Unicorn Weekend

Guess it is time for a little check in. Just coming off the weekend of the normal world where it is almost hump day for me. I am finally adjusting to weekends being Friday and Saturday. What I am even more adjusted to is focusing on the finish line for this school year. I cannot wait until the end of the year. While it hasn't been terrible or anything, I just need a break. I mean it might be that little trip to Paris that is on the books that has me looking towards the finish line in 25 days!

We are taking a few days out of the UAE in July after school is out to take in the sights of Paris and I am pretty pumped. I have always wanted to visit Paris so naturally I have been steadily working on a list of things to do, places to see, and trying to figure out what tours as a necessity. I bought us some new luggage pieces (backpacks) that are big enough to use for a carry on item so as soon as they get here I plan on doing a review on how functional they are.

This past weekend was a big shopping weekend here in the UAE (as explained from my local lady friends) for Ramadan. I do enjoy shopping so I headed to Dubai with a friend on Friday. The malls here are ridiculous but the malls in Dubai are even more over the top ridiculous. Read: ridiculous is fabulous. Granted, they were packed full to the brim and everyone in the Emirate seemed to be there but we had a nice time. However, my ankle is still paying the price from the walking. I can't complain too much because I bought my unicorn of all handbags this weekend.

I blame it on the cappuccino that was served while we were shopping. 

Speaking of this stupid ankle injury of mine (allegedly a torn ACL), I am beginning physical therapy tomorrow. It was supposed to be today but it was kindly moved...with zero notice. All I can say to that is, Abu Dhabi. Things just tend to happen this way here.

Of course to add a little more injury, my hubby and I went to Marina Mall to look for some new shoes. Usually, I am not a fan of that mall but it wasn't busy (everyone was in Dubai) and it was nice to walk around while not getting run over. Plus, I always enjoy the fountains in the mall.

When we were leaving the mall, I was able to get a great picture of the ever so famous Etihad Towers. These buildings are so pretty in person, and they are huge. 

Later Saturday evening, we headed to see Jurassic World at Yas mall. We decided to see it in 4D which I thought would be a great experience but the seats were pretty uncomfortable. However, it was kind of funny to watch the late comers try to get in the seats while they were moving. The experience was unique, think you can feel the breathing of the dinosaur on your neck, get water dripped on you, and of course you could feel every step of the dinosaurs from the rumble of the seats. Overall the movie was okay; the end of the movie completely sucked. Yet, I am sure that there will be another one due to the crap ending. Oh and did you know that the original Jurassic Park came out 20 years ago?! That made me feel ancient. I couldn't believe that it has been that long ago. I guess time just keeps moving forward even if we don't notice how much time has passed. 

So another weekend in the books - 24 days of work left. I think I can see the light!

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

Hopping on travel

One of the biggest things I wanted to accomplish coming to the Middle East was to fulfill the travel bug that has been pestering the back of my mind for years. I have always dreamed of being able to see the world, to experience beautiful sights and be introduced to new cultures. Well this is a great dream but how does one who is not worldly nor well traveled even begin to understand where to go, what to do once you get there, and of course how to stay safe when traveling to unexplored lands.

One of my friends here in AD who is from back home introduced me to the app "Hopper".

Of course one of the first things is how much do I want to spend on these trips? Well Hopper has been a favorite so far as you can plug in your intended dates of travel and it gives you when the prices are high, medium, or low. It even watches trips for you so if they happen to sink really low you get an alert so you know when to buy to save you a few dollars. I have the notifications set up so I get when the price goes up, goes down, or when it is the best time to buy.

I am loving the fact that I can program in a bunch of different trips and just kind of wait and see what will suit me and my budget the best! The app keeps track of all the trips and you are able to plan pretty far out or at least get the intended trips on deck to be watched. I cannot wait to start acting on some of the deals that this bunny finds me. What apps are your travel essentials?

Squirrel!!

So here I sit at my make shift desk surrounded by the little loose ends that really need to be cleared up. Rolls of tape, sharpi markers, and other miscellaneous items that really need to get their asses in a box. I mean I do have other things to do than pack and find a home for all this little stuff. However, I just don't wanna. I don't want to because I am enjoying the last few days in the house and I really can't believe that we are moving around the world. And... I'm lazy & a procrastination expert. I'll tell you about that someday. 

So today's Abu Dhabi update is nothing. Zilch, Zero, Nada. Some of the ladies in my leadership group got emails this morning telling them that their start date will most likely be pushed back as the head person in charge of documents took a little vacay which means no ones documents were submitted to immigration for the last two weeks. Luckily, I did not receive this email but I surely fired one off to my rep and she assured me that I didn't get it because I wasn't affected and my docs were in before said person took a little 2 week hiatus. I feel bad for the ladies in my group that this is going to affect. It is definitely hard to sit and wait and to be told you get to wait even longer is definitely stressful. However, I have witnessed two people conquer this process so I knew before I started what I was in for. I am praying that I get a fly timeline soon. As much as I want to be home for the holidays, I know that the closer I get to the holidays the harder it will be on my family when I have to leave. Let's rip the bandaid off, shall we?

I have been spending a good amount of time with friends and family lately which has been great. Everything is sold in the house with the exception of the washer and dryer and the fridge in the garage. Those should be in their new home this weekend. I am definitely looking forward to getting packing all tied up and completed however that would be happening much faster if I could get my rear end in gear and stay focused. Ha.. like that will happen.

Suitcases & Jewels

A secret to share...

I bought my luggage today for my big move today. I trudged through the flea market and finally found some of the acceptable pieces (that I haggled my arse off for) that I can take when I take my 8,000 mile trip half way around the world.  Little did I know that this purchase would be the one that would finally make all this moving "real". Honestly, it really screwed with my head. It scared me. It made all of the self-doubt that I have been fighting off these past few weeks come to the surface with a vengeance. "What the hell am I thinking?", "Am I really moving to the Middle East?" and my most favorite question... "How the hell am I packing my whole world in these three bags?!?"

This whole move has really had me reevaluating myself and doing some serious soul searching. This is the first decision that I have ever made that I know for a 100% fact is not the popular decision. It is not backed by everyone, and people are legitimately concerned for me and my husband. So why the hell am I making this decision when I know that I am hurting peoples feelings and when it has been a struggle for me personally as I am not afraid of conflict, but I hate having people I care about upset with me.

So here is the secret:  I am making this move out of my sheer need for adventure. I want to see parts of this big ole world that many people only dream about. I want to have croissants in Paris, drink wine in Italy, have a beer in Germany, visit the beaches in Maldives, see the amazing architecture in Dubai, and experience a completely different lifestyle while living in Abu Dhabi. I'd lie if I said i was not stoked about the fireworks for NYE in Dubai as well...or perhaps Paris.  I have always had the travel bug and I am finally finished with my schooling; it is time to move about this world. I am so ready for these new experiences that I have become an email stalker since that is how my flight itinerary will arrive. I can burst with excitement, yet at the same time I have a lingering feeling of sadness because I know how hard this is for a few certain people. I have never made a decision completely for myself and signing this offer letter, that is what I did. I thank you all for putting on a brave face for me because deep down, I need it.

Another part of this secret - that little red bag up there. It is the bomb dot com. I cannot wait to take it on little weekend trips. It is totally reminiscent of my little red suit case that I had growing up that said Going to Grandmas on the outside of it. I wonder if I could glue some jewels on the outside that would say  I'm going to Abu Dhabi, Bitch! Yeah.... probably wouldn't go over well in the conservative country. I am still working on my filter; No profanity in public.

Shit....