The convention to kick off the new year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.