Sunday, August 22, 2010

Mugg and Bean…

…was my first stop. The Westernized coffee shop found right inside of the Abu Dhabi mall, shortly after my arrival at the Beach Rotana hotel. So quickly after receiving my luggage from the bellhop did I run to the nearest internet cafĂ© that it wasn't until after I had settled in for the night that I realized: a) there are two toilets, b) the accommodations are luxurious, and c) the people, the places, and the city… are not my own.

Abu Dhabi has its own swagger. One that says "it's perfectly OK for everyone to be covered here from head to toe in light, fine linens – because here in the UAE we frequent Tiffany, Cartier, Bulgari, Gucci, and Burberry." There are no Samanthas or Carrie Bradshaws here discussing their loves and lives over dessert, as the majority of the mall restaurants are filled with groups of men and young boys, smoking and speaking in a rough whisper. I haven't gone far just yet, but judging by the clothes on the mannequins in the Abu Dhabi mall – this should be interesting.

I haven't done much. It's just after 6.am on Sunday (I think) and my Friday/Saturday was filled with last minute packing, flying, in-flight movies, free red wine, getting mini food poisonings TWICE, making quick friends, having my retina scanned by AD's security, work visas, passports, scanning carry-on luggage, wondering what customs had taken while I wasn't looking, and LOTS and lots of Tylenol.

Orientation begins in a few hours and I have slated to wear jeans, sandals, and a shirt that comes down past my thighs with shoulders covered. Check. I want nothing more than to hop on Facebook/Twitter to chat and reply to blessings and messages from loved ones… or to jump on my video phone/Skype with close friends…. I wonder what the children are like, and if I brought enough school supplies.

I'm positive that I'll survive (I mean, have you met my mother) – but ultimately, I hope that my stay is pleasant. I hope my family and friends take advantage of my new home which lies across the World and make plans to visit. I hope the novelty of my being gone doesn't wear off too quickly, and I can always come home to a voice and/or email.

For those of you who are reading this and on your way soon: we'll be fine – I saw a Steve Madden and a Nine West in the mall. J

Cheers!