GoodBye CALI Hello Abu Dhabi!!!!

1st up: Sorry for the delay on the post..but things have been busy and getting over the time change/jet lag is no joke.
I'd like to dedicate this blog episode to my Cali family... Thanks again for meeting me for Starbucks, Chicken Tikka Masala, and coming to my going away sweet treat "party."  It meant a lot to spend my last few days on the West Coast with you, and I miss you guys already!

The flight over was great as some know (posted on FB) had a whole 3-seater to myself... free Turkish Airline slippers, toiletry kit, blanket, and yummy food (all halal).  

 Landed in Turkey...found a prayer room (masjid/mosque) in the airport... hung out there and met up w/ a fellow teacher that I had previously met at the LAX airport.... who I would later become SUPER cool with.... Alhamdoolah!

5hrs later.. I arrive in Abu Dhabi... Yeahhahaha!!!!                                               

Got to the hotel......& jumped on the bed a bit in total EXCITEMENT!!!!!!

"pocketbook" sprayer

 

Day 2, or 3, IDK..they all kind of run together.... BIG BUS TOUR of Abu Dhabi City!

Met a new friend @ the mall....  and even got to pray salah at the mall.....

 Later on.... we went on a guided tour of Sheikh Zayeed Grand Mosque
  
      Sheikh Zayeed Grand Mosque, exterior & interior pics

 

Salah clocks to indicate prayer time.

Woman's wudu area

 squatty potty w/ "pocketbook" sprayer

                   

 Found an amazing dollar store... & even crazy different food choices in the grocery store

Then came Sunday.... the 1st day of the work week... Orientation day... armed with my favorite perfume, we headed out to the Intercontinental Hotel.... we met up with fellow colleagues and eagerly awaited our city and school location information....

Thanks Mrs. Romero

    Nimo (Greatest Aly & Sister in Islam)

                                               

Alhamdoolah Yeahhhh !!!!! I'm in Abu Dhabi... At Al Ehsan School teaching Kindergarten

Yes.... this is the same name of the Sunday School I worked in Cali #CelestineProphecy

So.... that's been the last 5days in a nutshell... If we haven't spoken yet... I will do my best to call but the internet is a bit spotty here... but hey its free... can't complain!

Until next Blog, FBpost, Email, Tango, Magic Jack, Face Time.....& the other side of the sun!

-AJ

That's What Friends are For

7:30 Friday morning phone rings...."Yes,  hello, good morning, this is Louis & I'm here to transport your 2010 Lexus."

Ohhhh Noooooo....... already....but it's too soon!

Ready or not, it was happening.  Louis drove May Baby, that's her name, up the ramp, to the very front of the truck, and secured her down as I snapped picture after picture as though I was a proud parent sending a child off to college...(madness).  Handing Louis a bag of treats and snacks I packed for his long haul ahead, he grinned from ear to ear, surprised & thank'd me. We shook hands & I waved good bye as I WALKED away. Walk...walking...OMG....I've been driving since 16, I NEVER WALK! Reformed, humbled commuter... (for now).

Welp...what's next.....STORAGE!!!!!  Uhhhhh,  I hate MOVING!!!!! Buuuuut luckily I've got THEEEE BESTEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD.  A friend who sacrificed a Saturday morning "sleep-in" to help me!


A couch, tv, bookshelf,
patio set,
dresser, a massive amount of teaching materials, 5.5 hours & 50 some boxes later it all fit & with room to spare!
THANKS BESTIEEEEE!!!  Coming Together.