrif Mall, a bunch of us decided to go there to get some essential to-do's done: {1} exchange currency (right now it's 1 USD to 3.66 AED - rate is actually negotiable especially if you're exchanging a relatively large amount of money like $500 or more), {2} buy SIM card for cellphone at either Etisalat or Du, {3} purchase prepaid data and minutes + SMS/text messaging (at Etisalat it is 100 AED for 1G of data a month, 40 AED for the SIM card, and whatever amount you want to pay for minutes [30 cents per min.] + SMS [18 cents per text] - I later found out that Du might be a better company to go with since it lets you roll over your unused data while Etisalat does not AND has wider, more reliable coverage but don't quote me on this; I heard this from other people), and {4} buy some grocery at Lulu's since lunch and dinner are not provided. We met more EMTs in the evening and had a delicious yet pricey meal at the Italian restaurant Gabbiano.

The next day some of us decided to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It is a place of worship and as thus one should dress conservatively, meaning women should have long sleeves down to their wrists and skirts/pants down to their ankles along with a scarf to cover their head. Don't worry if you forget to do so. The venue offers complimentary abayas with hoodies to wear in a changing area down the escalator. The Grand Mosque was immaculate, majestic, and breathtaking. Every detail was well thought out and no expense was spared - absolutely a place that one should visit in his or her lifetime. 

On Wednesday evening, basically everyone was informed that we would get our medical check done the next morning, early next morning, like 6am for some and 8am for others next morning. Naturally, I got the 6am slot with half of the group and off on a shuttle we went. Our experience at the medical center would be best described as an organized chaos - the staff knew what needed to be done and we had an idea what needed to be done but it was the manner in which these tasks would be accomplished that came into question. My word of advice is be patient - don't act so eager and think that getting to the front of the line automatically means you're served first. Keep your cool or risk looking foolish and desperate like a little boy waiting for his first facial hair to show up. It's a "lottery" system so it's anybody's game. Just hang on to your ticket, look up at the tv screen that flashes the "lottery" numbers, and go only when it's your turn. Remember this is the Land of Hurry Up and Wait. Wait is inevitable. You either wait before or after so deal with it like nobody can touch you. Bring a snack, drink some water, listen to music. Be cool. Slowly and surely the medical staff will register your info (passport and stamped visa copies), weigh you, take your blood pressure, give you a general look over/consultation, draw your blood, collect your urine sample, and x-ray your chest. When the medical check is done, Nirvana will transport you to the fingerprinting and ID center, that is if they arranged for this to be completed on the same day as the medical. At this building, you will get digital fingerprinted and picture taken. 

The rest of Week 1 consisted of visiting more mega-malls and hypermarkets, exploring the heart of Abu Dhabi City, eating at Lebanese Flower (a local favorite), enjoying some strawberry shisha, checking out the hotel's rooftop pool area, and going to Souk Qaryat Al Beri. The videos below capture more of my experience. That's all for now. Serving up Week 2 summary in my next post.  

                    

Still Here, Haunting Chicago

Christmas. Check. New Year. Check. Mid-January. Check. So why am I still here?  I'm praying hard, really hard, hands clasped and eyes closed tightly hard, that I can keep Chinese New Year, Super Bowl XLVIII, and Valentine's Day unchecked.

Don't get me wrong. I love all those events but I have to get the next chapter of my life started.  

I understand that the pace of life is different in the UAE than it is here in the US of A but I'm not there yet. Why am I already feeling the effects of their leisurely lifestyle? For future ADEC teachers who are reading this, yes, the waiting is real! I was originally told that the anticipated departure would be 12/26 - 12/28. Less than a week before that, an email informed me that there was an unexpected delay in visa processing so now the time to leave could be sometime in mid-January. Well, it's over a week past mid-January and I am still obsessively checking my inbox for the golden ticket as are about 100 teachers from different parts of the world. It's not the waiting that's killing everyone, it's the not knowing. Most have already rented out their homes, sold their cars, quit their jobs, and taken their children out of school. With daily spending and funds running low, people are beginning to be desperate. At this time a lot of positive self-talk and deep breathes are essential to survival. As much as I would like to refrain from Facebook and checking my email morning til night, my recruiting company tells me that I need to do just that, encouraging such compulsive behavior. Teach Away says that it's important that I check because the e-ticket could come any minute and I need to confirm my passport information promptly for the travel agency to issue it. So the roller coaster of emotions continues, hopeful, disappointed, hopeful, disappointed.

To my family and friends who are reading this, I really don't mean to be Becky the Friendly Ghost, hanging around and not letting go. I'm wondering why I'm still here as much as you are. One thing we do need to get straight, though, this gig is not a hoax - a handful of teachers have already landed in Abu Dhabi, meeting each other and exploring the city. I cannot wait to be one of them, soon, very soon I hope. Until then don't be shocked to see me around!

A random thought (because I simply cannot leave this post on such a depressing note) - I am excited about Chicago's Restaurant (Two) Week! Already made plans with friends to visit ZED451 for dinner. Maybe I'll get a chance to try out GT Fish & Oyster as well! Nom, nom, nom away!

Funemployment and Karma

Though some individuals like to call unemployment "funemployment," not having a job simply sucks no matter what you call it.  Just because you don't have money coming in doesn't mean bills stop arriving at your doorsteps, that is unless you admit yourself to a monastery and commit to fasting aka starvation until you get yourself on your feet once more.  

Okay, yes, for the first few days, it's "fun", it's liberating. In fact, you may find yourself making snide comments about how your friends are stuck in the 9 to 5 grind, slaving their lives away, while you're in your pjs at noon, snacking on Cheetos and watching Ellen DeGeneres on t.v. You may even go as far as having grand delusions about creating the Next Big Thing, becoming your own boss, and living the fast life of the rich & famous - sticking your middle fingers up to all the haters in the world who thought you wouldn't make it. 

 

But after a week or two, all these delusions begin to fade away and you come face to face with the harsh reality that you're going to go...

At this very moment, I am unemployed, not funemployed, because of my own foolish will and doing (I quit my job of six years in June of 2013) and waiting for my golden ticket to arrive in the form of an email, announcing that I will be off to Abu Dhabi to teach English for two and a half years. Every day that I wait I go through a roller coaster of emotions, from anxiety to excitement, from optimism to depression. Seriously, waiting is the worst. It gives you too much time to think - think about the good, think about the bad, think about miracles, think about the impossible. As I positive self-talk and try to motivate myself to be productive, refraining from checking my emails every other minute and driving myself off the wall, I realize something. I realize how blessed that I actually am. At a low point in my life, I find myself surrounded by supportive family and friends, even friends whom I haven't met yet via a couple of groups that I joined on Facebook. Yes, it does get a bit frustrating and embarrassing when you're constantly being asked "when are you leaving?" but I am alive and well with a roof over my head. My family takes my car off of my hands, relieving me of debts that I cannot afford to pay at the moment; a friend gives me a place to stay so I have somewhere warm to sleep until I leave; my boyfriend drives 3+ hours every weekend to see me and spend time with me, showing commitment toward our relationship; other love ones lend me their ears when I need someone to talk to and offer words of encouragement, laughter, and friendship. I cannot ask for more. Sometimes I don't think I deserve their kindness, but if I do maybe it's because I have been a good person, a good friend, that I have been there for them in their times of need. As one proverb says, "What goes around comes around." Maybe, just maybe, I have built up enough good karma that all these blessings and generosity are showered on me.  

Everything happens for a reason, I truly believe that, and God has a path for me to walk through. I will follow Him willingly, patiently, and faithfully on this new journey that He has planned for me. When this next chapter begins, I have no doubt in my mind that it will challenge me and change me for the better. Ladies and gentlemen, friends and no foes, this one will be... 

Hard to Let Go

I am addicted to technology and spoiled by my car. So naturally I'm having a hard time adjusting to parting ways with my baby, my gorgeous Audi Q5, last week when I visited family in Michigan. Luckily, I sold it to my sister so it's sitting comfortably in my parents' garage. I know that they will take care of  it and I'll be able to see it whenever I go home. I swear, though, hanging its keys on the wall holder and leaving them behind was one of the hardest things to do! It's the first time I'm without a vehicle since I got my license. Oh, the sacrifices that one has to make to strive for greater and better things.  

I love you, Q5!

Meanwhile, time has been messing with my brain. It's driving me crazy. I like to think that I'm a carefree, spontaneous, and patient person who's ready for anything but in all honesty I'm not. This waiting game, this not knowing when I'll be departing for the UAE is killing me. I feel like a sea otter floating in the ocean, not knowing what danger lurks beneath me or what treasure awaits my discovery. Sometimes I feel there is so much to do but so little time to do it. At other times the urgency to pack and get ready is missing. Time seems to be moving slowly but passing quickly all at once. If the limbo in the Inception was real, I'm in it. 

Reading others' blogs, watching YouTube videos, and researching information on forums have proved to be extremely useful. I learned that getting an international driver's license is pointless when you arrive with a visa in the UAE so save your $15 or $20. It's probably best to just utilize the cheap cab fares to get around Abu Dhabi in your first month or so there until you get your resident visa and local driving license. Other things to consider and accomplish in your home country before leaving it include:

1. Purchasing VPN service to couple with your local internet connection in the UAE if you want to watch your home country's television shows and movies via Netflix, Hulu, etc. I've heard that Witopia, Astrill, and StrongVPN are decent providers with relatively reliable connections while PureVPN and others are not.

2. What electronics to bring with you and what adaptors, converters, transformers, or power strips you'll need in order to utilize your items in the right voltages - thus not frying your precious straightener, curling iron, or computer!

3. Downloading Skype in your home country and setting up an account before you leave. From what I understand, Skype is no longer banned but Apple's FaceTime and other VoIPs continue to be restricted.  

  

4. Make a plan for your money. Yes, a plan for your money. How much money in the form of cash or Visa gift card will you bring with you to the UAE? Where do you plan on exchanging your home country's currency into AED (UAE's dirham)? At a currency exchange or a bank? (Either way don't use the ones at the airport.) Do you plan on using your debit card to punch out dirhams at an ATM? If yes, do you know the various fees for such transactions? With TCF Bank (available mainly in the Midwestern states of the US), there is a $5 international ATM fee + the local ATM's fee + "3% on the amount you withdraw" fee. Plus TCF has a $520 withdrawal cap per day. Assuming that I take out the max, $520, in one transaction, the fees will total to about $25. Sad but necessary, unfortunately.  

5. Then there is the wiring of your money to ponder. Your employer will likely have you set up a local bank account and pay you in dirham. Let's say you didn't squander all your money on fancy trips and things and actually put away 50% of what you earn each month. By the end of the year, you have a nice hunk of money in dirham in your local piggy bank. But then your little piggy in the US needs some lovin' too so now you need to wire some money into it by having your local bank converting the moolah from dirhams to dollars and then depositing it. This will once again cost you in fees. There will be a fee from your UAE bank, I'm assuming equivalent to $15, AND a fee from your home country's bank, also around $15.  My plan is to wire the max once or twice a year to cut down on fees. 

As you can see ladies and gentlemen, doing your homework, having a plan, and managing your finances are crucial to fattening your wallet. So make sure you communicate with your bank and ask, ask, ask away!

Finally, if you haven't thought of it already, make sure your mail is going to the right places, bills have been arranged to be paid, and certain accounts and services that you will no longer be using in your home country have been closed out. All logistics and technicalities aside, don't forget to spend some quality time with your love ones and give out plenty of x's and o's!  

"Wasta" & Da Struggle

When people have money, power tends to get into their heads. In many Arab nations, this is called having "wasta" - I'll cry if I want to and get away with anything card. Having wasta is equivalent to having unlimited privilege, influence, and power. Supposedly, the smaller the number or license plate on a car in Abu Dhabi, the more power or wasta that person has, meaning "I am #1 so don't mess with me". (Don't worry, I won't. I'm not that stupid.)

(Btw the #1 plate went for $14.3 million in an auction.)

                                       

One of my biggest concerns with living in Abu Dhabi is my race and gender and how I will be treated there because of who I am. Questions that I have asked myself include: Am I prepared to deal with being treated like a second-class citizen or a "lesser" of sorts if it happens? Am I ready to bite my tongue and hold back my American tendencies if injustices occur? Am I going to let people with wasta waste me or will I dust things off my shoulders? Can I roll with the punches? 

Don't get me wrong, I am determined to keep an open-mind so I can enjoy my experience exploring and learning about a new culture while providing a valuable service to an exciting, young country; the UAE is literally only 42 years old! However, I don't think it is wrong of me to be cautious. After all I am an unmarried, female traveling alone and working in a relatively conservative, male-dominate society, no matter how progressive it is trying to be. Many have said that men are shamelessly flirtatious over there, especially toward unmarried women. As a result I do not want to stand out or attract attention in any way, shape, or form if I can help it. I will blend in (ninja style) as much as possible - dress conservatively and be inconspicuous in order to respect their culture on the one hand and protect myself on the other.

I was struggling to find loose-fitting, shoulder-to-toe type clothes that still manage to be breathable for Abu Dhabi's sweltering weather. No, I don't plan on buying a department store worth of clothing to bring with me to AD, especially since there's a two, 50 lbs. luggage limit I can check in w/o extra charge, but I do need at least a few outfits that can hold me over when I first arrive so I can assess my environment and then buy some more appropriate dresses, pants, and shirts at one of its fine malls. People say that 100% cotton is best to fend off the killer heat while having enough coverage & looking respectable. After some research and wandering through malls, I bought some button up shirts from GAP to pair with jeans, khakis, or capris. Then I scored some long, black, maxi dresses that go all the way down to my ankles! Could not be happier when I found them because now I can mix and match different tops and scarves (if necessary) to go over them and wear for a variety of occasions. Yes, I know, I'm a genius. 

Left: Casual - For "western" establishments like hotels & at the beach

Right: Professional - For work & other more conservative environments

Other ways to cover up!

Button up shirts from GAP

These clothes will have to make do until I look like...

...which isn't so bad! In fact it's quite beautiful. 

I swear I'm not neurotic or paranoid, though, I know I can have these tendencies at times. I am simply trying to be a respectful, well-informed expat who's done her research. I will find out just how right or wrong I am and how accurate or inaccurate my assumptions and information are when I get there, and actually that's kind of exciting! The unknown and the mystery of it all both frighten and intrigue me. 

To Be Honest (TBH) #1

Many people have told me that I wear my emotion on my face. In fact Dave (my bf and BFF of 5 years come this December) have given names to some of these infamous faces I tend to display from time to time, most notably "sad face" (when I don't get what I want or when I'm disappointed about something), "duck face" (NOT the one where an individual puckers up her lips for Facebook profile pictures, but full on ducky-like lips) - when I'm thinking about something and it bothers me or any other slight annoyances, "little girl face" occurs when I'm really excited about something that I simply cannot contain myself, and "happy face" - well when I'm truly happy. 

As someone who doesn't hide her feelings well, naturally I'm a pretty bad liar. If I really try, though, I guess I can get away with it from time to time. I'm usually good at pretending I'm having a great day when I'm actually not, especially at a workplace. To me maintaining professionalism and relationships with others are of utmost importance. Plus, I'm the type of person who doesn't like to use someone else as scapegoat for my own problems. There's simply no need to be snappy toward others when they've done nothing to you. I usually mind my own business and keep things to myself. With that being said I'm also difficult to get to know because unless you go out of your way to get to know me I'll probably smile at you, have polite conversations, and continue on my day. I find it very hard to open up to people. 

With this blog, I'm hoping to be as honest and as real as possible, so it can be a part of my growth. I think I may have come off to family and friends as this fearless and adventurous woman about to go on this incredible journey to the mysterious Middle East with nothing but high hopes, excitement, and dreams. 

This is indeed a part of the truth and reality. I mean how can I immerse myself in and learn about a new culture without a positive attitude and a healthy dose of enthusiasm? But this adventure also comes with a good amount of fear, doubt, sadness, and anxiety. Will I adjust well to Abu Dhabi? Will my race and gender affect the way that I will be treated there? Will I like my placement? What am I going to do if they put me out in Al Gharbia, away from the city? What if I feel extremely homesick? etc, etc. I'm also worried about a lot of things, beginning with preparations for departure. Many days I feel like I have so much to do but don't know where to begin or how to begin, almost crippling to the point that I just don't do anything. Alas, I can't just do nothing so I set little goals for myself to accomplish each day - make 10 colored copies of my passport to bring with me, print out the application for an international driving permit and take it to AAA, etc. 

All in all it's an anxious time for me right now - so much unknown (departure date), so much to do (sell, pack, move, or donate personal belongings big & small), and so little time. Wish me luck, send positive energy my way, and pray for me as well. 

Frequently Asked Questions by Interviewers

I cannot guarantee anything but from my experience I noticed that they tended to ask...

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself - This does NOT give you free reign to start babbling about yourself, your pets, favorite colors...your interviewer wants to know about the PROFESSIONAL you, meaning your educational background, professional experiences, and (okay) a little about your personality aka your strengths.

2. Why do you want to teach abroad? -OR- Why do you want to teach in Abu Dhabi? - Honestly, why do you want to teach abroad? It's important that you're seriously asking yourself this question. If your reason is to run away from your problems, then this is not for you. If intrigue and adventure are knocking on your door, if you love learning about new cultures and seeing the world, if you enjoy educating or helping others, or if teaching is your passion, then you should definitely look into this opportunity. As for why Abu Dhabi, you should probably say something along the lines of wanting to be a part of the educational reform efforts over there and help realize the country's goals for a bright future. 

3. What is your classroom management style? - Consistency and Calmness

4. What would I see if I came into your classroom? - High-engagement, creativity, academic rigor, differentiation, stations, interactive activities, etc. 

5. What are three words that others would use to describe you? - Flexible or adaptable, _____________, and ______________.

6. What strategy or strategies would you use to teach English Language Learners? - Use a lot of visuals and hand gestures, explain things in context, allow plenty of time for practice to reach proficiency & mastery, etc.

7. Tell me about a lesson that you did that was highly-effective or engaging or interactive. (followed by) Tell me how you differentiated that lesson or instructional activities or assessments.  

8. Tell me about a difficult situation that you experienced - First of all, your answer or situation has got to be related to education. Secondly, not only should you explain about the difficult situation but also how you handled it effectively and appropriately! This is the trick. They want to see if you're a problem-solver!

No matter what your interviewer(s) asks you, give clear and concise answers that are supported by relevant examples. Don't ramble - it gives off a nervous or "I'm inexperienced" vibe. They like people who will be flexible even in the most unexpected, frustrating situations AND positive attitude AND I will make it work no matter what it takes attitude. Finally, smile during your interview because it'll affect your tone and body language. Be confident and let your experience speak for itself.