Just over one year has passed. Our move across the world seems old hat now. We've had so many firsts, so many new experiences, so many adjustments, that it is difficult to put into words how much we have changed because it is now who we are. It's like trying to remember who I was before I had kids! Impossible?! Being that I am a reflective person, I want to remember how exciting everything was when we arrived. I want to ensure that we never just "get used to it." I want us to continually be amazed and not take any of our given opportunities for granted. I want to head into year #2 with the same butterflies as before. Yes, we may have been to some of the most record-breaking places in the world, but who's to say we can't see more or do more? We're not finished yet!
So, a year in review!
Moving to the UAE was our first time traveling outside of the U.S.
(and the first time Autumn and Parker had ever even been on a plane!)
In the beginning, we stayed a week or so at a 5 star hotel, The Grand Millennium, in central Abu Dhabi. It was incredible! The service, the pampering, the food, the amenities! We experienced more firsts during that stay alone than in all our years of living in Texas. That week was definitely a 5 star vacation, and the best part was that I was getting paid to be there without even working yet! Oh, and most importantly, the kids loved it! A proper introduction to our new life :-) This vacation in one word: novel!
After that, we moved all of our belongings to a hotel in Al Ain, our new hometown. Now, the craziness ensued! The day after we arrived in Al Ain, I began work. It was the first day of school. I found out which grade I was teaching when I walked in that morning. From then on, I didn't have a moment to breathe until December!
Each day was something new. I got lost a lot. I was confused a lot. I couldn't understand accents a lot. I waited a lot. I was frustrated a lot. I was baffled a lot.
I was scatterbrained a lot. I was also letting go of a lot.
Most importantly, I was learning a lot.
I want so badly to try and explain how different life is over here, but as all of us expats have realized, this task is too great. One can never truly understand until you've had the experience yourself. I could tell you about how this is the most difficult job I've ever had, even though I work less hours and do not have near the amount of tasks I would teaching in America. It doesn't matter if you've taught in the roughest schools in the most ghetto neighborhood, or if you've taught ELL students before. Absolutely nothing compares to this setting. School is school, but it is not the same. Students are students, but they are not the same. Science is science, but teaching it here is not the same. This job takes more brainpower than I ever would have imagined. The shear difference in how I must teach these sweet girls is exhausting. In America, I had native Spanish speaking students straight from Mexico. I thought, "I can do this. I've done it before." Boy, did I eat my words! I know, I know, you're thinking, but how can it be sooooo different??? The language barrier, the attitudes toward school, the cultural differences, the social differences, having 30 non-native English speakers per class x 5 periods per day - not just 5 or possibly 10 per class as it was with the Spanish speaking students...I could go on and on...Just image our school staff: 9 of us that were native English speakers (EMTs - English Medium Teachers) and 40+ native Arabic speakers (AMTs - Arabic Medium Teachers). Our students only have Math, English and Science taught in English. The rest of their day, and ours, is in their native tongue. All assemblies, all announcements, all paperwork, all emails are in Arabic (with the occasional translation for us). The EMTs sit together during meetings and usually one of the few proficient English speaking Arabic teachers will join us to translate. Now, we truly know what it feels like to be a foreigner and not know a single word that is being said. Now, we have put ourselves in our students' shoes. Now, we have a stronger conviction and compassion to help this generation become global learners. This country wants an educational reform. They want everyone speaking English. I applaud them for this effort, albeit a difficult path with many obstacles on both sides. However, if nothing else, the good news is that I have finally learned how to write my name in Arabic! Secret: it really wasn't that hard, but now my students are soooo impressed by me and by my collection of Arabic words and phrases I randomly pull out of my back pocket when they're least expecting it :-)
I'll be honest. In the beginning, I had many thoughts of leaving at winter break. I was overwhelmed and enduring culture shock. There was no logic for anything. I could not relate because my world for the previous 34 years had made sense...to me. The chaos I was seeing here made sense to those that were born and bred here. But, I hung in! I stopped trying to make sense of things and stopped trying to find logic in processes. Instead, I booked vacations! I went to Abu Dhabi and Dubai on the weekends. We started marking things off of our bucket list...fastest roller coaster in the world - check. Tallest building in the world - check. Largest mall in the world - check. Largest aquarium in the world - check. Best water slide in the world - check. Ferrari World - check. Sand surfing - check. Dune bashing - check. Camel riding - check. Arabic desert parties - check. Eating foods that I cannot name or imagined ever eating - check. Emirates Palace - check. Seeing gold ATMs - check. Seeing every rare and expensive car ever imaginable - check (on a daily basis). Masquerade Ballin' - check. Swimming in the Arabian Gulf (it's not called the Persian Gulf here) - check. Beach festivals and concerts - check. Attending an all female Emirati wedding - check (and very interesting to say the least). Using the bidet - check. F1 experience in Abu Dhabi - check. The Color Run in Dubai - check. Border runs to Oman - check. Basic Arabic terms - check. Meeting up with my best friend in Duabi - check. Having friends, literally from around the world, that helped me through every day - check. I was experiencing growing pains. I was adjusting my perspective, my social interactions, my teaching, my expectations, my patience...all in just 4 months!
Click pic below for video
Click pic below for video
After all of that, we went on our first vacation at the beginning of December to Boracay, Philippines, and boy, was it needed! Of all of the places we have now been to, that vacation is still our family favorite. I wrote about that experience in a previous blog post. Go back to read about how mesmerizing that island is! This vacation in one word: phenomenal!
During winter break, my initial shock was wearing off. I knew I would make it. I knew at that point this is a life I can enjoy while I am here. No matter the trials, no matter the setbacks, I was determined to embrace the choice I had made. On a whim, I booked us flights to Prague, Czech Republic the day after Christmas. I couldn't pass up round trip flights for $288 per person (you can't even fly across Texas for that price!) I couldn't pass up a hotel on Old Town Square that was only $30 per night! It was blistery cold. It was amazingly beautiful. It was our first taste of Europe. The temperature every day was -5C. We made several trips to the nearest mall for scarves, gloves, coats and more and more socks! Prague is enchanting. People walk everywhere. People set up shop outdoors despite the weather. People sing and play music all day for tourist enjoyment. We strolled the town daily. We would go out for an hour or two and then slip into a restaurant for hot chocolate and warmth. We went on a 4 hour walking tour and learned many interesting facts about the communist rule when the country was Czechoslovakia. We met a fellow American teacher and her family that are living in our neighboring country of Saudi Arabia. We took pictures in front of castles. We awoke to snow and threw snowballs at each other. We slid down steep cobblestone streets in the dark. We enjoyed a medieval dinner and show. We spent New Year's Eve laughing and eating at a traditional Czech party. The boys flew in a giant wind tunnel. We grew even closer as a family unit. Even though there were not a lot of teenage things for the kids to do, they will remember that trip forever. This vacation in one word: captivating!
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As the new year rang in, I fully transitioned into Arabic life. I began setting my alarm later. I began telling time by the call to prayers. For example, I began taking naps when I got home from work, and I would wake up with the evening call on the dot. I began eating at random and weird times, without regard to routine. I began going out late at night. For example, I began booking Autumn's orthodontist appointments at 9 or 10 pm! I began driving as crazy as they do; flashing lights, riding tails, no blinkers, only yielding at stop signs, sudden hazard light stops to let pedestrians cross, breaking the rules on the roundabouts. I began using words like "Inshallah" and "Alhamdulillah" innately. My routine changed. My mindset changed. I no longer rushed. I no longer worried if I didn't get something done that day. I no longer worried if I didn't pay a bill because there are no real due dates here. Pay as much or as little as you want, as long as you pay something is the way of the land. I no longer got flustered if a random assembly was called, or if a meeting ran over into a teaching period. I no longer took work home. I fully let go. I was happy. Life became peaceful. Life became easier. Life became less stressful. As a single mom, life has always been tough. Making ends meet has been my real struggle. Don't misunderstand, life will always be tough as a single mom, but life over here gives us a better quality of life. I am not rolling in the dough, much to my dismay. I still live paycheck to paycheck (my salary is just a little more than my gross income in the states - before all the insane deductions), but at least now I can go to the store when the kids are hungry and buy whatever food we want (not just the cheapest brand). I don't have to skip lunch so I can give them theirs. We can go out to eat, not just on pay day. I can buy them extra things just because. Yes, some things are more expensive here, but many, many things are cheaper. Perspective: bottles of water (500 ml) are 1 dirham...that means about 27 cents USD. I order 5 gallon jugs for the house (we use at least 1.5 - 2 per week), and I spent $81 USD for the entire year. I do not pay rent. There are no taxes. Gas is cheaper. Healthcare is fully paid for (minus a 50 dirham copay ~$13 USD, for each doctor visit, or surgery, regardless). I get a teacher discount at many restaurants and home furnishing stores. We live a minimalist life. There are no house decorations. There are not just piles of stuff lying around. The amount of my clothes actually fit in my closet. We buy what we need and a few things that make us happy. Otherwise, money is spent on experiences and just enjoying the various cultural activities (oh, wait, those are free!) And I almost forgot my biggest expense...I still send almost $1000 USD per month back to America to pay bills. Can't forget about that, unfortunately! I also was struggling with learning that my mom had a cancer spot on her already failing, cirrhosis-ridden liver. Emotionally, I really battled within myself about the decision I had made. I wasn't there for her. I wanted to be, but couldn't be.
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In February, I went on my next trip to Lake Geneva in Switzerland! Well, actually, I flew to Italy first, spent the night in Milan, and ate pizza in an authentic Italian restaurant before heading to the Alps. One day, I will have to go back so I can really experience Italy. We hopped a train to Switzerland the next morning, and it was the most exhilarating train ride ever! Seeing the Italian countryside slowly change into the Swiss Alps had me drooling on the window. When we arrived in Montreux, I stepped off the train and the crisp air filled my lungs. The site was gorgeous. As in Prague, people walking everywhere. I love that concept in Europe. The home I stayed in was actually in the next little town, called Vevey. This is where the Nestle headquarters is located (yum!) Every morning I awoke to glassy waters and fog rising along the side of the monumental mountains. I never set an alarm, nor looked at the clock. I drank wine and ate cheese and bread each day. I sat on the balcony and soaked up the beauty I was surrounded by. I walked along the waters and smiled incessantly. I had traditional Swiss fondue. I met people from various countries, and even heard a professional opera singer perform in her own house. This vacation in one word: breathtaking!
Click pic below for video
Click pic below for video
At the end of the month, was Canyon's 16th birthday. A significant and memorable year, so we had to have a memorable stay...at the majestic 5 star hotel on the Palm in Dubai, Atlantis!!! We even were upgraded to a Regal Suite! It was the biggest 2 bedroom suite, we had ever stepped foot in! It had more square footage (a little over 1,765 sq. ft.) than several of our previous houses in the states.
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We were definitely L-I-V-I-N' it up! Fancy hotel. Fancy cars. Fancy breakfast buffet. Fancy water park. We're so fancy, you already know?! This mini-vacation in one word: swanky!
As the end of the school year approached, I was anxiously awaiting my plane money home. That is one of our biggest perks; flight allowances home each summer. The kids and I were weighing all options for weeks. Where did we want to go? What did we want to see? What experience did we want to tackle? After much debate and researching, the money finally came in, and I booked us flights to Paris! I had to choose somewhere between here and the U.S., so the likely choice to add to our passport stamp collection was obviously the city of love. On the last day of work, we boarded the plane and off we went! The French countryside is even more beautiful in person than I ever imagined. We stayed at Dreamland Castle near Disneyland. The kids had never been to either Disney in the states, so why not have your first time in Paris?! We spent 2 days exploring all that Disney had to offer and 1 day exploring the city. I wish we could have spent more time in the city itself, but now I have an excuse to go back! I really wanted to visit the Palace of Versailles, so that's still on my list. Walking around the city was draining, but it was also amazing. We had slept in quite late since Disney didn't shut down until almost midnight. So, by the time we got into the city, we had limited time to see everything we wanted to see. Our first stop was the Louvre. It was ginormous!!! You could easily spend a full day just walking around the corridors. Because I have teenagers that aren't particularly interested in sculpture and art, we quickly toured the most famous works and left with the glimmer of that Mona Lisa smile :-) After that, we wandered through groves and groves of trees and people. We made it to the banks of the Seine river. We hopped aboard a river boat cruise to see the sites. It was nice to sit and just breathe and be. The banks of the river were boastful of colorful characters dancing, exercising, meditating, eating, and drinking. The Notre Dame cathedral stole the stage as we floated past. The city was alive! The city was romantic! The city was stunning! The city was dreamy! The history was revving with full throttle! Following the cruise, we headed to find a sidewalk bistro. People-watching at its finest! When the sun began to dim, the lights of the Eiffel tower shone brightly. Excitement tingled our nerves. We strolled over and sat atop the edge of the bridge and let the ambiance sink in. We walked for a couple more hours. Up and down hills of streets. Historic monuments to the left and right. The Arc de Triomphe was our final mark. Walking up the middle of a busy intersection to snap a pic was thrilling! I felt as if I were in a movie! And then sadly, the night had to end. The kids rested their eyes for a few hours while I packed. No sleep, no problem! Our taxi whisked us away before the dawn, and we embarked on our flight home to the states. This vacation in one word: epic!
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Click pic below for video
Click pic below for video
But wait, our adventures don't stop there! Just as I thought my year abroad was finished, I decided to also make a quick trip to Los Cabos, Mexico with my best friend while I was stateside! So, according to U.S. tax laws, I couldn't spend more than 35 days on American soil while establishing residency in another country, or else I would have to pay the government taxes on my salary. What a bunch of hog-wash, but the law is the law! So, I calculated 30 days in Texas. I wanted to save 5 days just in case my mom had the transplant, and I needed to be with her, and the Mexico vacay ensued!
Ashley and I have been best friends since we met in math class our 6th grade year. We have never been on an adult trip together. We went on a plethora of trips together while growing up, but time and family life just kept us busy as we aged. Finally, we are at a place in our lives where we can make time for each other, and I'm lovin' it! We spent 3 nights at an all-inclusive resort in Los Cabos. It was gorgeous. It was hot. It was humid. It was lush. It was lavish. We sweat a lot. We laughed a lot. We talked a lot. We swam with dolphins. We met up with more friends. We swung at a bar. We listened to waves crash against the shore. We rode on a boat. We laid in hammocks. We saw historical geologic rocks. We ate all we could eat. This vacation in one word: caliente!
The remainder of the summer was spent in Texas with my family. One year apart was a long wait, but a worthwhile wait. We stayed at Great Wolf Lodge. We went to Six Flags. We spent time with friends in Austin. We spent time with extended family we hadn't seen in years. We went to Wonderland. We had dinner out. We reminisced about uncle Dusty. We went to birthday parties. We loved on each other. We enjoyed each other. We missed each other. We said good bye to each other yet again...this time was much more difficult, but for different reasons than last summer. My baby girl was staying. I was dying inside. Wondering how I would be without her and she without me. Never have we spent this much time apart. But I cannot be happy if she is not happy. She wants "normal" school, and I don't blame her. Things are so different here, and it's not for everyone. She decided to live with my mom and stepdad. This is a win-win because it would lift my mom's spirits and Autumn could begin high school as she wanted. However, life always brings about the unexpected! After only 11 days of me being gone, my mom received the call that would extend her life. She flew to Dallas and received her new liver! Happy, happy, joy, joy! All went well! She is on the mend, with a few obstacles here and there, but overall, her body has accepted the liver. Autumn went to live with her other grandma and grandpa, Julie and Dave. I am ever so thankful they have stayed so close to us over the years. Even though I have been divorced from their son for almost 13 years, I still consider them my family. I love them so, and I know my girl is in good hands :-) This vacation in one word: heartfelt!
What a year! A year filled with outstanding vacations, new experiences, and exceptional people. I couldn't be more thankful for it all. I will continue to embrace my life. I will continue to try new things. I will continue to do the absolute best that I can. I will continue to surround myself with beauty and love. I will continue to make friends from more and more countries. I will continue to learn Arabic. I will continue to see the world. I will continue to grow and learn. I will continue to fly by my own wings.
"Without Courage Your Life Will Never Change" ~Me
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