On the mend

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

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

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

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??

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!

from my window

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