My New Mantra: Inshallah

Inshallah in Arabic is what I will be repeating to myself for the next 2 years....I have a feeling. Translated it means "If it is God's will". It is an Arabic phrase repeated over and over again here in the UAE-my new home. As most of you know I have uprooted my life from fantastic foggy San Francisco to the hot/humid desert of Abu Dhabi and with that a whole new way of life.

I have been repeating Inshallah since August 15th when I signed a 2 year contract to teach Kindergarten in the Adu Dhabi public schools. Apparently (like in many places) AD is very much a hurry, hurry ..... and wait kinda place. Inshallah for my plane ticket (freaking 2 month long wait), inshallah for my visa at the airport (freakin 2 hour wait) , inshallah for orientation (which we still have no idea when it begins)...

So, I finally arrived in Abu Dhabi last night after a 30 hour traveling day which I will skip the details of (other then being rushed through security at SFO like in the movies-felt very VIP)-and so far so great!! I have met some amazing teachers from around the world (ok, well mostly US, Canada, and England). I have been set up in an amazing hotel apartment where I have my

own kitchen, family room bathroom and bedroom-with a KING sized bed. All to myself!! Today my first day in AD I spent it at the mall-yes, at the mall...but I got my own AD crappy phone, got essentials including food (I will be attempting to cook since my funds are almost non-existent at the moment-tonight grilled cheese sandwich-so good!) AND I got to shop at Diaso oh happy day!!! And now bed...we shall see why tomorrow brings-perhaps the beach!!

First AD Photos:

Fog in Abu Dhabi? Nah--camera defrosting

My Kitchen

Living Room

King Bed - no more air mattress for me

(please excuse the mess-still unpacking)

View from my apartment

My very own (temporary) AD phone