Well, I left Dubai at the end of June and after a two week stop in Leysin finally arrived home. I had a wonderful summer getting settled back here in Canada and I can’t believe that it is already November 10. I have been home for 4 months. Sorry to everyone that left stranded. I think there are going to be many more adventures ahead…so maybe a little more blogging. Thanks for keeping me company on my Dubai adventure.
Lots of love to all, Shari
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Wow, it’s been over a month! I guess it has just been easier to post a status on Facebook than face composing a blog. Even now, I’m not really sure what to write since so much time has passed. Let’s see…
I’ve been going to the pool A LOT…and feel a lot healthier for spending some time outdoors almost every day. Swimming and relaxing by the pool feel like a little mini-vacation.
I’ve been reading a lot by the pool. I finished at least 3 books already this month and I’m on the fourth: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, Mr. Toppit, Peony in Love and The Mistress….a real mix of global literature- Dominican, British, Chinese and Indian. Kelley gave me a bunch of books and I’ve bought a lot too.
The Chelsea hotel pool itself is pretty international too. It’s fun to watch the families and the kids. It’s a great escape from school.
Salsa classes are over, but I still do a little yoga and my instructor says she sees a difference. My postures are better, my legs straighter. I think the swimming and the sun have helped, but yoga is also very spiritual and I think my mind and body are relaxing more. I also read a book called “Happy Yoga” which I kind of identified with. Those yogis were crazy guys, but I liked it. Anyway, my insomnia is better; although I still dream too much, and am feeling pretty good these days…although sometimes a little restless. Hmmm, it is, however, 11:46 pm as I write this, sipping some YOGI Bedtime tea…that chamomille flavour is NOT my favourite. I guess I’ve got a ways to go with that happy yoga!
As for school, I just don’t know what to think about it. Sometimes I think it’s ok and I don’t want to over-react ,but other days I think what a terrible place! We just got our overtime pay for January and February, but all the departure details are starting to stress me out (visa cancellation, flights, salary, shipping etc). I just don’t want to have a lot of hassles right before I go. They are “cleaning house” here again…3 people in Admin. were fired. Seems to be a trend. My colleagues are lovely, but when you spend so many hours in the same room with the same people, it can start to be a bit much.
As for the students, well, it’s the same old, same old- so many of them have low motivation and/or really no understanding or willingness to do what it takes to learn English or be successful at school. One girl tonight asked me if she could miss the in-class writing test to go and see her CAT! And in the last class, I caught three people cheating, made a big deal of it and they ended up going out and buying me perfume and a rose to apologize! (Oh, and the student that I “told off” at the beginning of term…asked me out to dinner!!!)What at place! And funny, they are all very nice and social and I really like them!!! They are just terrible students! ARGH! I’m just waiting for the bell to ring….”Schools Out!”
Otherwise, you know I did my first presentation at TESOL Dubai and TESOL Arabia; well, I’m really getting my feet wet as a presenter. I did another one at a local school on creative writing. It was at a school with 8000 students (K-12).,mostly Indian. They were having a contest. It was good fun for me to make a presentation and I tested it out on my own students. They said they felt very motivated to write….so that’s good! Kelley is coming to our school next month to speak about her top 10 ideas for vocabulary and conversation. I hope I can do a presentation at home next year. One day, Kelley and I are going to put a little educational consultancy business together. I’m so glad she’s here.
Socially, I try to get out and about, but it can be difficult when you’re on your own. I go to the movies. Kelley and I hang out once in a while.We’ve mastered the Metro, Bus and Taxis between here and Sharjah. We went to City Centre a couple of weeks ago and did some shopping…both of us got some great glasses. I got a lovely pair of Versace sunglasses. (and yet another local guy hit on me!!) We are planning a trip to Abu Dhabi next month and also a ride up Burj Khalifa before we head out of town. Thank God Kelley is here. Hey, didn’t I already say that? Well, it’s worth repeating.
What else..well…I’ve been to two Global Day events; one at the American University of Sharjah and one at my school. AUS is much bigger so they were better funded and had more space…but no dancing! At CUD, we’re underfunded with no space, but it was all about the dancing. Both were really fun. I felt happy to see my students so enthusiastic about their country and up on the stage performing!! Such energy and spirit! I also went dragon boating again with my students. This time we had a faculty team. Of course, we came in last but that’s OK. All my photos of these events are on Facebook.
So, I guess that’s it for now. This weekend, I am off to see Sharon and Serge in Al Ain and see the WOMAD world music festival. Elizabeth is also having a birthday party at the Malecon Cuban restaurant, so it should be a nice weekend. Next week, I am flying to Doha, Qatar to see Larissa and Darren and their new baby Caleb.
So, stay tuned, there should be some more interesting stuff coming up instead of my lazy blogger ramblings.
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I’m a little tired, so if you don’t mind, I’ll just write some of what I have to say in lists. I have always been a list person. I do love a list and crossing things off it. In fact, my Mom once bought my a book of Life’s Lists.
Well, we’re back to classes after a two week hiatus. I’ve got Level 2 and Level 5 again…it should be no problem. I’ve got a couple of guys who are a bit of a thorn in my side because they failed the previous level (29%) and feel that I should convince the university to move them forward…what ever!! So, the countdown is on. I finish right at the end of June!! Can’t wait!
Basically, I have one class in the morning and one class at night. So, I have started spending my early mornings or late afternoons at the Chelsea Hotel, just a short walk down the road. I have taken a 3 month membership there. Thirty minutes on the treadmill is rewarded with an hour or more next to the pool and a nice swim. It is nice to be exercising with other people. The Chelsea is an apartment hotel for longterm visitors, so I think there should be some very interesting people there. Today, I met a young woman from Saudi Arabi who is doing an internship at a financial institution. I also met a very tall man, who suggested that I stay 10 minutes more by the pool because the sunset was just about to become a very bold red. (and he was right!). I must say, I like expat life because people TALK to you.
Well, the salsa lessons are over and I am wondering about going to the next level or not…not sure. I think I might just like to focus on the gym and pool right now; but I am still doing yoga. In fact, I am now able to put my feet flat on the floor while doing downward dog…HEY, this is a big achievement. I am hoping to progress further. I think yoga must be really, really good for you. I always feel so relaxed afterward. I would like to attend more than once a week, but schedules are schedules. My instructor has also given me some tips on yoga for insomnia (which seemed better last night).
Last weekend, I went to the TESOL Arabia Conference. Kelley and I were accepted to present a session on Friday morning. Our session was called “Transforming your Professional Development” and basically looked at PD , Reflective Practice and four types of reflective PD activities: observations, journals, portfolios and PD groups, incorporating the pros and cons, how to make them work better and our personal experiences. It went really well. I also signed up for a certificate course in young learners. This was a refreshing change for me from college EAP stuff. Here are some of the conference memories:
I was at the conference for three days and by the end, I was tired but as usual, felt renewed and energized by people who are active in the profession.
I was supposed to be spending the next 3 weeks at John and Judy’s fabulous new apartment in Old Town while they were back in Canada, but only Judy has gone (John has some kind of CUD emergency)…so I may be staying there in May instead. It is a fabulous brand new apartment in a luxury complex. It has an awesome kitchen, a little French breakfast table on a balcony, birds, bougainvillea, an awesome pool and it is just a really home with a great bathtub, books, and beautiful new furniture. It’ll be like a holiday for me. Plus, there are great shops in the complex, and the Dubai Mall, Souk Barhar, Burj Dubai and the fountains are immediately across the street, about a five minute walk…I can’t wait!
There are still some things that I need to do before leaving Dubai. Let’s see…
I guess, that’s it for me for now.
Thanks for reading!
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First of all, congratulations to all the Canadian athletes for an awesome Winter Olympics! The Canadians here were pretty excited! Even today, one of my students sent a text message of congratulations, although the Olympics have not really been on the radar here in Dubai at all.
We just finished our Spring I term, and I can honestly say that the countdown has begun. I have two more terms of work here. Hurray! This term was relatively uneventful, although I continued to struggle with absenteeism, cheating, immature students and a range of minor administrative disruptions. At the same time, I have come to absolutely love some of my students. I find them so genuinely warm and caring, some of the young women in particular.
Some of them are so sweet. For example, this Valentine’s Day, I was treated to a rose, balloons, a stuffed animal, a heart pillow and some candy. Of course, it was immediately after I had just finished thinking to myself, “I never want to see this class again!”. Classic! And to tell the truth, I am finding the heart pillow to be really comfortable for that sore neck that I’ve been complaining about!!!
But you know, teaching is like that. It is like a family. You are stuck with each other, and you have good days and you have bad days, but you get through them and everything works out in the end.
As for Valentine’s Day itself, I didn’t do anything special. I went to the movies on the weekend to see that movie Valentine’s Day, which was very funny. I also went to the beach. A funny thing did happen there… (no not me spying on the good-looking guy near me or the Indian guy hitting on the two German girls!!!) Actually, after spending several hours on the beach, I decided to go to the Mercato for a light dinner. I went to PAUL, which has lovely cafe style food and great bread. So, there I was. I sat by myself, eating my quiche and salad and reading, and a few seats down there was a lady with a very large neck brace, dining with what appeared to be her daughter. Her daughter left the table briefly, so the lady struck up a conversation with me.
“Are you Lebanese?” she asked. No I said, but “Marahaba” (Hello). “How do you know Marhaba?” she asked me, ” It is such a beautiful word and people here usually say “Assalamu alaykum” . By saying Marhaba, I think I became her new best friend. According to one web source: Merhaba means to be wide, open and spacious, and therefore also welcoming. It literally means to welcome, from the verb meaning to be “open and warm and welcoming” to someone or something. Some say that Merhaba is is used more by Christians, as Muslims have a specific Islamic greeting that they generally use.
“Assalamu alaykum”means literally “Peace be with you” and “Peace be upon you”, and Muslims use that greeting very often when they meet others. You could say in Arabic “Marhaba”, “Halla”,”Ahlan” which mean “Hello”, but when you use “Assalamu alaykum” it gives the greeting a more formal Muslim tone. The reply to it is “wa alaykum as’salaam” or “aleykum al salam” ( God be with you too).”Ahlan wa sahlan” is also used for “welcome” when someone comes to your home. The English translation literally is ” you are in your family on a ground without stumbling stones.”
Anyway, I digress. This elderly lady from Lebanon (here visiting her daughter since Lebanon is cold right now) proceeded to talk to me about Lebanon, war, the Palestinians,Israel, peace and “can’t we all just get along?” When her daughter returned she told me that she had thought that I must be from Canada or the US since I was READING ,and that the women around here only want to shop. She gave me her card; she is a landscape architect living in Dubai, and she encouraged me to call her to go out for coffee sometime…seemingly very happy to have met a reader.
“But watch out for my Mother,” she said…”I think she wants my brother to get married!!! ” OK! GOOD TO KNOW! Then as they were leaving, she turned around and shouted back to me, “Are you single?” “Yes”, I said. Well…”HALAS”, (Arabic for finished/done/over) she said, “No more!”
Yikes…maybe there was a reason I lost her card!! You know I have quite a history with the Lebanese!!!
Anyway, last weekend was also quite fun. Although no potential marriage prospects, I did spend some time with my students and colleagues and on my own…let’s see if I can remember some of the highlights. I’ve thrown in some photos from the web, but I also just uploaded my own photos onto Facebook.
THURSDAY
Well, one of the Sheikhs died recently, so there was a 3 day period of mourning and school was cancelled last Thursday. Elizabeth and I decided to go out for Sumo Sushi at a mall on Jumeirah Beach Road. It is some of the best sushi I’ve ever had.
That evening I went to a place called Global Village with one of my former students and two of her friends. I had been out with them before to a small shisha restaurant, apparently frequented by Arab celebrities, and we had made arrangements to hit GV before it finished. GV is like a large international amusement park. Each country has a pavilion and they sell souvenirs, food, clothes etc. from their country. There is also a stage for entertainment, a carnival area and street performers. However, I did hear that some people got arrested for dancing in the streets of GV. I guess that’s not something we do here in Dubai…I’d better be careful! I’ve been known to dance down the aisles of supermarkets or in the stereo section of a department store!
Anyway, after fighting some evening traffic and passing the time by singing along with a favourite Iranian singer, we spent four hours winding our way through each building and doing some shopping. I bought some sweet little Turkish, hand painted bowls as farewell gifts for my colleagues. I also bought a couple of cute things in the African building: a stone heart, a stone carved hippo, a hat and a doll. We also drank a tiny but strong and sweet cup of Ethiopian coffee.
My students are Iranian, so we spent a very nice time in that building. There are lots of Iranians in the UAE and they have a long intertwined history with the Arab nations of the Gulf; Iran is literally just across the Strait of Hormuz. There is currently a dispute about “The Gulf”, which has become very strategic and a potential new source of oil. My students are always impressing on me that the name is “The Persian Gulf”, which is what I have always thought. However, it seems that in this region, very slowly, the name is shifting and it is being called the Arabian Gulf by the Arab nations. Hmmmm.
I must say the Persian Carpets are truly amazing and I was really tempted to buy one…but didn’t…maybe before I leave. We also ate a cupful of pomegranate seeds, which was so refreshing. I have heard that the pomegranate is a very important fruit here. I know it is mentioned in many religions, and in fact, it may actually be the fruit of the tree of life, not the apple.
In Islam: “The heavenly paradise of the Koran describes four gardens with shade, springs, and fruits including the pomegranate. Legend holds that each pomegranate contains one seed that has come down from paradise. Pomegranates have had a special role as a fertility symbol in weddings among the Bedouins of the Middle East. A fine specimen is secured and split open by the groom as he and his bride open the flap of their tent or enter the door of their house. Abundant seeds ensure that the couple who eat it will have many children. “
I guess if you eat a pomegranate, you can’t waste any of the seeds…just in case, it’s the one from heaven.
http://sites.google.com/site/ruzannakondjorian/
http://www.oakcreekorchard.com/id30.html
By 11:30 pm, it was time to go and my students were suggesting dinner at a kebab place. I, of course, was not really up for a kebab at that time and had them drive me home. I suspect they went home too. I think they just felt that they had to offer me dinner.
FRIDAY
The next morning,I was picked up by a CUD colleague (Head of architecture) for a drive to Fujairah. Fujairah is another emirate and it is on the east coast of the country. It is different because it is less built up with more rocky mountains and fewer sandy dunes.
My colleague had rented a red VW EOS convertible for the drive…now that’s style We drove through Dubai and headed out to Sharjah and Fujairah. It was amazing to see the scenery and the temperature change, and he was a great guide.
Finally, we hit the coast and decided to take a swim. The water was a little cool and rather wavy, but not too bad. Unfortunately, after about 10 minutes of wave jumping, the Sharjah Beach Police rolled in and blew their whistle. Apparently, I was not dressed appropriately. Women at the beach have to be fully covered. I was wearing my standard black one piece bathing suit. OOPS! Sharjah is currently a lot more conservative than Dubai (babes in bikinis on my local beach). Apparently, it never used to be that way, but several years ago, KSA (The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) invested lots of money in Sharjah and suddenly there was a mosque on every corner and women had to cover up…money talks and Saudi money is conservative. Oh well, I jumped into the car, changed my clothes and we headed to the Hilton for lunch. We continued the drive up the coast and into Oman a little before heading home. By 6ish, I was home, salty and sunburned.
SATURDAY
The next day, I did lots of little things. I went to my local gym. I was getting bored with the school gym, so I joined the one at the Chelsea Hotel, which has a lovely rooftop pool. I’ve got a three month membership so I hope it keeps me motivated to exercise. It’s only a 5 minute walk from home. I also saw the movie Blind Side with Sandra Bullock. I thought it was a good one. I’ve been reading a lot lately too. I have not bothered to have the satellite in my room reconnected when it went out this time. I was getting hooked on crap TV. Instead I am reading more and making significant inroads into my stack of books. Right now , I am reading the book “Sunset Oasis” by the famous author Bahaa Taher. It is about an Egyptian military man who takes a posting at the Siwa Oasis. He is accompanied by his Irish wife. I’m not sure what is going to happen but I think it will be something good. I am about a third of the way through.
And of course, every Saturday (and Tuesday), I have my salsa class. I think I am getting better. I still have been too shy to head out to the salsa parties at the hotels, although our instructor has been encouraging us. However, I must say that after every salsa class I FEEL GOOD! Maybe its the achievement or the endorphins, or the music. I don’t know. But it is fun to dance and I am so glad that I am doing it!
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The salsa classes are at DUCTAC, which is located at the back of the Mall of the Emirates. It is fun to go there; always lots of people. I like riding the Metro too. On this day, during the ride home on the Metro at around 10:30 pm., there was a lovely interaction between a little Arab girl (1 year old) and a little Indian girl (4 years old). They began with a slight struggle over a cute purse belonging to the older girl. What woman does like a new handbag!!! Well, we thought it would end in tears, but then the two mothers each told their child to give the other girl the purse…and they did. The four year old gave it to the 1 year old…and waited…and watched. The one year old inspected it and then promptly gave it back, clapped her hands with glee and started laughing. Actually, we all started laughing…an international incident had been avoided. Well, it became a game, and they gave that purse to each other, back and forth, back and forth, about 30 times!!! And each time, almost every woman on the “Women’s Car” of the Dubai Metro, from about a dozen different countries, CHEERED…30 times! Our little girls can solve their problems. Our little girls can share. All is right with in world!
SUNDAY
Sunday is actually “Monday” to those on the western timetable, so I go back to work. There wasn’t too much on the agenda since classes are not in session right now. Basically, we just finished up marking and posted the final grades. I did, however, have my weekly yoga class. This week, there were only two of us. After kicking the badminton players out of the gym and having a bit of a chat, we started. Yoga stretches muscles that I didn’t know I had in ways that I didn’t think were possible. I am really enjoying it. At the end, I feel a real sense of achievement and so relaxed. On this day, about 30 minutes into the session, right in the middle of the Warrior Pose, the door of the gym swung open. We had posted a sign to keep the students out so we quickly looked over, at the ready to eject the “fool” who couldn’t read. Who could it be? Well, it was our university president, touring some VIPs around the campus. He looked a little perplexed/bemused and paused for a full 10-15 eternal seconds (remember, this is a Muslim country). Anyway, we all grinned, he raised a hand in salute and re-routed his entourage. After he left, we girls laughed, and I commented he was really lucky…because we were just seconds away from a Downward Dog!!
Warrior Pose
Downward Dog
So that was my weekend! They are not all so action-packed, but invariably something is on the go. This week, I have a shopping and lunch outing with Sadia, and next weekend, Kelley and I are presenting at TESOL Arabia. If I keep busy, I think the time will fly. Life is pretty good really…now if I could only get rid of my insomnia!!
The Insomnia Fairy
That’s it for now. I’ll try and write again soon.
PS. I have added a link to some photos of Global Village on FB
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This blog is a continuation of a Facebook discussion with two friends.
Teach them young! It's the only way!
SHARI: is SICK to death of dealing with cheaters! Q: What do you call a medical student who cheated on all of his tests but still graduated last in his class? A: Dr.
CORI:
It will all serve as insight into immigrant students who have grown up in a system that encourages this sort of behaviour. You will better understand a student who cheats in the future and help them more than academically as you ease them into Canadian life where the expectation for ethical living is ingrained from the very moment a person is born… See More. Cultural assimilation is an important, though probably understated goal of ESL studies, don’t you think? You are in the thick of things – I hope your administration back home recognizes what you’re enduring…You will be a better teacher because of it.
SHARI:
I know that “cheating”, however it is defined, exists worldwide. I did encountered it elsewhere. In fact, I read another article about how cheating in MBA programs in the UK is terrible! It is on the rise everywhere as students and institutions cope with the impacts of Internet / plagiarism etc.
However, it is just rampant here and students are very bold about it…kind of like…”I dare you to do something about it!” A lot of teachers feel powerless (and demoralized) and in some places the power structure only adds to make them feel insecure in their jobs…I just went to a conference and this was expressed very openly by a teacher there. So,some teachers just want to “make sure” that everyone passes…even if they have done NONE the work and have been absent for like 40% (and rising!)of the classes….can I just say…I am NOT EXAGGERATING HERE. I am talking about my immediate environment and an assessment conversation that I had last week at my desk!!!!!! “Oh Shari, can’t you just DO something for them” And I do work at a “Canadian” university. The President LOVES to promote the Canadian standards…HA!… See More
So, when I do catch my students cheating and I act, they are shocked, despite all the warnings. They act “sad” and beg and promise…and do it again!!!!Anyway, I am just tired of “policing” my classroom to such an excessive degree for every little quiz. I have been teaching now for 20 years!!! (every grade from pre-school to university in lots of different countries) and I’ve never come across anything like this.
I’ve even counseled my class, acknowledging and admiring their cultural imperative to “help” their friends (I read about it in a book about understanding the people of this region) and I advised them about differences they should be aware of in the western educational systems and the consequences (there is another article about a Saudi woman in an MA program in the USA – she plagiarized and was expelled). It doesn’t seem to be an issue of integrity (academic or otherwise) for them. We do have “cultural/ institutional adaptation as a part of the curriculum (stated and hidden) in ESL, so their are no surprises for our students…but in this context, it’s just exhausting!
You know, Wendy always says we’re lucky…teaching ESL is not brain surgery…if someone drops an article, no one dies… hell, I think, let’m cheat! What do I care!? (I do worry about the pronunciation of air traffic controllers though!!!) You can buy a bloody PhD off the Internet – why even bother to make people go to school at all? Am I part of a giant farce? The effect of this runs through the society… people in positions that they shouldn’t hold, shoddy workmanship and things that go much deeper…Not to mention the unsafe driving! Rather sad…I told you I’m in culture shock! At least I’m still here…with my sense of humour keeping me going…one Canadian teacher actually quit just before I got here …and will not teach anymore…at least in this region.
Possibly the only kind of cheating that doesn't go on here!!!
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Sometimes, I feel very frustrated here; there are lots of things that I don’t like…a little like Alice in Wonderland. The frustration builds and the demands to just “cope” with it all can put a strain on me. This can be school (the students, the admin, the course etc.) or it can just be observations of life here in Dubai.
Must go back and read this story!
I mean…where does one “put” information like that recent Gulf News article…the one where the court official was advising husbands to “whip their wives gently until they understand” instead of divorcing them???? The article nervously makes its way around the expat community and we all laugh and groan, but we just can`t quite believe that this is sanctioned by the courts and published in the newspaper!
So, I am sad to report that there have been times where I have taken this out on some unsuspecting person around me…like the taxi driver who went the wrong way (and I ended up paying 3x the fare). He was new here and the roads are crazy…but I spoke to him in a really rude way…with a tone like lots of “entitled” expats use with the people who are doing the menial jobs. I was really shocked at myself! They call me “Madam” and I had become one. One really has to guard against adopting this mentality and behaviour.
It weighs one my mind, but I can`t think about it too much, so I`ll finish with a funny story.
Normally, we expat workers (western, Indian, Philippino etc.) just keep to ourselves in our own little `castes`:…there is a little chat but frankly no mingling. Anyway, I love it when we can share a chat or connect some way as individuals:
The other day, I did ALOT of marking over at Starbucks. On the way home, I stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things. As required, I checked my heavy school bag at the bag check desk. I told the guy behind the desk that he could `lose`the bag if he wanted. He looked at me funny and I said ‘`Too much work in there!!
Anyway, on the way out, I had kind of forgotten about that exchange and went to get my stuff. I presented my token and stood there and waited and waited. He paused and looked at me funny again. “This bag, not here.`` he said gravely and then broke into a HUGE GRIN! `THANK GOD!!`I said, and laughed.
Just when I think I hate people…I love them again.
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I feel myself on the brink of culture shock and I still have over five months to go here, so I know I have to do some thing to keep it in check:
a) leave school at a decent hour and find a balance between a personal life and work life;keep a sense of humour about all the crap at work
b) take care of myself – get that massage or pedicure, exercise and eat right;
c) take some quiet time but also connect with people, keep busy and have fun!!
So, with that in mind I have been looking around for things to do in Dubai.
A week or so ago I went to the school Comedy night, which was ok, and also on the Desert Safari, which was fantastic. Kelley came in from Sharjah and we were in a Land Cruiser with Mary Alison. We had over 60 kids in a dozen or so vehicles. We were both a little concerned about the Dune Bashing, which is basically driving up and down the dunes like a roller coaster. I was concerned specifically because of my motion sickness. (It is a well known fact that I have vomited in every country I have visited…why should Dubai be any different?).
Kelley, Mary Alison, Shari and the Desert Sunset
Dune Bashing
Anyway, off we went. We stopped at a place where the students could drive some small dune bugggies and then we hit the desert. In caravan, we went up and down the dunes, sometimes sliding down the side. It turned out to be absolutely amazing; the best part of the whole event. It was fun just to see the students acting like kids and having fun running up and falling down the dunes. Our driver had 8 years of experience and was a great guy. I felt totally safe. Yes, despite the two gravol, I was sick, but managed to wait until the end and avoided throwing up in the car. However, apparenly it happens all the time….he said one guy even vomited all the way from the back of the vehicle and it hit him in the the head…now that’s “projectile”. Our driver seemed unfazed. Oh well, after the dune bashing, we hit a desert camp and were joined by lots of other groups for a basic lebanese style buffet dinner, camel riding if you wanted and a cultural dancing show. It was a fun night. I’ve only put two photos here, but I’ve added a link to where Kelley has all these photos on Facebook.
More recently, I have started a dance class…no, not belly dancing! I have just finished my third Cuban Salsa Class. I have always loved how our Latin American students at Niagara can dance and have regretted my wallflower status. Well, now I have got the rhythm, the basic steps, and have just learned how to TURN. Nine more lessons coming up. What is great is that our instructor (from Cuba) is so passionate about what he does. He not only introduces the techniques, but also gives us the history and the meaning behind the dance moves. He clearly understands how the brain learns new things and teaches in a way that I think even the most “challenged” among us will eventually get it. We all have a card which is good for a year and grants us access into 3 additional Salsa parties per week at different hotels in town. I’ll get there eventually!!!
Finally, this week I am planning to go to Dubai Global Village, a giant exhibit of arts and crafts from around the world and Arte Day. Judith, a new colleague from BC, has also invited me to her places for dinner. |Apparently there is going to be a camel parade down near where she lives in Jumeirah, so we are going to see that and then go back to her place. This month is also the Dubai International Jazz Festival and the Literature Festival, so I hope I can take in a couple of things there too.
Dubai Global Village
Professionally, Kelley and I just did a presentation for TESOL Dubai. It was a modified version of what we are going to do for TESOL Arabia in March. It was a good chance to test out our material, check the timing and see how we work together as presenters. This has been one of my PD goals…so I am glad that I have finally presented something. Hopefully, I will do more in the future.
What else…oh yes…I have tons of great books to read..but it is slow going. Currently reading:
A sexy little Egyptian novel with great characters...hard to put down at times!
So, as you can see, I am keeping busy…but it is just not quite the same when you are on your own. I miss my family and friends. Oh well, I can keep the culture shock at bay for another few months!!!
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People always think you can make big bucks if you come to work in the Middle East, and I suppose in many ways you can…it really is all relative though; and with the economic downturn and Dubai needing a $10 billion dollar bailout, things are changing. There have been layoffs and the competition for jobs around here is stiff. Of course, you know I am a regular observer of the “caste” system that exists for us expat workers here…those of us who’ve come to seek our fortune. So, although I have been saving my $$$ while here, let me try and put this money thing into perspective once and for all…in pictures. NOW ONLY IF MY SCHOOL WOULD PAY ME ON TIME!
My Ride
My Student's Ride
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Hmpf!! You all know I get migraines now and again (although last year Hilde and her Reiki really helped!!!). Well, the last couple of years, I’ve also had occasional flare ups of neck and shoulder pain. The first real one was when Carolyn and I were coming back from our Caribbean Cruise and I was carrying too much Coconut Rum home! The laptop was also giving me some major issues…so I got that pink wheely thing. Anyway, I probably have to deal with some “unresolved emotional issues” that cause my “pain in the neck”, but since I am here in Dubai and have lots of insurance, I just decided to have it all checked out at the hospital.
Actually, I was at Emirates Hospital, (which apparently is reknowned for some of the orthpedic work that they do internationally…specifically aiding Palestinians who need medical treatment) to deal with my terrible, two week case of Cambodian Delhi Belly…maybe Pol Pot’s Revenge. Emirates hospital has a walk in clinic that is super efficient one-stop shopping and they do direct billing to my insurance company so it really saves me a lot of hassle. So, while I was there, I got my migraine medication and an appointment with the Orthopedic Doctor to see about my neck.
In less than a week, I had the appointment. On the same day, at the same place I had an xray and 4 days later I had an MRI. Within the week, I was loaded up with medication. Super efficient…someone’s making money. Anyway, I am now in possession of two giant MRI scans of my neck…which basically show no problem…just muscle inflammation.
You know, all I really wanted was a referral to a massage therapist….aaahhhh!
FYI: This isn't mine...but it's something like this
aaahhhh!
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I live just off Sheikh Zayed Road in a very central part of Dubai, behind the Shangri-la hotel (in Satwa technically, but close to Jumeirah 2) In fact, the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa are really just across the road…and I assure you no chickens are crossing that thing! Anyway, the Burj “Dubai” had its grand opening this month and was promptly christened the Burj Khalifa (now to change all those Metro signs!!!). It wasn’t such a big deal for me, but I did manage to put on some slippers and head out into the courtyard of villa with one of the many “guests” that are in and out of here to snap a few photos of the fireworks. It truly is an impressive structure that is hard to capture in a photos. I am going to post a couple of great links with some fast facts about this amazing building. In the meantime, thanks to WordPress’s 2p10 for this list:
10. Burj Khalifa height is 828 m, (2,717 ft), smashed the previous world record, which was held by Taiwan’s 508m Taipei 101
9. Burj Khalifa’s spire can be seen from 95 km
8. World’s highest swimming pool (76th floor)
7. Only a few days after debuting as the world’s tallest building, two skydivers leapt off of the Burj Khalifa to set the world record for highest base jump.
6. The Hemerocallis desert flower was the main source of inspiration for the architects of Burj Khalifa.
5. World’s highest mosque (on the 158th floor)
4. Dubai Fountain – located outside the tower, illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 coloured projectors, it is 275 m (900 ft) long and shoots water 150 m (490 ft) into the air, accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.
3. Innovative telescopes – visitors to the 124th-floor observatory of the Burj Khalifa will find 12 state-of-the-art LCD touch-screen telescopes equipped with handles and mounted on pedestals attached to digital video cameras. Users pivot and point the Internet-connected devices at different landmarks, which are identified by text that automatically appears on the screen. They can push a button for more detailed information, e-mail photos and even post directly to Facebook.
2. World’s fastest elevators at speed of 64 km/h (40 mph) or 18 m/s (59 ft/s)
1. World’s first Armani Hotel- designed by Giorgio Armani, one of the world’s fashion icons, the
Located on levels 9 to 16 of Burj Khalifa.
I haven’t been up yet…so what I think I’ll do is wait until my birthday and head up there in June just before I leave…yeah, that’s a good plan…..OOPS, just found out that the elevator has been getting stuck…they closed the observation deck…NOW THAT IS NOT A GOOD SIGN!!!
Check out the size of the very tall hotels to the left.
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Shari in Dubai 
