The Hustle and Bustle

I sit here, peering out from my 15th floor window of the Intercontinental Hotel in complete awe and disbelief. I haven't quite grasped the fact that I really am here, in a foreign country, to live and work for the next two years of my life. I have this repeating thought that I am simply on vacation. I am living in a 5-star hotel, serviced with daily room cleaning, valet parking, and buffet style breakfast every morning (absolutely to die for). Who wouldn't forget that a job is soon to come? This experience, as I have said before, has been like a dream...nothing but positive things to say.

I started driving this last week...I was scared to death! I must say, I feel like a human again, being able to drive! Driving in the UAE is a rare form; these Emiratis are absolute maniacs when it comes to driving, so every car ride is an experience all in its own. Things are going well, as I have been driving to and from work all week. I wouldn't call myself a pro, yet. Thank goodness for Garmin Nuvi....he is my best friend!

As I have said before, I think this job/move was the best decision I am yet to make in my life. I have a 45 minute commute to and from work, so it gives me time to sit and think, which I have been doing quite a bit of.

I ponder the meaning of lost, as I get lost every afternoon driving in from Al Shahama, and what an excellent learning experience such a negative word creates. Getting lost in the car coming home from work, only barely brushes the story of my life- past, present, and future.

I am lost...

* longing for a new career in the States. As many of you know, and I have said before, I won't be returning to the States for a teaching job. Instead, my plan is to go back to school, and complete my nursing degree and master's in hospital administration; something that should have been done long ago, even from the beginning.

* longing for religion and faith. Being in Abu Dhabi, I am immersed in a Muslim rich environment, no one can escape from because it is in every aspect of your own life. Prayer call is five times a day, called from speaker systems all over the country....you can hear it from anywhere you are. Amazingly, it isn't annoying; it is actually quite serene. I catch myself saying a small prayer of my own, when I hear it. Really, it makes you come to grips with your own religion.

The outfit of a Muslim- Kandora (for men) and the abaya and sheila (for women)are the typical attire here. As many of you have seen, I even wear them for work and when visiting mosques. Up until my trip, and asking a friend of mine 50 million questions, I didn't get it. For women, it is the exact opposite of what people think, especially Americans. Women wear the abaya, sheila, burka, hijab (whatever their choice) as a devotion to Allah (God), their purity for a future husband, and as a personal choice. The thought is, no other man should see another man's wife; contrary, a man, technically, doesn't see his wife until marriage. In turn, this eliminates the straying from a marriage. Is it a little on the extreme side? Sure, maybe to most, but from the words of an Emirati local, marriage is then viewed differently...you are actually working on the marriage together, as you are getting to know each other (many marriages are arranged here). Contrary to the most popular belief, the typical Muslim outfit for women is not about shunning the females, to belittle them, or lack of self confidence. It is actually quite the opposite! Women here are treated quite well...(I know, most of you are gasping at the fact that I have just said that) but you have to experience it to know the real truth.

Fasting- During the holy month of Ramadan, fasting is from sunrise to sunset. As a Muslim, you may not eat or drink anything, including water, gum, candy, etc. This was a struggle when I first arrived. Because of Ramadan, lunch typically isn't in the schedule. If you are lucky, you can pop into a grocery store or grab takeaway and go back to your hotel room, but for the most part, you also end up fasting. Obviously giving something up for a religious reason is something big; it gives you a greater appreciation for things. In simpler terms, I have NEVER loved water as much as I LOVE water now! Definitely gives you a greater appreciation for the smaller things in life.

Patience- I never really stopped to think about how fast paced my life always was. You set your mind to do something, and it usually gets done within the time period that you want. Here, things don't work like that. I swear, it is as if we have our own clock over here. I will simply refer to it as, "Arab time."

Arab time happens when Arab time happens. When in a car, you are in a rush to get to no where. Everything else...."inshallah"- it will happen when it happens. There are no immediate answers, just maybes. "Don't worry, it will be okay" has become a popular one. No one is in a rush, there aren't many deadlines, and you are lucky that people even show up to work. :) Being thrown into this, immediately, has had a huge impact...I almost don't know what to do with myself! I don't have a classroom yet, which means my classroom isn't decorated or ready, I don't know my curriculum or what to do for the first day, but you know, "inshallah"- everything will be okay. Oddly enough, I am not all that worried about it...strange I know, coming from someone that should be medicated for obsessive compulsive disorder! being here has been quite relaxing and has taught a great lesson...ENJOY life while you can!

True Beauty- Having been here for a little over three weeks and during the holy month of Ramadan, I am yet to experience the true beauty of the UAE/Abu Dhabi. Although all that I have seen and done has been great, I believe there to be so much more. I think there are even more treats coming my way, and I can't wait!

So, until then, the hustle and bustle is about to begin. We found out that Eid is starting Wednesday Sept 8th, which means the end to Ramadan (things get crazy for the next 7 days, off from work), school starts on Sept. 15th, I will be moving into my new apartment soon, and my mini-vacation will slow down (note, I didn't say end!!). A lot to come, in so few days!