I'd title this 'Weekending' but...

I guess it is a bit difficult to categorize this post as 'weekending' when really its more like 'in the last month and a half' plus my weekend was a bit on the lack luster side of the coin. A lot of things going on and keeping me busy but I figured since I have plenty of time right now I might as well get back to writing a bit.

So what is new? Well, I can't say a whole heck of a lot. We had Spring Break here in the UAE a few weeks ago and I cannot even explain how much that break was needed. I would usually say it was desperately needed but that does not even touch the emphasis that is required. This spring break, unlike last year when we jetting off to Thailand, we decided to stay home. Not necessarily a staycation but more of a we really don't need to go and spend a lot of cash. We had a really busy, see also: expensive, last few months so we are trying to get back in shape financially. Yes, before I hear everyone start with the 'but you make so much more' hear me out. Surprisingly enough, like the USA, money here does not grow on trees and it almost feels like it is spent before it pings into the bank account. A state of the finances check was humbling as we were beginning to fall into the expat way of life and eat out too much, spend money on things that we will just have to sell when we leave, and this goes against everything that we are here for. So it was time to get it all in line.

So to our staycation, we really didn't do much over the Spring Break because your girl has just been exhausted. We did get to check out Kite Beach in Dubai and it was really beautiful.

The Burj Al Arab from Kite Beach at sunset in Dubai, UAE. This is by far my most favorite picture I've taken.

I am not a beach girl; I don't like the sand or the water but I really enjoyed our walk down the cushioned walkway of the beach. Yes, cushioned. #BecauseDubai

On the cushioned walk way with the Burj Al Arab in the far background

We were able to eat at a little place called SALT which I found on Instagram and I've been wanting to try it out. Social media here in the UAE really does lend it self to attracting a lot of business for small places such as this. They now have at least two locations and they were packed! It is a burger and fry place on the beach. Pretty clever.

The Jalapeño fries = Excellent 

After we ate, we settled in for the sunset and in true Middle East fashion, the sunset never disappoints. The colors are nothing short of magical. 

*I know this pic is extra dark and not good light but I like it

*insert heart-eyed emoji here

I just can't get over the colors. And these photos are not color enhanced in any way!

Aside from amazing sunsets, work has been cray but in a good way. I finally feel like I have a clue of what is going on and what should be going on since I lived this part of the year last year. We are sprinting towards the finish line with our school year since our grade 12 girls begin exams soon, then Ramadan starts, then grade 10 and 11 exams begin and then we are finished. We also go to reduced hours during Ramadan. I ain't mad.


Currently my hubs is back in the good ole U.S of A with his family. It is really different being here alone again. I will admit I love the quiet and I like being by myself but for small amounts of hours at a time. This is a 6 week stretch! When I first arrived I was solo for roughly the same amount of time. This time is so much better because I have the dog pound, currently known as #TeamAHole, with me. They have affectionately been dubbed #TeamAhole because they have been just that. Vera is having a hard time understanding where her human is, they bark down the hall (freaks me the hell out) and they just generally do jerk off things. The worst is on the weekends. I am so used to having hubs here to take them out so I can sort of sleep in but I am hopeful we will get passed 6:30am this weekend. They are lucky they're cute.

So that is what is going on over in my little corner of the world. Just me and my Netflix/Hulu....and, of course, #TeamAHole

Cheers!

Silver Linings

Long, long ago...Ok, five months ago, I used to search the internet high and low for blogs, Facebook pages, and anything else that would give me the experience of those who took up the expat life and moved overseas, specially to the U.A.E. I would find a few gems but they always seemed to end abruptly. I would wonder, what is keeping these bloggers from writing, from an occasional post or update? I know now. Life here in the U.A.E. just gets hectic and really exhausting when you are teaching or trying to help run a school. Your downtime is monopolized by naps, sitting in silence, or sometimes wine. A lot of times, wine.

Since returning from our Thailand trip, it seems the last month has been a complete blur. One of my counterparts went on maternity so my work load increased, which I have been thankful for. It really aided in me seeing the big picture at my school. My job here is not like my job was back home. Here my actual purpose varies from day to day. I do not have the in-stone job description like I did back in my former position. While the flexibility in this is anticipated, it can also be hard to adapt to day to day since things change here day to day, literally. In my case hour by hour or minute-to-minute. My days are spent finding teachers to cover other teachers classes that did not come into work for whatever reason. Then the next few hours are consumed begging those teachers to puuu-lease go to cover that class since many refuse. It irks me to no end but I get it somedays. It is the same problem as back home; many people come to work day to day no matter what and they are left to pick up the slack that is left by those who may not attend work regularly for whatever reason. Yes, we have legitimate employees who have very valid reasons to be absent, but then we have some that I raise my eyebrow at and then move along, covering their classes anyway. I have never understand people that just tell their supervisors no or what they will and won't do. I have had that conversation several times and it always gets me the 'Lady, you are crazy' look. That conversation starts with, 'First, you are going to stop telling me what you will and won't do'.  If it is in your job description (such as teaching your assigned classes), then lets save the conversation and get it done. At the beginning and end of each day, I feel for the students. This gives zero consistency to teaching, or zero teaching really. My bottom line is teachers attendance directly impacts students achievement. A new concept? Nope. I am also trying to lead and guide some in my building on how to look at the big picture, a foreign notion, when making decisions that impact multiple facets of the school. It is slow moving but I get my glimmers every now and again. I can see that there is some impact from my work and my constant drilling of this but it is taking time, some very sweet time. Enter the girl with no patience whatsoever and you have a hell of a learning experience.

I will say that the vast majority of my teachers have extended open doors and welcome me into their classrooms, ask for my assistance and ideas, and are extremely receptive to my feedback, suggestions and even constructive criticism. I absolutely love being in their classrooms. I guess I really will always be a teacher at heart.

So while I am slap worn out, tired, and mentally exhausted (not from strenuous activity), I am pressing on here in the Middle East looking for my silver linings where ever I can find them. I am thankful to have made a great snarky pal here so we exchange out of your experiences daily via the trusty Whatsapp because honestly, no one back home would believe some of these things. I tell ya that my book one day will be fantastic. Maybe I will begin writing it soon, inshallah.

The Thai experience

Dear Thailand,

I would first like to thank you for hosting myself and Mr. for 5 nights. We arrived with starry eyes, maybe we were tired, and we were overwhelmed at the airport. It is a monstrosity. I do applaud that we were in and out of customs and passport enforcement with quickness and ease. Upon moving through we were able to pick up our Thai SIM cards for our phones for a cool 600 Thai Bhat ($18 USD) that provided us with unlimited data and 100 minutes so we could ring each other if needed. Granted, once we were deeper into Bangkok we never needed to ring each other because we stuck together like glue. Not necessarily because of the heat (HOLY HOT), but because my husband wouldn't let me out of his sight because there was an overwhelming feeling that one of us would be lost to human traffic trade at any moment, or mugged.  It was actually a bit unnerving. Upon arrival to our hotel, The Shanghai Mansion in China Town, we were greeted by a very nice receptionist who welcomed up with some refreshing teas and cool towels. Upon check in an overzealous bellhop (more on him later) took us to our room. It was quaint but very comfortable. It was very pretty and authentic feeling. Mainly the air worked well and that is one of my top requirement in a hotel room. Well that and the doors cannot be on the outside of the hotel. I digress.

We took a short nap and then went down to explore a bit and the over zealous bellhop came right to our aid (HA!) and put us in a taxi to get us some food. The meal was great, but our bill, not so much. It was quite expensive. However, the fresh seafood and the amazing rice and noodles made it worth it after  long day of travel. We paid and were put into a TukTuk (see: the devils car) and we wanted to go back to the hotel. Now Thailand, I was excited for this TukTuk experience. I looked forward to the wind in my hair and seeing the city as it had come alive as the sunset. However, the TukTuk driver had other plans. He offered to take us around the city to a few "sights". Well I knew from friends that this was always to be refused because you end up in places that no self-respecting, or sober, person would ask to go. Well after arguing with the Tuk Tuk driver for a few minutes, getting out of the TukTuk and repeatedly refusing the "Ping Pong Show" (do yourself a favor and don't google that) we were back on our way through the city to our quaint little hotel. This left a bad taste in my mouth from the get go with public transportation in Bangkok. Perhaps it was the air pollution. Either way, not my favorite. We took a short stroll around, saw some sights, many street walkers (Human trafficking is real) and people eating in the middle of the road on chairs, we went back to our hotel. We enjoyed a cocktail on the patio, listened to a little live band and then called it a night. We were tired and it was sweltering.

Day two was one for the books. I would say that this was the absolutely best day that you offered us. We went on an excursion outside the city with a rebooked company to take an ox cart ride, make traditional Thai food with a local at her home, visited a market, and wrapped up the day by riding an elephant through the jungle. When I say it was an unforgettable experience, I definitely mean that with every sense of the word. I will say that what made this trip the best was the tour guide, Peter. He was fantastic. So fantastic that I booked him for a private tour hosted by him for later in the week. Our day started super easy when Peter arrived at the hotel. We were on the tour with two other individuals and they were great. Peter first took us to one of your markets. I can say, Thailand, that I can do without your markets. There were pig heads, frogs, and other foul items scattered throughout. We couldn't get out of there quick enough. Peter then took us to a locals home where we did an ox cart ride and cooked traditional Thai food. Man it was spicy! After eating we took a very long ride through the winding roads in the mountains where wild elephants roam. I was carefully examining the woods but I never saw anything that resembled an elephant. We finally arrived at the park where we took our elephant ride through the jungle. A once in a lifetime opportunity that was something out of an episode of the Bachelor. It was beautiful and the elephant was awesome. It didn't dump me off so I was a fan. Thailand, did you know that elephants like bananas? I was also told that they loved peanuts but apparently they also prefer bananas as an after walk treat. This was by far the best adventure of the trip.

So to this point in the trip, Thailand, it was really 1-1. We had a poor experience with Mr. TukTuk and then an out of this world experience on our excursion. So on day three we were naturally on a high from Bangkok and our experience the day prior and we wanted to keep up the momentum. We wanted to visit the Dusit Zoo so I could feed the hippos. I found that on Instagram and I have to say that I was completely stoked about this. So we scooted past Mr. Zealous Bellhop at the hotel and tried to grab a taxi but he came running out to find us and ask where we were going, what we were doing. However, we had already decide that we were not trusting him any longer as he was obviously in cahoots with the taxis, restaurants, etc. Thailand, your secret is out there are many scams that are run on unsuspecting tourists every single minute. Even from those who you would normally trust on a trip, such as a representative from a hotel. So we walked for a bit and a guy told us we were in an area that was mainly shut down. I had a feeling it was another scam of yours Thailand but I am constantly told that I am too cautious and I need to not think everything is out to get me. Well Thailand, the next happenings pretty much solidified that Bangkok is the seediest, shadiest, city I will ever have the pleasure, or displeasure, of visiting.

So this "nice" guy says oh you're going to the zoo, well the green TukTuks are run through the city and the others are personally owned. So if you get in this one over here, you won't have issues. I was cautious but we tried it again. The TukTuk took us to the temple of the reclining Budda. It was cool architecture and nice talking to the local man inside. However, I think the whole claim the buddy is solid gold is a false claim. Granted, I didn't touch it but it didn't appear real. It looked painted but I am sure you will never tell the truth. So great, we saw a temple up close. It was pretty. So off we go on our Devil's Chariot and here comes the bullshit. The TukTuk driver starts saying lets go here, lets see this. I said, no, Zoo. He said I don't know where it is. I showed him on the map and he said oh no, too far. This bastard pulls over and drops us on the side of the road in the middle of a neighborhood that I don't think many would feel safe in. Thailand, what in the hell is wrong with your people? I mean seriously. After some frustration, we find a taxi and get to your zoo. It was much bigger than I anticipated with several animals and nice enclosures. Not necessarily the most stable enclosures, but enclosures nonetheless. I was so excited when we got to the hippo enclosure. However, Thailand, your hippos were not having it. They didn't move from their little pond. There was no food that could lure those fattys out of the water. #disappointed In true Thailand fashion, we couldn't get a taxi that would take us back to our hotel. We asked approximately eight cabs to take us and they all said no. Finally one would take us but not run the meter. We just agreed on a flat rate. Thailand, you've gotta do something about your transportation scheme. To put it lightly, it is complete bullshit.

Our last day parading around your countryside, Thailand, was another enjoyable day... thankfully. Our tour guide took us all over and we were able to seamlessly see a temple that has trees growing on in the inside and covering the outside that is over 400 years old, a coconut sugar making hut, a beautiful orchid farm, and then on to your floating markets. While it was a pretty unique experience, the scams were alive and well as our boat driver took us only to certain shops along the water that he clearly had a previously arranged set up with the shop owners. Annoying.

After the floating market adventure, we were taken to a tiger farm and another once in a lifetime opportunity was provided to us. We were able to play with a tiger and feed her. Her name was Lemon; I liked her a lot. She also liked me - she didn't eat my face off. Lemon is also a comedian as she made some hilarious faces for the camera.

We also went to an elephant show where they played soccer and then to a crocodile wrestling show. Another win with our fantastic tour guide and for the animals of Bangkok. Thank goodness for our tour guide Thailand because he saved our overall view of the country and made our trip with some positive experiences. I would use him again if we ever go back to Bangkok. Which, for the record, we won't.

 
Overall Thailand, I was only mildly impressed with the country, granted we only saw a portion of it. The city of Bangkok, it runs unparalleled in the realm of filth. I would rather sit on any street in NYC and eat off the sidewalk. It was pretty revolting. It smelled awful, was crawling with street walkers that are in no way discreet, and feels completely unsafe. When you are told constantly to watch your belongings, don't leave your stuff anywhere, and you are just waiting to walk into the next scam - I cross it off my travel list. I won't visit your city of Bangkok again. At least, not willingly. Thailand, I would encourage you to clean up your act, your city, and your people. It is a shame that a city with so much potential is being ruined buy its own.

But hey.. thanks for the elephants. They were my favorite.

`

Spring Break kick off

I am over the moon excited today as we pack our bags and head to Thailand tonight! I am not exactly sure what to expect but I know one thing for sure it is much needed after the last few weeks. I only planned a jungle excursion in advance so we can trek through the waters on elephants but other than that we are going to book some things once we are there. I don't want the entire trip to be running around. I hate coming back from vacation and feeling dead and completely worn out. The jet lag will probably take care of that for us.

Seeing as I am newbie traveler, I have absolutely no idea what to pack. So I have taken to Pinterest to get some ideas. Did I mention I will not be checking ONE bag!? So everything for a 5 day trip has to go in a carry on. Jesus take the wheel... So I will be posting up my favorite packing sites some Pinterest and some other sites that I found useful in my journey to pack up all the things that I need to take with me.

So check out this ridiculousness from yesterday. Talk about a way to kick off Springbreak: A huge Sandstorm. I would have to say this is my least favorite part of the UAE. I hate feeling gritty and dirty and there is zero escaping it when these babies come through. What stinks even more, there is zero warning. Usually you wake up and here it is, like yesterday.

I will say that it does a number on breathing though. Ugh.. I've gotta be more prepared and carry a scarf with me. The sand is real. While the sandstorms come quickly, they also go quickly as well. I went in to get a pedicure (this picture was about 5 minutes prior to entering the salon) and then about an hour and 15 minutes later...all gone! It was amazing. Today is absolutely beautiful and clear. So funny this weather is. I never thought I would find weather more unpredictable than Florida's but I was wrong. It is almost identical here in Abu Dhabi. 

Apparently these bags won't bag themselves and I know this is going to be a struggle so I need to get to moving. Follow the adventures in real time on Instagram @justcallmesparkles

This week

Happy Friday friends!

This week proved to be a long week since we were doing testing in schools but it was also pretty nice because unlike back home the kids get on the bus when they are finished testing and head home. It definitely gives some chill time to be able to do all the little task (or huge ones) and not have to worry about supervision, the lunch lines, or dealing with all the things that adolescent girls bring. Granted here the big issues are girls wearing or having make up, but you know what I mean.

I was able to meet with some of the teachers one on one which was really nice because I miss that part of my job. I think that I am growing into my new position and I am being given a bit more freedom to work. Coming here is not always just jumping in like back home - you really have to earn your spot and your respect. That has been a complete paradigm shift for me but one that I welcome since I came here to have a totally different experience. That has never disappointed.

I decided to do a link up this week since I have completely been out of the link up game. I am linking up with Amanda from Meet at the Barre, Karli from September Farm and with Paula from Sincerely, Paula.  Make sure to checkout there blogs and link back to your blog as well.

So this week I finally downloaded my Rosetta Stone so I can try and pick up some Arabic. It seems like it is going to be quite the challenge but I at least need to learn the basics. I have yes, no, enough, and the word exponent. I observed a lot of math this week ;) The ladies I work with are starting to try and teach me bits and pieces as we go but I have to see it written, at least phonetically, to get a grasp on it. Pronunciation.. let not even talk about that for now. 

We went over to the local Daiso store this week on the hunt for a tape runner with designed on it that I saw on my Instagram feed from another planner lover. Daiso is a Japanese store with all sorts of things. I call it the dollar store because everything is 7 dirhams. Technically that is $1.91 in U.S. currency but no one wants to say the $1.91 store. Think of the store as the best amazon buys that come from overseas for like 99 cents but only in store form. I love it. While I did not find my decorative tape runner (sad face!!) I did score this amazing mug which made me think of my sister, Lindsay: 

Such a cute piece. I promised I would go back and look for another one since she really liked it as well!  I also picked up a little journal to get my traveling plans in one place. 

That little floral book.. never something that I would normally pick up but I thought it looked unique and I think it will serve as a nice journal type notebook for when I go back home.  Again, the bargain price of AED 7. 

 My favorite meal of the week was definitely our anniversary dinner at Stratos. It is a revolving restaurant on top of Lé Royal Meridan hotel by the Corniche. It was really beautiful and the views were fantastic. We were able to get a complete 360 degree view of Abu Dhabi, the ocean and the skyline. The food was pretty amazing as well. I highly recommend the lobster mac & cheese!

We also visited the Sheik Zayed Mosque yesterday and it was breathtaking. There are no pictures that will ever do the structure any justice. I watched several documentaries and read several pieces about the planning and building of the structure but I never imagined how huge it would really be. I drive by it all the time, but it is definitely not the same as taking a trip inside. Every single detail is perfect. A definite must see for all those who can travel to Abu Dhabi. If you follow me on Instagram, I posted several more pictures there as well. I haven't even gotten to my professional camera pictures. These are from my trusty iPhone.  

I just can't get enough of the beauty.

One of the amazing chandeliers. They weigh tons and sparkle like crazy. 

This would have been a fantastic picture but that security guard was relentless in staying in the background of it ;) 

All individual pieces of marble to make the floors and the intricate designs. 

I cannot wait to go back. It is very serene and they are still working on the outside of it for the lawns and different areas. I look forward to seeing it completed before we leave. 

So whats on tap for this weekend? I have no idea. I do know that I am getting my hair done and I am pumped about that. The struggle is very real with the root situation so I will be glad that is remedied. 

Cheers to the weekend!

Weekending in Dubai

So we finally took the drive over to Dubai from Abu Dhabi and it was like falling in love all over again. I am definitely a big fan of Dubai. It feels like a mini New York city due to the sky scrapper buildings and some of the traffic. But I am an avid New York fan so I didn't mind. 

The feel is extremely western. Not that cowboy western feel but from the States western feel. It is not as conservative and you truly forget that you are in the Middle East. The malls are amazing. Just amazing. From the Ski slopes at Ski Dubai to the dancing fountains outside of the Burj Khalifa it was such a nice taste of home. Did I mention they have an iHop in the malls? We didn't eat there but we did enjoy California Pizza Kitchen which did not disappoint. 

*SkiDubai in the Mall of the Emirates

I was so excited to the Burj. It is truly overwhelming in person. We didn't buy tickets to go to the observation deck but hopefully in the near future we will. I would rather check out the restaurant Atmosphere on the 122 floor but that will definteley require some dirhams. So we will save up and do that. I think that would be the best of both worlds - a great meal and an amazing view. 

 Now it is not everyday that you get to see a huge aquarium in the middle of the mall but as usual, nothing disappoints here. There were some brave souls that did the swimming in the aquarium while we were there. I will save Kudos to them and I will stay on dry land. Hopefully they got some cool pictures though.

We got outside just in time to see the fountain show on the water. What a sight that is. I have never been to Vegas but I assume it is similar to the fountain show there. It was really pretty and the Burg gives a nice backdrop. I highly suggest getting there early or scoring a balcony table at one of the several restaurants that have terraces overlooking the water. Again.. next time we will plan better!

The lights, the water and all choreographed to music. It was spectacular!

The Dubai mall was so extremely busy that we didn't get to see a whole lot of the stores because we were there on a Friday (mistake one) and it is very touristy anyways. We did find these waterfalls in the mall that provide a great background for a photo op. 

Fast forward to this past Friday, we went to Dubai again to check out Global Village. I have read a lot about the Global Village but I wasn't quite sure what it was. I did know that I needed was good shoes and cash since everything is bartering. I am definitely okay with that. It took us about an hour to get there and it was much bigger than I anticipated. It is made up of several pavilions that are based on each country represented. You can buy authentic goods from each from clothing, food, spices, and other items. I will say that I was a bit disappointed that the vast majority of the product were knock off purses in each country. However, if you want a cheap bag that is definitely where you need to head.  Lots of traditional clothes (that I wouldn't wear), spices (with very pushy salesmen) and oddities were in each country. I was most disappointed with The Americas because the products in there were not at all what I define as America. Maybe my expectations were too high.  Yet, we did have a good time and we would go back from time to time. There is plenty of food to go around and lots of rides in the carnival section. 

Probably my favorite part was the little outside booth we found with an artist who was spray painting pictures. I have always found this intriguing. I cannot draw a proper stick figure but these folks can make amazing pictures with straightedges and spray paint. We couldn't resist this one for our camel wall in our apartment. I am in love with the fact it has both camels and the Dubai skyline. 

 There are so many more things that we want to do when we go back to Dubai. The city is so full of life and things to see and do. Luckily we have plenty of time! How did you spend your weekend?