Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas!
      I hope that you are happy, well, and healthy.  As I was worshipping the sun one day on the beach in the past couple of weeks I began to reflect on the year.  I am still amazed at how this time of year always makes me reflect on my life.  There has been much reflection on this past year.  And what a year it has been!  It has been a year of decisions, choices, and change.  I am amazed at how much my life has changed and how I chose to turn everything upside down.
     However, each of you still continue to amaze me and touch my life in many ways.  I am very grateful and thankful for your love and support.  Travel with me down memory lane for a recap of 2012.

J- just enjoying the new year                                      F- feeling the wonder of winter
a-another cold morning run                                          e- enjoying snowy days & no school
n-never ending darkness                                               b- burning calories at the gym
u-under the covers to keep warm                                  r-running off to San Francisco
a-applying to Search Associates                                   u- unwinding after the job fair
r-running in the snow with the stars                              a-accepting a job in Dubai
y-yearning for sun                                                         r-realizing what I've just done
                                                                                      y-yelping with joy, excitement & hesitation

M- making time for work & karate                             A-accumulating more boxes
a-accumulating boxes and boxes                                 p-packing, packing, and more packing
r-running around with friends                                      r-rushing to get everything done
c-crunch goes the bubble wrap                                    i-into taking loads to Goodwill
h-heaving boxes away to store                                    l-labeling documents for Dubai

M-making plans for moving                                       J-jumping in a car for seminar in Vegas
a-attacking the house for more packing                     u-using more tape than ever
y-yikes 2 more months before the move                    n-newly retired from Falcon School District
                                                                                    e-eating Aunt Georgia's cooking - yummy

J-just one month left                                                  A-adjusting to roommates of  2 weeks
u-under the air conditioner                                        u-under a deadline date
l-laying out & worshipping the sun                           g-getting on a plane for Dubai
y-yikes!  I still need to finish packing                       u-under massive air conditioning in Dubai
                                                                                   s-sweat, sweat, and more sweat it is so hot!
                                                                                   t-time with my brother 

S-seeing Dubai                                                          O-off to tour Dubai with Audrey & Marlow
e-expanding knowledge                                            c-counting on seeing Audrey & Marlow
p-playing how to get from A to B in Dubai              t-time to make more adjustments
t-time to find a yoga studio                                       o-out enjoying the beach
e-enjoying the air conditioning                                 b-being in the Red Sea and diving with sharks
m-making new friends                                              e-Egypt, here we come!
b-becoming comfortable in a new place                   r-relaxing in the sun
e-experiencing change
r-relief every time I make home when driving

N-new days to look forward to                                D-deciding what gift cards to buy
o-on the prowl for camels                                        e-enjoying the memories of my life
v-viewing the ocean and the sand                            c-climbing all over Petra
e-enjoying Thanksgiving with friends                     e-enjoying the sun and warm days still in the 80's
m-making toffee                                                      m-making plans for spring break
b-baking in the sun                                                  b-being out and about
e-enjoying decorating the house of Xmas               e-excited to go diving in the Maldives
r-running off to Jordan                                            r-remembering the reason for the season

     This year has been a year of choices and tremendous change.  In the last 9 months I have had many wonderful opportunities.  some have been full of wonder and excitement; others have found me in the depths of my soul.  But, what an incredible opportunity!
     I am grateful for everyone's love and support.  Keep it coming.  I am looking forward to reconnecting with everyone when I am back over the summer (especially my cats), and I am really looking forward to the new opportunities that will come my way in the upcoming months.
     I am on Facebook; my email is blizsnowcats@gmail.com; my Skype address is pam.mcinturff, and my phone number is +971 0528493407.
    May you enjoy the year ahead; keep your family and friends close; and remember to be thankful for all that you have been given.  Most of all I wish you a joyous Christmas and a wonderful New year!                                                                      
                                                                                Love,
                                                                                Pam

Car Accident in Dubai

 

I was told this morning that I was finally initiated into Dubai, and that now I can consider myself welcomed by Dubai.

 

It happened just as I was parking my car in the parking lot at work.  All of sudden BAMB!  The car swerves sideways.  I yell, "Really!  I can't believe this!"  (Those that really know my are probably amazed that that is all that I said.)

 

Yuppers my rearend got clipped.  And it happened in the school parking lot.  I was hit by another employee of the school.  She nicked me just as was completing my maneuver into the parking slot.

 

We talked, I got her number, and then went to find out what I had to do. 

 

I was told that I had to call the police immediately.  Immediately - it happened 30 minutes ago.  Immediately - how do you call the police?  Here, in Dubai it is not 911.  Immediately dialed 999.

I climbed the stairs back up to my room and dialed 999.  When I was connected to police I stated that I had just been hit.  The officer on the other end said, "Just moment; I will get you someone that speaks English."  When I got the English speaking officer I told him what had happened.  He asked where the cars were.  "GEMS World Academy," was my response.

 

"Where is that at?"  was the officer's question.  (O.K.  I have accepted the fact that I may have to tell the cab drivers here how to arrive at a destination, but a  police officer?)

 

"It is the big blue school in Al Barsha South,"  was my answer.

 

Then I frantically ran around telling our Secretary that I would need coverage when the police came.  Then waited for the call.  I was so paranoid and hyped that I even took my phone with me to the bathroom. 

 

"Oh my gosh!  I'm gonna have to deal with the Dubai police, and I don't know how to speak Arabic, and it was an Arab women that hit me, I'm gonna end up with the red slip."  All of these thoughts were running through my mind.

 

The police call came; I couldn't understand him so I went to find an Arabic teacher so that they could talk, and so I could find out what I needed to do.  I met the officer at the main gate of the school.  I tried to tell him where the cars were.  He couldn't understand me so he had me hop into the back seat of the car in order to take him into the parking lot. 

 

Great!  I'm in the back of Dubai Police car.  I can't buckle the seat belt because I couldn't find the clip, and I feel like criminal with the grill in front of me using my finger to point out directions to the officer.

 

Once in the back of the parking lot, all parties met up.  The culprit who hit me, an Arabic women, was able to converse in Arab with the officer.  I stood there wondering what they were talking about. (Being paranoid I was sure they were talking about the dumb blond expat.) 

 

I tried my hardest to mind my manners, and say yes sir and thank you sir.  It or my blond hair must have worked. 

 

I walked away with the green slip.  (The green slip means that you are not at fault, and the other person is responsible.)  I got the green slip!!  Happy day!

 

Dealing with the the car rental company was not too bad either.  I just took the car in gave them the green slip, and their smiles were wide.  I ended up with a new car.

 

Happy UAE day, and thank you Dubai for officially welcoming me to your country.  Minor damage was done and no one was hurt.  That is the most important aspect of this morning's collision.



The Dryer

 

 

After having successfully used the washer for the last 3 months.  I had the opportunity to move on and try the dryer.  It is amazing how much you learn about appliances in Dubai.

 

Here here follows the steps on how to use the dryer.

 

1.  Stare at the washer/dryer and try and figure out how it works.

 

2.  Have a friend show you how to use the washer.

 

3.  Make sure that the hose is connected to the pipe when you use the washer.

 

4.  Mop up the water off of the floor, and successfully do a load of clothes in the washer.

 

5. Hang your clothes outside to bake in the sun.

 

6. Continue to use the washer to do clothes and have the nice stuff done at the dry cleaners because you are never sure what will happen in the washer.

 

7.  Stare at the washer/dryer and think that there has to be a way to use the dryer.

 

8.  Have drinks with some friends and one of them says I use the dryer all of the time.  It is nice to have fluffy towels and T-shirts that don't feel like cardboard.

 

9.  Ask her how she uses the dryer, and if the dryer works.

 

10.  Yes, the dryer works all of the time.  I just followed the directions in the manual.  (Manual - people actually got a manual on how the machine works - amazing!)

 

11. She gives verbal directions on how to use the dryer portion of the machine.

 

12.  Run into the friend at the beach, and she offers to print off the directions  and come over and show you how to use the dryer.

 

13.  You text her later in the evening; she comes over with copied directions; and shows you how to use the dryer.

 

14.  She also tells you that the compartment where you put the detergent and fabric softener completely comes out so that you can clean it.  Amazing what you learn.

 

15.  You pull out the compartment and proceed to clean the gunk that has built up.

 

16.  You also find out that you have been putting the detergent and fabric softener in the wrong place because of course you didn't get the manual like some people did.

 

17.  Your friend shows you how to use the dryer, and leaves a copy of the directions with you.

 

18.  A couple of days later you attempt to use the dyer.  You load in some clothes; push the buttons that you were shown to push; cross your fingers, and leave for work.

 

19.  Come home from work and be totally amazed that the clothes are washed and dried. 

 

20.  You have successfully done a load of wash and dried them.

 

21.  You realize that now that by putting the detergent and fabric softener in the right place -  that you need to get new fabric softener because you really don't like the smell of it.

 

22.  Look forward to fluffy towels and non-cardboard T-shirts and underwear in the future. 

The 2 Ms of Change

 

 

Warning:  this is a reflection piece and may not be positive in some areas.

 

I have now past my 3 month mark here in Dubai.  In one respect I wonder where the time has gone.  It seems like it has flown; on the flip side there are days and nights that just drag. 

 

The good thing about coming to Dubai is that I seem to be exhausted every night.  I have not had any problems falling asleep at night and sleeping pretty good.  That is a good change.

 

The 2 Ms of Change.  I think I took the title from the book my 6th graders are reading:  Who Moved My Cheese?  I think I needed the book more than they did; however, they have really enjoyed learning about Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw.  And they seem to have picked up on the message of how to deal with change.

 

To answer the question of:  Who moved my cheese?  I moved my cheese and I did it on purpose, but it still did not make it easier to deal with the 2 Ms.

 

I have learned so much about myself.  (You would have thought I would have figured myself out by my age, but change is one way to really challenge yourself and learn things about yourself that are new.)

 

I remember one particular night shortly after arriving in Dubai.  It was not a good night.  I spent the night sobbing myself to sleep.  I could not figure out why I was crying so much.  I kept telling myself that I am a strong, confident, self-sufficient woman and that there was no reason why I should be bawling my head off.  I recognized that the last time I spent myself in such a way was when my mother passed away.  Bingo - it hit me!  When my mother died I had to mourn her passing.  Since I had moved and left everything behind I had to mourn what was familiar and known.

 

The first M of Change is:  mourning.  I learned that I had mourn what I left behind.  It is O.K. to do; it is normal; every loss has to be mourned.  Every time I get overwhelmed with homesickness I tell myself that it is O.K. to be a little sad.  I acknowledge it and then move on to the second M of Change.

 

I was recently reflecting on the changes in my life, and I realized that I could not spend my time mourning and missing my life in Colorado.  I had to give myself permission to move forward and to experience my change with open arms.  I moved my cheese in order to have an experience and to travel.  In order to fully live my new adventure I had to learn to move forward and discover Dubai.  I am learning to venture out more and enjoy what Dubai has to offer.

 

The second M of Change:  Moving Forward.

 

The 2 Ms of Change:  Mourning and Moving Forward.  Isn't ironic that I had to relearn those 2 vital ingredients to life again? 

 

I will admit that the last day or two has not been the easiest here, but I am trying to focus on what I have learned to enjoy about Dubai.  I have a great hair person; I enjoy the people that I work with; I have some great students; I have made some great friends; I love the fact that it is so cheap to fill up my gas tank and that they wash your windows for you; I am loving the beach - really where else can you go spend a day at the beach in November and still have a summer tan; and overall I am loving the experience to grow and learn.

 

Most of all I really appreciate all of the support that I receive from my family and friends.  Thanks so much.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone over the summer.  Hum, I wonder if I will have to deal with the 2 Ms of Change when I return home for the summer?



Dogs and Sausages

 

 

It all started in the elevator in Widcombe House 4.  Caroline entered and we greeted each other.  She told me that Amber had called her about some stray dogs and they were going to see if they could catch them.  I offered to help.

 

Armed with sausages and Murphy, Amber's dog, off we went in search of the strays.  (Stray dogs are not tolerated well in Dubai and many of them automatically put down.)

 

We walked through dirt and sand talking about vet visits and sand mites.  I learned about the upcoming dog walk that K9 friends will be putting on. I found out that Christmas is a big event in Dubai. I heard about Murphy's adoption story and how his brother almost become part of the family, too.

 

After trudging through the sand which filled my shoes (yes, I've now learned not to wear open shoes when walking in fine sand) we finally arrived at the field where the dog(s) have been spotted.  We found a den area, but no dog.  Soon Murphy started going towards another dog.  It was the stray.  The 2 dogs greeted each other and frisked around.  Soon a third dog and another group of people arrived.  All of us were looking for the stray.

 

The stray was a beautiful tan color with a pointy ears and a bushy table.  The stray did not respond to any verbal cues.  He/She didn't even seem interested in us humans.  In fact it wanted to stay as far away from us as possible.  Every time we tried to move closer the stray moved away.  The stray finally squeezed through a fence and hid in some bushes.  Sadly the stray never got any sausage treats.

 

On the other hand Murphy was thinking more treats for me.  Yes, there was a purpose to chasing that stray dog away.  I'm the only one that can eat the sausages now.  I am a smart puppy just like my owners think that I am.  After all I can open the fridge door and get my own food.  Murphy you are puppy boy.

 

Our mission was not a total success.  We did get to see the stray.  Caroline got some pictures to post.  Other people are out trying to help the stray.  Murphy got his walk and extra sausages.  And the girls were able to bond.  Best of all I gained in new friend - Murphy.

 

I would say the time was well spent.



Red Sea Adventure!

 

I anxiously stood under the Starbucks sing in the Dubai airport waiting for Audrey and Marlow hoping that there would be no hitch to the directions given.  My excitement was barely containable.

 

I see them . . . . .Here they come. . . . They made it!

 

How wonderful it is to see such loved friends.  And they came to Dubai to see me (well in a round about way).

 

We were able to meet up outside of the airport.  Hugs and smiles were the norm.  I whisked them away in my little Nissan Tilda and quickly made my way down the 311 to my apartment in Motor City.

 

Presents galore!  It was like Christmas!  Peanut M&Ms, my Brighton purse, green tea, and canned chicken.  I was in heaven.  (I still have not found canned chicken here and I look for it all of the time.)

 

It was a wonderful feeling spending the evening with them.  They got the blow up bed, and I slept in my bed.  I let them sleep.

 

For the next couple of days they toured around Dubai.  They really enjoyed their taxi driver tour and Audrey enjoyed her Cold Stone ice cream.

 

We left for Egypt early Friday morning.  Making the connection to our domestic flight in Egypt was a letting frustrating.  We quickly learned that everyone in Egypt will give you a different story when you ask questions.  We got the visa figured out, and stamped, and went on way to catch our flight to Huggard, that is after Marlow figured out to pay a bribe.

 

We survived the 3 hour bus ride to the boat; got all of our dive stuff set up; got settled in our rooms.  Thankfully I had my own room.  It was wonderful!

 

The diving was great.  So much life and pretty fishes were nice to see.  But I really enjoyed the big stuff.  I was able to watch some moray eels swim free on the reef - beautiful!  I spotted many cleaning stations and just watched the action taking place.

 

Then for the big stuff!  Sharks, sharks, sharks, and more sharks.  Yuppers we saw many sharks on this trip.  They are such magnificent animals to watch under water.  We saw grey reef sharks, thresher sharks with their amazing curved tail, a hammer head shark, and White Tip Oceanic Sharks.  Incredible sightings. The White Tip Oceanic Sharks are very curious and come close to you it can be a little unnerving, but cool at the same time.

 

My  birthday was great.  Hey I was diving in the Red Sea - it can't get much better than that!  They only other exciting aspect of my birthday was that I was almost shark bait.  I was finishing my dive doing my safety stop.  I was working on deploying my SMB (surface maker buoy) and paying attention.  All of a sudden my arm is grabbed and I got shaked by the dive guide.  He then points out this Oceanic White Tip Shark that had been circling me.  Can we say dumb blond!  The dive guide had me stay put until the shark moved away.

 

During dinner the crew sang me Happy Birthday and we all had cake for dinner.  Later we played cards.  A great day for a birthday.

 

On our last day on the boat we had a fantastic experience.  Near the end of breakfast we noticed a pod of dolphins swimming near the boat.  A group of us got our snorkeling gear and jumped into the zodiac.  Off we went in search of the dolphins.  For 90 minutes we swam and played with the dolphins.  I was inches away from a group of 3 for a long time.  It was magical.  We also got to see a pair mating right in front of our eyes.  I learned that male dolphins have small penises.  O the things that you learn!

 

Back home to Dubai and one more day.  We explored the spice and gold souks.  I was able to pick up a couple of material wall hangings for my apartment and they are beautiful.

 

I sent Marlow and Audrey on their way home.  I was sad to see them go.  I was lonely when they left.

 

Next visitors?

 

 

 



Squish, Squish

 

 

"What's that noise?' 

 

"It is so freaking hot out!  How am I ever going to get use to this?"  I thought as I slowly moved forward.

 

 

Squish, squish. . . .  "What is that noise?" I thought as I moved forward.

 

"It is so freaking hot out and it is only 4:30 in the morning; how am I ever going to get used to this?"

 

Squish, squish. . . .  "O.K. That noise is driving me crazy!  Where is it coming from?"

 

Then suddenly I realized the answer.  That annoying noise was coming from me.  My socks were so soaked from the heat and humidity that they were rubbing in my shoes, and I was the one squishing!

 

Adjusting to running in Dubai has been a trial of fire; or should I say a little bit of hell.  I started running within 48 hours of my arrival.  I started running back in my Zombie stage when I couldn't sleep.  It seemed like the best thing to do so early in the morning.

 

I, or course, arrived during Ramadan.  During this time you are not supposed to have any food, water, or gum out in public.  Well, that didn't last long with running.  I had to have water with me.  I thought, "Great this will be a quick change - they'll catch me with water and send me back home."  Nope, no one cared that I had water with me at 4:30 in the morning when I was running.  Anyone who saw me probably thought I was deranged and not worth the time and effort.

 

Running has been very interesting.  When I started it was hotter than hell; the humidity was high; and I was afraid of very little creepy crawly thing that ran across my path.    Now  the humidity has lessened greatly; the temps are a cool 81 degrees in the morning: and I don't jump at every creepy crawly thing that runs across my path.

 

At the beginning I was drenched in sweat!  I would come inside to my cool air conditioned apartment and puddles would form under me within a minute.  I would be extremely thirsty and gulp down glass after glass of water.  My clothes would be so wet that the only way to get them to dry would be to hang them outside and let the sun bake them.

 

I am happy to say that I have survived my trial by hell with running!  I have progressed.  With the weather cooling down I no longer require huge amounts of water to drink.  I am pushing between 65 to 75 minutes of running each morning.  My running clothes are semi-dry and puddles no longer form around me.  My sweat is no longer flicking off of my skin as I jog down the road.  I have regular routes that I follow and I am looking forward to exploring more when I have extra time in the mornings.  I still take a water bottle with me when I run, but I hardly ever sip out of it.  I still hang my running clothes out on the clothes rack to bake in the sun to get dry.

 

And the best part. . . . .yes, you guessed it.  That damn annoying squish, squish sound is no longer following me around.

                                    Taking a Taxi in Dubai

I remember my first couple of days in Dubai, and learning very quickly how to access the taxi system here.  (Remember I have not been here long as it is, but it seems like a life time.)  I will admit that the taxi service is exactly like like what I read and was told about.  It is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to get around Dubai.

I still use the taxi system whenever I go out with friends and there is a possibility that I might drink.  I do this because Dubai has very strict drinking and driving laws - plain and simple do not do it!

On my first day in Dubai I had one of our security guards call a taxi for me.  He was very nice to do that.  I had to have a taxi called for me because my phone was not working (it takes 24 hours for you sim card to get uploaded before you can use your phone).  The good thing about the taxi service here is that they call you when they arrive to pick you up so that you don't have to stand out in the hot sun. 

My first taxi ride was to Ikea, of course where else would I go.  I learned 2 things on that first taxi ride.
1. taxi's drivers in Dubai are crazy.  They drive like maniac's and don't pay attention to the speed limit.  I have been in taxis where lights are flashing, buzzers are buzzing, and a voice actually says. "Slow down you are going to fast."  Always buckle you seat belt in a taxi.  (Always buckle your seat belt in Dubai it is not just the taxi drivers that are crazy drivers here.)

2.  The taxi drivers here don't always know where they are going or where to go.  Many times during those first days the taxi drivers would enter my apartment complex in a different way than I was familiar with and I wouldn't be able to tell them how to get o my apartment.  Needless to say I spent some time going round -n-round in the round-abouts to find our way to the destination.

3.  Make sure that you know where you want to go.  I asked to go to Carrefour on one of my first days with knowledge that there are many Carrefours here in Dubai.  When I gave my destination the taxi driver said which one; my reply - the closest one.  "Which one there are many in Dubai,"  so the closest one wasn't good enough.  I finally told him the Mall of the Emirates which I pulled out of my head at the last minute.

Taxis can be quiet an adventure here in Dubai.  Make sure that you know your specific destination, and possible how to get there in order the taxi driver doesn't know how to get there.  Buckle your seat belt, and when appropriate hang onto the overhead handle for those fast, sharp curves, and know some different ways to get home.

The other night I took a taxi to Tecom to meet up with a friend.  I took a taxi because there was a possibility of adult beverages being consumed.  When I told the taxi driver to take me to Tecom he asked me which way. My comment to the taxi driver was, "Why am I paying you to take me to Tecom when I have to tell you how to get there; I could have driven myself."  Four weeks ago I'm not sure that I could have made that comment.  Progress has been made, but taxis still have their purpose especially if drinking is involved.

Washing Clothes in Dubai

 

 

Washing clothes in Dubai is quite interesting.  Learning how was clothes here is an entirely new skill that requires constant practice, and once you think you have mastered it, it changes.  Below are the steps to learn how to wash your clothes in Dubai.

 

1.  Stare at the washing machine.  It is easy to pick out.  It is the big white appliance in the kitchen with a round transparent door and lots of different buttons.

 

2.  Stare the washing machine again.  Walk closer to the thing and start to examine the buttons on the front panel.  Squint your eyes and examine the buttons again and try to make sense out of them.

 

 

3.  Stare at the washing machine and the buttons again, and even attempt to press some of the buttons and turn the knob.  Shake your head because none of the buttons make sense to you.

 

4.  Stare at the washing machine, examine the buttons, shake your head, walk away, and then start asking other people questions about how to use the dang thing because you can't make heads or tails out of it.

 

5.  After receiving verbal directions:  such as never use the dryer because it leaves your clothes wet and wrinkled anyway, turn the knob to off first in a counter clockwise fashion, put the fabric softener in the first compartment and the detergent in the second compartment, and press the start button.

 

6.  Stare at the washer, pull out the draw and recognize both compartments, turn the knob, and walk away.

 

7.  Attempt to use the washer for the first:  ask a friend to come and help you; put the clothes in the washer, fill up compartment 1 with fabric softener; fill up compartment 2 with detergent; close the door; turn on the switch so that the washer gets juice; turn the knob to off counter clockwise and then to the desired setting; press the start button; cross your fingers and hope that everything goes O.K.

 

8.  Immediately turn off the washer when the floor starts to flood.

 

9.  Call the 24 hr maintaince people to come and fix the washer (which entails them connecting the hose to the water hook up; really shouldn't that have been done when the washer was installed, but hey this is Dubai).

 

10.  Repeat the same procedure again keeping your fingers crossed.

 

11.  Success with minimal water on the floor.

 

12.  Continue to wash clothes in this fashion until you are given a set of printed instructions from another friend.  (Again would this not have been helpful when I arrived here, but, hey this is Dubai.)

 

13.  Learn how to wash clothes all over again by knowing what the buttons mean, and which is the proper setting to use with your clothes.

 

14.  Never use the dryer.  At this point it is too confusing to figure out. 

 

15.  Hang your clothes outside on a drying rack; hey this is Dubai, they dry almost immediately from the hot sun.

 

16.  Keep contemplating who wonderful it will be to have clothes dried in the dryer when you go home next summer.  (Ironic sense I was looking high and low for a clothes line to use in order to save on electricity and to be more green.)

 

17.  Start contemplating on attempting to try the dyer.

 

 





Jet Lag

 

 

  This is going to be about jet lag or should I say Zombie for a week.  I have been very fortunate in my life to be able to do a lot of traveling, and to go to different countries around the world.  I have had to deal with time changes before, but OMG this was like nothing I had experience before.

 

I have traveled across the International Date Line a couple of times, and it seems that I was able to adjust to the time difference much easier than I did here.   Maybe crossing the International Date Line  is easier to adjust to since you just loose a day and you really don't have to adjust to the loss of time.

 

Traveling to Dubai created a 10 hour time difference from Colorado, and it took a good week to adjust to the time here.  And it just wasn't me.  All of us were dealing with the same issues/symptoms. The symptoms created a Zombie for a week.  I was incoherent;  I wasn't able to sleep at night; I forced myself to stay up during the days and still couldn't sleep at night; my comprehension and focus was not normal; and my ability to think clearly was effect. 

 

Looking back now after 4 weeks I wonder how I survived that week.  Everyone I talked to had the same issues.  We were not sleeping at night and trying to stay awake during the day.  It was complete irony that I was dead tired and only sleeping 2 to 3 hours at night - then I was wide awake at 2 o'clock in the morning.  It was tough.

 

After a week things started to adjust back to a normal pattern.  One night I was able to sleep for 2 hours, the next night 3 hours, the next night 4 hours, and then I left Zombie land and settled into a normal sleeping pattern.

 

I am still wondering if the sleeping pattern adjusted itself as my body got use to Dubai time or if I finally went and brought a mattress pad at Ikea for my bed.  Perhaps that is another topic for a blog.

 

I am sure that you are all happy to know that I am no longer a Zombie, but I am back to my normal self and trying to adjust to life in Dubai.

Reflection:

As I sit here watching the sun go down behind the apartments, and listening to the T.V.  I realize that today marks 3 weeks since I left Colorado Springs for my adventure in Dubai.  Is it really only 3 weeks; it seems like a life time ago!

So much has happened in those 3 weeks.  I left behind a house, 2 cats, family, friends, and everything familiar for a new life.

The flight over was great.  I paid less for my extra baggage than I was expecting; I got upgraded to an exit row seat, and had as much free wine as I wanted.  The flight was easy.

I arrived in Dubai close to midnight on Monday night and the learning curve began. 

My first day in Dubai I had to walk to the grocery store and do some shopping; walk back in the hot heat half asleep and tried to function.  I had to figure out the cab system on my first day.  I hit the pavement running.  (The cabs here are wonderful and not too expensive.)  I had to work on setting up an entire new apartment, and deal with being dumped in a new country without any contacts.  (This was the worest part, and I'm still upset about being left alone for 2 days - not good.)

Then the group of new hires started to gel together.  And we quickly grow into a co-hesive group realizing that we were all in the same boat.  Over the past 3 weeks groups and friendships have formed which is natural and to be expected.

The school is totally over the top.  We have a planterium, an Olympic size pool, track, tennis courts, skate boarding ramps, a 3-D design shop, and so much more.  This isn't just a school it is facility like none other that I've seen! 

There are so many experiences that I want to talk about separately in other posts.  I am just including highlights here.  I have had to lean a new monitary system; how to use the washing machine, which floods when the the hoses are not hooked up; how to expect the light switches to be on the outside of the rooms, to turn on the outlets before I use an applice; how to get T.V. and internet hooked up; get help setting up my router; wrestling with a mattress pad; making numerous trips to get items up to my apartment; finding where to get rid of my garbage (which took me half a day to figure out); how to get/hire a car and to start driving in a new place.  And asking lots of questions.

I have met great people that are fun to hang out with and to do things with.  I'm still trying to form new friendships and that will take time.  It is weird to have to try to feel comfortable in my skin in a new place.

After 3 weeks I can tell you this is definitely the adventure I was looking for, but not if I was ready for.  But it has only been 3 weeks and I've been told to expect a roller coaster ride for the next 3 or 4 months.  I am very proud of the progress that I have made; and I am slowly learning how to be patient with myself.

Stay tuned for more posts about specific items.  I promise they will be entertaining and insightful.  Tomorrow the students come back, and I'm looking forward to comparing my new students to my former students.

One thing for sure - every day holds a new experience and that is an adventure!

Hi All

Welcome to Pam's Dubai! This blog will be about my experiences as I live in and discover Dubai.  More t. come in the future