Donna's UAE Experience

The convention to kick off the new year.

2010-09-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

Emerati teachers. A real mix of cultures but so exciting and I went up and talked to some. They were extremely nice.

Service before the convention. Yummy croisants and juice.

Break time, sandwiches and coffee. A huge exhibition center in Abu Dhabi. We had to be up at 4:00 to get ready, 5 to eat and leave at 6 am. Long tiring day

The hall where they fed us. There were about 15 stations set up with tons of food. It was amazing. And of course servers to make sure there was nothing you lacked. It's the same at the hotel when we eat. the second your plate is empty they take it away. They even refold your napkin if you lay it beside your plate to go get more food. They bring drinks and cappacinos to you and anything you want, you just have to say so and it's there. I'm getting quite spoiled.

The convention was actually the day before the new school year started, I was just excited to show off my boys. They had several speakers, and we were given little ear phones that we listened to for translation. They gave us lots to eat. It was pretty cool.

First day of school

2010-09-16T04:42:00.001-07:00

How cute are they??? Of course the first day of school was chaotic. I was told I'd probably not have more than one or two kids if any showed up. well since they started the new school reform they've been advertising for parents to be sure their children came to school starting the first day. I had ten show up. I walked them to my classroom which I had not seen yet. There were exactly ten desks but two were broken. No chairs but I had a desk and computer table. When I went to pull my teachers chair out, it fell apart. So....., even though I was told I may not stay in that room, I had them help me put up posters and then I read to them. We played Simon says and did some writing. It was a long day. Today I had about 14 and also had my second class, which for some reason I didn't get yesterday. My first group is pretty good. The second one, not so much, at least not yet. The problem is not being able to start out with rules and procedures like all the experts tell you to do, because you don't know if you will have this class, room or even school. Some of the teachers went to their schools the first day and they didn't have a place for them. Some teachers were moved to a different school the night before. We will be on an old schedule for the next week then start the new reform schedule which is based on the curriculum and structure from New South Wales. the day will be longer and we'll have four 45 minute periods with the students, but one of them I think will end up being silent reading for 2o and prayer for 15. them not me. :)

The boys were not bad at all. They don't do well without structure...duh...because today I let them draw and play when the Arabic teacher walked out and didn't take them with him. I think it was a failure to communicate. There is actually a sleep room for the teachers if they want to take a nap. I think some of them will be in for a rude awakening soon.

Anyway, I like my school, my collegues and the students. Once I fix up my room, now that they understand how important it is for me to stay in one room, it will be good. Just gotta keep the little buggers busy.

Some of my boys speak and understand pretty well. One reads quite well phonetically, but I'm not sure about understanding because of limited vocabulary. Most understand, sit down, come, say, and a few other words. a couple don't understand anything, but they're catching on fast. this is going to be one wild ride, but fun and rewarding.

Camel Souk

2010-09-11T06:05:00.001-07:00

This is the camel souk. It is apparently the last remaining souk in the world. Don't know the accuracy of that statement. They are kept in pens and fed hay and given water. Camels are a good business here and can cost a lot of money. They also sell sheep, goats and cows here. We didn't get spit on or bitten, but they do growl really loudly.

Pucker up!

Yet another Mall

2010-09-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

I don't know what that crazy pastor is up to but the Islamic people I have met here have all been kind, gentle and as helpful as they could be. I wish more people could experience the culture here. I guess every country has their fanatics.

The Bawadi Mall is my second favorite now. Lots of great stores and if my littles were here it would be fun for them. Check out Fun City. You are seeing a roller coaster and rides, a ski slope and a Krispy Kreme and Pizza Hut.

Random pictures

2010-09-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some random signs. The labour camp is for construction workers and the two signs are at the Palms Resort Golf club. I thought it was funny.

This is a shisha restaurant we went to last night. The food was good and we ate outside with fans and mist blowing on us. Most people come here to smoke shisha which is flavored tobacco, but they don't inhale. It smells nice and I'm sure we'll try it sometime, we skipped it last night. We started eating at 10:00 pm. late night

This is my new view from my room. The last one was a bit smelly but this one is very nice.

This is the golf course that Wesley will probably join. It's an all grass course and is supposed to be nice.

Tomorrow I'm going to attempt to hire a truck in Abu Dhabi to move the things I already bought from a person who is moving. They will be stored in an empty villa until we get our apartments. It's so hard to get anything done here, but eventually it all works out. The driving was hair raising at times, but I'll get used to it. You just need a fast car and a lot of patience!

Holy Day

2010-09-04T00:20:00.001-07:00

Since it was the holy day and my internet wouldn't work I was forced to lie about the pool and room. I just vegged and snacked. today the internet is working and I will get out and about looking for a golf course for Wesley, a laundry place for me, and maybe rent a car at some point. Tomorrow is our "monday" so I will try to meet my principal and hopefully get keys to the apt. We have a meeting today with the ADEC person here in Al Ain. Would be nice if our money was coming and keys- inshallah

For those of you who are teachers, you know what we're feeling like now, knowing school starts on the 12th and we have no idea where our school is, what we will actually be teaching and no way to prepare. That probably is the most stressful, but I just keep telling myself, it'll all work out.

Hoping the visas will be done soon too so I can get the rest of my immediate family over here!

More pictures of Al Ain to come.

One step closer

2010-09-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

We arrived in our new "hometown" Al Ain this afternoon around four. Our luggage arrived a little bit after. The poor people at the hotel had everyone scrambling to get all of our luggage to our rooms and make sure we were all comfortable and happy. We expect to be here for a week at least but maybe less. Inshallah

I bought some furniture today and will have to go back to Abu Dhabi to get it delivered. It was furniture someone leaving Abu Dhabi was selling. Still have to buy a stove, washer and a few other items.

Here is the new hotel. It's actually quite a bit older and less "opulent" than the other one, but still very nice and comfortable as you will see. there is a huge pool and for two days, (it's the weekend here) we will have nothing to do. I know, it's a dirty job, but someone has to do it.
Pictures won't load, they may be too big. Just picture a nice resort.

More apartment

2010-09-01T14:00:00.001-07:00

Center courtyard, powder room and bathroom. I'm thinking the grass will be green once the temperatures are no longer in the hundreds.

Two bedroom.

The apartment

2010-09-01T01:59:00.000-07:00

Kitchen and living room.

the outside

More to come.

Some experiences

2010-08-31T09:42:00.000-07:00

Ramadan as you may have guessed is an interesting time for us. Yesterday on the way to look at villas in Al Ain, which come to find out we can't get, we stopped off at a gas station/mosque for the Islamic men on the bus to get off and pray. It only took five minutes, but I thought it made the day interesting.

Today, as I was waiting for the dr. to get back from breaking his fast, I walked around the block to find somewhere to eat also, and saw a restaurant I recognized. At first I hesitated to go in because I was a woman alone, but finally after sweating up and down a few blocks I went in. I sat in the back at a long table, near the wall. Later an Arabic woman came and sat down next to me to eat. These were cafeteria style tables and the food was a buffet so you pick what you want. I had some salads, and bread and some schwarma chicken. I recognized most of those and knew they were safe. The woman beside me spoke to me in broken English and pushed her bowl toward me to taste. I said, "chicken"? and she said, "same, same,". People here are extremely friendly, and I didn't want to be rude so I fished out a squiggly piece of something and chewed quickly and smiled. It was actually pretty good and did taste like chicken, but the shape had me worried so I pulled the waiter aside later to ask what it was. He said lamb and pointed to his thigh and then said, stomach. I knew it. I had eaten lamb meat in intestines. Surprisingly I kept it down. It really didn't even taste like lamb. So a new experience for me and a great example of the friendliness of the people here.

Of course, I was very hungry. My poor stomach just doesn't know what to make of this new diet.

So, when I get back I find out we're leaving this hotel on Thursday and moving to one in Al Ain, where we will be presented with our keys to our apartment. So much for finding your own accomodations, but actually the apts are okay, and I think as long as we don't shout it about, the dogs are good to go. We'll have four days to furnish the apartment then out we go.

The pictures wouldn't download so I'll try later.

Bazaar at the Expo center

2010-08-29T00:30:00.001-07:00

Just so you know, I'm not being deprived. They make an excellent cappacino in the restaurant here. I have only gotten to Starbucks once because it doesn't open until 7:30 and who wants to drink esspresso then?? This is a Turkish? type dancer at the bazaar.

This is one entrance to the bazaar and there's another one on the opposite side

This woman is making perfume. They burn different kinds of wood then add perfumed oils. By the time I left I was feeling a little quesy.

This little boy was having fun at the amusement park part of the bazaar. Like a little fair.

This was a booth of bling. Lots and lots of bling there.

One of the many cloth booths. Very beautiful. This bazaar is very similar to the Christmas markets in Belgium and England. I bet you're wondering what I bought. Cheap shoes and some toys for my students.

Today, I'm going to exercise at the gym again and then hang at the pool. We're desperate to look for houses, but they haven't moved us to Al Ain yet and I don't really want to rent a car and drive. Maybe we'll go tomorrow. Today we may also try to find the teacher store. And for those of you reading this who don't already know, my brother has had his manuscript accepted at a publishing company so within the year should be an official publised author. Way to go Glenn!

and more mosque

2010-08-27T00:33:00.001-07:00

What you see here is the place where the women go for their cleansing before going to pray in the Mosque. These are the guides who took us around the mosque and gave us so much information. Then they did a question and answer session. Yes, someone did ask what the men wear under the dishdasha/kandoura. As always excuse my spelling. I will leave the answer a mystery for now. The next picture is of the ceiling. You will see leaves and flowers. On the floor directly below, are identical leaves and flowers on the rug. Both the ceiling and the floor were made by two different people at different times, but somehow the measurements were so exact that it's a mirror image. Very cool. there's so much more to tell, but it's probably boring for you if you weren't there experiencing it. I can't wait to go with Wesley and any other visitors we get....hint hint.

More mosque

2010-08-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

The chandelier is Swarvski crystal.

There's more to come, but I'm tired and I still need to shop. May I just add, I wish they had adopted the no smoking rule here like everywhere else. Oh well, change comes slowly, well, except for here apparently. Good night all, I'll add more tomorrow. It's our "Saturday"

The Mosque

2010-08-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

As we entered the mosque we had a quide who took us through and told us all about it. The work you see on the large pavillion and the columns is all made up of imported stone and semi precious stones from all over the world. None of it is painted. The white stone on the large pavillion keep cool so even when it's 111 degrees out you can walk on it comfortably. The mosque holds 40,000 people. It is the only mosque here open to the public. Sheik Zayad, I hope I spelled that right, I don't want to insult anyone, who was the founding father of the UAE had this vision to build this mosque so people from all over could experience Islam and see how it is celebrated. He is a very revered figure in the history of the UAE. It was his vision that brought the UAE from tribes to the sprawling and wealthy place it its today. I know I sound like a guide, but you have to understand we've been instructed in the Arabic culture almost everyday we've been here. It's a very polite society and they want to make sure we don't embarrass them or ourselves.

I know, I looked scared. We all had to wear these in the Mosque. Not my best look.

This is the outside. There is only one other mosque that is bigger than this one.

All the wonderful food

2010-08-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

Carmela and Tandy

So far we have eaten at an Indian, Arabic, Lebanese, and Brazilian restaurant. No telling what will be next. Here are some pics of my friends and the meat carver at the Brazilian restaurant. They carve the meat at the table and you use little tongs to take it and put in on your plate. We were joined that night be two teachers who taught here last year. Bless them both, we peppered them with questions but they were so nice to answer them all and relieve a few of our worries.

orientation continued

2010-08-24T05:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a speaker called Ali, who has a book, radio program and website called "Ask Ali" He shared his knowledge of Arabic culture with us and reassured us that we would not be arrested if seen eating or drinking in public or if we were dressed inappropriately. But that it was considered polite to eat or drink in private during Ramadan and to at least have your shoulders and knees covered. That was a big relief to a lot of us. What he basically stressed was that the Arabic people are more aware of the importance of the social and religious rules. They aren't as worried about things like getting a ticket for speeding, but if they lose face by doing something against the religion it is a big deal. He was really funny and very informative.

Today we had more inservice training and arabic lessons. I think the thing that is going to be the hardest in teaching here is to get the students used to cooperative learning and problen solving. It's also going to be hard to convince the parents that students are doing well if they show improvement in skills. Parents want to see grades, and they are moving away from the importance of grades in the lower grades. Up until last year, even 1-3 graders had exams and their grades came, for the most part, from those exam scores. We are really pioneers in this country with the way we teach. It will take time for the native teachers to accept and use some of our teaching methods.

Wesley is taking good care of the dogs. Here they are with their new haircuts.

I am going to a bazaar tonight and may finally break down and buy and abaya. We'll need one to go to a Mosque tomorrow anyway and I don't want to wear one that they lend to tourists. Who knows where that has been!

I'm really enjoying our Arabic lessons and hope they will come in handy this year.

Arabic Schools

2010-08-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

Orientation also included a trip to one of the model schools in AD. We had time to reflect on the mornings presentations and then we had Arabic lessons. I know I said we weren't supposed to learn Arabic, but I guess they realized we need some basic language skills. Not to mention it helps us relate to what the students will be going through when they are trying to learn our language.

The pictures are of a display in the school courtyard, the school courtyard, the side of the cafetorium, and two bulletin boards. The rooms were a little smaller than ours, but the school seems very nice. They have a real big center courtyard.

orientation

2010-08-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a long one, so hope you don't get bored.

Our first day of orientation began in an auditorium in the hotel. We were given a presentation about Abu Dhabi and the new education reform. The basic reason behind the reform is to have the country in a place so that they are no longer dependent on gas and oil. They are aware that it is not a renewable resource and that they need to be prepared for the time when it is no longer available. The Crown Prince and his cabinet of advisors came up with the 2030 plan and one of the main parts of the plan is to educate their young so that they will be globally competative. At this point very few of their graduates continue on to universities. The speaker was the head of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili. One statement that he made stood out in my mind. "Teachers are the force behind the success of the children." Abu Dhabi is pouring money into the education system. 300 schools are going to be brought up to date technologically in one year. Hundreds of teachers are being brought in to teach English, math and science to the students in the schools. They want their children to become problem solvers.

There are 1 million people in AD right now and by 2030, there will be 3 million. To prepare for this they are moving into other areas of production such as technology, chemicals, medicines, tourism and other things. Right now they are the 3rd largest producer of the semiconductor, a chip that runs the electrical part of the engine. If you look around the city there are many skyscrapers that are in the contruction phase and they are all really interesting shapes. I would think any architects would find this place amazing. We were shown the future plans for AD including a metro system, shaded walkways, green areas. All plans for contruction include energy efficient cooling systems. They are very conscious of keeping the country environmentally safe. I was so impressed by all the plans.

After the presentation about the future of AD we had a presentation about Ramadan. It's a lot like our Christmas in that they celebrate and put up Ramadan Kareem signs and colored lights.
Other than that, not so much. Ramadan means dryness or heat. It starts with a new moon and continues until the end of the moons cycle, about a month. It is based on the phase of the moon so each year it's 10 days earlier. During Ramadan, Muslims fast, meaning no food, liquid, smoking or intimacy from sunup to sundown. They also refrain from inappropriate behaviors, both seeing or doing.

In the Islam faith there are five pillars of belief. One of them is fasting during Ramadan. the others are, 1st Pillar- Declaration of Faith, 2nd Pillar- five daily prayers, 3rd Pillar- Donation 2.5% of you savings to the poor annually, 4th Pillar- Fasting, 5th Pillar-Pillgramage to Mecca in your lifetime if physically and financially able.

The reason they fast is to help them relate to the poor and hungry, in addition it's healthy because it lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and improves endurance, strength, and self discipline. I can attest to the fact that it lowers blood sugar. Sometimes we are out and can't eat or drink and we get so hungry. I get really dizzy, and others have mentioned that too. We can always eat in private, but if we're out doing something we can't. It's really hard. I honestly don't know how they do it. Women who are menstruating, pregnant or breast feeding are exempt as well as the unhealthy adults, children under 12, and adults who are traveling.

After Ramadan they celebrate for three days, feast, see relatives and give gifts as well as pray.

I thought that it was interesting to learn about Ramadan and to see the future plans for AD.

Hope you all learned a little something.

On the mend

2010-08-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

Finally got out and about today. Still moving slowly and stomach still a little touchy. I spent a little time at the pool, then the long afternoon nap, followed by dinner at 8:30 and a trip to the mall. We left the mall at 12:30 am. It was really packed there tonight. I haven't been to the mall this late and there were people everywhere. As the pictures will show, you see everything from women totally covered to some barely covered. We err on the side of modesty of course.

At night the mall really comes alive. We saw Burt and Ernie having fun with the kids.

Tomorrow, those teachers placed in Al Ain travel by bus to see the city and what our choices of accomodations might be. I'm excited to see where we'll be living. The city is fun, but I think I've had enough for now. It will be awhile, maybe a week or two before we get to actually move there though. Next week is school orientation and we'll be traveling to some of the schools that teachers will be placed at. (sorry about the preposition) Another large group is coming in tonight. They will probably be housed in a different hotel. I think we have this one pretty well filled up. We will also be treated to some sightseeing.

Missing family and friends, but glad to be feeling better. I have made some really good friends here already. I wish they were all going to be in Al Ain too.

If anyone had told me I would be up past midnight consistantly, I would never have believed it. But the afternoon naps do help.

Thank you Immodium

2010-08-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

Been in the room for two days now except for a taxi ride to the dr. and back. Got some kind of intestinal parasite I'm guessing. He gave me an antibiotic and some medicine for the two symptoms one gets with this type of illness. Hope to be up and about by tomorrow, the walls are closing in. So, no new pictures or info. Sorry folks. Maybe I'll have something to post tomorrow.

Barbie

2010-08-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

Barbie and Ken Arabic style. They do however carry all other kinds and they are dressed a little more appropriately then the ones in Walmart.

Today was a kind of strange day for me. I was so tired because I had not taken a nap the day before so I would sleep last night, but we had a 6:00 am medical appt and I guess I must have been worried I'd miss it so I didn't sleep all night. The medical check went fine. We were a bit loud in the waiting room and had to be quieted several times, but there were over a hundred of us trying to go through the process. I finally got back to the hotel and breakfast was still being served for us. After eating I went to my room and slept until 6 pm. Now I'm really messed up. I went with another teacher to Carrefour and got some food to keep in my room.

I am experiencing a little homesickness and missing my family. I skyped with one daughter today. I'm sure I'll be fine and this is to be expected.

We are going to be placed in Al Ain which is what we requested. It's supposed to be a beautiful place, drier and cooler, well, at least drier. It is an oasis and a somewhat smaller city. I think we'll really like it there. Now, to sleep, perchance to dream!

Eating out- again

2010-08-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

Dessert and chicken dishes. Lentil soup and some kind of juice.

Our group for the night and the name of the Restaurant

This time we had a guide. A teacher who lives here took us around. We ate at a real Arabic style restaurant. They treated us so great and kept bringing us things that we didn't order, like three different kinds of juice, one of which was, I believe, Tang. Our guide said it was popular here. The other two were some kind of purple juice. The food was great, very colorful and the dessert was so sweet and soaked in honey. I saw a lot of similarities to Greek food. They make a schwarma- which is like the pita's we used to get in Belgium. Then we walked he city streets, the indoor soulks, and the outdoor soulks. We walked down one alleyway which I call Abaya Alley because it's all fabric and abayas for sale. Another street is all jewelry stores, and there's a huge store for household items, similar to IKEA, only not so modern. Very nice night, ate too much and got a stomach ache of course, but it was fun.

Faculty meeting??

2010-08-16T05:57:00.001-07:00

Yes, this IS how faculty should be treated. We were gathered together in the ballroom that looked like something out of the museums in Italy. Gilded golden ceilings and fancy wall hangings. Even though we had all just eaten another huge breakfast, they made sure we had refreshments. It was very kind of them because I'm sure most of them were fasting for Ramadan. The ADEC people shared some important information (hint, make a copy of everything!) and we filled out paperwork so we could get paid. Always an important thing to do. They were kind enough to answer questions for us, sometimes more than once. I'm sure we tried their patience but they never showed it. Health check tomorrow and the next day fingerprints. I spent a few minutes by the pool. The heat actually felt good because the pool was even a bit chilly. I'm so sleepy, up at 5:00 am again, but I don't want to nap. I want to try and sleep a full night tonight. We'll be exploring the Souks after sundown tonight. That should be fun!

2010-08-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

from my window

2010-08-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

Don't know why this is sideways, just tilt your head.

Shopping- the window kind

2010-08-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Visited downtown and ate at an Indian restaurant. It was pretty good. But note to self, all Indian food is spicy.

Went back to Carrefour to check on phone service but it won't be up until maybe tomorrow.

A friend came in today that knows Abu Dhabi so hopefully we'll get to see more and find the cheaper shopping!

I should know tomorrow where we'll be living.

SHOPPING

2010-08-15T02:40:00.000-07:00

After a delicious complimentary breakfast (reminded me of a cruise buffet) a group of us took taxis to the Marina Mall. Oh my goodness. It is huge and beautiful! We spent most of our time and money in Carfour. It's like a super Wal-mart. I just needed stuff I had to leave home without, shampoo and things. I also bought a cheap easy calculator for figuring money. I know, my phone has one, but it's a pain to get to.

Got a sim card for my phone and will be able to use it here sometime today when they activate it.

Anyway, the mall goes on and on and is four floors. Most of the stuff looks pretty expensive and it's all western clothes and items. There is also a Cinema and a bowling alley. We didn't have much time because due to Ramadan it closes at 1:00. None of the restaurants were open. Starbucks was there, but :( not open. It opens again tonight around 8:00 and stays open until 1:00 am.

It is definitely hot, hot, hot. Some of the teachers went to the pool when they got back to the hotel. The water must be cooled because one of them said it was cold. It's too hot to stay outside for me right now. I may check it out later, but I still have a scratchy throat and need a nap if I'm going to be up late tonight.

I will try to add more after orientation if I can find a wifi spot. It's too expensive here.

What time is it really???

2010-08-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

I woke up feeling a little sick. Probably just a change in the air. I made some tea and checked my email. Also just heard a call to worship. Pretty cool.

I have to share about the hotel we're in. I'm not used to such grand accomodations. We have both a tub and a separate shower. There's even a magnifying mirrow right by the sink to do makeup with. The room has a huge bed with soft comfy pillows and a lightweight duvet. the aircondioner is a central one, not the kind by the window that rattles and leaks. Does that give you an idea of what I'm used to? There's a desk, a couch and a chair. by the bed are buttons you can push to light up different parts of the room.

There are a few TV stations in English.

No microwave or ref., but a hotpot with coffee and tea.

There is a closet that lights up when you open the door and has iron and board plus a safe.

In the hotel there is a beauty salon and jewelry store, several different kinds of restaurants and if I'm reading the TV info right, we should be close to the marina/ beach. Not sure yet.

We get discounts on our food and massages if we choose.

I think tomorrow I will try for the Marina Mall and look for a sim card and a phone to use my Magic jack with.

Thank heavens for technology although with the cost here I may be sketchy until I locate an internet cafe or something.

We start oreintation Monday, so we'll find out our placements then hopefully.

Okay, back to sleep if possible.

I'm here!

2010-08-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

I arrived at terminal 4 in the JFK airport around 3:00pm. The Etihad( pronounced Eh-tee' ad) counter didn't open until after 6:00. Not as much shopping as I thought, Atlanta is better. No Starbucks but the coffee shop wasn't bad. I ate a lukewarm pizza, sat on the floor near a wall and plugged in my computer and watched some Glee episodes. Once it was time to check in I found other Teachaway people. We checked in and went to our gate. I thought, great, finally better shopping. Not so. I read, wandered and snacked. Finally at 10:00 something we boarded. I was so happy to see I was at the bulkhead so I had plenty of leg room and right near the bathroom. both advantages for me. The service was great, we got a snack right away, then a meal soon after with "real" silverware. They delivered dessert after the took up the meal. Then after watching more Glee and reading, I slept until about 8:00am eastern time. They served another meal, not breakfast, but like dinner. Ravioli was one choice. There was also curry vegetables and some beef. I even had a glass of wine because the people beside me did and I didn't think it would offend them. It was part of the meal, I didn't have to pay for it.

Once we landed and exited the plane, the ADEC/ Nirvana people were right there. They checked off our names, gave us a paper with some kind of official stamp on it then walked us to the retina scan. After that to passport control where we got our UAE stamp and then we walked as a group through customs.

After leaving the luggage area they were handing out roses to us. then there were people everywhere to guide us. We dropped off our luggage at a truck and boarded an airconitioned bus. The walk from the terminal to the bus was like walking through an industrial laundry room.

We had a long ride to the hotel, which is the Intercontinental, five star I believe and right beside the Emirati Palace, where we were met with cool cloths and juice or water. We checked in, and when our luggage was unloaded we put tags on them and they were brought to our rooms. We have been treated like royalty all the way. It's time to go find something to eat and the try to sleep. It's 10:35 pm here now. I couldn't see much on the drive but the view out of my window is awesome. City lights and cars.

The rooms have bathtubs and they even put slippers by the bed. The internet does cost though.

Those of you coming, no worries, it is very organized and you are treated so great.

More tomorrow.

Step One

2010-08-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

Here in the Charlotte Airport about to board. I am not feeling stressed or worried. That is finally all behind me now. I have many prayers being sent up for me so thank you. And I can't wait to see all my facebook teachaway friends there.

Nothing happening

2010-08-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

Just waiting on pins and needles for the eticket and city placement. I'll keep you all posted.

See, it's not the middle of nowhere

2010-08-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Abu Dhabi. I'm not much of a city person, but good to know I can find anything I may want, except maybe a house with a yard.

Not going to suffer too badly

2010-05-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

In my research I found this site about Al Ain.

Al Ain Mall

Al Ain Mall has opened its door for the public on the 19th of September 2001. Being the house for many famous international and regional brands, with various entertainment facilities, such as the Ice Skating Rink, the Cinema, the family entertainment center, the Bowling center, and the Food Court, Al Ain Mall has become the 1st family shopping and leisure destination for the city of Al Ain and its visitors.

I think I might be okay, what do you think?

Now we wait

2010-05-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

So, I'm just hanging. I wish I could really get started on the actual physical part of moving. Packing, organizing and stuff. Mostly I'm just waiting for paperwork to get done and reading the TeachAway site on Facebook from which I gather a lot of information . I've also met a lot of women that may be working near me in Al Ain. I have ordered some education books in preparation, although everything I've read says don't bother to prepare because it will be so different than what we expect. I'll see most of you at the reunion hopefully, then this blog will take off.

More of Al Ain

2010-05-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

This is an article I found about part of Al Ain

Great Travel Moment

Al Ain means Spring. Located off the road to Hafeet Mountain,it was amazing to see the lakes of water amid the arid mountain and desert setting. The University of the United Arab Enurates, founded in 1977 and with a student population of 12,000,is located in Al AIn. Archaeological discoveries date settlements in Al Ain to around 3,000 B.C. Our friends from Dubai took us sightseeing outside of Dubai. We were lucky to have them as we had no idea what to see in and around the area. This was HOT! However,there were people from all over because it was believed that if you soaked your feet and legs here, it would cure whatever ailed you! I had bandaids on my blisters on several toes so I did whatever the others did. It was so relaxing! My blisters were gone in two days and I could walk well. The power of suggestion!!?

Al Ain- means spring

2010-05-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

We are hoping to be located in Al Ain. It is an oasis and there is a mountain there I think.

Questions you may have.

2010-05-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

1. Is it safe? Yes, it is perfectly safe. Have you ever done the snap the other person with a wet towel? Well, the only defense is to get really close to them so they can't snap you. We are really close to Iraq and Iran. Therefore, it's safe, they're not going to blow up their own country. Seriously, it is safer there than it is here lately. People keep trying to blow up parts of the US. I bet you've never seen the UAE in the news.

2. Do I have to wear a big, black covering? No, I don't. I will need to wear modest clothes that reach to my wrist and ankles. I do not need to cover my head and I can wear sandals. It is really hot there so they keep all the restaurants, malls and other places very air conditioned, so I will want long sleeves and slacks. There are places where only Americans go that I can dress regularly. Of course Wesley can wear whatever he wants lucky guy.

3. Are there any customs I should know before I go? Yes, I've learned that they don't like to be touched, kissing in public isn't allowed, and it is impolite to use your left hand for many things.

4. Do I need to be able to speak Arabic? No, in fact the Abu Dhabi Education Council prefers that we use only English in order to immerse the students in the language. I do know how to say, "slowly, slowly" schway, schway, and God willing, "Inshallah"

5. What will I be teaching? Hopefully 3rd grade, Language Arts, Science and Math.

6. Can I get the things I need there? Yes, they are very advanced and the favorite past time is shopping. We will be able to have internet, and all American TV channels. We'll have a car, but taxi's are cheap and the preferred method of travel. They have many American restaurants and stores, including Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery and furniture stores. What I won't have is an American Library so I will probably buy a Nook or Kindle.

7. How often can we visit? ADEC pays for us to travel home once a year. As long as we don't stay in our home country more than 35 days a year, we won't have to claim our income. Whoo hoo.

Hope that answers most of your questions. If you have more, just post them.

Here is where Donna will be.

2010-05-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Now, so you can get some perspective here's another view. That little brown country near the bottom right hand tip of Saudi Arabia is the United Arab Emirates.

Where in the World is Donna?

2010-05-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hey all, you may be wondering where the UAE is located, as did I. It is surrounded by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and the Persian Gulf. Yes, it is very near Iraq and Iran, but no worries, we won't be visiting those countries.

So it begins

2010-05-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I'm still here in the states, but I have begun the process for my teaching adventure in the United Arab Emirates. I am excited and nervous about this new job. I was telling Wesley the other day that it doesn't seem real. It's like someone said, "Do you want to go teach on the moon?" And of course I said, "Sure, why not?"

Yes, we've traveled and worked all over the place, but this is the first one in which the landscape and culture will be totally different, not to mention the teaching experience. I haven't heard too much to encourage me in the teaching department. I've heard the kids are difficult to handle and are uninterested in learning. They also hold little respect for non-Arabic, primary teachers who are women. So, I will need to be tough as well as flexible.

I will post my experiences as our new life begins. Keep the prayers coming and all will be well. As they say in Arabic, "Inshallah" which means God willing.