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Babes in Beirutland
Thanks to the Islamic holiday Isra and Mi’raj we had a long weekend, so Haneefa and I decided to fly off to Beirut instead of hanging out on the couch Netflix binging. I’m so glad we did. Oh my goodness I didn’t expect it to be so beautiful, even though friends who have been have bragged about it.
Other than news of the civil war and current security warnings, I really didn’t know much about Lebanon — except that I have yet to meet a Lebanese I don’t like. Everyone we met was friendly and curious about us. It’s nice to have strangers greet you with “Welcome! Welcome very much.” Heck, we even got a few marriage proposals, and one man stopped traffic just so we could cross the street — can’t beat that.
While there is definitely a military presence, and it might be a little jarring at first, you eventually forget they’re there — and, quite frankly, I’d rather have too much protection than not enough. It’s a shame this country’s uglies take center stage because it’s an amazing place to visit and it deserves — needs — our tourism dollars. But, of course, until terrorism simmers the eff out it’s a vacation many will put on hold, and while I would totally go back, I can’t blame anyone for heeding security warnings.
This is the second country I’ve visited that borders Syria, and it saddens me even more to think what those people are going through. In this area there is so much beauty, history, ruins from the dawn of time, culture, layers of life, and to think of it being raped and dismembered by ignorance and hatred is an unimaginable miscarriage of humanity — not only to Syrians, but to all of us. This is where much of what we know as civilization was born. Visiting Lebanon — Beirut in particular — you see remnants of life long before now, life now, and the scars of violence. On the bright side, it seems brutality has not yet broken the people’s zest for life. I hope it is the same for Syrians, or that one day soon it will be.
But enough of my thoughts on something I know so little about. On to the best part of this post … the pictures. Oh how I wish they could do the trip justice, but they give you an idea of why the locals manage to stay so darned spirited.
Love this picture. That flag may be wet and tattered thanks to the ocean’s constant battering, but it’s still proud and it’s still snapping back.
Beirut’s corniche is 10 kilometers of a walker’s (or runner’s) paradise.
We pretty much just enjoyed the corniche and our hotel pool the first night.
I mean who wouldn’t enjoy that?! Lots of Roman influence here, and, well, it’s also close to Cyprus.
Second day we hired a driver who took us to Jeita Grotto, Our Lady of Lebanon and Byblos.
These pictures were taken off of the Internet since we couldn’t take our cameras inside. We rode a gondola to the upper cave to walk through its massive interior, and then we were treated to a boat ride in its lower cave.
My pics of Jeita Grotto’s exterior
It was pouring down rain when we got there, but when it was our turn to stroll through the little park area it was beautiful weather. It’s like the Gods wanted us to enjoy this.
Next up was a ride on the telepherique — thanks to Haneefa I can’t type this without humming it to the tune of super freak — up to the Lady of Lebanon. This is something that is not to be missed.
At the tippy top you get to meet the gracious Lady of Lebanon. Muslims and Christians alike visit here, and regardless of what you believe it’s a good place to remind you that there is still holiness in our world.
Before I move on to our next stop, let’s just take a moment to appreciate this view. Awesomeness, yes!
And last, but OMG not least, was our trip to Byblos, which is a thriving city next to the ruins of an ancient Phoenician city, which also holds gifts from many other civilizations. It’s named after the bible because bible means book of Papyrus, and this place just so happens to be directly linked to the Phoenician alphabet — pretty nifty stuff for someone who loves words to see.
And some random shots for you
Of course there’s so much more I could share, but this post is long enough. I’m so thankful I got visit this boisterous beauty, and I hope some of you will one day do the same.
Beirut in the distance as seen from the ruins of ancient Byblos. I kind of like that the present looks ghostly from the past’s perspective.
p.s. Selfie shots are thanks to Haneefa.
Summer is coming…
I’m a little under the weather, so I spent a good chunk of the weekend watching Game of Thrones reruns with Shannan. I also booked a weekend trip with Haneefa — will tell you all about it in May — started looking up potential spots for Michelle’s and my next big trip (next school year), caught up with some friends not living in the UAE, and I ordered some things for our big family event this summer. It’s been a weekend of reminiscing and planning.
In three months I’ll be in a beautiful cabin in Show Low, Arizona with the people I love, celebrating the best of what my family has become. It’s crazy how many different corners of the world I find myself in throughout the year, and I still cannot believe how lucky I am.
That said, of course, I have plenty of moments where I’m feeling anything but lucky. Take for example right now, I’m afraid to eat because my stomach is waging its own war, and, sadly, despite its refusal to house food the scale is also rebelling because she just won’t deduct the pounds. What The Fat?
I guess if I’m going to feel crappy it’s a good weekend to do so since it’s dusty, humid and windy out there, but I’d rather be writing about playing at the beach or going to the gym or hanging out at the pool. Inshallah I’ll do that next weekend.
But since I’m in a whiny mood, I can share some of things I find not lucky — especially since I’ve goofed around on Internet more than usual and scanned through the latest batch of “we’re coming in August” Facebook posts. So, for the upcoming newbies and any of you who are tired of my “damn I’m lucky (but seriously I am!)” posts here’s some of my less pollyanna stuff to deal with:
- Cultural differences and language barriers sometimes bring up frustrating moments at work. At the end of the day we all want to do the right thing, but sometimes our version of that clashes, and while it’s all part of the deal, sometimes I just want to yell “Puhlease can you just let me do it this way.” I’m not saying I’m right, just saying sometimes I long for the days where I’m on the same page and alphabet as everyone else.
- Ditto for getting stuff done outside of work. Sometimes my face and arms hurt from gesticulating and enunciating so much. Hahaha those might be the only toned muscles in my body.
- Shaky paradigms — things change while at the same time some not so much. It gets a little confusing sometimes. But isn’t that a worldwide complaint right now? Everything is changing while at the same time some of our old uglies are popping right back up again. It’s a frantic Whack A Mole game, and I’m hoping we all come out winners in the end.
And, that’s all I’ve got for now. Back to the bright side of things: there’s always the next vacation to plan for! Or, the next good thing — at work or play — to look forward to. The good still outweighs the bad. And…
Game of Thrones Season 6 AND Summer vacay is coming! While I will sooooo miss my girls this year when they graduate, I’m also sooo looking forward to playing at home with my loved ones. (not to mention all the fun stuff planned here for the next three months — you’ll never see or hear me complain about being bored).
Onto trimester three…
It’s been a busy two weeks. Joe landed on Easter, and we had a week of catching up and seeing some sites. In his short time here he got to play in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Dubai. Saying goodbye was really hard (although my friends and time on the beach made it easier). A week is not enough time, but I’ll be home for the summer in three months, and then before you know it he’ll be retired and living here with me. I think he’s ready for the expat life — his liver maybe not so much.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again I so love my friends. We manage to really do this living thing well together. Joe’s first two days here we holed up in Al Ain, but then we joined Suzanne and Craig in Abu Dhabi where we showed Joe a taste of the city night life. Then we all took off to Muscat for a few days, where we took advantage of our resort’s pool, beach and club room. We had good intentions to visit the city. I hear the souk and opera house are must sees, but alas we only waved at them from our taxi. It’s all good; it’s only a 45 minute flight from Abu Dhabi, so we can visit again and actually do the tourist thing. This time was all about laughing and loving life.
Here’s what Suzanne had to write about it.
After Muscat, we headed off to Dubai to catch up with Jordan, Shannan and friends of theirs (who are now also friends of ours). We splurged on a nice hotel on The Walk and whooped it up, although for Joe and me it was bittersweet since it was also our last night together.
City Lights and Laughter
This past week was professional development, which worked out for Nasirah (my department chair whom I adore) and me because we pretty much planned out the whole trimester. It’s good going in knowing we have our resources ready, and by the looks of it we may have only around 6 weeks of teaching because our exams have been moved up. I’m not complaining, but my poor girls are going to be slammed with studying. It’s okay, they’re tough, they can handle it. I can’t believe my time with them is almost finished. The school year has gone by as fast as my breaks.
Last night some of my friends — same old crew, so really they’re more like sisters/cousins — came over for dinner, and tonight I’ll go over to Shannan’s for a cookout at her place, so basically I have a few more days of kicking back before the mad dash to the final exam line begins. While I’m missing my people back home, I’m still totally content and grateful to be over here. It’s weird to be so at peace when the world around me is losing its shit. I’ll keep hoping the rest of the world will catch up with our little corner and learn to relax, love life and be productive in a good way.
It’s the final countdown…
well, until we go on summer break that is. ONE MORE WEEK OF WORK. Woo hoo! Not that work has been hard these past few weeks, but still we are all ready to end this thing and begin our summer travels. Thursday night my neighbors and I threw an Independence Day hallway party. Basically, we cleared out our kitchens, made up whatever stuff we could with it, pulled our tables into the hallway, and celebrated with our friends. So, in one shot we took care of Canada Day, 4th of July, and End of School Year. A good time was had by all.
some party pics … love our munchie spread in the hallway. The hallway got a little crowded, but that’s okay because we had different things going on in each of our apartments. I was too busy socializing to take pics of all the fun going on in our living rooms (um, this is pretty much all I took— must remember to capture more next time around!), and I’m so pleased that all of our circles of friends really seemed to enjoy each other. A big thank you to everyone who came and gave me another night to remember. I love the people I meet here.
I think my last end-of-year celebration (there have been quite a few of them these past few weeks) is Tuesday, and then it’s all about closing down the apartment for the summer and packing for vacation.
As for Ramadan, I’m surprised how easy it was for me to adapt to it. During the month of Ramadan everything slows down because Muslims are fasting, but it picks right back up again at night. Basically, from around 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. there is no drinking (including water), eating (including chewing gum), cursing, immoral behavior of any sort in public (or private for that matter if you’re Muslim). It’s a time of charity, reflection, and connecting with God by realizing what it’s like to not have what we’re used to having when we want. Of course there’s a lot more to it, but this is just my quick summary. What we westerners need to remember is it’s a sacred, spiritual time for the people who’ve invited us to live and work in their communities. At night it’s also a festive time to celebrate the joys of living — which,of course, includes lots of food and family. I was touched to have one of my students call to invite me to her family’s Iftar (the dinner where fast is broken) Thursday night. I couldn’t go because of our little hallway shin dig.
The country does not shut down like I expected. People still work (although at reduced or altered hours), and modifications are made for those of us who aren’t fasting. Some restaurants in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are open during the day. In Al Ain some restaurants will deliver food during certain pre-Iftar hours. There might be some that are open, but I don’t know of them, and that’s okay because I’m good with waiting until Iftar. I’m allowed to eat and drink in my apartment, or even in the English room at work (although I try to reserve it for home).
While there is no loud music, the lounges I like to frequent open at night, and, most surprising of all, our special Spinneys is still open for business during daylight hours — just in case anyone needs a pick-me-up.
There’s also Iftar restaurant specials everywhere that range from a burger with soup and salad to extravagant spreads. We’ve tried quite a few already.
A wide variety of teas and juices are offered during Iftar buffets. A popular one is Jallab, date juice infused with rose water and pine nuts. It tastes like you have a garden in your mouth (without bugs, dirt and fertilizer). There’s also this syrupy thing that’s sold by the caseload in supermarkets. Freshly-squeezed watermelon juice is my favorite though (and that you can get any time of the year).
my plate of Arabic goodness doesn’t look appetizing, but everything on there (fish, beef, chicken, rice, veggies) was delicious. I will go through garlic paste and curry withdrawal this summer.
me eating said goodness while mascots showed up to entertain the kiddies. Not pictured is us puffing our shisha while rubbing our full bellies and enjoying each other’s conversation.
While I don’t understand why our work year is so long, I do appreciate this time I have to relax with my friends and colleagues while learning more about UAE culture. I’m also getting really excited about my upcoming vacation, which begins in just 5 days — holy insert word of choice (it’s Ramadan people). Shannan and I have booked our last night at a hotel in Dubai, where we plan on swimming, eating and shishaing until (okay there will be sleep too) boarding our early morning flight to Prague. Europe here we come! And oh my goodness it’s almost officially the end of my first year here!
Half a century….
thanks Kendra for taking and sending this pic!
So I hit the big Five Oh this week, and I’ve discovered that there is such a thing as too much cake. Celebrations began the weekend before my big day and will probably end tonight at another wine/tapas event (although we’re going to that for fun not my birthday), but no wait there’s our upcoming Emirates Palace weekend, sooooo I may end up celebrating all the way until my 51st birthday.
I can honestly say I have never, ever had this much birthday cake in my life. My fabulous co-workers threw a party and gave me the best gifts (my favorite is the jar of 50 my-kind-of jokes). The weekend prior I celebrated with my girls at a lovely Thai restaurant on Saadiyat Island (and there was some whooping it up the night before that as well). Jamil, the manager at our favorite Syrian restaurant (Al Taahi in Al Ain), went all out with cake, food, music and even a little dancing from his kids and kitchen staff. And, all of my classes threw me ‘surprise’ birthday parties — never on the same day. Soo, for the past week I’ve inhaled more carbs and sugar than my poor 50-year old body should handle. Dieting really needs to begin ASAP.
I was a little sad about not being able to bring in this milestone year with my loved ones, but my new loved ones made sure I didn’t waste too much time thinking about that. I am one very lucky girl — oh wait now that I’m 50 does that put me into the adult category?
some of my birthday cakes. Didn’t get photos of them all. Hahaha Jamil was upset that we didn’t celebrate Shannan’s birthday with him, so his birthday party was for both of us. Hence the photo of us both.
um yeah so not hungry now.
Jamil made sure I had fruit and veggies too.
Love Jamil’s family, and his dancing kitchen crew, AND all the food.
my girls feasting on the grub they brought
my other girls pre Thai grub. The sunset behind us was beautiful.
There are better pics to post, but for some reason they didn’t upload, and well, I’m too lazy to fight technology today.
I’d like to say I’m laying low until summer vacation plans kick in, but I’ve got something planned each weekend. It’s a hard life. And, sometimes, really it is. If I were home right now today would be the day I’d be picking up my lump-sum check for the summer, and I’d be whooping it up in my pool. So yay for all my teacher friends back home! Boo that I’m still on the clock until July, but I’ll catch up with all of you in a few months!
Just chilling on a work night
Love this pic Ashley took of me when I was watching the sun set, and a commuter train (below) go by, while soaking in a rooftop infinity pool. Seriously, life does not get much better than that…
It’s almost 8 p.m. on a Tuesday (my hump day). I’m on my balcony, sipping a glass of french grapes, watching Bibin (the man I affectionally call the Indian on the roof) move my car (so that he can wash it…how awesome is that?) while listening to the vehicles buzz by on the E-22, the road that leads to Abu Dhabi city. It’s gratefully cooler than it’s been, but still hot by anyone-who-doesn’t-live-in-a-desert-or-tropical-place standards.
Oddly enough there’s also a traffic jam in front of my complex. Yesterday a big-ass tent with an industrial generator and a/c unit as well as water tank popped up on the plot of land between my road and the E-22. It has a canopy leading to it’s entrance, carpets and throne chairs. Shannan and I saw the servants enter yesterday, and some big shin dig took place. I assumed it was a wedding. Going by the amount of cars pulling up and parking every which way, I’m thinking something else is going down tonight. Wish I knew what it was, but I don’t think it’s a wedding. Hmmmm, something new for me to discover. Maybe when I take my evening walk tomorrow there will be someone around I can ask about it. Inshallah they speak English.
I’m still discovering so much about this place I now call home.
I work until July, but it seems I have only around 4, maybe 5, weeks of actual teaching left. Apparently, my girls will quit coming the end of May, returning for a week or two in June to take their finals, and then khalas. Can you believe? I can’t. While the first trimester slogged by, the rest of this year has flown by as fast as an Emirate SUV (hehehe I’m teaching similes right now and might just share that one with them).
I’m so at peace with my decision to come here. While there’s so much I miss about ‘home,’ there is now so much I embrace about here. The irony of it all is I will once again be homesick when I do return to my own country. It’s a catch 22, damn it!
And, I know I still owe you my posts about Jordan and Michelle’s visit. I promise they will come. I’ve just been busy readjusting to the whole work thing (and, well, I had some fun this past weekend too —- so much for my promise to myself to be a couch potato). While I said I was going to take it easy and not do any more traveling before the summer, it seems I lied because I’m going on a dhow cruise and overnight camping trip somewhere in Oman this weekend. So, I won’t get to post much until maybe next week, but I swear I will get to those Jordan pics and the recount of Michelle’s time here. We truly had an amazing time, and I have some fun photos to share.
For now I’ll just share some pics Ashley sent me of our Sri Lanka trip, which now seems so long ago. Ha! It was just over a week ago. And for you financial freaks out there, yes I am also still paying my bills and saving money.
hahahaha this is so cheesy, but screw it we’re cheesy girls.
Ashley’s looking hot while I totally dork out here next to our lovely guide. He lives in the village alongside the river. This young man wakes to tropical birds singing, earns his keep by riding rapids all day and yanking tourists out of the water (yep after we went for a swim, he pulled both of us back into the boat — dude has strength!), and goes to bed at night while monkeys play on his roof. And I thought my life was good.
Hahahaha yep I totally felt like the jolly green giant next to Chomi’s family. Just call me the blonde sasquatch! And below is a shot of the meal they cooked for us. People, I’m telling you if you’ve never had curried pumpkin you must give it a try, and the coconut, lime chili thing is spicy but oh so good. Oh wait and they also had a boiled cashew dish that was quite tasty. Maybe if I ate Sri Lankan food all the time, I wouldn’t be so Amazonian.
And my sunset, goodbye photo. Yeah I know … again with the cheesy poses, but hot damn look at that sunset. Amazing.
oh and wait. I also finally sent another blog post to TeachUAE. I finally got to meet my editor and Leisa, a fellow writer who always has something nice to say. I like them even more now that we’ve met, so I sorta feel like I gotta get on the ball and write more for them too. Here’s a link to the last post (if you’re a new hire scrolling through sites, please do read through all of their blog posts and articles; it’ll give you a taste of what you’re in for): http://teachuae.com/same-same-but-oh-so-different/
I’m ruined…
How will I ever go back to a normal life? My normal now consists of last-minute hotel bookings to play and shop in Dubai, or to you know go to Sri Lanka for a few days, or to book my summer visits to Prague, Munich, Berlin, possibly Amsterdam, Hamburg, then home for a few weeks where my man is planning another trip for just the two of us.
Oh, and taking a few days off to go to Jordan to see Petra and float in the dead sea (and squeezing a night in Bahrain as well). And, having fun setting up my second bedroom for Michelle who’ll be visiting in two weeks (I’ll post pics after she sees it — want her to be pleasantly surprised). My new normal includes a very nice man from Pakistan and another nice one from Afghanistan (looking very much like where they come from) deliver and set up furniture in the room, and then sitting with them a bit to chat and drink water. Can you ever imagine this happening back home?
My biggest issue right now is keeping all of my upcoming travel plans in order. Poor me also has an upset stomach because we spent the day at work eating awesome Lebanese food and an amazing red-velvet birthday cake for a co-worker.
Don’t get me wrong … I do miss my old life (and all the wonders my home and loved ones have to offer), and there are days when I dream about what it’d be like to be back home. But, mostly, I see where I am, what I’m doing, and I hear the shit my friends and I say — the way we’re so casual about eh catching a flight to Colombo, so that we can go visit the elephant orphanage, or book a room in Dubai because eh, who wants to drive an hour home after shopping? — and I’m like who in the hell am I? Just last year I stressed over where I could afford to stay for my job interview in Santa Barbara (which, actually, turned out to be an awesome mother/daughter trip). I was bummed there was no hotel 6 within walking distance of the “really expensive” place the interviews were taking place.
The job still has its hard days, but me oh my I am a very lucky girl. Stay tuned because I’m sure I’ll have plenty more fun and amazing to share after Michelle’s visit (doubt I’ll get much chance to post much while she’s here).
Until then you can bask in the before picture of my second bedroom, which was up until last weekend my “walk in closet.” Lot’s of school work thrown in there… can you tell I’m tired when I get home from work?
things are heating up in Al Ain…
How can you have a bad weekend when you have churros and chocolate?
I’m pleased to see that Al Ain is booking more social events — or it could be these things have happened before, and I’m just now noticing it. Either way, we’re finding more fun stuff to do — yay!
As for my headline, it’s literally heating up. It’s Valentines weekend, and we’re back to putting on the a/c. Um, this kind of sweating isn’t what one hopes to be doing in February. That said I need to stop because I could be stuck in a blizzard, and this is much better.
So, as for this weekend, we had a food truck festival in a local park. Apparently, a group of food trucks were shipped in from the U.K., and they’re touring the UAE — this weekend it was our turn to have them. It wasn’t anything spectacular, but it was fun to get out on a Friday night and mingle with expats and locals. Bands played, vendors sold us food and drinks, and people were forced to chat with one another while either standing in line or looking for a chair. My kind of night — especially since we added shisha and bevies near the Rotanna pool later on.
our cute lil food boys. Cheese man was working his buns off getting all the grilled cheese orders right — his sandwiches were our favorite. Pizza boy had fun with his customers while pulling hot pizza out of a flaming oven in a truck.
The Indians next store, however, probably didn’t like having pizza people as their neighbors — we can buy Indian food on any corner here, so people lined up for pizza not naan (although did have some yummy naan and butter chicken Thursday night — hmmmm and may go get some again later today).
Cute younger boys were fun to watch too. Jalen, Sangita’s son, never ceases to entertain, even when sipping a soda. And, I don’t know who drooled more that little boy staring at the pastries or me. Of course I want whatever was in the middle row.
Shannan looking good in the daisy dress — we both ended up buying the same dress and almost wore it on the same day, but whew! last-minute wardrobe change (and a warning text) spared the crowd two hotties — our little town can only handle so much excitement in one day.
Today, I’m taking it easy — maybe I’ll go to the pool, maybe not. It’s so nice to just chill and not worry about anything, which is great because I could be thinking about how much I’d love to be home with my loved ones. It’s Joe’s birthday and Valentines today, but instead I’m relishing some much needed rest and relaxation (the work week leading up to this was more stressful than normal, but we’re good now).
And, of course, I miss and love you all!
Happy Valentines Day, my habibity and habibi — let’s hope I got that right (for all I know I’ve mistranslated that into something sinful).
And a big ole Happy Birthday to my luv muffin — see you this summer.
We totally live for our weekends….
Cheers! yeah I know this is a cheesy photo, but hey look at that background. I’m by boats and water with lots of food and bubbly, sitting outside in February. Okay, so I’d be able to do this in Phoenix too, BUT no azure water there.
I’ve been busy working and, well, playing. The weekends are not meant to be wasted, so I’ve been getting to know all the varieties of fun in my new land. A few weekends ago I got to go to another Emirate wedding. This time for one of my students sisters. As always the women were stunning and the food was abundant. I will miss being brought chocolate, tea and perfumes. It’s going to be a rude awakening when I go back home — WHAT no one is bringing me anything luxurious? I have to pay for said items?
I’ve also taken up an Arabic class (I’ll write about words I’m learning in another post) and discovered a few new fun spots here in Al Ain. One night after Arabic class Shannan and I went to a Syrian restaurant others raved about (for anyone moving to Al Ain it’s Al Taahi near the Rotanna), and oh my goodness it exceeded our expectations. It’s a tiny place, but the owner is amazing, and he loves to take care of his guests. Let’s just say we walked out of there round bellied with loaded goody bags and the best pomegranate juice I have ever had.
I’m glad I’m discovering more fun spots in Al Ain because every time I go to Abu Dhabi I turn a shade of green envy. Yes my friends apartments there are so much smaller than mine, but they’re in Abu Dhabi in a high rise, and, well, hello? I want that. That said more events are being planned here, so Abu Dhabi buddies are coming to Al Ain for weekend fun too. It’s all just an hour and half drive away — so humdullah we have the weekends! Overall, I’m lucky because I get to live in three worlds here — Al Ain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. So the green side of me needs to just pack it in and remember to relish all that I have.
Last weekend was all about being a girl — even when you’re a few months shy of 50. One night I cackled it up with some friends while we made homemade pizza and brownies, the next we spent it shopping at the new Yaz Mall, which I love (and I’m not a mall person). OMG we had so much fun shopping (and, of course, eating), and then later two of us sipped cocktails while throwing our little fashion show in our hotel room versus going out. Sometimes it’s just fun doing the girly girl things. Besides, we all whooped it up the weekend prior at a lovely Al Ain event — an all you can drink wine and eat tapas party at a private pool area at the Rotanna. It was beautiful and quite the event, which then led to a night of dancing and more fun. Wish I could post all the pics, but I want to keep my friends, so just know we rocked it.
This weekend I joined some friends in Abu Dhabi and went to a Friday brunch at the Intercontinental, the hotel we all stayed in when we arrived in August. Long story short a very good time was had by all. Today begins a diet because I’ve inhaled an ungodly amount of calories. How much you wanna bet I cave and order delivery from Jaimile, the Syrian, before the day ends…
There’s this restaurant at Yas mall where your food is served to you from a roller coaster. It’s a fun thing to do every now and then. We’re easily amused.
More Yas mall pics. I’m attempting to show off a wine stain, but I picked up the wrong side. and why I think this is hilarious is beyond me, but look no cavities! I cropped out my friend in this pic because I didn’t ask if she’d be okay with me posting a pic that included wine, but she’s absolutely gorgeous in this shot and I need to send her this photo.
Brunch!
So, we’re being photobombed by a Scott. Lord, I have a big head.
Kaylene if you’re reading this. I took the Jameson pic just for Kelly. 
So yeah this brunch thing is pretty damned yummy. The one we went to included three restaurants and different drink stations, so you mingle around, nab a little here, a little there, and then have one of the waiters roll you to your cab.
notice how small that beer is. Um, and before that are jager bombs. I thought I was past the days of doing anything with the word bomb in it…
And where I’ll be tonight — sipping green tea — after I’ve finished my lesson planning.
of course I’m posting it because I like my black and white and pink. Again, I’m easily amused. And, now, it’s back to work. I have some worksheets to type up. The whole work thing can be a downer on Saturdays…
So we had some weather…
Like in Phoenix, rain is a big deal here — except even more so because it rains less here than Phoenix. Of course the way people react to it is a little different. Basically, a few drops of water brings out the crazy. Rain means you can spinout in roundabouts, hoot and holler while hydroplaning on the flooded roads, skip school to go mudding in the desert, scare your teacher when she walks into the room and sees 4 girls have broken the window hinge just so they can hang out the window. You know that sort of thing.
I can’t say I blame them though (although I wish the crazy driving would stay in the desert and not on the roads I need to drive on to get home). It’s nice to have rain and dreary skies — especially when you know in a few months it will be hell hot again, with humidity. It’s also chilly (for us), so I’ve been wearing my winter pjs and snuggling under a blanket while watching t.v. It’s nice to be cold and then warmed up. I wish I had my Joe and Badger to snuggle up with, but that’ll all happen again soon enough. This will one day be a memory, so may as well enjoy it while I’m living it.
That said work is exhausting me. I have one heck of a schedule this trimester. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are my worst days — one day I have 6 classes almost consecutively and the other I have 7. The good news is on Sundays and Thursdays I have prep the last two classes, so I can leave early, which I totally plan on doing this afternoon. Cannot tell you how excited I am it’s Thursday!
Speaking of which my carpool buddy will be here in a few minutes, so I better get my shoes on and start the day.
Fog devouring our playground
Ms. Bettina loving the rose a girl picked for her
and what I will see on the drive in this morning, now that the rain is gone.
Oh, and here’s a link to another Teach UAE blog. This one is a shout out to teachers who are applying to come here in August — so weird that is no longer me!
http://teachuae.com/preparing-teach-uae-welcome-wild-ride/
Have a good day, everyone.
bettina without borders 