Its strange the things you miss when you’ve left your home, no matter how temporary that home was.
The first thing I missed about the U.A.E was the call to prayer. This might sound like an odd thing for a
white anglo-saxton not very protestant girl from North Carolina to miss about the Middle East. After
living there, the daily call began to sound less foreign. For me it became a solemn reminder that I should
to take a moment and think about where I was and what was important. Be it sunrise, midday, or
sunset, when I heard the call the world seemed to get quiet and I would feel calm and aware.
Not to get too “Eat, Pray, Love” with my audience, but finding a little balance in a hectic life can difficult.
The older I get I find I’m looking for more moments with balance and less moment fueled by adrenaline
and questionable decision making. Speaking of questionable decision making… Where to next?
I’ve been waiting ever so patiently for my job situation to pan out before I starting gabbing about my life
on the internet. One thing everyone should know before taking on any kind of temporary assignment
is that no one should assume transitioning of the project will go smooth. Since leaving the U.A.E. I
still have not received my shipment. (I hope the Emirati customs officials are enjoying my How I Met
Your Mother DVD collection.) Process time for interviewing and receiving an offer for a new position
hasn’t been ideal. I’ve been in a bit of a limbo state. I’ve interviewed for four positions, including an
interview in another state, and received 3 verbal offers for employment and only one in paper form. I
was told at one point I would have to take the only one I have documented, then told I would be able to
take the interview in another state, then told something else. My recommendation is that anyone in a
similar position to finalize you next project at least 2 month in advance and make sure your company is
required to keep you on salary until the next assignment is finalized. While I am confident that everyone
in my HR department is trying their best and that in the end all things will work themselves out, I’m
ready to get out of job purgatory. A little incent and a call to prayer would be helpful I think.
I’ve narrowed it down to 2 different job I have sincere interest in. All of the jobs are great opportunities
in their own right and all could not be more different in scope. I should note that I am extremely lucky
that several people are interested in paying my salary. I know a few people coming off assignment
who can’t find one option nevertheless four. I had to work my network pretty hard to find these
opportunities and had to put up a well documented fight that I was doing the work to find a job I was
interested in. Very ready for everything to be over with.
I was asked by one of my loyal fans ( i.e. a close relative) what I would write about after I get off this
assignment. This thought has been a bit a conundrum for me. Below is what I could come up with so
far…
1. Regular Blog of the day and life of a young woman early in their career. ( Zzzzz. I was bored in
the middle of the fragment sentence. I barely care about writing about the mundane details of
my day. Not quite sure why anyone would find that interesting. Pass.)
2. The trails and tribulations of the single life as I take a swing at dating (again) in Connecticut.
(Cliché. Overdone. And while I’m sure many of you would find this extremely humorous, there
ain’t no way on God’s green earth I’m sharing those details. Pass.)
3. A Food blog. (Really how many articles do you want to read about Pizza in New Haven. I’ll leave
it to the Food network. Pass.)
4. Video blog of my attempt of breaking into the Performance Art industry( Ok. Now I’m just being
silly.)
5. A compilation of Satirical Fictional Short Stories of Office Life, Adjusting to the real world, and
Escape travel. (Eh. Maybe.)
6. Suggestions? Please?
I guess you all are going to have to stay tuned if you want to find out where I’ll end up!
Up next: New Job (I hope) Christmas vacation. New Year’s Tradition - South Africa 2010. And
WorkTravelAdapt is getting a makeover.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Getting in the Routine and Homecoming
AbuDhabi Playlist: Cielo E Terra – Nek, One More Day – Derek James, Carolina – Seu Jorge, Come on Eileen – Kevin Rowland, Cry Love – John Hiatt, Make You Crazy - Brett Dennen, (Play “Make you feel my love” by Adele If you’re feeling sappy)
I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to wrap up this little trip and have it mean something. One Singular phrase, learned lesson that encompasses everything I’ve experienced being here. To get to that point, I’ll need to start from where I’ve left off.
Homecoming and High school Reunion
For me, my hometown is never very far away from my thoughts. I think my hometown will always be a place where things make the most sense and always contain the largest amount of people I love the most. However, no matter where you’ve been, if you’ve been away from home for an extended period of time returning back to where you grew up can be a bit of a surreal experience. You’ve missed big events in people’s lives. Some people
move away. Others make life changing choices. The roads are different. Your favorite places go out of business. You’re friends get married, have babies, get divorced. And you’ve missed it.
There are a lot of conversation that go like “Oh yeah I’ve been with (insert name of company/ boyfriend/ girlfriend here) for 2 years. You didn’t hear that? “I don’t know why the brain makes the assumption that the world stays as you left it. I will have to say one to the top surreal of all surreal experiences to have attending your 10 year high school reunion. My home leave happened to fall during the period of my reunion so I decided fairly last minute to go.
Minus a few awkward periods when I didn’t understand why drama geek with a lack of fashion awareness wasn’t getting asked out much, high school was a good experience. A lot of people stood out in my memory as being funny, smart, and good hearted. And although everything is now on Face book, I really wanted to see for myself.
Now I need to make a small confession. The thought did cross my mind on how I favored over the last decade in comparison to my class mates. I know… shallow. But let’s be honest, we all wonder and all secretly hope we exceeded expectations. The first few questions with everything are very standardized. Everyone wants to know you stats. By the end of the evening you get very efficient spurting them out.
“Last 3 year I’ve been playing in Raleigh Florida
Like a cricket player at a baseball game, my stats required a little more clarification. “Abu wha? You’re where doing what exactly?” The Garfield Garfield Abu Dhabi
Class of 2000 seemed to do well for itself. The best part was seeing those people who were still as great as they were back in high school. Those people plus copious amount of beer and wine made for an entertaining evening. I won’t reveal any gritty details. There were some bad decisions made by a few folks, some secrets revealed. “Are you in love with my husband?!” But all in good fun. To be honest I wish I had kept up with more people. The night ended with group deciding to head down the street to another dive and keep the party going.
The Confession
I have picked up a rather disgusting habit, monetarily speaking. Abu Dhabi and Dubai Rome
I have scavenged the outlets and strip mall on the outskirt of Dubai
Spinning, Hashing, and Weekends in Dubai
The last two months were the best bar none. I had made friends outside of work and my week was packed with activities to maintain my sanity with the hectic work schedule. I was starting to bump into people around town and not be complete dependent on my GPS. The weeks were pretty standardized by October.
Sunday – Work till 7pm, catch the Spinning Class at the Shangri-la next door. Catch-up on Emails and a little work.
Mondays – Work till 6pm. Attend the Hash House Harrier event somewhere in the city. Run. Eat. Drink a little beer. Crack some jokes with the Hashers. Pray I don’t get named by the Hasers that week.
Tuesday – Repeat Sunday’s Schedule. Home cooked dinner with collegues after the gym
Wednesday – Work till 6pm followed by Arabic classes. Working Woman Wednesdays Happy Hour with the girls from Hash.
Thursday – Work much later than planned…then see where the evening takes us. Maybe to the American embassy for a party, or pack everything in a rush and head to Dubai
Weekends are spent catch-up on work and spending as much time as humanly possible outside. They end far to quickly and its back on the schedule.
So many elements don’t feel real or connected to reality. You’re not really required to park your car, clean your house, or pay for drinks (if you’re a girl). What you trade in is that connection and feeling that you are home. Of the expats I’ve met here, no one considers Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi
Smoking Sheesha
On the second to last night prior to my departure from the U.A.E, an Emirati colleague asked if I would like to join him for sheesha. (Just as a point of reference, sheesha is a mild tobacco traditionally smoked through a pipe. It’s a common place social activity all over the Middle East .) This was the first time I’d been invited out by a local so I thought it was important that I go, even if I was a little trepidatious about it. As an expat woman you hear many stories of ladies being too trusting of locals they meet and end up in precarious situations. These stories, compounded by the vast cultural differences can make it difficult to build relationships with locals.
Thinking it through, I had worked with him the past 6 months, he had been out on social outings with other colleagues, although they were men. But I rationalized meeting in a public place wouldn’t be unreasonable and I always had the option to leave. In addition, I also wanted to get to know this person better. In the States, I probably would not think as much about going out socially with someone I work with. Even after six months, I still have a habit of being more cautious.
There were a few topics I broached that I had to quickly retreat from and change the subject. I asked if he had ever been out socially with any local women in the office. ( I knew the answer but was wondering why.) I asked about his family. When I received a vague answer on these topics I backed off in respect.
All in all it went as expected. My colleague was polite and complementary; we talked about work and the dynamics between the Emiratis and the Westerns Expats. We discussed the area in our work life that needed improvement. We talked about traveling. He had studied in the United States and had traveled more in the U.S.
Next Up: Returning home… New Job? New Home? We will see..
For Ashley: Camels in Drag...
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Eid Mubarak... Returning to the Insanity
Abu Dhabi playlist: Passout - Tinie Tempah, 1/2 of a Justin Beaver song before I can switch the Radio station.
It started two days before the end of Ramadan. On Monday the office ws buzzing with the rumor we may be getting several additional days of due to the moon siting. What I learned is that Muslim holidays were dicated by the moon, the "cresent commitee" make the call as to when the holiday will occur.
What this meant for us is Tuesday morning we found out that the we would have Wednesday, Thursday, and possibly Sunday off from work, depending the moon of coure. this surprise vacation wasn't an easy concept for the westerners in the office to grasp. I joined in the freezy and spent my lunch hour dreaming about running off for the weekend exotic. But I didn't think anything realistically would occur. First last minute flight are too expensive. Hotel are as well. And the idea of traveling by myself didn't appeal too much. But, as i do from time to time, I paroused the flight from abu dhabi and dubai to see if they happened to be giving any trips to thailand away. This all happend around 12:30pm.
" You won't do it." my precoius sales collegue said. " You aren't going anywhere."
I stared a bit harder at the Expedia screen. Europe was only about 5 hours away.
" You obviously don't know me that well. I would do it." I retorted. A good deal on to ticket to Rome appeared .
" Come on. You're going to be sittin at the hotel watching reruns of turkish soap operas like the rest of us."
"Look I would go, but its not worth it to go by myself."
"Thats a good price on a ticket to Rome. We should tell Jules about it."
Twenty minutes later 2 electronic tickets were in my inbox and 10 hours later I was sipping my complimentary diet coke on a flight to Rome with my new friend Jules. I can't say I was firmly adhered to my own rules during Ramadan. Even for me, last minute trips to Italy seems like a bit of a strech, but there is something about the end of Ramadan.
Italy was amazing and hit the spot like hot chocolate on a snowy day. The four days were a maze of piazzas, luxury shops, and gorging on wine and some of the best Italian food I've ever had. It was a great break. Everytime Jules an I started to get depressed about leaving our beloved Italy we reminded ourselves how lucky we were and that this was why we trapped ourselves in the Middle east fish bowl.
On the return week in Abu Dhabi, things were a hectic as ever. All the executive had returned from their holidays. Meeting and updates took place and re-organizations were annouced. There was even an employee who left the company unexpectedly. To be fair, time after a break can be tense time at any company, especially if it is near the end of the fiscal year.
So of course the follwoing weekend seemed like the perfect for another escape! Dubai weekend hurray!
In summary of Eid: Runaway to Rome, pasta that would make you cry, more designer shops than I can count, aquire an obsession with Louis Vuitton bags, return to work, thick skin still in tacted, runaway to Dubai, dinner with the united nations of new friends, underdressed at the new Aramani club, trade in free drinks and 187m2 LED screen for Atlantis club, return home to the hotel, hit accept on on the invitation to my 10 year high school reunion (Gasp!), three friend annouce their engagements, book my flights back to the States.
Just another week in dreamland.
Next up: Returning home and setting up to move back to CT. The ride is almost over.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Acedote of the Month: I had a big presentation last in from of the senior management team and a Project I had been working on. This would be the first time I would be meeting our CEO, a local emirati who is highly connected. While I was a little neverous, I was extremely confident about my project so I believed it would go well. And it did, minus one detail. During the presentation I was reviewing the process and the CEO asked why we choose the process to improve. I said that this process was what the team considered " low hanging fruit" and and would have a high impact on future turnaround time for the company. At the end of my presentation the CEO said.
"Good job. Very good presentation. But next time don't say "hanging fruit". It has different meaning here."
I later learned hanging fruit is term for a male body part in the UAE.
Lesson learned: Be wary of using business jargon internationally.
It started two days before the end of Ramadan. On Monday the office ws buzzing with the rumor we may be getting several additional days of due to the moon siting. What I learned is that Muslim holidays were dicated by the moon, the "cresent commitee" make the call as to when the holiday will occur.
What this meant for us is Tuesday morning we found out that the we would have Wednesday, Thursday, and possibly Sunday off from work, depending the moon of coure. this surprise vacation wasn't an easy concept for the westerners in the office to grasp. I joined in the freezy and spent my lunch hour dreaming about running off for the weekend exotic. But I didn't think anything realistically would occur. First last minute flight are too expensive. Hotel are as well. And the idea of traveling by myself didn't appeal too much. But, as i do from time to time, I paroused the flight from abu dhabi and dubai to see if they happened to be giving any trips to thailand away. This all happend around 12:30pm.
" You won't do it." my precoius sales collegue said. " You aren't going anywhere."
I stared a bit harder at the Expedia screen. Europe was only about 5 hours away.
" You obviously don't know me that well. I would do it." I retorted. A good deal on to ticket to Rome appeared .
" Come on. You're going to be sittin at the hotel watching reruns of turkish soap operas like the rest of us."
"Look I would go, but its not worth it to go by myself."
"Thats a good price on a ticket to Rome. We should tell Jules about it."
Twenty minutes later 2 electronic tickets were in my inbox and 10 hours later I was sipping my complimentary diet coke on a flight to Rome with my new friend Jules. I can't say I was firmly adhered to my own rules during Ramadan. Even for me, last minute trips to Italy seems like a bit of a strech, but there is something about the end of Ramadan.
Italy was amazing and hit the spot like hot chocolate on a snowy day. The four days were a maze of piazzas, luxury shops, and gorging on wine and some of the best Italian food I've ever had. It was a great break. Everytime Jules an I started to get depressed about leaving our beloved Italy we reminded ourselves how lucky we were and that this was why we trapped ourselves in the Middle east fish bowl.
On the return week in Abu Dhabi, things were a hectic as ever. All the executive had returned from their holidays. Meeting and updates took place and re-organizations were annouced. There was even an employee who left the company unexpectedly. To be fair, time after a break can be tense time at any company, especially if it is near the end of the fiscal year.
So of course the follwoing weekend seemed like the perfect for another escape! Dubai weekend hurray!
In summary of Eid: Runaway to Rome, pasta that would make you cry, more designer shops than I can count, aquire an obsession with Louis Vuitton bags, return to work, thick skin still in tacted, runaway to Dubai, dinner with the united nations of new friends, underdressed at the new Aramani club, trade in free drinks and 187m2 LED screen for Atlantis club, return home to the hotel, hit accept on on the invitation to my 10 year high school reunion (Gasp!), three friend annouce their engagements, book my flights back to the States.
Just another week in dreamland.
Next up: Returning home and setting up to move back to CT. The ride is almost over.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Acedote of the Month: I had a big presentation last in from of the senior management team and a Project I had been working on. This would be the first time I would be meeting our CEO, a local emirati who is highly connected. While I was a little neverous, I was extremely confident about my project so I believed it would go well. And it did, minus one detail. During the presentation I was reviewing the process and the CEO asked why we choose the process to improve. I said that this process was what the team considered " low hanging fruit" and and would have a high impact on future turnaround time for the company. At the end of my presentation the CEO said.
"Good job. Very good presentation. But next time don't say "hanging fruit". It has different meaning here."
I later learned hanging fruit is term for a male body part in the UAE.
Lesson learned: Be wary of using business jargon internationally.
Spainish Steps in Rome
Glorious Italian food...
I find this funny a sign is needed.
The LED screen at Prive the Aramani Club.
Only in Dubai...
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Entering Stage 2
Abu Dhabi Playlist: Do you realize? - The Flaming Lips, Nothin' on you -B.O.B., You and Me - The Wannadies
Today marks the 73rd day I've been on assignment in the Middle East. My assignment is currently for 6 months with the potential to extend an additional 6 months. Time is definitely flying by.
The routine has definitely set in. Get woken up by room service. Head to work in my little cherry red A4 around 7:00am. Chug away on the computer at my desk. Plug in the IPod to tune out the office noise. Wrap myself in a shawl or sports jacket around Noon when the air conditioning really kicks in. Crack jokes with Jose the coffee assistant. Meetings and teleconferences in the afternoon. Secretly hope no one needs a ride back to the hotel. Blast the A/C and Radio 1. Run an errand or two if the mood strikes me. Head to the hotel lounge around 7pm for "evening presentation" of appetizers which I now call my dinner or hitting up one of my favorite restaurants. Shoot the breeze with colleague over a glass of house Shiraz. Watch whatever show I can find not dubbed in Arabic. Go to sleep, wake up and do it again.
Ramadan has coincided with a period of what I would consider heightened frustration for me. This is commonly called Stage 2 of Culture Shock. I am very familiar with this stage. It happened when I was in France. It happened in Brazil. Heck it even happened when I moved to Connecticut. According to the all knowing internet, I should be doing the following:
. Find the behavior of the people unusual and unpredictable
. Begin to dislike the culture and react negatively to the behavior
. Feel anxious
. Start to withdraw
. Begin to criticize, mock or show animosity to the people
For me, this has translated into an increase of frustration with colleagues management’s styles, strong desire to meet people outside of work, increased distrust in others, more activities on my own, and an increase in planning vacations far far away from Abu Dhabi. What Ramadan has given me is a tool to manage this period that doesn't involve a number of enjoyable sins. (Wine and cocktails, going out on the town, fancy dinners, shopping for more shoes stuff I don't need, fabulous vacations, you name it.)
Some this stage is rooted in not feeling you are in a place you can be yourself. Without having a network of people you can trust and be yourself, it can be somewhat of lonely experience. I find I get angry much more quickly with people I normally would not. My faith that I would form close bonds with people here has diminished. I am using Ramadan as a reason to accept people as they are a little more graciously and not be as concerned with my own desires.
One of the benefits of Ramadan is the break in routine. On day 6 of sticking to it as purely as I can, I've decided to adjust the rules of the fast for myself. The goals are still the same. Practice disipline. Get rid of negative thoughts. Recognize my weakness and try to be better person.
My new Ramadan Rules:
1. Liquid fasting through the day (Including water and Juice.) This is so I can start working out without fear of falling on the treadmill.
2. Modest dinner in the evening
3. No unnecessary shopping(including vacations and shoes)
4. Minimal Alchool. Only consume twice a week max.
5. Only 2 coffees a day
6. Maintain morning schedule (5am Gasp!)
I've noticed people who are introverts typically don't have as much trouble with these restrictions. They are happy to have an excuse to shut down for a month say no to dinner and I night out. I, however, crave social interaction and usually say yes to any gathering. In addition because I haven't particpated in office politics, I hang out with sereval groups of at different times.
My challenge for the rest of Ramadan is to continue to live a more conservative lifestyle, focus on doing the little things that are good for me, my family, and everyone else, and not let the micromanagement and personality conflicts get to me. Ramadan ends on September 12th. (24 days to go).
Anyone want to try it with me? .....Anyone? ..... Bueller?
Inspiring Story of the day: During my Arabic class this week, my instructor was giving me an explaination of what she believed Ramadan to be. She explained many people took the holiday out of context, taking advantage of the Iftar (breaking of the fast) parties and smoking shisha all night. This is what she told me.
"Ramadan is a time for modesty. You should feel what it like to be poor. Many people forget that. Everyday during Ramadan, my mother spends most of the day cooking a huge meal. She then gives the meal to the poor and our family eats a small meal of sandwhichs or soup. I keep begging her to stop now because she is older but she won't."
Coolest picture of the week:
UAE is making huge strides in the Aerospace industry.
http://www.uaeinteract.com/docs/UAE_plans_to_become_aerospace_industry_hub_in_two_years/38502.htm
Today marks the 73rd day I've been on assignment in the Middle East. My assignment is currently for 6 months with the potential to extend an additional 6 months. Time is definitely flying by.
The routine has definitely set in. Get woken up by room service. Head to work in my little cherry red A4 around 7:00am. Chug away on the computer at my desk. Plug in the IPod to tune out the office noise. Wrap myself in a shawl or sports jacket around Noon when the air conditioning really kicks in. Crack jokes with Jose the coffee assistant. Meetings and teleconferences in the afternoon. Secretly hope no one needs a ride back to the hotel. Blast the A/C and Radio 1. Run an errand or two if the mood strikes me. Head to the hotel lounge around 7pm for "evening presentation" of appetizers which I now call my dinner or hitting up one of my favorite restaurants. Shoot the breeze with colleague over a glass of house Shiraz. Watch whatever show I can find not dubbed in Arabic. Go to sleep, wake up and do it again.
Ramadan has coincided with a period of what I would consider heightened frustration for me. This is commonly called Stage 2 of Culture Shock. I am very familiar with this stage. It happened when I was in France. It happened in Brazil. Heck it even happened when I moved to Connecticut. According to the all knowing internet, I should be doing the following:
. Find the behavior of the people unusual and unpredictable
. Begin to dislike the culture and react negatively to the behavior
. Feel anxious
. Start to withdraw
. Begin to criticize, mock or show animosity to the people
For me, this has translated into an increase of frustration with colleagues management’s styles, strong desire to meet people outside of work, increased distrust in others, more activities on my own, and an increase in planning vacations far far away from Abu Dhabi. What Ramadan has given me is a tool to manage this period that doesn't involve a number of enjoyable sins. (Wine and cocktails, going out on the town, fancy dinners, shopping for more shoes stuff I don't need, fabulous vacations, you name it.)
Some this stage is rooted in not feeling you are in a place you can be yourself. Without having a network of people you can trust and be yourself, it can be somewhat of lonely experience. I find I get angry much more quickly with people I normally would not. My faith that I would form close bonds with people here has diminished. I am using Ramadan as a reason to accept people as they are a little more graciously and not be as concerned with my own desires.
One of the benefits of Ramadan is the break in routine. On day 6 of sticking to it as purely as I can, I've decided to adjust the rules of the fast for myself. The goals are still the same. Practice disipline. Get rid of negative thoughts. Recognize my weakness and try to be better person.
My new Ramadan Rules:
1. Liquid fasting through the day (Including water and Juice.) This is so I can start working out without fear of falling on the treadmill.
2. Modest dinner in the evening
3. No unnecessary shopping(including vacations and shoes)
4. Minimal Alchool. Only consume twice a week max.
5. Only 2 coffees a day
6. Maintain morning schedule (5am Gasp!)
I've noticed people who are introverts typically don't have as much trouble with these restrictions. They are happy to have an excuse to shut down for a month say no to dinner and I night out. I, however, crave social interaction and usually say yes to any gathering. In addition because I haven't particpated in office politics, I hang out with sereval groups of at different times.
My challenge for the rest of Ramadan is to continue to live a more conservative lifestyle, focus on doing the little things that are good for me, my family, and everyone else, and not let the micromanagement and personality conflicts get to me. Ramadan ends on September 12th. (24 days to go).
Anyone want to try it with me? .....Anyone? ..... Bueller?
Inspiring Story of the day: During my Arabic class this week, my instructor was giving me an explaination of what she believed Ramadan to be. She explained many people took the holiday out of context, taking advantage of the Iftar (breaking of the fast) parties and smoking shisha all night. This is what she told me.
"Ramadan is a time for modesty. You should feel what it like to be poor. Many people forget that. Everyday during Ramadan, my mother spends most of the day cooking a huge meal. She then gives the meal to the poor and our family eats a small meal of sandwhichs or soup. I keep begging her to stop now because she is older but she won't."
Coolest picture of the week:
UAE is making huge strides in the Aerospace industry.
http://www.uaeinteract.com/docs/UAE_plans_to_become_aerospace_industry_hub_in_two_years/38502.htm
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Fasting and the Furious... Ramadan Kareem
Abu Dhabi Playlist: I Wonder - Kanye West
Started Posted at 5am...
August 11th marked the start of Ramadan in the UAE and around the world. There has been a lot of build up to this event, especially between those of us who have never experienced Ramadan in Muslim country. We've continued to discuss what it will be at the office and around us. Their has been an atmosphere of fear, curiosity, and uncertainty. What will it be like? How will the locals react? What is allowed and not allowed? What can be considered offensive?
For those who are not familar with Ramadan, let me provide a brief explaination of my take on Muslims' Holiest month...
Everyday we fit in many roles, employee, parent, child, student. Most days it is easy to get wrapped up with the day to day activities and forget what is truly important. Ramadan is a time to focus on being a better person, being with family, and above all, re-connecting with God (Allah). The idea is to remove the distractions from the day in order to focus. It is 30 day's of the year where you're priorities should switch. Its not all about what you want but what is important.
Rules of Ramadan: (From Sunrise to Sundown)
1. No Food
2. No Drink (Including water)
3. No Smoking
4. No Swearing
5. No Live Music or dancing
6. No Physically pleasure (Kissing, touching, etc.)
7. Everyone shoule dress conservatively (For women no bare arms or legs, For men, no shorts.)
8. Prayer 5 times a day.
Post continued 6:27pm
Until sundown these rules apply across the country. Work hours are shortened. At my company, the work hours are now 8am to 2pm for fasters, and 8am-3pm for non fasters. At the sundown the party begins.
Iftar is the breaking of the fast. Family gather and feast into the night. Its like a combination of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and lent. Most of the hotels put up tent where you can celebrate Iftar. Malls and markets are opened until 3am.
In a show of respect and pure curiousity I've decided to participate in Ramdan. This is my second day and as you can tell by my time posts, already a long day. I just ordered food to my room and I'm dreaming about water and salad.
I wouldn't consider myself a religous person. But the idea of trying to be a better person and praticing self control.
And with that it has begun. I hope you all can understand my typing right before I break my fast.
Ramadan Kareem Everyone.
Started Posted at 5am...
August 11th marked the start of Ramadan in the UAE and around the world. There has been a lot of build up to this event, especially between those of us who have never experienced Ramadan in Muslim country. We've continued to discuss what it will be at the office and around us. Their has been an atmosphere of fear, curiosity, and uncertainty. What will it be like? How will the locals react? What is allowed and not allowed? What can be considered offensive?
For those who are not familar with Ramadan, let me provide a brief explaination of my take on Muslims' Holiest month...
Everyday we fit in many roles, employee, parent, child, student. Most days it is easy to get wrapped up with the day to day activities and forget what is truly important. Ramadan is a time to focus on being a better person, being with family, and above all, re-connecting with God (Allah). The idea is to remove the distractions from the day in order to focus. It is 30 day's of the year where you're priorities should switch. Its not all about what you want but what is important.
Rules of Ramadan: (From Sunrise to Sundown)
1. No Food
2. No Drink (Including water)
3. No Smoking
4. No Swearing
5. No Live Music or dancing
6. No Physically pleasure (Kissing, touching, etc.)
7. Everyone shoule dress conservatively (For women no bare arms or legs, For men, no shorts.)
8. Prayer 5 times a day.
Post continued 6:27pm
Until sundown these rules apply across the country. Work hours are shortened. At my company, the work hours are now 8am to 2pm for fasters, and 8am-3pm for non fasters. At the sundown the party begins.
Iftar is the breaking of the fast. Family gather and feast into the night. Its like a combination of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and lent. Most of the hotels put up tent where you can celebrate Iftar. Malls and markets are opened until 3am.
In a show of respect and pure curiousity I've decided to participate in Ramdan. This is my second day and as you can tell by my time posts, already a long day. I just ordered food to my room and I'm dreaming about water and salad.
I wouldn't consider myself a religous person. But the idea of trying to be a better person and praticing self control.
And with that it has begun. I hope you all can understand my typing right before I break my fast.
Ramadan Kareem Everyone.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Pictures from Dubai
Here some pictures from my last trip to Dubai. Enjoy...
Burj Khalifa - The tallest building in the world since 2010. This picture was taken outside the restaurant of the Armani hotel located in the building. You couldn't see the top of the bulding when you looked stratight up.
Posing in the Armani Hotel bathroom. This place was decked out from top to bottom. Yes, I feel that cool.
Amal is the Indian restaurant we went to the hotel. When you enter the room is monocromic and slightly intimating. These to muscians greeted us at the door. Don't they look thrilled.
The glamorous seven star Burj Al Arab hotel. the hotel is considered the tallest and most luxurious hotel in the world. The Island was built specifically for the hotel. This picture was taken on the bus tour through the city. Needest to say, this was as close as I got to the place.
Here are some pictures from my hotel I stayed at....
sunset on the porch... Not a bad way to end....
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The secret lives of camels... The "boondoogle"
Abu Dhabi Playlist: Winding Road – Bonnie Somerville, Waka Waka – Shakira, I Will Follow You Into the Dark – Death Cab for Cutie, Gettin Over You - David Guetta Feat Chris Willis and Fergie, Still - Matt Nathanson, Honk Tonk Woman - Rolling Stones.
Press release was issued and now the world knows our company exists. I was reminded yesterday by my boss George this is the first time in history any company has attempted what we are attempting to do. Yes, there are new ventures starting all over the world everyday. But this would be the first time two companies join together, one from the U.S. and the other from the Gulf, to provide the service we intend to provide in the Gulf region. Our task is to take the skills and competencies we have and apply them to this new challenge. For me, this speech was empowering. Its not very often you get to be a part of something new.
I have been learning about the role that perception plays in the function of the company. Any one who has worked for a large multinational company has gone through their fair share of CEO fire drills. Without having all the information in hand, one executive causally mentions to another their perception of a certain topic or department, then all hell breaks loose. People scramble to show the work they've been doing. Sometimes the perception is correct and changes need to made. Other times they are not. What I have learned perception and expectations have to be managed through steady communication at all levels of the organization. This may be as simple as submitting a weekly report( which I hate) to you management regularly to having a powerpoint presentation stashed in a drawer just in case. The catch 22 is that those who are in the upper ranks of management tend to not want to be involved in the details and sometimes base their perception, not on data, but how they feel. Who knew that emotions had so much to do with business? If the decision makers don't "feel" good about the business, perception will be skewed. Our job is to educate them with just enough information so they understand things are being taken care of. Everyone has their own way of managing perception. Some take what I like to call the "Inshallah" approach. Their feeling is that they are doing what they can in their job and how they are perceived is out of their control. Others lean toward micromanagement and try to control as many details as they can in hopes their work will be perceived as exceptional. From my point of view, there needs to be a healthy balance between the two.
Back at headquarters in the States, rumors have been spreading that we have been spending company funds and that individuals on this project are basically on a boondoogle. I'm sure the story goes that most of our meeting are held pool side sipping pina coladas contemplating how we waste away more of the companies money while the real work is being done by folks back home. Oh if it were true. This perception has made its way of the executive food chain and generated concern. So now the NV is the ring ready for another fight.
In this instance, the perception isn't in line with reality. This place is a pressure cooker. We all are pushing to make sure this company successful. We understand there many opportunities to fail. The extra work is is obligatory. The phrase I hear often is do more with less. Those who come over believing the rumors, looking to get some sun and improve their golf game don't last long.
What I find interesting about writing about your life is the more you experiences you have, the more you want to write, and less time you have to write about it. I’ve had many experiences thus far that I wish I could capture, shrink them, throw them in a suitcase and keep them as little souvenirs. A side bar conversation, a piece of well meaning advice, a secret shared, every unique experience has its value. Not all of the experiences have been pleasant. In fact, as the pace of company quickens and the pressure to succeed mounts, the experiences I’ve been having recently feel more like surviving a fist fight than getting a hug. But even the tough days have a lesson at the end. I try to adhere to my two goals for taking this position: to learn as much as humanly possible and building relationships both personally and professionally. With persistence and humility in hand, I will forge on.
What I’m reading: “Don't They Know It's Friday? Cross-Cultural Considerations for Business and Life in the Gulf” - Jeremy Williams
Press release was issued and now the world knows our company exists. I was reminded yesterday by my boss George this is the first time in history any company has attempted what we are attempting to do. Yes, there are new ventures starting all over the world everyday. But this would be the first time two companies join together, one from the U.S. and the other from the Gulf, to provide the service we intend to provide in the Gulf region. Our task is to take the skills and competencies we have and apply them to this new challenge. For me, this speech was empowering. Its not very often you get to be a part of something new.
I have been learning about the role that perception plays in the function of the company. Any one who has worked for a large multinational company has gone through their fair share of CEO fire drills. Without having all the information in hand, one executive causally mentions to another their perception of a certain topic or department, then all hell breaks loose. People scramble to show the work they've been doing. Sometimes the perception is correct and changes need to made. Other times they are not. What I have learned perception and expectations have to be managed through steady communication at all levels of the organization. This may be as simple as submitting a weekly report( which I hate) to you management regularly to having a powerpoint presentation stashed in a drawer just in case. The catch 22 is that those who are in the upper ranks of management tend to not want to be involved in the details and sometimes base their perception, not on data, but how they feel. Who knew that emotions had so much to do with business? If the decision makers don't "feel" good about the business, perception will be skewed. Our job is to educate them with just enough information so they understand things are being taken care of. Everyone has their own way of managing perception. Some take what I like to call the "Inshallah" approach. Their feeling is that they are doing what they can in their job and how they are perceived is out of their control. Others lean toward micromanagement and try to control as many details as they can in hopes their work will be perceived as exceptional. From my point of view, there needs to be a healthy balance between the two.
Back at headquarters in the States, rumors have been spreading that we have been spending company funds and that individuals on this project are basically on a boondoogle. I'm sure the story goes that most of our meeting are held pool side sipping pina coladas contemplating how we waste away more of the companies money while the real work is being done by folks back home. Oh if it were true. This perception has made its way of the executive food chain and generated concern. So now the NV is the ring ready for another fight.
In this instance, the perception isn't in line with reality. This place is a pressure cooker. We all are pushing to make sure this company successful. We understand there many opportunities to fail. The extra work is is obligatory. The phrase I hear often is do more with less. Those who come over believing the rumors, looking to get some sun and improve their golf game don't last long.
What I find interesting about writing about your life is the more you experiences you have, the more you want to write, and less time you have to write about it. I’ve had many experiences thus far that I wish I could capture, shrink them, throw them in a suitcase and keep them as little souvenirs. A side bar conversation, a piece of well meaning advice, a secret shared, every unique experience has its value. Not all of the experiences have been pleasant. In fact, as the pace of company quickens and the pressure to succeed mounts, the experiences I’ve been having recently feel more like surviving a fist fight than getting a hug. But even the tough days have a lesson at the end. I try to adhere to my two goals for taking this position: to learn as much as humanly possible and building relationships both personally and professionally. With persistence and humility in hand, I will forge on.
What I’m reading: “Don't They Know It's Friday? Cross-Cultural Considerations for Business and Life in the Gulf” - Jeremy Williams
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Back to School....
Abu Dhabi Playlist: Matt and Kim - Daylight (Troublemaker feat. De La Soul), Sheryl Crow - Run,Baby,Run, Lebanese Pop in various Taxi rides.
It’s been over three weeks since my last post. What has thus far happened has been expected. I've gotten wrapped up in the people, work, and distractions that come with moving across the world. A few subtle changes have occurred.
Getting a residence visa, UAE drivers license, learning about my co-workers, starting new projects at work, exploring the area, taking Arabic classes, finding my new routine, and FINALLY getting a car (my discount BMW) , are just some of the things that have occupied my time. This post is about catching up on what going on with my life now.
I've spent a lot of time pointing out the differences I've noticed between life in the states and life in the UAE. (My hair is darker. I feel naked without eyeliner. I've turned my patented extra-freckle tan. I never leave home with my silver necklace with my name written in Arabic.) The truth is, in many ways this experience has paralleled other times in my life. While the culture and values are vastly different to the "Hard work and American pie" culture I came from, the day-to-day has almost been a flashback to the good ole college days.
Ah yes... After surpassing several adult milestones I've reverted back to my college life style. Who knew that my experiences as a college freshman would come back to haunt me? Nevertheless, here are a few things about my life now that many of us have experienced...
1. You all live on the same floor.
While life might sounds glamorous in the "Bubble bar" hotel, more days than not it feels like we are living in an overpriced dorm. Most of my co-workers live on the same floor. We all see each other come and go and there in minimal privacy. Sometimes I find myself sneaking out the back exit just so I don't have to bump into people I work with. Don't get me wrong, I like who I work with. But does everyone really need to know where I'm going?
2. People hang out in the common area.
The Bubble bar lounge is the watering hole for the NV team. We all log our time here reading the newspaper or having an afternoon cigarette. Unlike the dorm, our lounge come equipped with a bar. Needless to say this area gets used plenty.
3. There is an "RA".
Arnold, the floor manager and head consieger keeps track of all of us. “Heading to work, Ms. Hensley?" “Little too much sun today, Ms. Hensley?" "Did you enjoy your shopping trip at Carrefour, Ms. Hensley?"
Don't be fooled by the friendly demeanor. While customer service is key to his daily function, so is keeping order. If guests misbehave, he will intervene.
4. You all go to the “Caf” together for meals.
Because our rooms lack kitchen facilities, we all have to have our meals elsewhere. Typically, my dinner consists of complimentary heavy hor'dovres offered at the lounge. Sometime we venture to one of the restaurants in the hotel. All we need is a meal plan.
5. You have to get a Medical Exam when you get started.
This I didn't expect. When I arrived, I was informed that in order to receive my UAE resident visa I would need pass a required medical exam. The company driver escorted to the facility. The place was packed with foreigners all queued. The layout was a cross between a hospital and a DMV office. I was asked if I'd like the VIP service. (They have VIP for EVERYTHING here.) Skipping the line I was led upstairs to the VIP lounge. Five hundred dirham and 45 minutes later I had completed the exam, which included blood being drawn, an interview of my medical history, and a chest x-ray. At each station I was asked if I was married. You'd think they would have written it on my chart by the second of third station. I think this was the politically correct way to ask if I could be pregnant. (Being pregnant and not married is illegal in the UAE.) After the exams, I took my card to the veiled lady at the counter, paid my fee and left. The rumor I’ve heard is they check you for turbercious and HIV.
6. You have homework
One disadvantage of being separated from your friends and family is most people assume you don't have any responsibilities outside work. There is no separation between work and home. Homework is very common. Much like study hall, co-workers meet in the common area to have teleconferences with the States and prepare for the next day's presentation.
7. There are cliques and "dorm drama".
No matter the age, it seems that people never outgrow clichés. Many of my co-workers cling together and exclude others. I think the drama extends from spending a little too much time with your co-workers. Personalities have more oppurtunities to clash. People rub each other the wrong way. I've never been much for cliques so this isn't one of my favorite elements.
8. There is always booze available.
This can be both a blessing and a curse. Fortunately for us, gone are the days of wine coolers, cheap bear, and trash can punch. Still, freshman has the hardest time holding their liquor.
9. There is the "freshman 15."
No kitchen + only takeout + easy access to drinks = easy weight gain. Sad but true.
10. People get away with things they can’t do at home.
The first time you see one of your colleagues, sometimes married, sometimes older than your grandparents, hit on an unsuspecting coed at a hotel bar, if you’re like me your eyes widen a bit. The quietest people you'd never suspect change their behavior when they leave home. And the rule still stands true. The more restrictive their home life is the crazier they get when they leave. What happens in Abu Dhabi stays in Abu Dhabi.
11. When people get in trouble, they get kicked out.
When I first arrived, I heard a story of a consultant who was having a little too much fun while out on the company’s dime. I won't get into the gritty details. He wasn't breaking any of the companies written rules, just the unwritten ones. When you work in the UAE, you're personal life does have an effect on professional life. You are not allowed to flash bad behavior. And if the right locals hear about it, you’ll be gone. They don’t need due process in HR. For the most part, if you don't act like a college freshman with no classes before 10am, you'll be fine.
12. No one is permanent. Eventually, everyone leaves.
Living in a transient community adds an interesting dynamic. The UAE has a large expat community and most people are here temporarily. Like college student, unless you plan on being a professor, it’s very likely you will leave campus.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Places Visited:
Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Boudoir in the Dubai Marine Beach Resort, Dubai
Fish Market and the Yacht Club in the Intercontential Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Sax in Le Royal Meriden, Abu Dhabi
What I've been reading:
http://desperateindubai.blogspot.com/
Note written on my welcome card from the hotel:
"Gorgeous Lady Kate welcome home."
Best Advice I've recently received:
While attempting to conquer one intimating round-a-bout on my way to work one morning, a co-worker gently reminded me, "Remember, you are water. You just flow through."
Shock of the Weak:
The friendly HR assistance was processing my request to visit one of our parent company's facilities. I noticed a flashy Ferrari watch on his wrist which sparked my curiosity. Later while at the mall I checked out to see if they had the watch. They had it alright. 300,000 AED (That's about $80,000 folks.)
It’s been over three weeks since my last post. What has thus far happened has been expected. I've gotten wrapped up in the people, work, and distractions that come with moving across the world. A few subtle changes have occurred.
Getting a residence visa, UAE drivers license, learning about my co-workers, starting new projects at work, exploring the area, taking Arabic classes, finding my new routine, and FINALLY getting a car (my discount BMW) , are just some of the things that have occupied my time. This post is about catching up on what going on with my life now.
I've spent a lot of time pointing out the differences I've noticed between life in the states and life in the UAE. (My hair is darker. I feel naked without eyeliner. I've turned my patented extra-freckle tan. I never leave home with my silver necklace with my name written in Arabic.) The truth is, in many ways this experience has paralleled other times in my life. While the culture and values are vastly different to the "Hard work and American pie" culture I came from, the day-to-day has almost been a flashback to the good ole college days.
Ah yes... After surpassing several adult milestones I've reverted back to my college life style. Who knew that my experiences as a college freshman would come back to haunt me? Nevertheless, here are a few things about my life now that many of us have experienced...
1. You all live on the same floor.
While life might sounds glamorous in the "Bubble bar" hotel, more days than not it feels like we are living in an overpriced dorm. Most of my co-workers live on the same floor. We all see each other come and go and there in minimal privacy. Sometimes I find myself sneaking out the back exit just so I don't have to bump into people I work with. Don't get me wrong, I like who I work with. But does everyone really need to know where I'm going?
2. People hang out in the common area.
The Bubble bar lounge is the watering hole for the NV team. We all log our time here reading the newspaper or having an afternoon cigarette. Unlike the dorm, our lounge come equipped with a bar. Needless to say this area gets used plenty.
3. There is an "RA".
Arnold, the floor manager and head consieger keeps track of all of us. “Heading to work, Ms. Hensley?" “Little too much sun today, Ms. Hensley?" "Did you enjoy your shopping trip at Carrefour, Ms. Hensley?"
Don't be fooled by the friendly demeanor. While customer service is key to his daily function, so is keeping order. If guests misbehave, he will intervene.
4. You all go to the “Caf” together for meals.
Because our rooms lack kitchen facilities, we all have to have our meals elsewhere. Typically, my dinner consists of complimentary heavy hor'dovres offered at the lounge. Sometime we venture to one of the restaurants in the hotel. All we need is a meal plan.
5. You have to get a Medical Exam when you get started.
This I didn't expect. When I arrived, I was informed that in order to receive my UAE resident visa I would need pass a required medical exam. The company driver escorted to the facility. The place was packed with foreigners all queued. The layout was a cross between a hospital and a DMV office. I was asked if I'd like the VIP service. (They have VIP for EVERYTHING here.) Skipping the line I was led upstairs to the VIP lounge. Five hundred dirham and 45 minutes later I had completed the exam, which included blood being drawn, an interview of my medical history, and a chest x-ray. At each station I was asked if I was married. You'd think they would have written it on my chart by the second of third station. I think this was the politically correct way to ask if I could be pregnant. (Being pregnant and not married is illegal in the UAE.) After the exams, I took my card to the veiled lady at the counter, paid my fee and left. The rumor I’ve heard is they check you for turbercious and HIV.
6. You have homework
One disadvantage of being separated from your friends and family is most people assume you don't have any responsibilities outside work. There is no separation between work and home. Homework is very common. Much like study hall, co-workers meet in the common area to have teleconferences with the States and prepare for the next day's presentation.
7. There are cliques and "dorm drama".
No matter the age, it seems that people never outgrow clichés. Many of my co-workers cling together and exclude others. I think the drama extends from spending a little too much time with your co-workers. Personalities have more oppurtunities to clash. People rub each other the wrong way. I've never been much for cliques so this isn't one of my favorite elements.
8. There is always booze available.
This can be both a blessing and a curse. Fortunately for us, gone are the days of wine coolers, cheap bear, and trash can punch. Still, freshman has the hardest time holding their liquor.
9. There is the "freshman 15."
No kitchen + only takeout + easy access to drinks = easy weight gain. Sad but true.
10. People get away with things they can’t do at home.
The first time you see one of your colleagues, sometimes married, sometimes older than your grandparents, hit on an unsuspecting coed at a hotel bar, if you’re like me your eyes widen a bit. The quietest people you'd never suspect change their behavior when they leave home. And the rule still stands true. The more restrictive their home life is the crazier they get when they leave. What happens in Abu Dhabi stays in Abu Dhabi.
11. When people get in trouble, they get kicked out.
When I first arrived, I heard a story of a consultant who was having a little too much fun while out on the company’s dime. I won't get into the gritty details. He wasn't breaking any of the companies written rules, just the unwritten ones. When you work in the UAE, you're personal life does have an effect on professional life. You are not allowed to flash bad behavior. And if the right locals hear about it, you’ll be gone. They don’t need due process in HR. For the most part, if you don't act like a college freshman with no classes before 10am, you'll be fine.
12. No one is permanent. Eventually, everyone leaves.
Living in a transient community adds an interesting dynamic. The UAE has a large expat community and most people are here temporarily. Like college student, unless you plan on being a professor, it’s very likely you will leave campus.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abu Dhabi Stats:
Places Visited:
Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Boudoir in the Dubai Marine Beach Resort, Dubai
Fish Market and the Yacht Club in the Intercontential Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Sax in Le Royal Meriden, Abu Dhabi
What I've been reading:
http://desperateindubai.blogspot.com/
Note written on my welcome card from the hotel:
"Gorgeous Lady Kate welcome home."
Best Advice I've recently received:
While attempting to conquer one intimating round-a-bout on my way to work one morning, a co-worker gently reminded me, "Remember, you are water. You just flow through."
Shock of the Weak:
The friendly HR assistance was processing my request to visit one of our parent company's facilities. I noticed a flashy Ferrari watch on his wrist which sparked my curiosity. Later while at the mall I checked out to see if they had the watch. They had it alright. 300,000 AED (That's about $80,000 folks.)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
AMAZING HUGE FANTASTIC NEWS!
I can hardly contain myself. After only 3 weeks of searching I have found my oasis in the desert, my version of disneyworld, my home away from home....
And it is called Beligan Beer Bar.
(Pause for Reaction)
For those of you who know me well, one of my major trepedations about moving to the UAE is lack of access to decent beer. Before I boarded my plane, my family took me to to a local brewery so I could have one last sip of a toasty lagger and chocolate stout before my departure. Now an overpriced glass of Chimay Blue is only a cab ride away.
Oh... and it gets better.....
They have Pork. One of the entrees on the menu was call the "pork festival", which included everything from ribs to to pork chops.
There are no black lights at this bar. No white couchs, blaring techno, or flashy patrons sipping blue cocktails checking out "the scene". Just wooden boothes, jeans, french fries, and Kenny Loggins in the background.
I could complain that the bar was smokey or they over did it on the "beligan" theme. I could comment I've had better ribs or larger beer selection. But I would be lieing to say that a little taste of home didn't make up for all of it.
You don't have to be living in the Middle East 7000 miles from what you know to appreciate the things that make you feel at home. From experience, I know this is the first stage of adjusting to a new culture. I know eventually after some time the UAE will start to feel more like home for me.
But for a night, I got to go back. Now if I can just find a place the employees people with southerm accents hug you when you walk in the door, I'll be all set.
And it is called Beligan Beer Bar.
(Pause for Reaction)
For those of you who know me well, one of my major trepedations about moving to the UAE is lack of access to decent beer. Before I boarded my plane, my family took me to to a local brewery so I could have one last sip of a toasty lagger and chocolate stout before my departure. Now an overpriced glass of Chimay Blue is only a cab ride away.
Oh... and it gets better.....
They have Pork. One of the entrees on the menu was call the "pork festival", which included everything from ribs to to pork chops.
There are no black lights at this bar. No white couchs, blaring techno, or flashy patrons sipping blue cocktails checking out "the scene". Just wooden boothes, jeans, french fries, and Kenny Loggins in the background.
I could complain that the bar was smokey or they over did it on the "beligan" theme. I could comment I've had better ribs or larger beer selection. But I would be lieing to say that a little taste of home didn't make up for all of it.
You don't have to be living in the Middle East 7000 miles from what you know to appreciate the things that make you feel at home. From experience, I know this is the first stage of adjusting to a new culture. I know eventually after some time the UAE will start to feel more like home for me.
But for a night, I got to go back. Now if I can just find a place the employees people with southerm accents hug you when you walk in the door, I'll be all set.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
And Today’s meeting was brought to you by the word ….Integration
On the way back from my first Arabic Class, I was lulled into a contemplative state by my Taxi driver’s mix CD smooth hits from the early Eighties.
“If ever you’re in my arms again, THIS TIME I’LL looove you forever.”
I was trying to put together all the pieces of the puzzle I’ve gotten a hold of thus far. Every day I get another factoid that I try to add to make the full picture. Here’s a small sample.
(Warning: Any lazy college students who find this buried in the internet should not use any of these as a reference. I can promise I haven’t fact checked one of them.)
1. The Unemployment rate for Emiratis if 45%. The vast majority are Emiratis are unemployed by choice.
2. The average net worth of an Emirati is 17 million dollars.
3. Over-sensitively to porn can impede your entertainment choices. Do you really need to cut out the peck on the cheek in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants?
4. One of the key elements of a contract agreement with an Emirati company is the “Emiratization” Plan. This entails how the international company plans to hire and employ nationals.
5. The average productive hours per year budgeted for each American worker if 1850. The average productive hours for an Emirati worker are 1100.
6. 80% of the people in the UAE are from another country. Almost all of the taxi drivers, waiters, retail salesman, and nail salon attendants I’ve met have families and children at home. In many instances, they can return to their home country for years.
7. Arabs love their children. Seriously. The first world I learned in Arabic here is “Jahel”. From my understanding its used like the terms “hunny” or “sweetheart” to small children. The direct translation “one who does not know.” Children under the age of 5 are let to roam free and are never punished severely.
8. Many plans and schedules made by Emirati and other international company are initially unsuccessful due to a culture class of expectations. It is advised for American companies should triple their initial timelines and forecasts.
9. The second best thing I’m glad I have at my disposal is Skype loaded on my computer. The best thing I have is disposal income.
10. BMWs have week air-conditioning systems yet it doesn’t stop anyone from buying the car.
11. I wish I had brought more DVDs, CDs, skirts, Arabic languages CDs, decent beer, pictures of my friends and family, and my friends and family. I wish I had left half my clothes, half my shoes, and any expectations about the UAE.
Last the NV launched and announced it new company name. The executive team set up a all hands meeting with all the local employees to introduce themselves to their new employee and present their vision. As would be expected, this didn’t go as smoothly as planned. The new local employees were trepidatious of what the affects would be on them. As luck would have it, this is the third buyout these employees have experienced in 3 years. At today’s All hands meeting with all the American employees, George led a frank discussion of what each group had discovered during their early stages of investigation. The challenges the NV had inherited were numerable. Lack of standard work processes, too much documentations and bureaucracy when you didn’t need it, and not enough documentation when you did, disgruntled employees, low moral… and the list continued. After about an hour of “they do this” and “they don’t do that,” George, the head of customer service, made a good point.
“As of Thursday there is no more “they.” It is now “us.” We need to integrate.”
Integration is key to any new organization’s success. Even internally between the groups at the NV, this is an on-going challenge. George took the issue head on at the All Hands today.
“We can’t keep acting like silos. There is no hand-off. If you need input from another group, set-up a meeting. If we can’t intergrate with ourselves, how will we do it with the rest company?”
This rule apply not only to business. I have also taken this lessen to heart in other aspects of my life here as an expat. I try to take all the facts and information I gather each day and see how they fit. And in the end, I try to figure out where I fit in the puzzle too.
“If ever you’re in my arms again, THIS TIME I’LL looove you forever.”
I was trying to put together all the pieces of the puzzle I’ve gotten a hold of thus far. Every day I get another factoid that I try to add to make the full picture. Here’s a small sample.
(Warning: Any lazy college students who find this buried in the internet should not use any of these as a reference. I can promise I haven’t fact checked one of them.)
1. The Unemployment rate for Emiratis if 45%. The vast majority are Emiratis are unemployed by choice.
2. The average net worth of an Emirati is 17 million dollars.
3. Over-sensitively to porn can impede your entertainment choices. Do you really need to cut out the peck on the cheek in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants?
4. One of the key elements of a contract agreement with an Emirati company is the “Emiratization” Plan. This entails how the international company plans to hire and employ nationals.
5. The average productive hours per year budgeted for each American worker if 1850. The average productive hours for an Emirati worker are 1100.
6. 80% of the people in the UAE are from another country. Almost all of the taxi drivers, waiters, retail salesman, and nail salon attendants I’ve met have families and children at home. In many instances, they can return to their home country for years.
7. Arabs love their children. Seriously. The first world I learned in Arabic here is “Jahel”. From my understanding its used like the terms “hunny” or “sweetheart” to small children. The direct translation “one who does not know.” Children under the age of 5 are let to roam free and are never punished severely.
8. Many plans and schedules made by Emirati and other international company are initially unsuccessful due to a culture class of expectations. It is advised for American companies should triple their initial timelines and forecasts.
9. The second best thing I’m glad I have at my disposal is Skype loaded on my computer. The best thing I have is disposal income.
10. BMWs have week air-conditioning systems yet it doesn’t stop anyone from buying the car.
11. I wish I had brought more DVDs, CDs, skirts, Arabic languages CDs, decent beer, pictures of my friends and family, and my friends and family. I wish I had left half my clothes, half my shoes, and any expectations about the UAE.
Last the NV launched and announced it new company name. The executive team set up a all hands meeting with all the local employees to introduce themselves to their new employee and present their vision. As would be expected, this didn’t go as smoothly as planned. The new local employees were trepidatious of what the affects would be on them. As luck would have it, this is the third buyout these employees have experienced in 3 years. At today’s All hands meeting with all the American employees, George led a frank discussion of what each group had discovered during their early stages of investigation. The challenges the NV had inherited were numerable. Lack of standard work processes, too much documentations and bureaucracy when you didn’t need it, and not enough documentation when you did, disgruntled employees, low moral… and the list continued. After about an hour of “they do this” and “they don’t do that,” George, the head of customer service, made a good point.
“As of Thursday there is no more “they.” It is now “us.” We need to integrate.”
Integration is key to any new organization’s success. Even internally between the groups at the NV, this is an on-going challenge. George took the issue head on at the All Hands today.
“We can’t keep acting like silos. There is no hand-off. If you need input from another group, set-up a meeting. If we can’t intergrate with ourselves, how will we do it with the rest company?”
This rule apply not only to business. I have also taken this lessen to heart in other aspects of my life here as an expat. I try to take all the facts and information I gather each day and see how they fit. And in the end, I try to figure out where I fit in the puzzle too.
Friday, June 18, 2010
World cup Mania!... more photos
This it the view from the hotel pool. Across the street from Bubble Bar hotel is more development. The skiline is layered with cranes that light up at night. A Ritz Carlton is being built acroos the street. On the other side is the UAE Military Goverment Headquarters.
Ok. this is extremely hard to make out sine I took this picture with my phone. Walking around the Souk, Mall posing as an arabic market, a restarant was advertising a new exotic twist on an indian meat dish.
I am not opposed to vension. But do you really need to show me a picture a Bambi before I eat it?
This is my work computer! Arabic and English! I don't know why its exciting but it is.
I love the world cup soccer so I can appreciate and the hype. Some friends and I went to the Shangri-la hotel where they had set up a tent outside to watch the game. "Tent” isn’t probably the best word. Maybe a large trippy canopy with black lighting is a better way to describe it. The walls were lined with flat screen televisions. There were specials on Budweiser’s to appease all five Americans in the area. The hotel offered themed snacks for each team that played. (For the US it was hot wings and hot dogs.) Sheesha smoke filled the air. If you can imagine a hybrid sports bar and a Moroccan night club, that’s what this place felt like.
We watched the England vs. USA game. 40 minutes before the game the tent filled with loud unlike sportsmen-like Brits. They booed the 5 of us Americans as we stood up during the national anthem. The 1 to 1 tied was a sweet enough victory.
Monday, June 14, 2010
A Scenic tour of Abu Dhabi....Meet the Team!
My trip thus far has mostly been taking in all the information I can and trying to understand the new world I live in. Some things are too far out for me to comprehend yet. Abu Dhabi is a place filled with contrasts. Things that you wouldn't put together align themselves naturally here. The 120 degree heat outside paired with the ice cold offices and hotels. Nightclubs with happy hours until 4am next to prayer rooms. Women wearing abayas (See pictures) with full veils covering every inch of their bodies shopping for short shorts. TV shows are editted for anything physically initmate ( from a peck on the cheek on) but never a moment of bloodly violence is missed. Young Emirati women respecting culture with traditional dress while flashing their Gucci spiked heels and Louis Vutton purses worth tens of thousands of dollars. An entire city being built with no street signs or addresses. Labor camps on the out skirts of Palaces. 
The contrasts extend to my day to day life as well. I live in a goregous multiple star hotel whose name I'm not going to disclose at the moment. I can tell you the name of my new home sounds something like "Bubble Bar".
So in the Bubble bar hotel you receive a cool cloth when I walk in the door. The lobby is scented with fresh jasmine. A glass elevator overlooking the Grand Mosque takes you to your floor. All the lastest ammidties are provided. But try making a phone call in one shot.
Speaking of the day to day, I should take a moment to introduce some of the charaters in my story.
Mohammed – The upbeat Marketing manager from Texas who knows how to break tension with a good pun.
Erica – Material logistics associate and my new partner in crime from Alabama. Katrina – Chief buyer in the Procurement department and my former colleague from my company alma mater.
Abdul – The Emirati HR manager who always surprises me with smiles and handshakes.
George – Head of customer service and my new boss.
Lisa – Procurement manager with extensive international experience and a work ethic and attitude to back it up.
Next up: A Glipse into the day to day life of an NV Employee, Pictures World Cup Mania equiped with Sheesha and Tents, new project as turnaround consultant.
On more parting thought...
Not my picture but I saw this today. You can't make this stuff up.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Plans, Schedules, Analysis, and Procedures… but above all “Inshallah”
I’ve been trying to spend a lot of my initial time here New Venture (NV) observing what is going on around me. In many instances, we see to be preparing for the unknown. Within the last week I've seen more presentations with Strategies and Schedules than my last position. Many of the roll-out schedules don't include dates. This is due to the fact that our official launch date is contingent upon finalizing an agreement between the my American company and the company in the Emirati company. All the different teams assigned a task continue to prepare, analyze, and re-assess their strategies awaiting the launch. Each group continues to create a plan awaiting the green light.
Due to the fact we have yet to launch, our company does not yet have a name. For the purposes of explanation, I will call the pre-launch organization NV. NV is broken down into groups which manage each division of the business, including finance, legal, operations, material logistics, facilities, procurement, business development, human resources, communications, and so on. Each group has a leader, and they are in charge of developing the strategy and plan within each phase of the new organization's start-up. The Team leads meet every morning to provide status updates and stay up-to-date on the most recent changes.
Procedures and Work flows are created in order to streamline nonexistent processes. Analysis is done on all the raw data available. Although everyone know any work completed might need to be changed at a moments notice, the prep work is continued in order to hit the ground running once the sign from above given. The term used to describe this is "In šāʾ Allāh". In Arabic, it means "if it is God's will". This term is usually only used between Western colleagues as it might be offensive to the locals.
"As of today, the communication plan will begin its roll out to the customers 15 days prior to launch. Inshallah."
إن شاء الله
Good link to better understand the phrase.
http://www.theamericanscholar.org/inshallah/
Due to the fact we have yet to launch, our company does not yet have a name. For the purposes of explanation, I will call the pre-launch organization NV. NV is broken down into groups which manage each division of the business, including finance, legal, operations, material logistics, facilities, procurement, business development, human resources, communications, and so on. Each group has a leader, and they are in charge of developing the strategy and plan within each phase of the new organization's start-up. The Team leads meet every morning to provide status updates and stay up-to-date on the most recent changes.
Procedures and Work flows are created in order to streamline nonexistent processes. Analysis is done on all the raw data available. Although everyone know any work completed might need to be changed at a moments notice, the prep work is continued in order to hit the ground running once the sign from above given. The term used to describe this is "In šāʾ Allāh". In Arabic, it means "if it is God's will". This term is usually only used between Western colleagues as it might be offensive to the locals.
"As of today, the communication plan will begin its roll out to the customers 15 days prior to launch. Inshallah."
إن شاء الله
Good link to better understand the phrase.
http://www.theamericanscholar.org/inshallah/
Saturday, June 5, 2010
What's it like... Time Out Abu Dhabi!!
What’s it like?
Its been a little less than a week since I arrived in Abu Dhabi. I’m still taking it all in. If Latin America is the contrast between the haves and the have nots, and China is the contrast of what is said and what isn’t said, Abu Dhabi is the contrast of everything else. This is a place is where the sell of alcohol may be illegal, but hotel clubs sell cocktails till 5am. Where it is not uncommon to see a woman covered in full black veil showing no skin shopping for shorts at the Gap. Where half of the cars are BMWs and Audis, while the other half should probably not be allowed to be on the road. The heat here is stifling, but you have to carry a wrap because the air-conditioning. Abu Dhabi is somewhere between Las Vegas and Vatican City. I’ve never been in a city more diverse than this one. It’s a city of permanent tourists.
My first impression of the area is that it is an excellent place to be a wealthy tourist in, as long as you remember this isn’t your country. I am looking forward to exploring the area. Below is a link to the magazine I use to find out what’s going on in the area.
http://www.timeoutabudhabi.com/
Lamb... Its the New Pork!
On my first night out in Abu Dhabi, my new collegues took me out to dinner at a nice restaurent in the Shangri-la Hotel complex. This pitashio encrusted lamb dish was better than it looks. Since arriving I've realzed lamb is not uncommon. I've had it 3 times this week.
Carrefour.... There is not escaping the Walmart spin-offs.
I've had to go here only three times this week. from kiwi fruit to dvd players, this place has it all. I had to come here to purchase a pay as you go phone, then come back to return the phone and get it fixed. If I don't go back to this place for the next few months, it will be too soon.
Our Father Zayed...
Next up ... New job commentary, What's it like to never have dirty towels, and more!
Friday, June 4, 2010
First day... A trip to the Mall
On my first day I headed to the mall to pick up some items just in case my luggage decided not to show up. It ended up being a surreal experience. It a strange feeling to peruse the mini skirts display at Forever 21 and bump into a woman in a full vail looking at the same thing. Below is some of what I saw.
On my first day I headed to the mall to pick up some items just in case my luggage decided not to show up. It ended up being a surreal experience. It a strange feeling to peruse the mini skirts display at Forever 21 and bump into a woman in a full vail looking at the same thing. Below is some of what I saw.
It comes in fours and fives... not threes
I’ve never been much of a planner for trips. I always assume things will work out, toothbrushes are always sold somewhere, and Visa credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere. While drying my pants with a hairdryer I realized that this theory could use some tweaking.
Relocation is a daunting task in any given circumstance. We all know that even if you are moving down the street, something is bound to go wrong. When you move to another country, in some ways you are tempting the gods of fate. There are too many elements in flux to not go wrong. My move to Abu Dhabi was no exception. I should point out at this point that there are many things in my favor. My lease ended at the end of May. I have no husband or children to manage. I relatively have a small amount to move. Even my friend has given me space in her basement to store my stuff. My mother flew up to help my pack, clean and store. Most things were going in my favor. And then the move happened. My experience is an example of how planning can only get you so far. Let’s start from the beginning…
1. The Hair color – I was trying to tie up loose ends before I left the States. I had the brilliant idea that I should get my hair dyed back to my originally color just in case I have trouble finding suitable hair stylist in the UAE. I wasn’t too specific with the hair stylist about what exactly my natural hair color was. Now it is jet black. (Insert Adam’s family theme song here.)
Before....
2. The Couch – The plan was to move my things into a room in my friend’s basement. When I checked it out earlier the room seemed more than adequate to fit my things. The problem ended up not being the room, but the hall way. Now my couch is temporarily staying in my very patience friend’s dinning room.
3. The Luggage – Due to some hasty packing, my luggage was overweight for the UAE airline. Seventy pounds was the max and my huge suitcase surpassed 80 lbs. Some last minute rearranging of clothes was required.
4. The Flight - I boarded the 10:50pm Eithad flight at JFK with hopes for the future. The flight was oversold and I was quickly upgraded to first class. This first class was like no first class I’d been in. Large screen TVs, massaging leather seats, free pajamas, sliding cabin doors make your area feel private and intimate. My seat on this plane was larger than my room freshman year of college. About my second glass of champagne I was ready to move into the plane. Everyone was friendly and chatting with each other. The cordial flight attendant asked me what I was doing in Abu Dhabi. After he found out I was a newbie to the area, he made sure I had plenty of literature on the area to get acquainted. Delays on flights at JFK are customary, so I didn’t think twice about pilot’s apologies while dozing off to my flight. One hour turned into four hours. The pilot finally announced that he would have to cancel the flight due to engine issues. We would have to de-board, collect our baggage, and report to officials downstairs for further instructions. It was about 3:30am at this point and the first class buzz had worn off.
5. The Luggage (again) - Baggage claim was a mad house. Exhausted passengers were mobbing the officials, yelling, crying, and trying to get answers. I stood on the other end waiting patience for my luggage to appear. Needless to say my baggage did not arrive. I wouldn’t see my baggage for another four days.
6. The Clothes – The airline carted us off to a hotel at 4am. The hotel was very nice, but I was too tired appreciate it. I got to wear my clothes for another two days. When I spilled my coffee on my pants after lunch and had to wash and dry them with hotel shampoo and a hair dryer, I thought it might be a good idea to pack a change of clothes in my carry-on next go around.
7. Arrival and Immigration – After a 13 hour flight, I arrived only two hours late to Abu Dhabi. The trip continued to be an experiment in the unexpected. When I arrived in Abu Dhabi, I was directed to the immigration. Immediately the differences are noticeable. There were men in white robes and red and white head dresses with black band on the top. The landscape of people became much darker. Arabs, Indians, and Philippines replaced all the white faces left in JFK. It was obvious many people were coming here to work. The visa line were split between men and women. When I arrived the at the immigration station the emirate officer asked if this was my first time in Abu Dhabi. I said yes it was in which he gave me a confused look. “You’ve been to Dubai’” He said. I retorted I had not. Then he asked if I was going to work here which I said I intended too. “Original Visa.” I was directed to the visa office where sat outside while the immigration officials continued to call extraneous people trying to find my visa. This lasted for hours. Sitting on the side I watched countless droves of people from Indian, Pakistan, and the Philippines getting their correct paperwork processed. The immigration attendant finally came out and asked if I had any more numbers of contacts in Abu Dhabi. When told him no he gave me a concerned look. “I will keep trying,” he said. “Then I will ask the officers. They make decision. I hope they happy today.” I started to contemplate what it would be like to be deported. Although I did interrupt his coffee hour, lucky for me the bearded robe clad gentleman was in a good mood.
Next up on the blog, first impressions. Stay tuned.
Relocation is a daunting task in any given circumstance. We all know that even if you are moving down the street, something is bound to go wrong. When you move to another country, in some ways you are tempting the gods of fate. There are too many elements in flux to not go wrong. My move to Abu Dhabi was no exception. I should point out at this point that there are many things in my favor. My lease ended at the end of May. I have no husband or children to manage. I relatively have a small amount to move. Even my friend has given me space in her basement to store my stuff. My mother flew up to help my pack, clean and store. Most things were going in my favor. And then the move happened. My experience is an example of how planning can only get you so far. Let’s start from the beginning…
1. The Hair color – I was trying to tie up loose ends before I left the States. I had the brilliant idea that I should get my hair dyed back to my originally color just in case I have trouble finding suitable hair stylist in the UAE. I wasn’t too specific with the hair stylist about what exactly my natural hair color was. Now it is jet black. (Insert Adam’s family theme song here.)
Before....
After.....
2. The Couch – The plan was to move my things into a room in my friend’s basement. When I checked it out earlier the room seemed more than adequate to fit my things. The problem ended up not being the room, but the hall way. Now my couch is temporarily staying in my very patience friend’s dinning room.
3. The Luggage – Due to some hasty packing, my luggage was overweight for the UAE airline. Seventy pounds was the max and my huge suitcase surpassed 80 lbs. Some last minute rearranging of clothes was required.
4. The Flight - I boarded the 10:50pm Eithad flight at JFK with hopes for the future. The flight was oversold and I was quickly upgraded to first class. This first class was like no first class I’d been in. Large screen TVs, massaging leather seats, free pajamas, sliding cabin doors make your area feel private and intimate. My seat on this plane was larger than my room freshman year of college. About my second glass of champagne I was ready to move into the plane. Everyone was friendly and chatting with each other. The cordial flight attendant asked me what I was doing in Abu Dhabi. After he found out I was a newbie to the area, he made sure I had plenty of literature on the area to get acquainted. Delays on flights at JFK are customary, so I didn’t think twice about pilot’s apologies while dozing off to my flight. One hour turned into four hours. The pilot finally announced that he would have to cancel the flight due to engine issues. We would have to de-board, collect our baggage, and report to officials downstairs for further instructions. It was about 3:30am at this point and the first class buzz had worn off.
5. The Luggage (again) - Baggage claim was a mad house. Exhausted passengers were mobbing the officials, yelling, crying, and trying to get answers. I stood on the other end waiting patience for my luggage to appear. Needless to say my baggage did not arrive. I wouldn’t see my baggage for another four days.
6. The Clothes – The airline carted us off to a hotel at 4am. The hotel was very nice, but I was too tired appreciate it. I got to wear my clothes for another two days. When I spilled my coffee on my pants after lunch and had to wash and dry them with hotel shampoo and a hair dryer, I thought it might be a good idea to pack a change of clothes in my carry-on next go around.
7. Arrival and Immigration – After a 13 hour flight, I arrived only two hours late to Abu Dhabi. The trip continued to be an experiment in the unexpected. When I arrived in Abu Dhabi, I was directed to the immigration. Immediately the differences are noticeable. There were men in white robes and red and white head dresses with black band on the top. The landscape of people became much darker. Arabs, Indians, and Philippines replaced all the white faces left in JFK. It was obvious many people were coming here to work. The visa line were split between men and women. When I arrived the at the immigration station the emirate officer asked if this was my first time in Abu Dhabi. I said yes it was in which he gave me a confused look. “You’ve been to Dubai’” He said. I retorted I had not. Then he asked if I was going to work here which I said I intended too. “Original Visa.” I was directed to the visa office where sat outside while the immigration officials continued to call extraneous people trying to find my visa. This lasted for hours. Sitting on the side I watched countless droves of people from Indian, Pakistan, and the Philippines getting their correct paperwork processed. The immigration attendant finally came out and asked if I had any more numbers of contacts in Abu Dhabi. When told him no he gave me a concerned look. “I will keep trying,” he said. “Then I will ask the officers. They make decision. I hope they happy today.” I started to contemplate what it would be like to be deported. Although I did interrupt his coffee hour, lucky for me the bearded robe clad gentleman was in a good mood.
Next up on the blog, first impressions. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Getting started
My name is Kate and I am a program administrator for a new venture in Abu Dhabi. I grew up in the Untied States in the state of North Carolina and moved to the Northeast after college for my first job. I studied aboard and traveled multiple places including Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Until recently I worked in the supply chain field as a partner manager with a major company in Brazil.
On May 31st, 2010 I flew out of JFK to embark on new journey to the Middle East.
Prior to my departure, my knowledge of the area was minimal. I could locate the UAE on a map. I knew the temperature ranged from hot to hotter. I knew the people, clothes, and culture would be vastly different to anything I’ve been exposed to in the past. I knew even less about exactly what my job entail when I arrived.
What I did know was that I was ready for something a little adventure. Everything else could be figured out as I go. Saying goodbye to my family and friends is always hard. The comfort of a Sunday afternoon brunch, a mother’s embrace, tailgating till 4AM, a grandmother’s stories, and a pulled pork sandwich was predictably hard to leave. What was unexpected was that I had to leave new friends and possible opportunities behind in order to take this one. I ha to come to terms with the fact I would be missing a lot in my friends and families lives to take on this new challenge. My only solace was the multiple hugs and going away parties I had prior to leaving. I would advise anyone leaving for more than a couple of months to have at least one get to together.
What also helped the transition was the fact I had moved to a new phase of traveling. Gone are the days of 26 hours bus rides and shady hostel lodgings. It’s business class from now on for this trip. I have to say the nice thing about drinking the corporate “Koolaid” is you no longer have to deal with a inconsiderate snoring roommate for the sake of gaining experience.
Let’s cross our fingers on the first leg of our trip! Wish me luck!
On May 31st, 2010 I flew out of JFK to embark on new journey to the Middle East.
Prior to my departure, my knowledge of the area was minimal. I could locate the UAE on a map. I knew the temperature ranged from hot to hotter. I knew the people, clothes, and culture would be vastly different to anything I’ve been exposed to in the past. I knew even less about exactly what my job entail when I arrived.
What I did know was that I was ready for something a little adventure. Everything else could be figured out as I go. Saying goodbye to my family and friends is always hard. The comfort of a Sunday afternoon brunch, a mother’s embrace, tailgating till 4AM, a grandmother’s stories, and a pulled pork sandwich was predictably hard to leave. What was unexpected was that I had to leave new friends and possible opportunities behind in order to take this one. I ha to come to terms with the fact I would be missing a lot in my friends and families lives to take on this new challenge. My only solace was the multiple hugs and going away parties I had prior to leaving. I would advise anyone leaving for more than a couple of months to have at least one get to together.
What also helped the transition was the fact I had moved to a new phase of traveling. Gone are the days of 26 hours bus rides and shady hostel lodgings. It’s business class from now on for this trip. I have to say the nice thing about drinking the corporate “Koolaid” is you no longer have to deal with a inconsiderate snoring roommate for the sake of gaining experience.
Let’s cross our fingers on the first leg of our trip! Wish me luck!
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