"Are we...We aren't in Cyprus yet!"

If you look back at where we as a civilization once was, it isn't rocket science to figure out, we have accomplished some really amazing things. And although you would imagine that all accomplishments would create the better in people, you can only imagine I have some resistance to that. Accomplishments can often times cause weakness in others, sometimes things we see in ourselves. On the total extreme side of that, there are accomplishments that just completely wipe society of all brain cells, and cause complete and utter stupidity.

Lets take flight as an example. The mere fact that travel once started just by foot, then came horse and buggy (camel if you are reading this from the Middle East), then the car....of course skipping some along the way. It wasn't enough that we travel on ground, but then came travel by air. The fact that we can hoist a HUGE piece of metal, high into the clouds, and enjoy a flight all the way around the face of the earth.....it is just beyond amazing. The technology behind this is absolutely astonishing. On the downside of this, you have people that have something to prove, and completely abuse our abilities as human beings to create such successful endeavors.

So, by the sounds of it, you would think that I enjoy flying...making the flight 7,000 miles from home, and 23 hours later. Truth be told, I actually HATE (I mean HATE) flying...but, there are so many places to see and go, I just deal with it.

It was Summer of 2011, I had a couple weeks left of vacation, before returning to school. Michelle (a good friend of mine here in the UAE) and I decided to go to Cyprus for one last vacation, in which we THOUGHT:

1. Cyprus is close, it is only 3 hours from Abu Dhabi
2. Cyprus has beautiful beaches to relax on
3. Cyprus in somewhere new and fun to go.

We boarded our plane by mid morning, expecting to get to Cyprus that evening, and have a little time to look around and learn the area. I couldn't wait....

The flight started off strange, as we left from the Abu Dhabi Airport, we loaded from a terminal that I had not ever seen before. We left from the terminal, boarded a bus that took us to the tar-mac, and then we boarded our plane. Michelle and I had a strange interaction with a group of three guys that had boarded the bus when we did. They were rather rude, very pushy, annoying, and loud. I didn't think too much of it, as I figured they were young, and felt obliged to act in this manner. All I can remember thinking, "why, did I have to stand next to them?"

I was first off the bus, going toward the airplane; the three guys and Michelle would follow in my footsteps. I had not taken but three steps up the ramp to enter the aircraft, when I was pushed from behind and scooted to the side by one of the three gentlemen we had already had an encounter with. It was very strange, as if this guy could NOT wait to get on the plane.

Michelle and I had taken our seats, excited beyond belief. Again, very different from the usual, I had an aisle seat (which I prefer window, so I can see the outside) and Michelle had the middle seat (which she always wants the aisle seat).We figured it was only a 3 hour flight, so things would be okay.

We finally took off from Abu Dhabi, and headed toward Cyprus. I reached for my book and IPOD, assured I would be able to relax for a bit and catch up on my reading. Michelle and I started to chat, talking about all the things we would do within the next week.

It wasn't but 30 minutes into the flight, when my gut feeling told me something was wrong. The staff had started to act a little strange. They had panic stricken looks on their faces, but yet, still held it together enough to be SO kind and helpful. A little too nice. Meanwhile, there is a lady in 1st class hyperventilating, babies crying, the AC isn't cooling....things just aren't right.  The plane had never reached the proper altitude, it suddenly felt as if we were about to take a nose dive into the ground. I was panic-stricken, as I was so far away from the window, I couldn't see anything, and I was depending on Michelle to tell me what she could see. All I could think about was the plane having motor issues, and I was about to plummet into the ocean or sand dunes. A good 15 minutes of panic was happening before an announcement was made. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be making an emergency landing in Doha, Qatar."

I am sorry, a WHAT?!?! An emergency landing?? Why? What is going on? What is happening? Am I about to die and don't know it! This wasn't part of my plan today! You could feel my heart pounding.  It is that moment in time when you feel completely helpless, and there isn't anything you can do. 

The rest of the story becomes a blur, as it became very chaotic and quite surreal.  All I remember, and will never forget is the landing of the plane (very fast and abrupt) and the pilot screaming, "RUN, there is a bomb on the plane."

Complete and utter chaos broke loose, as people starting pushing and shoving to get off the plane.  I remember grabbing my purse and bag, shoving my way off the plane, and RUNNING for dear life.  Stepping from the stairs, I hit the cement, and took off running for dear life.  People, scattered like little ants from an ant mound, ran into the hot, dusty, and baron desert grounds.  I didn't turn back, as I wanted to be as far into the desert as possible and away from what I was sure would explode in any given moment. 

Once I had reached a fair distance out, Michelle shortly behind me, I turned...awaiting what would FOR SURE be the worst sight my blue eyes would have seen- an airplane blow to small pieces and my life taken for granted.  It was then, a plane full of people waiting, saw the Doha police arrest three men and escort them away.  We waited....confused, irritated, hot, scared, and shocked.  What do we do now?

Finally, after 20 minutes of sitting in the hot Middle Eastern sun, buses came to pick us up.  We were taken into security, all of us would have to be searched.  We were quarantined, away from the main airport, handed plenty of water to drink, and asked to sit and wait.  So, that is what I did...sat and waited. 

I remember frantically trying to get on wireless Internet, so I could call home.  Knowing it was 2:00 am, I wanted to talk to my parents.  I just knew this was going to be splashed across FOX News, and this is the story my dad would see before his first cup of coffee.  Granted I was able to get through, in the midst of a midnight dream, I don't think even my father realized the words that were coming out.  It was all just disbelief. 

To this day, I can't believe this actually happened, and it happened to me.  Although it ended up being a joke and there wasn't a bomb on the plane, it was the scariest moment in my life.  I wasn't done living life.....I hadn't said the proper goodbyes....I didn't want to die THIS way!  And, why was it his responsibility to take the lives of 300+ travelers?  It wasn't....and to this day, I THANK GOD for every good thing that came out of that day and that I am still alive today.   


http://www.cyprus-mail.com/aviation/holiday-cypriot-s-bomb-joke-ends-doha-arrest/20110827

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.

Friendly Faces in Familiar Places

It is fair to say, as humans, we do things that make us feel comfortable. We acquire certain habits or customs that become familiar to not only ourselves, but each other.

We often make a familiar choice for fear of the unknown. The decision is based on what we know as being usual, easy, and comforting. Eventually, some of us will break out of the ordinary, and make a decision that isn't so comforting (at first), might have a negative impact, or simply use it as a learning experience. And, it usually works out.

Having lived in Abu Dhabi for a year now, everything unfamiliar and new has become a daily part of my life. I have developed a liking to my new surroundings, friends, and favorite places to go.

As someone that loves to watch people, you forget that there are people just like you. People lurking just in the background, watching you. Just when you think you are becoming familiar with your surroundings and the people that make that location, there are others that you become known to, simply just a friendly face in a familiar place.

I recently met a friend of mine for lunch, in one of my favorite hotspots, The One. We then held a baby shower for a close friend of ours, also at The One. I also bought some souvenir gifts to take back to United States, also from The One. It is pretty safe to say, The One is a familiar place to me, and I still continue to go there.

In the midst of The One becoming a favorite place, we have become one of the many familiar faces. There are staff members at The One who have remembered us, remembered our names, and graciously helped/served us. Although these are short meetings, we get to know each other piece by piece....one meeting at a time, they become familiar to us, just as we become familiar to them.

Although we may never meet anywhere outside of that familiar place, we are still just those familiar faces.

Plummet With a Side of Happiness

Recently diagnosed with an under-performing thyroid, I came to Abu Dhabi with a goal. I was bound, and determined, to lose weight. To have finally figured out a portion of my problem, the aid of medication, and pure dedication- I was sure to lose weight.

Coming to the UAE, also comes with some struggles. Although the start of this journey was pure fascination and "vacation" like experiences, it isn't what I am used to.

*My all natural, organic, diet has come to a screeching halt, as it is darn near impossible to find it OR it is so expensive....a highway robbery.

* Laziness has become the death of me. This is a country of laziness and don't lift a finger. Although I will never, I mean NEVER, lose my full ability to go above and beyond, my self-independence, and ability....being here has definitely made it easy to "forget" how to do things for yourself.

* An active OUTDOOR life is darn near impossible. Being in the desert, in 150 degree weather, it sure doesn't make going for a jog or walk sound enjoyable. Heck, even the beach water feels like a warm bathtub!

* Pure exhaustion from my 7:30-3:00 teaching job makes it impossible for me to do ANYTHING after I get home. You thought my napping styles and 9:00 bedtime were bad in the USA?? Well, I think I have hit an all-time high with napping. I would say I am sticking to a good bedtime, but since meeting a certain somebody, throat clear, my early bedtime is non-existent.

So, needless to say, with these setbacks....I have managed to lose some of my weight.

Here recently, as part of my "healthier" life goal, I decided that I was going to stop taking all permanent medications (including my thyroid medication) and take only natural supplements/vitamins. I am looking at this situation, as if I were eating an ice-cream sundae.

I have eaten all that ice-cream, hot fudge, and caramel. Since eating that sundae, I have gained 7 pounds, felt all the lows again from this summer, hopped onto the emotional roller coaster again, and hit a blah moment.

So, off to another mission to LOSE weight, AGAIN!!

But, that little cherry on top of the sundae, which is the best part....the little bite that I am hanging on to....

I have met an exceptional man that makes me happy! He loves me for who I am, all that I come with, and have to offer; he even puts up with my emotional roller coaster ride.

Although this is a new relationship, and we are still getting to know each other, this is that little side of happiness that a girl wants, needs, and cherishes.

Occupied

It was 7 months ago that I packed up the pieces of my life and moved to Abu Dhabi. As I have said before, and I will say it again....BEST decision made. I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay here, my traveling, the people I have met, the friends I have made, the new culture I have immersed myself into, and the learning experiences. It has defintely changed me for the better and shed a new light on life.

As I sit here today, and reflect on the reasons why I took this job, things happen for a reason...most reasons unknown and at the hands of God. And in all literal senses of the word faith, things have happened, good and bad. My questions, concerns, and pathway for life have come to light.....still remain unanswered....or just hasn't happened yet.

I took a leap of faith taking this job for career reasons. I had become very frustrated with teaching in the United States. I was searching for confirmation of whether or not I was in the right job field or I needed to move on. Don't get me wrong, I put 150% into my job as an educator, and I wouldn't take any of it back. I also know, not to sound selfish, I am darn good at my job. I have it in my blood to be a teacher, educate the future, and nurture....I truely believe that this is a job meant for me....just not right now. Unfortunately, this leap of faith has confirmed that for me...I will NOT be a teacher for the rest of my life....I just can't. I am going to have to put something that I am really good at to rest, at least for now, and move on.

Admitting personality flaws is always hard for someone to do. But, I must say, taking this job has certainly made it easier for me. Moving to a new culture, where things are done differently, lifestyle is different, priorities are different....really puts things in persepctive for you. I realize more so than ever (not that I didn't know this already) just how important family and friends are. I value those relationships a great deal, and appreciate everyone who has stuck by me through my soul searching, compromised their own lives for me to take this journey (esp. my parents), and just those people who are simply my friends...I really appreciate you for who you are, LOVE you with all of my heart, and miss you! Even greater, this experience has shed a new light on life. Granted, I am still a bit high strung, I still love a clean/organized home, a little uptight, and a little set in my ways...because some of these things make me happy, just being here 7 months has changed what I live life for. I was always concerned about that little black book with my appointments and "TO DO" lists, when things were going to get done, dirty dishes in the sink and why they aren't in the dishwasher, and why things weren't being done when and how I wanted them done. Although I will never completely change, I just have some of that in me, I realize there is an entire world out there to see and I can get to the dirty dishes later. And approaching 30, I haven't done enough....I want MORE! The things that I have seen, done, and experienced here in the UAE far surpass my boring old life, and has opened a whole new door.

The next door to open is my search for love. As they say, there is a soulmate out there for everyone, somewhere. I obviously wasn't having the best of luck in the States. So, why not take yet ANOTHER leap of faith, and assume that the one person I am meant to spend the rest of my life with is maybe clear across the world? Who knows, right? It is worth a shot. Well, it is time. I have been here long enough....adapted to my new life, schedule, and home.....so I spread my wings. Is that person here? Have I met this person already, and just don't know? Or yet, did I just meet the person, and great things are soon to come? Only time will tell, and I can only tell you about the time. So, for now, the door is open....hopefully soon to close.

Lastly, it has been amazing how FAST the last 7 months has come and gone! In roughly FIVE months, I will be making a trip back to the States to see my family, friends, my house, and my precious little babies (Bogart, Ninna, and Missy). In addition, my mother (I wish I could say my father too) will come to visit my new world and hopefully learn just why I love this place so much! :)

So, until then....I have new doors to open, some to close, and some to find.

Fun Fun, had by all....

Values are defined differently by all, and in an ideal world, those differences would be accepted by all. Whether the values are personal or religious, they offer you rules to live by, things to stray away from, even a bit of a backbone. Values can define a person; values can make you just who you want to be.

One of the values that I have found totally remarkable here in Abu Dhabi, and in Middle Eastern countries overall, is the religious value of excluding alcohol from their lives; it is a religious sin to consume alcohol.

With that being said, I think that it is amazing, that a society, a group of people, an individual can have a great time, even with the absence of alcohol. The mere idea, which American's are fond of, that a good time can't be had without the magic potion, and yet, I am consumed by a group of people that prove that to be wrong.

As someone that doesn't drink alcohol, not very much/to very little/if at all, I have found a great appreciation in being able to hang out with people from this region, and have an absolute fabulous time, all based on the person/personality of an individual.


For example, my friend Mo. He and his roomie live four floors below us, in the same apartment complex. He is a local Emirati, practicing Muslim, and very abiding. He does the clubbing, going to bars, and partying...just like everyone else, but doesn't drink alcohol. He alone has a fascinating personality, but the fact that it continues to shine through in a bar/club atmosphere, he is comical at any given time, and he (we) has a great time WITHOUT a drop of alcohol, is all a relief.

A good time can be had, by all, without alcohol. You value a true personality, the time you spend with your friends, and the place you spend your time, instead of seeing everything in a fog. Likewise, less problems are bound to occur without the presence of alcohol...people aren't drinking and driving, fighting, causing trouble, etc.

It is all a fresh breath of air, being surround by people that can appreciate greater things in life, and have a great time doing it!