Learning Arabic?

I picked up the Arabic version of the Pimsleur Language Learning System, which is the same system that I used to get started learning Mandarin. It worked extremely well, although I must have sounded like a complete fool repeating "would you like to have a cup of tea?" a thousand times to myself.

From what I hear, English is a highly dominant language in Dubai, and even Hindi and Urdu are more commonly spoken there; however, it won't stop me from trying to pick up at least some of the language - to truly understand and appreciate a foreign culture, one must at least make an attempt to talk the talk.

Burj Khalifa

The tallest building I've ever been in was the Jin Mao tower in Shanghai.  It is now the 10th tallest building in the world and at 421 meters, is dwarfed by the new ridiculously tall 828m Burj Khalifa.  I can't wait to go up!

Last Day of Work

Today is my last day of work as ESL Supervisor at the YWCA of Calgary. It has been a great pleasure working here. I was fortunate enough to step into this position with very little experience or background in the field, and I have grown significantly in the past 3 years. Today it was reinforced by my colleagues and supervisors that my work was very appreciated.  I was congratulated for my organization, personality, patience, sense of humour and knowledge of technology. I'm just glad to have been part of an organization filled with such great people. If it weren't for the positive team dynamic we shared, it certainly would not have been as enjoyable an experience.


I was left with this quote, which I really like:


"Each is given a bag of tools, / A shapeless mass and a book of rules; / And each must make, ere life is flown, / A stumbling block or a stepping stone. (R. L. Sharpe)"

The Real Dubai

Read this article on The Independent for a different perspective.

Preparation!

There's obviously much one must consider before embarking on an odyssey such as this. Overwhelmed I am, by the logistical arrangements that must be considered before leaving. Saddened I feel, by the prospect of temporarily leaving family and friends. Excited I am, by this golden opportunity.  It is a hectic and bittersweet time, for sure. These are just some items on my planning list.

- buy dress clothes (I only own 2 ties, 6 shirts and 1 suit) and more summer wear

- scan and save all my teaching materials that are in paper or book form

- sell excess books and things I won't be needing over the next 2 years

- put motorcycle and car as well as excess clothing (winter clothing!) in storage

- order and replace screen on my laptop

- buy an SLR camera

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Merhaba

Welcome! I have accepted an exciting opportunity as an Academic Bridge Instructor at Zayed University in Dubai. The purpose of this blog is to document and share my experiences through stories and photos.  More will unfold as I prepare to temporarily leave Canada and embark on this exciting journey!


In the meantime, you can read what this former teacher has to say about life in the Emirates.