Former Expat Teacher Acclimating to the American Way!

because today I got a call asking if I wanted Etisalat to come today. ummm. OF COURSE!!! I figured it would be at least a week before hearing anything. She said the computers were down. I noticed a distinct difference in her demeanor after she read my visa before copying it. When she turned around she gave me a smile and asked what I taught. I kindly thanked her at the end and left. FYI. . .I no longer look like the Michelin man!!! I am happy about that. Now that I am back to my "regular" self, its time to move in the opposite direction and shed a few lbs. not only are the clothes here cute and smaller, but I need to make sure things stay in place ;P. Walking to the cab drop daily helps. So does walking through the malls, to the malls, through back roads, to the bank, to eat, to get X,Y,Z done. . .you get it. I made bread pudding today. IT TURNED OUT WELL GRANNY! I gave some to the owners at YAFOOLIs. Please forgive typo in last entry. I hope they like it. My friend, ...

But not intentionally. . . Im in the apartment and have yet to get internet. It should be coming soon and the "internet cafe's" internet is down so that leaves me to do lots of other things besides getting stuck on the computer. I do enjoy blogging about the experience and there are probably many things Ive forgotten that I really did want to write about. yes, Amy,its just like kids say goodbye.family, I miss you guys too. . .but I dont miss the States (yet),lol. So many people do . . .some enjoy this place but miss home and other probably wish theyd never come. Or at least thats the impression they give. IDK, I dont get into that. I just smile to myself when people talk about the differences. Like the water here is desalinated. okayyyyy. . .it comes from the sea. Some places it tastes normal and in other places it does not. For example, in my apartment its horrible so I have a water machine thingy (high tech language,I know,lol) and I have bottles delivered with a p...

There are some things that, while you are doing them, make you think:"I would never do this in my country". Like the other day when I couldnt take it anymore and went to get water to drink bc its nasty in my apt (and,yes,Ive had the water in other places and it was fine). Anyway, it wasnt late but it was dark. The corner store is literally a minute outside my door. On the way back I walked to see if the internet cafe was open. An older man asked if I was looking for the pharmacy. I wasnt. He motioned and asked me to sit after he asked me where I was from and I told him. He was extremely nice and the first 5 mins consisted of a conversation in my head about how things like this work here. He talked about how proud they are to have us here and that Americans are treated with a different kind of respect. He talked about how nowhere else will you see so many Nationalities in a matter of minutes no matter where you are. He talked about work and leisure and told me about his resta...

So pretty much everything is closed today. We are off from work and everyone seems extremely happy about it. Knowing how much the service workers here actually work, I am happy they are off from work and able to. . .just sit around or whatever it is they enjoy doing. Some of them are playing baseball outside and Im sure they are enjoying it. The other day was HILARIOUS. The guy delivering my bedroom furniture was so irritated with me. His accent was thick and Im assuming he spoke Hindi as he was from India. After MANY conversations and both sides not understanding the other, He was like, "OOOH MY GOHD, JEESUUHS!!". I wanted to laugh but saved it til I was off the phone. They FINALLY made it and put the things together pretty easily. My other things will have to wait since I have no card with which to pay for them. I moved some things over and I have to move some other things over tomorrow. I also have to go to lulus AGAIN to get some kitchen and bathroom items. The weath...

I have many lurking readers . . . . . But no comments. And no followers. Whats up with that???

Free concerts abound for F1 fifty. Sean Paul Fabolous etc. . . .Didnt go tonite. I think I may be overdue for a night in.Besides, I have business in the morning. The following are pics from BOTB last night. I am pleased with what I got. . . this is what i see every evening

I was torn as to whether to even post pics of the grande Mosque as everyone else has but people who read me may or may not read the others and these are through my eyes albeit difficult while being pushed through because I couldnt take off my boot and shoes arent allowed in. It actually made me think of Old Testament rituals and how the practice isnt extreme as some may think. It used to be that way for holy ground in the Bible. Thats another topic altogether. Today we are here for pictures!!!! This place is vast! doesnt give it justice inlays of mother of pearl flowers on each column. a clock for each time they are to pray. The first one (our 12) is to wake them up for the first prayer made of glass, this flower is between each set of four posts ceiling of the overflow room teachers taking pics I really like this pic just because of composition fresh seafood anyone? Emirates palace buffet hmmmm. . .soup . . .and in cast iron!!!