"See You"

Growth

Hello! Its been a while. I'm going to try to keep this short (LOL). In a few days, I will be flying back to the US...for good, for now (Update: I've been home for over a month now). Initially, I was under a three year contract with the public school system. When I had to transition to the private sector, my contract became two years. Although extending a contract is not an issue (since they need teachers), I decided that two years was good enough. I am content and I believe that I have accomplished what I have set out to do. I wanted to prove to myself that I could move to another country and not run for the hills. I have surprised myself. I am stronger than I ever gave myself credit for!

Many people don't understand my choice to move back home and that's fine! I'm coming home. I SAID WHAT I SAID! Some coworkers here, are sad to see me leave but they understand that this place is a revolving door: expats come to work and then they return to their home country. Some expats understand the pros and cons of living and working here. For example, although we may earn a tax free salary, prices for basic needs have increased in the UAE. The country is getting prepared for the 20/20 Expo and they have introduced VAT (value added taxes). Now, coming from the US, I am accustomed to paying taxes, but when prices suddenly increased in a place that was 'tax free,' then I/we felt some type of way. I am still able to send the majority of my salary home since the cost of living is so low. Also, I am very cheap. I like sales and my mom always taught me that 'You don't have to do what everybody else is doing." This sentence echos in my mind. I consider myself a very chill person...I might club, or go to a few dinners, but I enjoy hikes and walks and kickbacks. I don't feel the need to be in everyone's face because I need my space.

I think that oftentimes, the loudest person, is the QUIETEST. That's me. No need to pop bottles, flaunt my body, throw money, etc. I was venting to my sister about people that come here and reinvent themselves. I encourage reinvention, but be authentic. Basically, people come from whatever state or country, and forget where they came from. Don't forget what you used to look like or how you used to live paycheck to paycheck. This is the reality for many of us. I don't expect people to share their roller coaster ride, but don't paint a fictional picture. Social media has made us this way. We share for the likes. S M H.

This experience has taught me contentment and mindfulness. Situations that would cause me to become angry, are now met with shoulder shrugs. How is yelling at said person going to solve Problem X? Its not, so I am more aware of what I speak, what I absorb in conversations, what I think about food, how I accept people's differences, etc. Being in this country has taught me to slow down. YOU WILL GET WHERE YOU'RE GOING, AMBER! These people do everything slow: walk, run, work, drink coffee, etc. It's as if there is no deadline for anything. No expediency. God's time. Thank you, UAE, for slowing me down.

WHAT'S NEXT?

There will be a few changes next year. I will be at a new middle school in the states! I'm looking forward to the change since I only worked at one school prior to coming here. I was super spoiled there when I hear the stories of other teachers. I am, was, and will be blessed! I am super excited for the technology PDs because I feel that I am behind in that area since moving abroad. I will get my Chromebook back! I might coach cheerleading again also. I am ELATED to go to my favorite stores and farmer's markets. When I land, I plan on going straight to my gym to sign back up and I will be hitting up Trader Joe's. I welcome the familiar with open arms: my home, natural hair products, bed, kitchen, BATHROOM, car, independence, etc. Normalcy. 

'See You'

I know this post is all over the place due to my absence, but I hope that you take a nugget of useful information from it. I will leave you with this: my mom always told us to never say 'goodbye' since its a permanent word...there's no coming back from 'goodbye.' It wasn't until I arrived here that I heard 'See You' when clocking out or leaving a place. In the states, we say 'see you later' or 'see ya,' or 'holla at you later' when we expect to see someone again. But 'See You' goes beyond the span of time. I have analyzed these two words because they are so beautiful to me. What does it mean? 'I see your soul and the goodness in you' or 'until next time.' Live in expectancy. Until then, SEE YOU.

Resignation Without Hesitation

Hey!

Almost a week ago today, I resigned. At the beginning of the month, we were given our letters of intent for next year. It is similar to the ones that my district in the states would give around this time of year. Basically, admin wants to know how many slots they need to fill, how many teachers need to be replaced. Since starting this process, I knew that I only wanted to complete two years abroad. I was blessed with the opportunity to work in two different locations in the UAE (Sharjah/Dubai and Abu Dhabi-the capital). When I got the letter of intent out of my box, I smiled, wrote my resignation letter and tucked it in my teacher's bag. I wanted to keep it until the due date, Feb. 15th. On Thursday, right before I clocked out, I turned it in to the principal's assistant. She was not happy and asked me if they offered a higher salary, would I be willing to stay. I said that I would pray about it (I already had) and get back to her. She was really upset. I said that I had personal things to return to in the states.

Truth be told, living abroad is NOT all fancy trips and brunches. DO NOT LET INSTAGRAM fool you! We (my tribe here) get depressed because we miss what's familiar-family, foods, normalcy, etc. We have left many things behind to embark on this journey. I know you may be thinking 'It's what you wanted. Don't you get paid well enough?' Um...it's a little bit more complicated than that. What you sign for in a 'contract' is not really binding here. These people can change the game at the drop of a dime and there is really nothing that can be done about it. Also, one's salary depends on what expenses they have in their home country. For example, last year, I paid off my car, but I was also paying other bills. This year, I didn't have a car payment, but I still pay life/car insurance and my credit card bill (which pays for all the trips I go on so that I can build credit). So if one makes, $4,000-$5,000 a month, tax free, their savings depends on their responsibilities. I have met single people with children in the states, so they are providing for their families there and trying to live here. I have met a married woman whose two children are here but her husband is in the state. People are doing what works for them and their goals and that is okay!

I love my students and they are already asking me if they'll see me next year when they are in grade 4. I haven't had the heart to tell them the truth so they think that I will be here, but I plan to tell them in May. Their parents are probably going to feel some kinda way also, but it is what it is.

Sabriya and I at her gymnastics competition.

I ran my SECOND half marathon in the UAE!

 

The UAE has taught me how to be alone. When I'm not at work, I find things to get into like going sightseeing, visiting the mall, etc. I actually like doing these things alone because I can move at my own pace and I don't have to worry about other people. (I discovered this about myself when I went on my first solo trip to India and Hong Kong). I WASN'T ALONE BECAUSE I WAS WITH MYSELF! (And, I had a driver/tour guide the entire time.) 

Oddly enough, I am a people person. I love people- the conversations, the fellowship, and even just people watching (I'm not a creep). Here, I have found balance. If I'm invited somewhere and I want to go, then I will. If I don't feel like hanging out with people, then I decline. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Me Time. In the states, I was mostly a homebody because the club scene is NOT IT! I mostly prefer kickbacks or fun outside activities. Dinner dates or anything that involves food is not the move for me because I have found that I take advantage of the opportunity to eat LOL.

Alone in Amsterdam!

I hope that in reading this, your fears of solo travel or adventures vanishes. Sure, we need human connections-friends, lovers, mentors, tribes, etc. But you need you also. Your inner peace is important. You have to know that if others are not around physically or mentally, that you will be okay. You will survive. You will meet new and exciting strangers that are traveling with themselves also. But most importantly, you will meet you. 

Girlfriends and I at the Sisqo and Blackstreet Concert at Zayed Sports City.

Black Panther with friends!

Peace and Blessings!

Consistently Inconsistent

Hello, Friends!

I am so embarrassed to be blogging FIVE months after returning back to the UAE. I have turned into the type of blogger that I despised lol. Life and laziness happened and I've been inconsistent. Inshallah, I will be more consistent as I wrap up term 2 and the school year!

December

For winter break, my lovely sister came to visit. She stayed a few days with me in Abu Dhabi where we did normal tourist things (desert safari, Emirate's Palace, Dubai day tip). We were suppossed to sky dive over the Palm Jumeriah, but it was too windy and ALL jumps for the day were cancelled. The next available date would be two months later so we opted for the refund. The jump was $550 USD/ per person.
After that, we flew to Zanzibar. It was amazing! We stayed in Stone Town and went on a tour of Prison Island, a spice tour (don't buy souvenirs here), and of course we visited the old slave market. The country is mostly Muslim and has a strong Arab influence. The water is clear and beautiful. I saw velvety chocolate skin and the whitest teeth. This place is both poverty and paradise, but the people are happy with their 'little bit.'
The food was amazing. It is Heaven for seafood lovers and the Coconut Bread is AMAZING (its actually not made from coconut).


When we returned from Zanzibar, Sissy flew back to the US and I went to Amsterdam alone. Some friend of mine went and said that they enjoyed it so that was why I decided to go. The trip started off rocky as my flight was delayed due to fog so I almost missed my fight from Turkey to Amsterdam. Although I made the flight, my luggage did not. I had to buy clothes in the airport in Amsterdam. Luckily, as you walk through the airport, it turns into a legit mall! God was looking out. I had to buy underwear, a coat, boots, shirts,...all the cold weather essentials that my Sis packed from the States. Instead of complaining, I remembered what my mom said, "At least you had the money to buy those things." The Euro was higher than the dollar, so I was feeling a certain way about that, but what can you do?
My luggage arrived and was delivered after two nights. I stayed in a great hotel with an amazing breakfast. So I was good.
Prior to leaving the UAE, I bought a ticket from Amsterdam to Paris. The train ride was three hours but it was worth it. I didn't see much in Paris because I was afraid of missing the train back to Amsterdam but I did see the Tour de Eiffel. It was BEAUTIFUL. I looked into going inside of it (I didn't even know that was possible until I did research), but I didn't buy the ticket. It was $10 USD. I thought about standing in line to buy the ticket the day of, but it was too cold and the line was too deep. So, I just had random strangers take my picture. They actually came out good. The black people that I met in Paris spoke French only, no English. However, I did meet some black people in Amsterdam that spoke English! Actually, everyone in Amsterdam spoke English.

Amsterdam

Soft drugs (weed, etc.) is legal in Amsterdam. The people are so warm and friendly given the cold weather and four hours of daylight. I remember asking this guy which tram I should ride and he had a blunt in his hand and was causally smoking like it was nothing. According to my tour guide, the legalization of drugs has not caused crime to rise. People just appeared to be super chill and nice to me.
Apon landing, I was supposed to go to the Anne Frank Huis (I had a scheduled tour...$15 USD with a seminar before the tour). I missed it due to my luggage situation. But alas! I ventured to the house with my paid voucher email and they allowed me to go on the last tour (because it was about to close for the night). A woman ushered us in a room and told us history of the annex and set the historical scene. After asking questions, we were allowed to visit the restored annex. Apon entering the museum, we were given these necklace things to wear around our necks during the walking tour. When we entered a room, we could scan it and hear audio explaining the time frame/location/important person. It was amazing! You didn't have to read anything if you didn't want to because you could hear the narration. At the end of the tour, I bought the Diary of Anne Frank for a friend and another book (I forgot the name of it).

The next day, I went on a bike tour of Amsterdam. This country is known for its canals. Basically, it appears to have more waterways instead of streets. Most people own a bike and bike daily. This is probably why they can eat all that bread and remain lean. The tour was given in French and English because a family from France was with us. The rest of us were English speaking. There were seven tourist and a tour guide. I thought I was prepared for the freezing weather but NOPE. The scenery was so beautiful that I forgot that I was so cold.

I met up with a girlfriend, Brandy, that next day. We had Dutch Pancakes and discovered the Red Light District. It was...interesting. We also went souvenir shopping and did 'local things.' I also got a tattoo by an Italian guy while Brandy got her nose pierced. My only regret is not seeing the windmills. They are a BIG DEAL. Due to my poor planning, I missed them, but locals said that I should return in the spring to visit the Windmills and tulips. Inshallah.

**Amsterdam is a safe place for women traveling solo!

Newness: School, City, Grade

Hello, Readers!

I have turned into the slack, inconsistent Blogger that I didn't want to be! I will try to do better this school year. So, let's recap:

SPRINGish
I resigned from my school in Sharjah around May because I was offered another job close to the capital. My principal seemed very sad, but he didn't fight for me so that reassured me that I was making the right decision. I was sad to leave SOME of my coworkers, but I  learned that being in such a transit environment, nothing and no one is permanent. As a result, you get used to people coming into your life and then leaving. This actually causes me SEVERE anxiety. Forming relationships with people is important to me. I hate saying 'Goodbye' and Skype doesn't cut it. I want to be physically close to people. As of now, I am just a two hour bus ride from my teacher friends.

SUMMER
My students stopped coming to school on June 6th because the Holy month of Ramadan was taking place. We were told that we could fly home on the 22nd of June. The accountant scheduled my flight and paid me and I flew Emirates out of Dubai. My friend allowed me leave my things at her place in the city so that I would not have to bring them back to the states. I arrived home in secret for a few days and then I surprised my family while they were out to dinner. Tears flowed. I lied to them and told them that I would be back in the US after the 4th of July. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
 My goals for the summer were to get back to Muv Fitness. I love my gym! The people, the equipment, the classes...EVERYTHING! I am proud of my weight loss journey. My sister and I attended Body Pump, Step, and Zumba classes and then we ran or did free weights! Everyday. BOOM! When I wasn't working out, I was parked on the couch watching Power! I did leave to go to a family reunion or the visit friends. But other than that, I was enjoying my carpeted floor, all things Trader Joes, driving my car, vacuuming, and all the other task or chores that I found annoying while in the states.
My parents threw a 'Welcome Home'/ 'Going Away' party for me at their house and it was so amazing to see my sorority sisters, middle school friends, teacher friends, and family show up for me. I was truly humbled.

 

CURRENTLY
I am at work in Abu Dhabi (typing this since I did not bring my laptop for a second year). Ill be teaching grade 3 (English, Math, and Science). I am at a very progressive school. The atmosphere is family oriented. They even said 'Welcome to our family, Amber.' I melted because this is the exact opposite of the environment that I was in last year. I share a villa (like a condo) with two other teachers. I am surrounded by malls, desert, and man-made island/beaches. The city bus stop is in my backyard and I spent the first week here trying to learn the routes because when I went to the orthodontist, I spent a grip on the taxi. NEVER AGAIN!
On Sunday, the students will come. As teachers, I feel that we can never be ready. We are professionals at going with the flow of things. So when people ask if I'm ready for the kids to come, I say that I am because this is my job. This is what I signed up for (in the US and here). We just leap into the madness.

GOALS
Bank & Body
This year, my focus is on getting my body back together and saving money. I did pretty good last year because I paid off my car, but I'm going to really be intentional about saving because I am aware that this could all end at anytime. Nothing is permanent.

SOLO...But Not Alone

Hello!

Once again, I have abandoned my blog, but I'm back! Since I've been gone, I took my first solo trip! For Spring Break (they don't call it that here), I went to India and Hong Kong. Initially, I was supposed to go with a friend but plans changed which worked out in my favor. I was apprehensive to go alone at first because I read that India is the rape capital but I had already paid for the flights and accommodations so I prayed about it and carried on.

You can't believe everything that you hear because once again, I felt totally safe in a strange land. I kept thinking about Psalm 91...I AM FOREVER COVERED! In India, I stayed at a place called Bloom Rooms in New Delhi. It was so small and cute! Before arriving, I had already booked a tour of the Taj Mahal (this was not smart as it was actually cheaper to do through the hotel...lesson learned). At the hotel, I did book a day tour. I was given a map and I could ask the driver to take me anywhere on it. My driver was awesome and we had local meals together and he took me to places to shop but clearly he went to places where he knew folks so that they could get my money. The Taj was beautiful...even while being cleaned. I booked the tour through Trip Advisor and a private driver picked me up from the hotel, drove me 2 hours to Agra, and then the tour guide met us and was with me the entire day.

 Fresh fruit is the way to my heart!

 Lotus Temple!

 Paneer (cheese) and veggies with my driver!

Hong Kong was so beautiful! Once again, I heard that it was expensive, but I am a penny pincher and lowkey, a HUSTLER. I stayed in my first hostel in HK. I could choose from a female dorm style or a co-ed room. I went with the all female room since I was alone. There were four beds and one woman there when I arrived. I stayed 4 nights and met three different women. I felt completely safe and it was an amazing experience! The hostel was actually a renovated hotel and international basketball players were staying there. I met some of them in the gym. This trip has taught me that a gym is something that is non negotiable when it comes to traveling since I'm going to EAT! Prior to leaving the UAE, I booked a hike on Dragon's Back and it was only $10 USD. The hike was 5 hours and I met many solo travelers! It was well worth it! The food in HK was great! I only had seafood since I haven't been eating meat. I did get a stomach bug but I bought activated charcol and it was cleared right up! I visited Lady Street Market and got some bags, chopsticks, and other gifts for people. There were MK, Coach, etc bags that were said to be fake but I couldn't tell. The metro system in HK can take you anywhere. It is a beautiful place and I heard English the entire time. I encourage you to visit!

 The Big Buddha!

 My hiking team!

 Dragon's Back!

Last week, I went to a White Party in Abu Dhabi and it was too much fun (if there were such a thing)! I went with friends, reunited with old friends, and met some new ones. All is well with the world. All I need to do is keep working out and staying positive and I will continue to FLOURISH. GOD IS GOOD always, all ways.

 Hey, friends!

So...there are three weeks until Ramadan and I'm excited to experience it. Then, I'll be headed back to America. Chile, its been a long time coming but I am ready to return. I need to hug my mom and eat her food. 

:)

Downhill Slope

Hello!

I've been SLACK with my blog, I know. I've been either busy or tired and I stopped writing but I'm back! This is my attempt at getting you all caught up.

November:
Since two months ago (SMH) I visited Cairo, Egypt. It was crazy to see THE PYRAMIDS in person. I also went to a famous market, had a boat ride (not a fancy cruise) on the River Nile, and visited a museum. Had I planned better, I would have booked a flight to Luxor to visit Valley of the Kings, but Cairo for three days was perfect. I ate a lot so my binge eating began there and lasted from Thanksgiving (a Friendsgiving with strangers) through my 28th Birthday and until New Years Eve.



December:
At my school, students are given exams starting at grade 4 and upwards. I had to give my students an English exam and mark (grade) them with the other teachers in a Round Robin type of situation. I understand the pros of letting others grade my kids but there are also cons. For example, I know what my kids are trying to say when they write, but another teacher may not and as a result, mark their answer wrong. I just coped with it and kept it moving. I have learned to accept the UAE way and not challenge it.

The kids knew that my Birthday was on Sunday, December 5th because I kept dropping hints. I went to my bad class (they are lowkey my favorite) and I taught them like normal. They are loud and just busy bodies. A student, I've nicknamed her 'Banana', said that she forgot it was my Birthday and would bring me a gift tomorrow. I said okay and kept teaching. Literally, like 10 minutes later, the staff from downstairs comes carrying a cake and balloons. Banana's mother is behind the staff in her abaya (so, I'm intimidated). She hugs me and I cry. The kids start singing to me. I'm a mess. Eyeliner is gone at this point. The mother says that she loves me and all this stuff and leaves. I cut the cake for the kids and we eat. As I'm cleaning up, another knock comes at the door and it's the school staff again with a Pointsetta in a purple flower pot. A student and her mother had that delivered. I had never been treated like that on my Birthday! I also got a rose and some candy. That was a great day!

Two weeks later, I took off to Thailand with some girlfriends. We went to Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Koh Samui, Phukhet, and ended our trip in Bali (Ubud and Seminyak). I caught so many flights during this trip alone that I was OVER the airport! I really enjoyed Bangkok. I played with elephants, lemurs, and a sedated tiger. I zipped lined through trees. I ate AMAZING street food that was prepared with no gloves and it was great! I ate the world's share of banana chips and fresh fruit. I visited temples and floating markets. I saw LadyBoys perform (like a drag show). I saw a ping pong show (women put the ping pongs in there ___ and toss them at you)! Bali was beautiful. It was more chill than Thailand. I para sailed, played with monkeys, biked around an active volcano, and saw many rice fields. I was overjoyed to be back in Dubai because 16 days with a group of women is TOO MUCH. NEVER AGAIN. I have learned my limits. I value my sanity. Everything isn't for everyone.

 

I was invited to the Dubai Marina to celebrate New Years. We had dinner and then went to a party a few floors up. It was nice. Some random guy kissed me. This seems to be a pattern in Dubai.

January:
New Year, New Me...Forreal. So basically, I lost 5kg, 10 lbs, since returning from Thailand. I just hopped back on MYFitnessPal and started measuring my caloric intake again. I am in two weight loss challenges (one with my sister, and one with teachers here). I have joined Fitness First, a segregated gym-men to the left and women to the right. Both men and women work the desk so its a contradiction to me. I love the gym! It's like a Gold's for women...I miss working out with men though. The crossfit in Dubai didn't workout, but I like where I am. My membership is for 6 months so I am about to be SNATCHED and back to my weight at arrival (125lbs). I'm claiming it! I will be running my second 10K at the end of the month. Its a ladies glow run! Up next is the Dubai Desert Race in March.

Up Next!
February...Singles Awareness Month is upon us! Valentine's Day is not a big deal here...it's not really celebrated BUT, I'm going to spoil myself like I always do! I LOVE ME SOME ME :). I will actually be saving money for the Spring Break (mid-year break) trip. I'll talk about that destination soon.

Peace and Blessings!

A WORDS!

Hey!

So...according to the scale, I GAINED weight (I was 125lbs when I left America and now I'm 138). I ate oatmeal and other carbs the day before I weighed myself so I'm hoping its bloat since I run everyday and walk everywhere! Inshallah, it's fluctuating or water weight (even though I don't drink nearly enough) because I AM NOT TRYING TO LOOK SLACK. I joined the gym at the Hilton since its gorgeous, COED, and has weights (which helped me to lose weight in the first place). I will probably weigh myself in 1-2 weeks because I don't want to be obsessed with that number (but it MATTERS).

Anyways, I have learned many profound truths since I have been here:
1. I am valued more here as an AMERICAN than I am in American. My passport is apparently some sort of GOLDEN ticket to travel anywhere (I assumed this was the same for everyone...equality? equity?)
2. Most people think I'm from Ghana, I guess due to my brown skin, but when I say America, they get super excited. It's like I'm some type of exotic animal or something. For example, I was speaking with a co-worker that is not Emirati. I asked her where she was from (another country) and then I said, 'Oh, you remind me of my American friends (because of her appearance, dress).' BIG MISTAKE. This young lady started cheesin' so hard. She said 'Really?! Thank you!' as if my assumption was the highest compliment. Western culture is reflected heavily here from the restaurants, to the stores, to the music. My students DAB everyday and they're fourth graders. LOL
3. Taxi drivers don't know locations! A driver had the nerve to ask us if we knew the way! Bruh, no, I don't. Super frustrating!
4. Allergies have followed me from America. My nose runs everyday in this heat! I have finished my prescription from the US, and now I will be on local meds. Pray for me!

**Since the election, all conversations from non-Americans are about the President-elect. They are worried and sad too. Students are worried about their futures because they are well aware of what is going on...sometimes more aware than me.

~Stay in PEACE, not pieces! :)