The First Official Weekend (September 4th-5th

My first official “weekend” was very relaxing, enjoyable and productive. Since weekends begin on Fridays here, because of the Muslim faith, my weekend began a bit early compared to back home. The weekend began with a “good morning” wake up call from my mom and sister. It was very nice to hear their voices. They were preparing to head down to California to surprise one of my best friend, my Grandpa (Boppy), for his 80^th birthday. A party I wish I could have been apart of. After an enjoyable conversation with the two of them, I made my way down to my routine breakfast on the first floor. After a nice breakfast and relaxing time reading the paper, I headed up-stairs to hop on skype and take advantage of the opportunity to talk to my lady. She was in Idaho for volleyball and had the chance to talk.

It is hard not getting to talk to her as much as I am used to. You go from being able to pick up the phone and call someone you absolutely love at any given time, to trying to schedule skype dates hahaha. I am thankful for each minute I get. It is tough but we are day-by-day getting closer to a visit in December, a visit that will come long overdue. After a nice skype date, I ran across the street to the beach/fitness club and had a great workout. Following the workout, I met some of my colleagues out at the beach outside. Both Jenn (our Head of Department of English and experienced International Teacher from Connecticut) and Ann Marie (one of our Kindergarten/Experienced International Teachers from South Africa) were out on the dock in the middle of the Persian Gulf. After sprinting into the water because of how scorching hot the sand was, I began to swim out to the dock.

After getting to the dock, I began to just look around me and think. I looked to my right and saw the city (sky scrapper after sky scrapper) and I looked to my left and saw the Emirates Palace. I looked at Jenn and Ann Marie and said, “Wow, we are sitting on a dock in the middle of the Persian Gulf, I am hanging out in the middle of the Persian Gulf!!!” I really cannot believe I am here. I am so incredibly thankful for this opportunity that the Lord has given me. I plan on taking advantage of it with the best of my ability. Because of the type of five star resort we get to stay in for this month, it is easy to forget where I am. This feeling all goes out the window though when you are laying out on the beach of the Persian Gulf, only to then hear a Muslim Prayer that is announced over ever Mosque loud speaker in the city. You can hear it from any corner of the city and it really forces you to take a step back and realize again where you are. After a nice time on the dock, we moved to a bit cooler water, aka the pool.

The time at the beach was amazing and very relaxing for me. It was the first time I was able to really take some time to relax and soak it in. I headed back up to my room to shower and begin to start making phone calls to local real estate agents. My phone calls led to a handful of unanswered phones. For some reason there is no such thing as a voicemail in the city of Abu Dhabi. I have not figured it out yet, but they believe in the concept of calling people back hahaha unlike the U.S. of A. and to be honest, I like it. Dinner came in a hurry.

Like I mentioned before, I am going to try and expand my food horizons haha. I fortunately have gotten to meet some amazing people who have been all over the world and have had the opportunity to try many foods, so I get to pick their minds on what I may like. Friday night, we decided to order in local Indian food. I ordered a chicken bowl. This was AMAZING! It was soaking in a mild tomato sauce and I could not stop eating it, dipping my pita bread and mimosas in it as well. I was in awe of what I had been missing out on all these years!

Saturday seemed to be a much more productive day for as far as the apartment shopping was concerned. After a one last late night talk for a while with my lady it was time for bed. She was getting ready for her game against College of Idaho (Nationally Ranked), Friday night her time. They ended up losing in 3 games but fought the whole way, only losing by 2 or 3 points a game. They seem to have really improved with the addition of some good freshman. Cass was not too pleased with her performance, even though she led the night in digs. Eh hem I am proud!

Saturday started with a routine breakfast. From there, I met up with a couple colleagues and dropped our clothes off at the laundry mat (the clothes I didn’t wash in my hotel bath tub that is). From there we walked to Marina Mall to get a few things and put some more dirhams on our phones. After a catching a cab back to our respective hotels, it was time to get on the house hunt. After meeting with two different agents, I have my hopes up again for a place we found. It is a one bedroom flat in a high rise (18 story building) in the city. The views from my flat are breath taking. From the living room, you see the entire city full of sky scrappers, along with a view of the open park. From my room, you see the same thing with the addition of a view over the Persian Gulf (Corniche). From the kitchen, you look down Muroor street full of sky scrappers and sunshine. On the top floor (18^th) is a full gym with a 360 degree view of the city. Every mini shop, laundry shop, café, restraunt, banks, malls and grocery stores are within walking distance. Everything seemed so right, just praying the papers go through in a timely fashion so I don’t lose it.

After a solid leg workout at the gym and a pleasant sunset swim at the pool/hot tub soak, I made my way across the street to take a stroll to the Emirates Palace. I wanted to get some pictures and enjoy it all up close and lit up. Following the stroll, it was time for bed. It was a productive yet relaxing weekend for sure. I was anxious to get this housing process underway and assure myself the keys to this flat. Thank you for all of the support and prayers, keep them coming! A&F

Pictures: 1) Multiple pictures of the Emirates Palace lit up at night. 2) An interesting billboard outside of the hotel on the corer of the one busiest intersections.