July to September in a Flash

Where did all the time go?

This time around 2months+ went by way too quickly. This seems to be the question I have asked myself over the past couple of months.

I had all intentions to spend a couple hours posting updates, but pure consistent downtime has been hard to find. My attention fell on academic year preparations and starting training with my staff.

Before the chaos ensued, I did have time to squeeze in a few things.

Starting with my first 4^th of July Celebration in the UAE. It seemed like it was ages since I had ever heard the Star-Spangled Banner. I appreciated the moment, and the fireworks which followed.

Of course I could not miss the watching the London 2012 Opening Ceremony.

I took pictures of some of my favorite highlights:

Realizing all the countries I wanted to cheer on were at the end of the alphabet, 

these were a bit blurry. This was also around 4am my time. 

Back to back, team Uganda, United Arab Emirates, and of course the United States of America.

 Such excitement to cheer on the home teams.

It was worth all the multiple hours I spent watching the show.

Cha, Cha Changes

Besides a fast summer, I was also making some physical transitions with office and apartment. At the end of July, I was informed of an apartment on a non-student floor, and I only had a short period to accomplish the move.  This would mean moving from a 3 bedroom apartment with 2.5 baths to one with 2 bedroom and 1.5 bathroom- very long story but loving my new place.  Luckily I had a wonderful team who helped me move in about 3hrs!

My new view!

Here is the glimpse of my new 2 bedroom apartment before I officially moved in:

Now the reason this transition was a bit daunting was due to the fact that all my moves were dependent on each other-a domino effect. The office I used this year was been assigned to another staff member, and I had to find a new space. Thus when I was approved for an apartment, my supervisor and I decided to utilize the free space in my 3 bedroom. Now that entire space serves as our department “headquarters” and one of the bedrooms is my current office. 

Old Apartment Transition

 

Before and During Staff Training

Ramadan began on July 20 and ended on August 18^th, a total of 30 days.

Before our staff arrived, we sent them a reminded about the holiday and things to consider especially as they traveled at various points in the day.

“The observance of the upcoming month of Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is one of the pillars of Islam. It is an important period of religious significance for Muslims worldwide, who observe it with increased worship, spiritual contemplation, and by abstaining from all food and drink (including water and chewing gum) approximately from sunrise to sunset for the entirety of the month.

Some non-Muslims living in predominantly Muslim countries also fast. Most non-Muslims who are aware of Ramadan know it as a month for fasting, but Muslims also have the following obligations during Ramadan:

o    Curbing undesirable emotions such as anger, greed, envy, lust, and refraining from gossip.

o    Keeping thoughts and actions pure and using the time of fasting for spiritual contemplation.

o    Being charitable and helping those in need in general.

o    Paying zakat, the required donation to the poor and needy, at the end of Ramadan.

o    Visiting friends and family members.

o    Children under 12 years old, the elderly, pregnant or nursing women, and those who are sick, are not expected to fast.

If your flight arrives prior to 7:15pm UAE Time (approximately when it’s time to break the fast) please adhere and respect the religious observance.

o    Do not eat food, chew gum, drink or smoke publicly; many airport food vendors will likely be closed during this time-unless they are sheltered from public view. This includes while in the vehicle to the building- your driver might be fasting.

o    Dress conservatively. Revealing attire should not be worn.

o    Pay attention when crossing the streets/roads. Driving may be more erratic than usual, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening.

o    Loud music and dancing is considered disrespectful during Ramadan.

Overall, respect the local laws and traditions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they do not offend others' cultures and religious beliefs.
 

 Inside the Bus admiring the Ramadan Decorations
 

  

At an Iftar Meal  
 

Besides experiencing Ramadan for the 2^nd time and understanding the culture, I will say that I have grown more accustomed to dates. I definitely had more of a share this time around ;)

 Conference Room before RA training begins

Spent a couple days with the staff in Dubai around the IBN Batutta area

 

 Water Fountain show at Dubai Mall

 Burj Khalifa to the left  side

With Ramadan coming to a close, we enjoy our last Iftar meal before Eid.

 








Before I knew it, our students’ flights were on their way and our hallways were alive with chatter and laughter.  
 

 Around Abu Dhabi

A colleague has a fabulous apartment with a large balcony which overlooks the Corniche. Some of us consider this apartment the penthouse.

Marina Mall at night

Oh say can you see? Red Star Restaurant which features American and Chinese Cuisine.

 Tried Umm Ali (translates to mother of Ali). 

Tasty traditional Egyptian dessert which can be compared to bread pudding.

BONUS:

Awesome spices brought from the States courtesy of my supervisor. I have yet to find these in the UAE.

NEXT TIME, pictures of my set up apartment (hopefully).   The process so far:

It is certainly starting to feel like home.