It’s been a little while since I’ve posted, mostly due to the fact that my personal computer crashed! But, things have been going really well other than that. I recently went to Abu Dhabi for a weekend. I bought tickets to see Dave Matthews play. Even though I saw him this summer I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to see him here! We just got general admission tickets, but the funny thing is VIP seating is behind general admission (only in Dubai would this happen). I’ve never been closer to him in previous concerts. He played a great show and was sweating profusely the entire time as was everyone else. We then stayed in a resort hotel for the rest of the weekend. We had an amazing room that overlooked the pool and the Arabian Gulf. I finally swam in the gulf and it was just lovely! Very salty, which makes floating a lot easier. We did not do a lot of site seeing this trip, but with Abu Dhabi only being about an hour away from Dubai I will definitely be back.
There are still times I can’t believe I’m living in Dubai and I miss home often! But, one day two weeks ago when we visited the Burj Khalifa I realized how lucky I am to be here. It was one of my favorite days here so far! Some friends and I had dinner and then went and watched the Dubai Fountain before we headed up to the 125th floor of the Burj. Hands down the fountain was one of the most beautiful things I have seen. I had watched it on youtube before I came, but actually being in front of it was amazing. It will be something I will do again and again. I tried downloading my video, but it wouldn’t let me. If you youtube the Dubai Fountain you can watch it there. We then headed up the Burj to the 125th floor. We took the fastest elevator in the world and walked out to see all of Dubai. The view was spectacular! It was definitely a night to remember!
School has been going well! I recently had parent teacher conferences. We were given two full days with no kids to complete them, which is a nice change from home. I had 23 of them and each one went really well. It’s so great to be able to speak with these parents, not only about their children, but about their travels and life here in Dubai. One of my favorite comments from a parent was “We were worried when our daughter started here, that she would gain an American accent and we are glad she hasn’t yet”, No offense”. We had quite the laugh and no offense was taken! They have been very welcoming and kind and always ask how I am settling in. Coming to Dubai I honestly thought my work load would be a little less than at home, but the expectations here are very high! DAA is one of the top American schools here, so keeping it that way takes a lot of work! I guess every job, not matter where you are has its challenges. But, I’m taking it on and learning a lot not only about myself professionally, but also personally.
We’ve started planning a Thanksgiving trip. We will most likely be headed to another emirate. Either Fujairah or Ras Al Khaimah. Being away from home will be tough, but being able to spend it traveling and with great friends will make it a little easier!
I hope everyone back home is staying warm! I miss the changing leaves and that fall season already, but laying on the beach in October isn’t too bad! I think it’s something I can get use to. Miss everyone! xoxox
hifr0mdubai 