Wow, where does the time go? It’s already been a week and a half since the last posting.
As promised, I will devote an entire posting (although, more would be required to adequately cover this subject) to food. And, there's a lot of it here. With a country comprised almost entirely of expats, there's bound to be a variety. There’s an amazing selection of restaurants, although our favorite is Marroush. And while it’s convenient at a half block away, it’s also incredibly good. The shawarma is ready everyday at 6:30. We eat there maybe once a week. And for those who have expressed concern that Sam isn’t eating. No worries, we’ve found a pizza restaurant, and we eat there once a week as well (to prevent nutritional shock).
The produce section at the grocery store has been an education. Even for me, whom I consider to be a well-versed cook. I purchase a Middle Eastern cookbook this past weekend, and made the baki mussaka (eggplant with spaghetti). It turned out well, and since I made a little portion for Sam with only jarred spaghetti sauce, he did manage to keep from retching. As far as home cooking is concerned, that’s where the fun begins (at least for me). There are stores ranging from the hyper markets to “convenience” stores that would fit in most people’s living rooms. On Facebook, I’ve tried to update with photos with my latest “experiments.” I’ve made kofta with rice, kheer, and the aforementioned eggplant. Which, I couldn’t get the children to eat, unless I called it “aubergines.” Everything sounds fancier in French, I suppose. Not to worry, though, I’ve stayed true to my southern roots, and have made macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, and biscuits (much to the amazement of Belatu). I somehow got the impression her previous employer did not cook. And, you won’t believe it y’all! I even found buttermilk!
But back to the produce section. I cannot begin to describe how amazing it is. I never knew there were so many types of mangoes (they are just as passionate about their mangoes as we are about apples). And, I can find vegetables I’ve only seen in exotic cookbooks (although, interestingly enough, molasses is in the “ethnic food” section). We’ve had produce from across the globe (primarily Asia and Africa), and while I’ve tried to keep it local (our favorite has still been dragon fruit) —I realize that it’s really no different than purchasing strawberries from California in December when I lived in North Carolina. But, there are amazing farmers’ markets and we’re already becoming familiar faces. The kids are great at scoring free pitas right off the line.
Since I shop at least three times a week, the quality is much fresher. We are eating vegetarian meals at least twice a week. Since few preservatives are used, as well as less salt and sugar, the flavors are much clearer in the meals. Therefore, we eat less as well.
Combined with walking more, we’re becoming healthier overall. So, come visit and let us take you on a culinary adventure!
Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all. ~Harriet van Horne
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
"We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival." ~Winston Churchill
There are a few topics I want to cover, so I’ll give you a preview for the next few blogs:
1. Food (yes, Sam is eating)
2. Enterprise
3. Observations of a Foreigner
For now, my thoughts revolve around Japan. My heart breaks for the people and their country. I am continually inspired by the footage of the indomitable human spirit, the triumph of caring for others over horrific tragedy, and moved to tears as loved ones are reunited. One particular story I will remember, a group of high schoolers in a shelter with their remaining community made banners for the gymnasium saying, “Do your best.” These students had lost everything, some were unable to locate their families, but they felt it was their duty to lift up the spirits of those around them. This is truly taking something good out of a horrendous situation. I am inspired by their bravery, selflessness, and compassion.
As we continue our new lives in the UAE, I am reminded again at how lucky I am to have my family with me.
Typically, I insert a quote that summarizes the post, this time is no different.
“That was rough.... Thing to do now is try and forget it.... I guess I don't quite mean that. It's not a thing you can forget. Maybe not even a thing you want to forget.... Life's like that sometimes... Now and then for no good reason a man can figure out, life will just haul off and knock him flat, slam him agin' the ground so hard it seems like all his insides is busted. But it's not all like that. A lot of it's mighty fine, and you can't afford to waste the good part frettin' about the bad. That makes it all bad.... Sure, I know - sayin' it's one thing and feelin' it's another. But I'll tell you a trick that's sometimes a big help. When you start lookin' around for something good to take the place of the bad, as a general rule you can find it.” ~From the movie Old Yeller
1. Food (yes, Sam is eating)
2. Enterprise
3. Observations of a Foreigner
For now, my thoughts revolve around Japan. My heart breaks for the people and their country. I am continually inspired by the footage of the indomitable human spirit, the triumph of caring for others over horrific tragedy, and moved to tears as loved ones are reunited. One particular story I will remember, a group of high schoolers in a shelter with their remaining community made banners for the gymnasium saying, “Do your best.” These students had lost everything, some were unable to locate their families, but they felt it was their duty to lift up the spirits of those around them. This is truly taking something good out of a horrendous situation. I am inspired by their bravery, selflessness, and compassion.
As we continue our new lives in the UAE, I am reminded again at how lucky I am to have my family with me.
Typically, I insert a quote that summarizes the post, this time is no different.
“That was rough.... Thing to do now is try and forget it.... I guess I don't quite mean that. It's not a thing you can forget. Maybe not even a thing you want to forget.... Life's like that sometimes... Now and then for no good reason a man can figure out, life will just haul off and knock him flat, slam him agin' the ground so hard it seems like all his insides is busted. But it's not all like that. A lot of it's mighty fine, and you can't afford to waste the good part frettin' about the bad. That makes it all bad.... Sure, I know - sayin' it's one thing and feelin' it's another. But I'll tell you a trick that's sometimes a big help. When you start lookin' around for something good to take the place of the bad, as a general rule you can find it.” ~From the movie Old Yeller
Friday, March 4, 2011
Family in the UAE
Many of you know I have an off-color sense of humor. Especially when it comes to my children. They do crazy things, and it's better to laugh at the situations (i.e., Thomas getting his head stuck in the cat condo), than to react in various other ways. Often, I complain. But, it is with love and sincerity. Most of my comments are meant to be funny. Those that know the children know how funny they are. Just read some of my Facebook status updates.
I was not unaware of my blessings. Before we moved, several people asked if I'd miss being in the States (of course) or couldn't understand how we'd be able to be so far from "home." My answer was always, "My home is where my family is." This brings me to my point. . .
We are incredibly lucky to be here as a family. I can't tell you the number of taxi drivers and maintenance men we've met who have family in other countries. Belatu has a 10 year old daughter in Addis. They come for a chance at a better life for their families. Wiring money on the weekends and hoping for an opportunity at a phone call. Not unlike immigrants all over the world.
Yesterday, we had a cab driver from Pakistan who asked the usual questions. "Are all those yours?" "Why such a small family (yes, we were ALL in the car)?" "Where are you from?" When we told him America, he said, "Ah, this you are very lucky." Sam agreed, discussing having a good job, being American, being educated, etc. Mr. Khan answered, "No, because you are here together." Emphasizing 'together' by clasping his hands.
As he talked about his infant daughter in Pakistan, I took a moment to look at each child and be grateful that we were all crammed into the 5-seat taxi together.
As is typical, I found a quote that sums up the post: “Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted.” ~Paul Pearshall
I was not unaware of my blessings. Before we moved, several people asked if I'd miss being in the States (of course) or couldn't understand how we'd be able to be so far from "home." My answer was always, "My home is where my family is." This brings me to my point. . .
We are incredibly lucky to be here as a family. I can't tell you the number of taxi drivers and maintenance men we've met who have family in other countries. Belatu has a 10 year old daughter in Addis. They come for a chance at a better life for their families. Wiring money on the weekends and hoping for an opportunity at a phone call. Not unlike immigrants all over the world.
Yesterday, we had a cab driver from Pakistan who asked the usual questions. "Are all those yours?" "Why such a small family (yes, we were ALL in the car)?" "Where are you from?" When we told him America, he said, "Ah, this you are very lucky." Sam agreed, discussing having a good job, being American, being educated, etc. Mr. Khan answered, "No, because you are here together." Emphasizing 'together' by clasping his hands.
As he talked about his infant daughter in Pakistan, I took a moment to look at each child and be grateful that we were all crammed into the 5-seat taxi together.
As is typical, I found a quote that sums up the post: “Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted.” ~Paul Pearshall
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Education in the UAE--Let's Get Our Learn On!
As if moving across the globe weren’t enough of an experience, transferring schools midyear has been an experience I could have done without.
Mostly due to the fact we had to wait an inordinate amount of time for the sponsorship letter proving we would, in fact, be moving (who would make THAT one up?), we were unable to enroll the children in our preferred school. And, actually, our first three choices were full by the time we arrived. Finally, we chose the American International School. And while it was our last choice, it was only last based on geography. The boys have about an hour bus ride each way. Since buses are new experiences for Thomas and Lucas, they’re more than thrilled to wake 25 minutes earlier.
The curriculum is similar to the American, as it is an accredited American school. Basically, the only difference is that it’s set in Abu Dhabi. Oh, and they teach Arabic as well. Considering the boys were learning Spanish at their former school—a foreign language class is not that . . . well, foreign. Thomas excitedly showed us his name in Arabic from his first class. Poor kid has just mastered writing left to right, now we throw in Arabic, which is written from right to left. Studies show language acquisition is much faster for children, and pronunciation without a ‘foreign’ accent is less. And, as our world becomes more connected, multilingualism will be an invaluable asset in the workplace. Indeed, one of the benefits of taking this position was the fact we could offer opportunities to travel and learn that we would not otherwise be able to offer the children. To close, Albert Einstein said it best, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
Mostly due to the fact we had to wait an inordinate amount of time for the sponsorship letter proving we would, in fact, be moving (who would make THAT one up?), we were unable to enroll the children in our preferred school. And, actually, our first three choices were full by the time we arrived. Finally, we chose the American International School. And while it was our last choice, it was only last based on geography. The boys have about an hour bus ride each way. Since buses are new experiences for Thomas and Lucas, they’re more than thrilled to wake 25 minutes earlier.
The curriculum is similar to the American, as it is an accredited American school. Basically, the only difference is that it’s set in Abu Dhabi. Oh, and they teach Arabic as well. Considering the boys were learning Spanish at their former school—a foreign language class is not that . . . well, foreign. Thomas excitedly showed us his name in Arabic from his first class. Poor kid has just mastered writing left to right, now we throw in Arabic, which is written from right to left. Studies show language acquisition is much faster for children, and pronunciation without a ‘foreign’ accent is less. And, as our world becomes more connected, multilingualism will be an invaluable asset in the workplace. Indeed, one of the benefits of taking this position was the fact we could offer opportunities to travel and learn that we would not otherwise be able to offer the children. To close, Albert Einstein said it best, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness. ~Ray Bradbury
If the above quote is true, we're having a hell of a lot of fun! I remember when Sam and I moved to Greenville, we somehow got turned around on 10th St during construction and were lost for about 30 minutes before we found our way back home.
As far as Abu Dhabi is concerned, thank goodness for taxi drivers and the ability to fake like we're not tourists. After about a month, we're finally starting to figure out where we are. We're lucky to live right on the Corniche. It's like Rome--all roads lead to the Corniche. Get me to the Corniche and I can find my way home. We've already been introduced to people from all over the world. Turkey, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Germany, Ireland, Egypt, Iraq, Persia, and the list goes on. . .it is truly a melting pot. Perhaps a salad is a better description: it all mixes together but manages to retain its unique flavor.
So, my first impressions:
1. The people are wonderful. Especially, with the children. Lucas, Helen, and Jack are the most frequent recipients of such affection. And Thomas is an anomaly with his blond hair and blue eyes. We were on an elevator, and a woman asked if she could take Jack's picture. He's probably still a screensaver on someone's phone.
2. I'm used to different periods of busyness. It's hopping here until at least 10 PM. But, dead in the morning. As mentioned in the previous posting, prior to 10 AM is a great time to shopping. It will take you a quarter of the time.
3. Everything is made fresh. Even fast food. There are an amazing variety of restaurants in the food court. My favorite was an Indian restaurant that gave me a huge plate of food and a salad, and something in a bowl (haha, but it was good) for about 25 dirhams (dhs) which is little over $6.
4. And my favorite thus far, the variety of produce. We've had pears from Egypt, dragon fruit from Thailand, carrots from Jordan, lettuce from Persia, and apples from France (I'm probably not doing a lot to decrease my carbon footprint, but the produce section is a field trip).
Fortunately, there’s an incredible amount produced/grown here in the UAE. My favorite being the chicken that’s slaughtered and delivered within a day (sorry to my vegetarian friends). I’m amazed at the difference in taste. Although, I’ve not made anything with lamb yet, I know it’s fresh, since it’s butchered right in the store. Really.
It’s been an eye opening experience thus far. Our ‘flat’ doesn’t feel like home yet, but it’s getting there. We’re learning our way around and we’re already becoming regulars in certain places (the Lebanese restaurant half a block away is our favorite dining spot). But, plan on taking it with you; it’s not an “eat in” kind of place. Happily, there are several playgrounds and parks where you can enjoy your meals.
There’s a lot more I’ll try to share as I remember. And now that I have computer access, it will be much easier to share those impressions on a more immediate basis.
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. ~James Michener
As far as Abu Dhabi is concerned, thank goodness for taxi drivers and the ability to fake like we're not tourists. After about a month, we're finally starting to figure out where we are. We're lucky to live right on the Corniche. It's like Rome--all roads lead to the Corniche. Get me to the Corniche and I can find my way home. We've already been introduced to people from all over the world. Turkey, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Germany, Ireland, Egypt, Iraq, Persia, and the list goes on. . .it is truly a melting pot. Perhaps a salad is a better description: it all mixes together but manages to retain its unique flavor.
So, my first impressions:
1. The people are wonderful. Especially, with the children. Lucas, Helen, and Jack are the most frequent recipients of such affection. And Thomas is an anomaly with his blond hair and blue eyes. We were on an elevator, and a woman asked if she could take Jack's picture. He's probably still a screensaver on someone's phone.
2. I'm used to different periods of busyness. It's hopping here until at least 10 PM. But, dead in the morning. As mentioned in the previous posting, prior to 10 AM is a great time to shopping. It will take you a quarter of the time.
3. Everything is made fresh. Even fast food. There are an amazing variety of restaurants in the food court. My favorite was an Indian restaurant that gave me a huge plate of food and a salad, and something in a bowl (haha, but it was good) for about 25 dirhams (dhs) which is little over $6.
4. And my favorite thus far, the variety of produce. We've had pears from Egypt, dragon fruit from Thailand, carrots from Jordan, lettuce from Persia, and apples from France (I'm probably not doing a lot to decrease my carbon footprint, but the produce section is a field trip).
Fortunately, there’s an incredible amount produced/grown here in the UAE. My favorite being the chicken that’s slaughtered and delivered within a day (sorry to my vegetarian friends). I’m amazed at the difference in taste. Although, I’ve not made anything with lamb yet, I know it’s fresh, since it’s butchered right in the store. Really.
It’s been an eye opening experience thus far. Our ‘flat’ doesn’t feel like home yet, but it’s getting there. We’re learning our way around and we’re already becoming regulars in certain places (the Lebanese restaurant half a block away is our favorite dining spot). But, plan on taking it with you; it’s not an “eat in” kind of place. Happily, there are several playgrounds and parks where you can enjoy your meals.
There’s a lot more I’ll try to share as I remember. And now that I have computer access, it will be much easier to share those impressions on a more immediate basis.
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. ~James Michener
Monday, February 21, 2011
Arrival--Part 2 OR "The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to." F. Scott Fitzgerald
Long story short, we arrived four hours late (around midnight). By the time we got through customs, put our bags through security again, and picked up our luggage off the carousel (we only left one bag at the airport--haha), and waited for the hotel to send enough taxis for our luggage and us, we arrived to the hotel around 3 AM.
Here’s where the jetlag set in. The kids were WIRED! All of them. It was like someone had given them a hit of speed. Understandably, their bodies were telling them it was 6 PM. But, I forced them into bed to try and establish our “normal” routine.
The first day wasn’t too bad, other than a little fatigue. But, that first night. Wow. I had about 90 minutes of sleep. Between Jack teething (forgot to mention he was teething during the flight as well), and three children who couldn’t sleep, had various excuses for getting out of bed, etc., it was a rough night.
After a couple more days, though, the kids went to bed at 8 and slept through the night. During the day, we were kept busy with sightseeing, visiting our new apartment, and settling into a new city.
Setting up a new household I definitely took for granted. In the States, I took for granted how easy this would be. Sure, you buy everything. But, that means everything. From appliances to furniture, down to minor things like curtain rods, towels, and toiletries. Not a task that can be achieved quickly nor easily.
Shopping here. Hmmm, I’ve heard it described at worst as the seventh level of Hell and at best, over stimulating. And depending on the time of day, it can be anywhere in between. I quickly learned to go to the hypermarkets (super centers) before three. A couple times, we made the mistake of being there after 5, and it was all I could do to hold onto the shopping cart to keep from being run over. It’s pandemonium. Since then, I’ve discovered the best way to shop is to go before noon and to wear sunglasses inside. Initially, I thought people wore sunglasses for sun protection. No, no. It’s to protect the eyes from the 4000W light bulbs that are used in the stores. I plan on taking people to Lulu’s and Carrefour as a tourist spot.
Here’s where the jetlag set in. The kids were WIRED! All of them. It was like someone had given them a hit of speed. Understandably, their bodies were telling them it was 6 PM. But, I forced them into bed to try and establish our “normal” routine.
The first day wasn’t too bad, other than a little fatigue. But, that first night. Wow. I had about 90 minutes of sleep. Between Jack teething (forgot to mention he was teething during the flight as well), and three children who couldn’t sleep, had various excuses for getting out of bed, etc., it was a rough night.
After a couple more days, though, the kids went to bed at 8 and slept through the night. During the day, we were kept busy with sightseeing, visiting our new apartment, and settling into a new city.
Setting up a new household I definitely took for granted. In the States, I took for granted how easy this would be. Sure, you buy everything. But, that means everything. From appliances to furniture, down to minor things like curtain rods, towels, and toiletries. Not a task that can be achieved quickly nor easily.
Shopping here. Hmmm, I’ve heard it described at worst as the seventh level of Hell and at best, over stimulating. And depending on the time of day, it can be anywhere in between. I quickly learned to go to the hypermarkets (super centers) before three. A couple times, we made the mistake of being there after 5, and it was all I could do to hold onto the shopping cart to keep from being run over. It’s pandemonium. Since then, I’ve discovered the best way to shop is to go before noon and to wear sunglasses inside. Initially, I thought people wore sunglasses for sun protection. No, no. It’s to protect the eyes from the 4000W light bulbs that are used in the stores. I plan on taking people to Lulu’s and Carrefour as a tourist spot.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Arrival--Part 1
Since it's been almost a month since I last posted, I decided to break the journey into pieces. Don't want to lose my faithful audience over an epic blog. :-)
Now I know why they tell you to arrive at the airport at least four hours before your flight when you're flying internationally. And honestly, there should be a caveat that if you're moving internationally, you should arrive at least six hours in advance.
While I thought we had whittled our possessions down to the bare necessities, we still had about 23 suitcases (I'm still not sure of the total) to check, and somewhere around 15 carry-ons, camera bags, diaper bags, backpacks, stroller, and purse. Yup, that's it. We were the freakin' Clampetts. All we needed was to lash a rocking chair onto the plane and we'd have been set.
Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers and sympathetic TSA officials, or we'd have been screwed. Or someone would've lost a shoe. Or, even worse, a lovey.
But, finally we were through check-in and security. I was truly impressed by how well the kids did, considering lunch was about two hours later than normal AND no one had a nap. We definitely dodged a bullet with that one. But, a good lunch and a DVD in the DVD player (that an incredibly intelligent person purchased for each child for Christmas), and we were good to go.
Some amusing things from the trip—the kids love soldiers. And there were lots coming through Atlanta-Hartsfield. Thomas asked one guy, “Are you going to Afghanistan to fly fighter jets?! Because that’s where my cousin is, his name is Curt. You should tell him 'hi' for me.”
When we took off from Atlanta to Chicago, Helen started squealing with laughter. Anyone that knows Helen knows how funny this can be. And also knows that it’s a sign of nervousness, as oppose to actually finding something funny.
We made it to Chicago. And even though our flight was early, we almost had the gates closed on us. We had to check in again to the Etihad counter, reweigh our carry-ons, and go through security yet again. Had it not been for the amazing ticket agent who let us slide on some overweight bags, then met us in security and escorted us through, we surely would have missed the flight.
And then we waited. . .
For four hours while some technical/mechanical issue was fixed. But, better to discover it on the runway, as oppose to midair.
Long story short, the flight was long, but the kids were AMAZING. We couldn’t have asked for a better flight experience.
Thanks for hanging in and the next chapter of “The Arrival” will follow our journey through the airport and to our hotel at 4 AM, Abu Dhabi time.
Now I know why they tell you to arrive at the airport at least four hours before your flight when you're flying internationally. And honestly, there should be a caveat that if you're moving internationally, you should arrive at least six hours in advance.
While I thought we had whittled our possessions down to the bare necessities, we still had about 23 suitcases (I'm still not sure of the total) to check, and somewhere around 15 carry-ons, camera bags, diaper bags, backpacks, stroller, and purse. Yup, that's it. We were the freakin' Clampetts. All we needed was to lash a rocking chair onto the plane and we'd have been set.
Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers and sympathetic TSA officials, or we'd have been screwed. Or someone would've lost a shoe. Or, even worse, a lovey.
But, finally we were through check-in and security. I was truly impressed by how well the kids did, considering lunch was about two hours later than normal AND no one had a nap. We definitely dodged a bullet with that one. But, a good lunch and a DVD in the DVD player (that an incredibly intelligent person purchased for each child for Christmas), and we were good to go.
Some amusing things from the trip—the kids love soldiers. And there were lots coming through Atlanta-Hartsfield. Thomas asked one guy, “Are you going to Afghanistan to fly fighter jets?! Because that’s where my cousin is, his name is Curt. You should tell him 'hi' for me.”
When we took off from Atlanta to Chicago, Helen started squealing with laughter. Anyone that knows Helen knows how funny this can be. And also knows that it’s a sign of nervousness, as oppose to actually finding something funny.
We made it to Chicago. And even though our flight was early, we almost had the gates closed on us. We had to check in again to the Etihad counter, reweigh our carry-ons, and go through security yet again. Had it not been for the amazing ticket agent who let us slide on some overweight bags, then met us in security and escorted us through, we surely would have missed the flight.
And then we waited. . .
For four hours while some technical/mechanical issue was fixed. But, better to discover it on the runway, as oppose to midair.
Long story short, the flight was long, but the kids were AMAZING. We couldn’t have asked for a better flight experience.
Thanks for hanging in and the next chapter of “The Arrival” will follow our journey through the airport and to our hotel at 4 AM, Abu Dhabi time.
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