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.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
SHOPPING
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.
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.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
What time is it really???
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 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!
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.
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.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Step One
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.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Nothing happening
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
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.
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