One month ago....today....

...I woke up in my apartment in my new city and country.  It's hard to believe it's been 4 weeks already.  So much has happened in four weeks - the majority of course - school related.  But today I finally got out - really got out to explore some of the parts of ABD that I really wanted to see.  The souks on Al Meena island were wonderful and there are so many more to explore, which I'll probably do when it's not so blessed hot and humid.  The fish market was insane...so many different types of fish and shark...real, baby shark.  I have to say that's the only one I had a problem with.  It's hard to describe why - but I just didn't like the idea of buying baby shark.  I've had shark fin soup - it's delicious...I just found it hard in my gut to justify.  The rest of the fish?  Amazing.  The parrot fish with it's brightly colored skin - wow!  I want to snorkel or scuba dive to see one in the wild - I bet in the crystal clear water of the gulf they are stunning.  The men at the fish market?  Hilarious.  My friend, B and I, were clearly tourists...cameras out - not buying fish, asking millions of questions.  The fishermen/vendors were generous and kind - playing with the fish and humoring us when we asked them questions.  One gentleman apparently took to B so much that he followed us out of the souk, got in his car and followed us in his car behind our taxi.  With a quick loan of my wedding band for her to flash to him and point at - he got the hint and drove away.  He wasn't scary at all - just apparently very interested in her.  It gave us something to giggle about as we drove to the carpet souk.

After the fish market we drove to the flower market.  Shop after shop of amazing and beautiful flowers and plants, both indoor and outdoor.  I'm already thinking about what I want and where to put them.  I think I'll get an indoor palm...maybe a cactus to remind me of home...maybe an orchid too.  We also saw an elephant - an elephant topiary that is :)  Getting a couple of plants will definitely help make my apartment feel more homey.

After the flower market we headed over to the carpet souk...which was a peddlers nightmare.  I've not seen such aggressive sales techniques since the county fair! ;)  There were some carpet salesmen who wanted to sell us carpets today for sure!  And to be honest - the first place we walked in will be the one we got back to when it's time to buy runs and carpets.  The guy was genuinely kind and willing to haggle on price.  I've already got a couple of rugs picked out!  Now I just need to get paid and go back.  It was very fun and some of the fabrics were amazing.  We went into a couple of shops which had the most amazing fabrics for pillows...but the fabric was from Syria.  ugh.  I just couldn't bring myself to buy it.  But the fabric was gorgeous.  So, if Syria could get their government figured out so I could continue my capitalist ways, that would be great ;)  (I'm kidding - rather I'd like them to quit using chemical weapons on their people - but that's a whole other discussion.)  We also learned how to tell the difference between a hand made rug and a machine made one. :)  The hand made ones are obviously more expensive, but wow!

Our last stop was Saadiyat Public Beach.  Since I've arrived I've wanted to put my feet in the Persian Gulf...not an inlet...but the actual ocean-for-miles gulf.  So today we decided we would do that.  We didn't originally intend on swimming...but once we got there...we couldn't help it and went in fully clothed :)  It was breathtakingly beautiful.  We are already planning our next day at the beach...complete with swim suits, a cooler and food :)

first step in the gulf :)

throwing up the Duck "O" 

post swim

drying off before catching the cab

pre-swim...it's so beautiful

Today I felt like I finally was no longer a slave to school.  I still have schoolwork to do tonight to be prepared for tomorrow, but I finally got out and saw things...explored my new city and it felt so good.  Next weekend it's a birthday weekend in Dubai for a couple of my new friends.  I'm extremely excited for that adventure as well.  One more new adventure in what is turning out to be a crazy, beautiful life here in the UAE.

Life in Abu Dhabi...

Many of you have asked what life in ABD is like...well - it's much like life anywhere else one would live, I suppose.  Yes, it's a foreign country with a different language and law structure, but "life" is generally the same.  I am experiencing what any person who moves to a new city would experience.  I'm learning where to go for shopping and eating and etc.  Today, for example, I tried out a grocery store called Spinney's.  It was wonderful!  (I'm going to make spinach and feta stuff chicken breast for dinner tonight - YUM!)  I'm learning my way around the city - I'm pretty adept at telling the taxi driver where to go now.  I'm learning that near death experiences are common whilst riding in the taxi's here.  I'm learning that I can not seem to find hairspray of any kind that's not in an aerosol can (grrr), which means oh dear husband?? Yes - you - the one who said you'd do anything for me?  lol - You might get a care package ready that includes a couple of bottles of my favorite hairspray.  I'm learning that the environmental, chemical laws here regarding how toxic ones cleaning supplies are - are pretttttty lax.  The local brand bathroom cleaner (similar to scrubbing bubbles in the US) could also double for a pest infestation bomb of some sort.  I mean - seriously....I spray in the bathroom while plugging my nose, with the bathroom fan on, close the door, put a towel down under the door to block any smell leakage and wait 15 minutes...then plug my nose, rush back in and wash it off.  While the local brands are cheaper, I might just spend the extra 15-20 dirhams for brand name Scrubbing Bubbles so I'm not exposing myself to cancer causing chemicals.  ;)

I can find much of the same food as in the US, but again have been told that buying locally is cheaper...and it has been.  I've tried some amazing salads from the deli, some chicken kabobs, local breads, hummus, taboulleh, etc.  I'm looking forward to learning more about the food here and actually taking a cooking class so I can really immerse myself in the culture.  I found a divine spice store in the souk across the street, which I fully intend on exploring more fully once I take a cooking class.  Can you say saffron?  ;)

Also - everything here is essentially in English and Arabic...road signs, business signage, etc.  Additionally, most of the music I've heard thus far has been American music.  Nothing like sitting in a local restaurant only to hear "Spank That" come over the speakers.  ha ha  It's pretty surreal.

I've been fortunate enough to meet and work with some amazing people from other countries.  I'm the only American in my grade level.  I work with two lovely ladies from the UK, one from South Africa, one from Eastern Canada and one from Australia.  I'm sure by the time this year is over, I'll have quite the unique accent :) It's been learning about their cultures and the differences and similarities between our countries.  I"m now a regular tea drinker - English style - steeped with a spot of milk.  I add a little bit of sugar too, shhhh...don't tell my UK friends ;)

I've threatened my girlfriends here with exposing them on my blog...but I won't this time.  We've had several nights of fun and laughter and while they are all housed at the Wafiq tower where I was originally supposed to be, they've been gracious to include me in their crazy going out plans.  :) It's because of this I won't expose them...yet...but suffice to say, "twerk" can dance like a madwoman.  All kidding aside...it helps abate the homesickness to know I'm finding such quality ladies to hang out with here.

I am slowly trying not to work myself to death...and yesterday took a walk with a friend near the Marina Mall.  Here are a couple of pictures from that walk.

I'm off to the post office now for my first PO experience. :)  More to come later.

Abu Dhabi - an amazing experience thus far...

Who would have thought when I posted my last blog post and added the picture that I would actually end up living in an apartment building RIGHT NEXT to the fountains in that picture.  (They are currently under renovation and aren't actually functioning fountains right now, however-  still impressive.)  I was originally not supposed to live downtown, but upon my arrival at the airport here, I was informed I would be living in the Bin Salama Towers in downtown ABD, not out on Al Reem Island.  I was initially disappointed, as I was looking forward to living in brand new accommodations with a pool and workout facility, however after getting to my apartment and finding out I had a 2BR instead of a 1BR, plus I have two extra bathrooms and maids quarters AND I'm right downtown with easy access to everything...I wasn't so disappointed anymore.  Truth be told, I love my "hood".  Location is everything and I love where I live and I love I have a 2BR...which means a spare bedroom for visitors :)  Come on over!!

So - where to start?  For some of you reading this post, you don't have access to Facebook, so I'll start waaaaay back, but will keep it brief.

A couple of years ago I explored the option of teaching overseas.  I have several friends who took the leap after graduation and it had always intrigued me.  When I became faced with taking a pay cut in my school district, I decided to look into it more seriously.  I worked with a recruiting company and when a first grade position in a private school come available, I interviewed via Skype and long story short - here I am.  I work for the Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls, which is a bit confusing as we have boys here in the elementary grades.  It's a lovely school and I feel fortunate to work there.  I've also made some amazing new friends, to which I'll address later on in another blog post.  Suffice to say - I work with a tremendous group of ladies whom I'm enjoying getting to know better.

So - let's back up - here is my facebook post from a couple of weeks ago...then I'll update from the end of that post.  Hopefully, I'll get through the tedium and business of getting the school started and be able to blog more regularly - that's my goal!!

To recap....from 8/29
One week ago today I hopped on a plane bound for a destination 8000 miles (or light years – depending on one’s perspective) away. In that last week I’ve moved and gotten nearly settled into my apartment, started new teacher training/orientation (my professional growth this year ought to be outstanding), overcome 11 hour jet lag, completed government run medical evaluations and documentation (pictures, fingerprints, blood draw, x-ray, etc) for my Emirates ID, learned how to exchange dollars for dirhams, learned how to convert dollars to dirhams (and vice versa), learned a bit of my neighborhood and discovered quaint little places to shop as well as vital places to shop (such as the grocery store and where to refill my phone cards), closed my eyes and prayed I wouldn’t die as mad cap taxi drivers speed through the city, got unpacked and nearly settled, got internet hooked up, eaten some amazing food, figured out how to use my cell phone here, learned the local way of using the restroom (seriously), learned a few short phrases in Arabic and all the while making some new and really fantastic friends from all over the world. I can only imagine what the next days, weeks and months will bring. I think this does definitely qualify as an adventure and I'm loving it so far 

I'll get the whole "restroom" thing out of the way first...every bathroom has a bidet or a modified version of one that has a hose sprayer, similar to one you find in your kitchen.  TP is used after you "wash" off with the sprayer and only used to dry oneself, then thrown in a wastebasket next to the toilet; it's not flushed.  Surprised?  Confused?  Weirded out?  Yea - so was I!  To be honest, it takes some getting used to, but I think one would rather be confused and bit uncomfortable than to have your toilet back up on you!  ugh.  :)  Now THAT would be uncomfortable.

I'll address the immigration situation next and I'm just going to come out and say this...unless you've been an immigrant, you don't really have the information you need to make any sort of judgement call on immigration.  I was blessed, (yes, blessed) to live in Arizona - a hotbed for immigration in the US.  Having grown up in Montana where there was basically no diversity, becoming more aware during my life in the Pac NW and then actually experiencing first hand the tragic loss of life associated with it in Arizona (remember my student who's dad was eaten by coyotes as he tried to cross the border back into the US from Mexico?), I still wasn't prepared for what it feels like to be an immigrant.  Everything you do here is reliant upon your passport and visa.  Lose or misplace these and it's a nightmare.  At the airport I had to have my eyes scanned...yes, I had to look into this machine and they scanned my eyes.  The UAE now has a scan of my eyes...that's a bit intimidating.  Fast forward to medical testing and fingerprinting day.  I am thankful we had a "handler" that walked us through the process.  He took our passports and visas and walked us step-by-step through everything.  Even with his help, it was intimidating and nerve-wracking.  Stand in the line here, wait for your number to be called.  Sit here, stare into the camera (can I smile in this picture?  Oh - it doesn't matter? ok.)  Get up, hand your paperwork to the woman at the next station, get your name called, talk to the doctor.  Oh? No issues?  Ok, take your paperwork to the woman at the next station.  Wait for your number to be called.  Come in, sit down, let me take your blood.  Take your paper to the woman at the next station, wait for your number.  Go into that room, disrobe your top for your chest x-ray (turns out we only needed to take off our bra or anything that had metal in it - I somehow wasn't told that part and followed the directions that were given to me...so yes, I was the ONLY girl in my group to come out of the disrobing room actually disrobed and in the super duper attractive paper wrap shawl thingy - hahaha).  Put your clothes back on, go back to waiting room.  Then off to fingerprinting where they took every conceivable print off my hand that they could.  Oh - and yes, you CAN smile in your Emirates ID picture...but without showing your teeth...which means I look like the cat that ate the canary or a creepy peeping tom.  Ugh...wish I could do THAT picture over again...but no such luck. ;)

Anyway - I have had these moments that sneak up on me...moments where I am suddenly reminded that I am the immigrant, not the other way around.  Like getting in the taxi and not being able to understand what the taxi driver is saying and having that split second thought (you know the one I'm talking about...you've allllllll thought the same thing), "Gosh - why can't they speak English?"  And then realizing, the taxi driver is probably thinking, "WHY CAN'T SHE SPEAK ARABIC??"  Seriously, right?  How many times have YOU (and be honest) complained about people who have come to America as an immigrants or (gasp) "illegal immigrants" and they don't know the language...and then you're frustrated, right?  Thinking, "If they're going to come to this country, the least they could do is learn the language."  Wellllllll, let me tell you - it's not that easy.  I chose to come to the UAE and don't know a lick of Arabic.  Does that make me rude?  I don't think so...it's a hard language to learn...much like English is for those who go to America.  I will say this...I am learning tho...and I'm making it a point to learn.  It's coming slowing, but at least I'm trying.

Back to the moments that sneak up on me...today I had another moment...as I stood with my first graders in our daily assembly...facing the flag and the music starts to play.  My mind was prepared for The Star Spangled Banner, even tho I knew it wasn't going to play - part of me still expected it.  Yet, here I stood with my class (along with the 5 other grade one classes), facing the flag of my adopted country, listening to a song to which I knew none of the words, but standing respectfully with my hands at my sides, wondering, pondering really, how many of my students in Arizona had done the exact.same.thing.  Facing the flag of their new country, listening to a song to which they knew none of the words, yet stood respectfully.  In no small way I felt like I was "cheating" on the US and I struggled with that for a bit, so I can only imagine what my former firsties in AZ felt like.  I have a whole new, deeper appreciation for immigration now, because I'm living it.  And to be honest, I'm living the EASY life of it comparatively.  My school provides a 'handler' to help us through the process.  Those teachers coming here through the public sector have no such 'handler'.  Imagine what they must be going through.  I've had enough anxiety over things, having to sort through immigration without a helping hand would be immensely intimidating and all the more nerve-wracking.

The beauty of it all is that I'm in a new country - experiencing truly astounding opportunities with many more to come.  (I can't wait to start traveling around the UAE and beyond).  The beaches here are gorgeous...the people are friendly and helpful and I'm having a truly wonderful time.  Once school calms down, I'll feel like I have more free time to explore the city and outlying areas.  I wish I would have taken the leap to international education much earlier...I am learning SO much!

In the next few days I'll post about my classroom and add pictures to this blog so you're not bored!  :)

Thanks for reading and sorry for the delay in finally getting something posted!

Abu Dhabi...New Adventures in Teaching...

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, it is located about 90 minutes southwest of the UAE's largest city, Dubai.  With a population of approximately 613,000 it is 2nd in population to Dubai...and come this August, its population will grow to approximately 613,001 as I join the ranks of teachers from all over the world who are moving to the UAE to teach.   Stay tuned for more updates as my time here in the US winds down and my departure to AD gets closer.  I will update this blog frequently with stories from my new class of first graders and with fun (hopefully) adventures of living overseas! 

(photo courtesy of http://eatours.ae/)

Teacher Appreciation Week and Mother's Day Bacon...

Oh how I love my job!  No, seriously...I truly, without a doubt, LOVE.MY.JOB!!!  Where else do you get surrounded by hugs...a plethora of hugs...good morning hugs, "anytime" hugs, I'm scared hugs, I'm happy hugs, all sorts of hugs.  I love it!  My students are particularly wonderful.  They are cuddle bunnies and quite frankly, I adore it.  Every day is started off with a Good Morning hug from "A".  He says, "Ms. Eklund, I have to start my day this way...a hug for my mom at home and a hug for you at school.  I love you both SO much."  Awwwwe....you don't get THAT sitting in a cubicle. ;)

Teacher Appreciation Week was filled with amazing things from our PTO - we were truly spoiled at my site.  Food every day, notes in our mailboxes, notes home reminding our students to love on us too; it was quite something.  I was reminded how very fortunate I am to work at a school with such an amazing parent population.  Additionally - my students were wonderful.  I got roses from a couple of students, a solar powered gerber daisy from another.  I even got flowers from the parents of a former student and just today I received a lollipop wrapped in plain white paper!  Seriously...so darn adorable and I am humbled by their love and appreciation.  In addition to all these wonderful things...I got bacon.  Yes...bacon.  "J" approached me today at the door with a piece of "crunchy bacon" wrapped in a paper towel.  Her eyes wide with excitement as she informed me that she had saved me a piece of bacon from Mother's Day brunch yesterday, because she just "knew" that I LOOOOOOVED bacon.  :)  "Plus, it's extra crunchy, don't you just LOVE extra crunchy bacon?  I know that I do and that you would too.  I asked Mom if I could take a piece and give it to you today so that we could share it at lunch."  How could I possibly say no??  (as a disclaimer, I did NOT eat the bacon at lunch...it is still sitting here in a little baggie on my desk)

This is the time of year, probably more so than any other time, that I am truly humbled by my job.  My kiddos have worked really hard all year long...really hard.  They've learned so much, not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well.  They are so different from when they first walked in the door.  They have grown physically as well...their toothless grins just one representative of those changes.  Their parents and guardians have entrusted me with their development...and I reflect each year on how well I did as their teacher.  Did I do enough?  Did I teach them everything I could, regardless of state or national standard?  Did I do everything I could to give them every available learning opportunity?  Are they leaving my classroom better "people" than when they entered?  My goal each year is to answer "yes" to all of those questions; to ensure that I went above and beyond as much as I could to guarantee they received the best education possible.  Oh how I deeply love my job and my firsties...I am going to miss their little faces next year.

I guess what I'm feeling can be summed up by what "J" said to me this morning, "Ms. Eklund, I know you're not a mommy, but you are kind of our mommy, right?  You love us just like our mommies do."

Yep, honey - you're right. :)  You are all my little wee ones and I certainly do love you...more than you know.

BEST.JOB.EVER!!

Hecticity....

I know it's not a real word, but I think it should be one.  I think it pretty accurately reflects my life right now.  When you start teaching, no one really tells you what all the teaching profession entails.  You think, naively, that you will get your degree, interview for a job, get the job and then one day get your first classroom.  You will stand in front of that class and teach from these amazingly interactive and fun lesson plans you've prepared.  Your students will hopefully "get" it...they will learn and grow and you will send them on their merry way to the next grade level.  What no one tells you, is that along with teaching you will develop a desire to ensure that each student has the most amazing school experience they can have...which means you will spend long hours organizing family movie nights, creating the yearbook, being a Bingo caller, organizing the talent show and so much more.  All of this to ensure your school and these students you love and care for are given the best possible school experience.  What no one ever tells you, is that for the last few weeks of 4th quarter you will be so busy during the school week that you can't even see straight!  So - hecticity is my new word and it means, "the state, quality or an instance of being hectic."


It also means I have been too busy to keep up on this blog...so expect postings to increase as I get you caught up on the first grade follies of the past couple of months.  From my daily morning hugs and I love you's from one particular student, to the deep seated anger of another.  It has been a busy couple of months in my classroom both academically and emotionally.  The tender hearts of my firsties have been in full view.  

Firefighters and chickens....from the week of March 2nd

Today was, in a word, HILARIOUS!  First off, let me say that I love Read Across America Week - it's done in conjunction with Dr. Seuss' birthday and it is truly one of my favorite times of the year as a teacher.  Students love to read and they get absolutely immersed in reading.  As a first grade teacher, I get to watch their love of reading blossom and grow as by this time every year, first graders are beginning to read more fluently and voraciously.  Picking up a Dr. Seuss book is pure heaven to them, due to his wildly vivid imagination and use of rhyming techniques.  Anyway - each year we end up having the firefighters from the local station, Fire Engine 12, come to be "celebrity" readers.  It's always so much fun and this year was no different.  Today Captain Phillips came - imagine a 5'9-10", stocky, muscle-bound, slightly grey-haired man walking through the door.  The kids turn around and see him in his uniform, carrying his radio and they're thrilled.  Let the squealing begin!


I introduce him and he begins to talk about what he does for a living - that firefighters do more than just put out fires, they are paramedics (big first grade word there - had to describe that one) too and etc.  He ended up reading a book he admitted he'd never read before, Dr. Seuss' "And to Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street".  The kids were transfixed and although Captain Phillips didn't realize he was doing it, he was using his "tracking finger" to keep track of his place in the book as he read.  If you're a primary grade teacher - you know exactly what I'm talking about...using your index finger to follow along under the words as you read them.  Anyway - he read the book - did a fabulous job - and did his obligatory "stay in school, work hard, learn to read, listen to your teacher and your parents" talk and then the "fun" happened.  The students started to ask him about his job.  One of the first questions was, "Sir, do you have any emergencies to solve??"  His response?  A quizzical look to me and a quick, "Police solve crimes, we help people get out of their houses when it's on fire, or when someone needs medical help."  Then he asked students about their plan to escape their house in the event of a fire, one girl replies, "Yea - GET OUT!!"  To which my student teacher and I looked quickly away from each other so we wouldn't burst into fits of laughter.  Each comment was perfectly timed and the adult reaction to their sweet, innocent comments was priceless.  It was truly a wonderful, wonderful day in first grade.  


After the firefighter's visit...we went to take a look at their fire truck.  It was a true treat when they opened up the doors and let us peer into their equipment and ask more and more questions.  Another huge hit?  When they got out the heat seeking scope and let my students look through it at each other.  "Ms. Eklund - you're GLOWING!"  It was awesome and my firsties were truly captivated.  I knew I had a class of budding firefighters after this visit.  A huge thanks to Fire Engine 12 for coming and thrilling my students.


Now - you're probably wondering about the "chickens"...and if you're a friend of mine on Facebook, then you'll have already read this story...but let me tell you...it's a gem.  


From March 1st...Keep in mind while reading this the idea is not to totally traumatize the kidod as he makes the connection about where our food comes from. ;)  


The school served baked chicken today for lunch which spurred the following conversation. "So, Ms. Eklund...you mean that chickens come from, well...chickens?? Like real chickens?" (Yes, "A", chickens come from real chickens.) "No, I mean really - Ms. Eklund, they come from actual live chickens?" (Yes, honey, actual live chickens.) "They kill them first, right?" (Yes, they kill them first.) "How do they kill them? (Honey, it depends.) "Does it hurt them?" (No, I don't think so, but maybe.) "Do they step on their necks? Is that what they do?" [he makes a squishing sound as he grinds his foot into the ground] " Oh yea - they wouldn't step on their necks - that would get the chickens all dirty." lol You HAVE to love my firsties!!  The thought process that went into this line of questioning was amazing.  I don't think he'll be eating chicken any time soon.