Maldivian Christmas

 

Christmas 2013 found me half way around the world by my own choice.  One of the reasons for doing an international teaching job was to be able to travel.  I had two weeks for Christmas break  (here it is referred to Winter Break since Christmas isn't celebrated in an Islamic country, see previous posting) and decided to cross another place off my list.

 

I decided to go diving in the Maldives.  I had heard so much about this magical place that I placed it high on my list.

 

Again, I was a little anxious about this trip.  It would be my second solo trip, and my first solo dive trip on a live aboard.  I was worried that I would be the only single person on a boat full of couples and not have people to hang out with.

 

Whatever the conditions turned out to be.  I was booked and paid to go.  I packed my dive bag and went to the airport. 

 

The flight to the Maldives was uneventful which was nice.  Qatar was nice to fly and things went smoothly.

 

I arrived at the airport in Male with good time to figure out where I needed to go to meet the crew from the boat.

 

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the boat wasn't full; the passengers consisted of half couples - half singles.  I was very lucky and ended up with a boat full of wonderful people and mostly experienced divers.  Since the boat wasn't full I had my own room.  Love it!  Cabins on a live aboard are small and tight; they can be a challenge to share with close friends let a lone unknown strangers.  It was great to have my own room and bathroom.  (I know that I am becoming very spoiled!)

 

The boat was decorated with streamers and bling.  The crew even had a plant decorated as a Christmas tree.  The atmosphere was welcoming, relaxing, and fun.

 

The crew was helpful and very experienced. 

 

Most experienced divers know the routine of a live aboard.  This boat was no different.  The routine was: sleep, eat, dive, eat, dive, sleep, dive, and eat.  We were able to average 4 dives a day.

 

Everything that I heard about the Maldives was true.  What an awesome place to dive.  Incredible life and big pelagic life to experience. 

 

I was able to meet great people and formed some connections and friendships.  That is what diving and traveling is all about.

 

For Christmas we went diving.  During the evening we had group photos taken around the Christmas tree, celebrated with wine, and had a Maldivian tradition for dinner - roasted duck.  The duck was unique, it was good, but it didn't measure up to turkey.

 

I was on the dive boat for a week, then the plan was to return to Dubai and do some touristy stuff; however, I fell into an opportunity and took it.  One of the other single gals on the boat had a room booked at one of the resorts and invited me to join her.  I took her up on her offer and spent the second week worshipping the sun, drinking, and eating.  It was well worth the $35 dollar charge to change my ticket.

 

Christmas was celebrated under water diving with cool fish; New Year's Eve was celebrated at the fancy restaurant at the resort in peace and quite.  I did stay up beyond midnight and rang the new year in under the stars. 

 

Traveling solo offers some unique opportunities.  Both Jordan and the Maldives worked out well.  Next trip will be over Spring Break to Turkey.  Soon I will have to make a new list of places to travel to - my top 5 are almost finished.  Yes, there are positives to living aboard.  I may return broke, but the experiences will be priceless.

 

Top highlights of  my Maldivian Christmas: 

*diving in warm water

*meeting some great people

*seeing eagle rays - incredibly beautiful

*diving with sharks lined up one after another for as far as the eye could see - incredible

*diving with whale sharks - oh momma what an incredible experience - I want more

*diving with manta rays -- more please - lot's more

*soaking up the sun on the beach

*not having to wake up to an alarm clock

*lots of reading

 

Next on the list - Turkey.  I can't wait.

 



Christmas In Dubai?

 

So I went off the deep end and decided to take a teaching job in Dubai.  In the Middle East where there are very few Christians and most people are Islamic.

 

Since this is an Arab country and Islamic is practiced here by the native people, Christmas should not have been a big deal.  In fact, Christmas should not have been celebrated or recognized by the State in any big way.  I thought Christmas would be low key even here in Dubai. 

 

How wrong I was!!!

 

I learned a couple of things this Christmas season in Dubai.  Here is what I learned:

 

1.  Christmas is big in Dubai.  It is huge.  Every place is decked out in holly.  The malls, hotels, and stores are all decorated for Christmas.  This seemed a little hypocritical to me.  Until #2 was really cemented for me.

 

2.  Dubai is about appearances and money.  Anything that makes a great appearance is used to advantage.  After all many expats live in Dubai and they celebrate Christmas so Dubai puts on a big show for them. 

 

3. Anything that will generate money is used to generate money.  Christmas generates money due to the large international population that exists in the city.  So, Christmas it is.

 

4.  Christmas is huge in Dubai.  Huge trees, huge ornaments, huge productions, huge advertising.

 

5.  You can buy real Christmas trees and wreathes in Dubai.  I have no idea where they come from but you can get; along with turkeys and hams.  (Of course if you want a ham you have to go into the Pork:  non-Muslim section of the store to order and buy your ham, but you can get them.)

 

6.  Christmas music is even played in Dubai on the English speaking radio channels. 

 

7.  Christmas lights are not called Christmas lights - they are called Fairy Lights here.  Really Christmas lights are Christmas lights.  If you're going to have Christmas trees for sale; then you have Christmas lights for sale.

 

8.  Christmas time is another time for parties.  Hey, any excuse is a good excuse for getting together and having some snacks and drinks.

 

9.  Christmas is Christmas where ever you go in the world. 

 

10.  Again, Dubai is about appearances and money; however even those 2 items cannot take away from the true meaning of Christmas.

 

11.  Christmas is Christmas, and it is about the life and sacrifice of Christ; and giving to others.  No money and bling can not take away the true meaning of Christmas.

 

12.  Muslim country or not, Christmas, even though it was nice to see the trimmings, is still Christmas and yes,  it should be celebrated in the correct way.

 

Christmas in Dubai was like Christmas in Colorado.  I was able to reflect on the true meaning, and share with others. 

 

 





Run, Run, Run Away

Run, Run, Run Away

 

 

"Choose wisely,"  state the ancient knight standing at the entry.

 

I think I did make a wise choice. 

 

At the end of November we received great news at work.  Our 3 day weekend was suddenly expanded to a 4 day weekend, and I decide to run away from Dubai on the spur of the moment.

 

One of the reasons that I made this International move was to get some traveling under my belt.  So, when I had the chance I decided to take it.  But where to go. . . . Somewhere close:  Egypt, Morocco (which is actually 9 hrs. away), or Jordan.  Uhm.  After some quick deep contemplating I decided on Jordan.

 

Why Jordan?  It is only 2 1/2 hours away, easy to get to, and Petra is there.  Made my decision and went to the travel agency and set up preliminary plans.  I paid for the flight, transfers from and to the airport, and for 3 nights at the Movenpic in Petra.  All I had to do was to pack on go.

 

I was a little apprehensive about this trip.  It would truly be the first solo trip that I would make for years.  I have traveled by myself before, but I have always met up with others at the other end.  The first solo trip in many, many years.  I was a little nervous about this solo trip, but I moved forward.

 

I caught a late flight out of Dubai to Amman, Jordan.  Arrived in Jordan in the early morning and then faced a 3 hour transfer to Petra.  While I was being driven to Petra by the driver I thought this guy could try and rape me or kill me and dump my body in the desert never to be found again.  I kept telling myself I'm a 2nd degree black belt and can protect myself.  No worries; my faith in the goodness of people won out.  In fact the driver who took me to Petra became my personal driver/guide for the rest of my trip.

 

The Movenpic at Petra.  What a fantastic hotel.  I fell in love with place.  Maybe I just fell in love with Petra.  The entire place was magical.

 

After getting a couple hours of sleep.  I ate breakfast and walked to Petra for the day.  Yes, walked.  The entrance to Petra was right outside the hotel entrance. 

 

I decide to pay for a guide to show me around for the first  3 hours of my visit.   I received a personal tour and history of Petra to myself.  I did the whole horse ride and walk through the Sig.  Walking through the Sig is the only way to enter Petra. 

 

How to describe Petra - magical, amazing, interesting, mind boggling?  I don't think words can describe the feeling of the place.  It was incredible.  Very place I turned there was something to see; everywhere I hiked there was a vista of awe.  O.K. O.K.  so you get the picture.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

 

For 2 days I hiked my butt off.  Up this mountain of stairs and then another mountain of stairs. Over this ruin and that ruin.  My treat for the day eating the dried dates and nuts I took from the breakfast buffet and drinking freshly squeezed orange juice inside the ancient city of Petra.  My legs were sore and I was covered with dust every night.  I was exhausted, but a good physical exhausted due to all of the walking and hiking.  I would go back and do it all again. 

 

On my last at Petra I went up the lounge at the top.  I sat and watched the sun set while I drank some wine.  It was a great way to end my Petra experience.

 

The 3rd day of my trip found me in Rum Wadi exploring the desert, visiting Lawrence of Arabia's Cave (I'm sure one of many caves that have that claim), and riding a camel.  It was an eventful day running up and down sand dunes which is harder than it looks.

 

My last day I toured Jersha, an ancient Roman city, a castle, and then found myself back on a plane to Dubai with an early morning arrival and work waiting for me.

 

Did I choose wisely?  Yes, without a doubt I chose wisely.  Some of the pictures can be seen on Facebook.  Enjoy. 

 

More to adventures to come.

                                                                                                                   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?