Between Two Worlds

After being away for a year, I finally made a trip back home to the United States. I spent a month back home, which definitely wasn't long enough! I had anticipated how things would be during my visit, and assumed that I would be able to pick up a few pieces and resume just the same as I had before I left. However, I would soon learn, that wasn't the case.

As I have said many times before, you become immersed in where you are living or settling. In a way, you are apart of that culture, and you very soon forget about simple things that you used to do. My management of time, reflects how time has passed here, in Abu Dhabi. My language, hand gestures, and body language all reflect the new culture in which I live in. The simple things about your daily life, become normal based on where you are and what you have called normal for the past twelve months.

I arrived in much of a daze...jet lag always gets the best of me. Tired, and ready for a break. I was excited to see my family, friends, and pets....as the excitement was definitely reimbursed. I was happy to know that after a year, my pets had not forgotten me after all. :)

The first week back home was rough. You don't quite feel like you fit in anymore, and you forget about the different surroundings. The time is off....you have to adjust to the difference. In a way, I had forgotten that men don't wear Kandoras, and women don't wear abayas. It was actually a little strange not seeing the sea of white and black among the people. And, that meant I had to put thought into what I was going to wear. When talking to people, or walking amongst the public, it was strange being able to understand full conversations. I actually had to concentrate on people talking, since I have been surrounded by a language that I don't understand and tend to ignore. Sights were different. I missed seeing the palm trees line the streets, as you are driving. I almost felt like I was back in the desert, as my time in Texas was during the worst possible drought. As my dad said, "I was witnessing the making of a desert." Oh, what I would have done to see rain....I haven't seen rain in over a year! And cravings...I wanted to jump in the car and run up to Lebanese Flower for a chicken schwarma and garlic labneh, but how soon I forget....that isnt just up the street, I am in the wrong place. All those foods that I thought I missed, they were taken over by the new foods and tastes I was becoming used to in Abu Dhabi. Simplicity....it was nice to be back home where things were simple. When I needed something, I knew what store to go to, where to find it, and I could communicate with someone about it. I missed the simple things...Hobby Lobby, HEB, etc.

When asked how I like Abu Dhabi, I can honestly say, I LOVE it. I don't love my job, but I do love my location, my friends, and the things I get to do. So, in simpler terms, I am STUCK between two worlds. I love what being overseas has to offer and the experiences you gain. At the same time, I miss the simple things I am used to back home, my family and friends, my pets, and my home.

People Just Want to Have Fun

Amongst the tallest building in the WORLD, man-made islands, the world’s only SEVEN STAR hotel, and other record breaking memories, I had the pleasure of experiencing Ferrari World. And yet again, another record breaker, the world’s FASTEST roller coaster!!
I went with my 3rd grade boys, as an end of year celebration…yippee for me! I was the only English speaking LT that attended the trip. The other teachers were my Arabic colleagues, which at the time, I was having my doubts about.
I knew I would make it to Ferrari World, eventually. At least before I left the Middle East, I would make it to the fastest roller coaster in the world. But a part of me knew I would be better off going with a group of friends, during one of our weekends.
However, in the midst of it all, I realized a lot of really cool things about this trip.
1. I don’t ever want to go to an amusement park with 100+ 3rd grade boys…it isn’t my idea of fun, but it worked out.
2. Ms. Erin is too old to ride roller coasters…I can ride them ONE time, but then that is it! (Oh the joys of being a kid)
On a serious note, I realized that NO MATTER where you are…people are people, and they want to have fun! I remember as a kid, family vacations, school field trips, birthday parties, etc. and we would attend amusement parks or water parks. As a kid, that is fun- load up on sugar and junk food, buy over –priced souvenirs, run wild through the rides (over and over), etc. Well, kids here think about that too!
Being from Texas, I can remember the hot summer days and why you don't go to amusement parks during the heat of the day, in the middle of summer. What torture I can imagine it is for parents!

Similar to the Texas weather, Abu Dhabi can reach record highs. The mere thought of spending time at an amusement park, when it is 120+ degrees outside, makes me ill. But lucky for me, Abu Dhabi has thought of something bigger and better!
Ferrari World is a typical amusement park….it is a wide area of space that any kid can completely vanish for hours at a time. It has the rides, the junk food, the soda, and has the ability to open the inner kid within you.

Nonetheless, the best part about Ferrari World is the way it has adapted to its fans. Acknowledging the extreme heat, and the fact that very little activity happens outside, Ferrari World has built an amusement park indoors. However, everything about it, makes it seems as if you are outside! The entire inside is transformed to an “outside” amusement park….with trees, grass, rocks, paved roads, hidden speakers playing animals sounds and music. You almost forget that you are inside of an enormous building!

Roller coasters are funny things….scary, but always offer enjoyment to the riders. Abu Dhabi has definitely out done the “roller coaster world” on this one…. It is FREAKING FAST! So fast, you can feel your skin stretch tightly, as the warm air breezes across. So fast, you can’t even remember the last time you took a deep breath, swallowed, or opened your eyes. Just so fast, there aren’t words to even describe the full force of speed this roller coaster has.

I never thought I would ride the WORLD’S FASTEST roller coaster in an abaya, but I did. There is a first time for everything I suppose. But as I say that, I acknowledge the fact that the abaya is the national dress here for the ladies. And if you think for one second, that ladies are excluded from riding the rides at Ferrari World, you are WRONG!! That is right, Ferrari World has custom made fittings for women…in order to fit their wardrobe. So, women who chose to cover, using the sheila, are able to Velcro a fitted head piece on over their sheila. This keeps the sheila on and in place for the women, while riding the roller coasters.

So, my doubts over my arabic coworkers were definitely put to rest. They went on every one of the rides with me, and we ended up having a wonderful time.

We are an interesting species, as we learn to adapt and grow into the environments God has created for us. This goes to show, that we as the human race, have the same dreams/desires/ideas...it is just about how we implement them. You should never underestimate the creativity of the human mind, because someone out there, has got it figured out.