Blogs from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Middle East - page 9

Salam (Hello)! The time has come for me to post my final BLOG from my 2010-2013 journey in the UAE. I must admit that the ending will be bittersweet in memory for me. I guess I will begin by saying that it has been by far, the most experiential and enriching journey of my life thus far. My journey in the Middle East has blessed me with the privilege of meeting some very wonderful, BIG and LITTLE, people first and foremost. I have worked alongside many interesting, intelligent, fun people from many different countries, some of which have become and will remain, lifelong friends; I’ve had the opportunity to hone my skills as a teacher both through experience and professional development respectively; I’ve taught some awesome children (and some not so awesome, but equally as lovable) ... read more

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. is the home of the 3rd largest mosque –the Grand Mosque – which took 12 years to build, has largest chandelier in the world weighing 9 tons with 1 million pieces of crystal, the largest single piece carpet in the world with a floral design to signify paradise, 41,000 people attend Friday prayer services, silver and gold inlays in opulence and Italian Moreno glass in the windows. While the Christian calendar has 365 days plus leap year the Islamic calendar is a lunar one with 354 days. The government has planted 100 million trees which are watered daily with recycled water. Day time temps range from 95 degrees in the Spring to 120 degrees in July and August in the shade. Gasoline is $1/gal. with no taxes. Heritage Village has recreation of an ... read more

Top of the mornin', afternoon. or evenin' to ya! Since I will be leaving the Middle East permanently this coming June, I thought I would be sure and add at least a few more BLOG entries before I complete it altogether. This entry is from yet another FUN St. Patrick;s Day celebration with my teaching buddies. We went to an "All you can eat/drink brunch" at an Irish Bar located in the Royal Meridien Hotel in Abu Dhabi, called P.J. O'Reilly's. Needless to say, it was an awesome day of eating, drinking, and dancing to a cool Irish band. It was pretty awesome to be spending St. Patrick's Day by 'the pool'. Although I missed my gf's back home and spending the day at Kennedy's in St Agatha :-( Next year girls!!!! Well, I hope you ... read more

This morning we hit that limbo time when the sightseeing is finished, but it's not quite time to go to the airport for the flight home. Boring! We slept in and went down for breakfast about 9.00am. Bernie's new 'brother' - the Maître d' sort of adopted him when we had a (late) lunch yesterday - insisted on getting us a plate of traditional Arabian breakfast to try. Thank goodness he didn't come back to the table with anything more exotic than hummus and pita bread. We could manage that for breakfast. Although then he was back with some halva - which was delish, but a bit sweet for breakfast. Back in the room we watched yet another bad movie. But this one was really, really bad - I cannot believe I wasted a couple of ... read more

Hey People!!!! I havent been really setting up any new blogs since Abu Dhabi has become my home now and my experiences arent very unique anymore, just part of day to day life. I will post some pictures however for family and friends who dont have FB and for those who want to see more pics of this beautiful country. I thought about this travel blog again after going to this zoo resort in Abu Dhabi and thinking wow I just have too many beautiful pictures. I know my friend Jenna would love to see them cause she loves photography and animals. and My love Jamillah!!!! :) who is not on FB! and of course everyone else who may be interested. I love you all and miss you so!... read more