We have arrived, our cargo has arrived, our resident visas are complete and vacation is over. A normal life here in Al Ain is starting to develop. We have several things to celebrate.
1.) We recently got back from a wonderful week of vacation at Atlantis the Palm in Dubai. It was a much needed break and the kids enjoyed the water park, aquarium, and the hotel room in general.
2.) We bought a car! Or rather a Honda Pilot which is very much like the one we had in the states. And it just so happens to be MAROON (whoop!). A little something to remind us of College Station. Even our oldest was excited about the color. As soon as she saw it she exclaimed, "It's maroon! Yipee!" The car buying process is a bit different here but we are very thankful that it only took a few days to get everything legal and in order. And even more thankful that Gabe took me with him to have it registered. We were able to go through the Women's line at the inspection station which had 2 other cars in front of us as opposed to going through the general line which was wrapped around a building. I'm sure my presence saved us a least an hour! : )
3.) One more day until Ramadan is over. This means stores go back to normal hours and by normal hours I mean open during the day instead of during the night (during Ramadan most stores are open from about 8:30pm until 2am). More importantly we can eat and drink in public during the day. This doesn't seem like a big deal but when you have small children and it's crazy hot outside you can't be on a long outing before the kids (and yourself) need food and water.
4.) We are mostly settled and the last bit of furniture is due to arrive next week, on our wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary to us!
It's still crazy hot. So hot that even the cold water from the tap it not cold but quite hot. Keeping water tanks on the roof means you always have warm or hot water during the summer.
We made a quick trip to Abu Dhabi in hopes of some site seeing. We drove by the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. It is quite impressive. At some point we hope to take a tour.
1.) We recently got back from a wonderful week of vacation at Atlantis the Palm in Dubai. It was a much needed break and the kids enjoyed the water park, aquarium, and the hotel room in general.
The kids loved posing in front of the aquariums.
Part of the the view from our room.
2.) We bought a car! Or rather a Honda Pilot which is very much like the one we had in the states. And it just so happens to be MAROON (whoop!). A little something to remind us of College Station. Even our oldest was excited about the color. As soon as she saw it she exclaimed, "It's maroon! Yipee!" The car buying process is a bit different here but we are very thankful that it only took a few days to get everything legal and in order. And even more thankful that Gabe took me with him to have it registered. We were able to go through the Women's line at the inspection station which had 2 other cars in front of us as opposed to going through the general line which was wrapped around a building. I'm sure my presence saved us a least an hour! : )
So thankful for covered parking!
3.) One more day until Ramadan is over. This means stores go back to normal hours and by normal hours I mean open during the day instead of during the night (during Ramadan most stores are open from about 8:30pm until 2am). More importantly we can eat and drink in public during the day. This doesn't seem like a big deal but when you have small children and it's crazy hot outside you can't be on a long outing before the kids (and yourself) need food and water.
4.) We are mostly settled and the last bit of furniture is due to arrive next week, on our wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary to us!
It's still crazy hot. So hot that even the cold water from the tap it not cold but quite hot. Keeping water tanks on the roof means you always have warm or hot water during the summer.
We made a quick trip to Abu Dhabi in hopes of some site seeing. We drove by the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. It is quite impressive. At some point we hope to take a tour.
This is from the side. The front, which we did not get a picture of, is much more impressive.
5.) Gabe has officially started work. I'll let him insert something now. (enter Gabe stage right) Hey there folks. Just got home from my third day of work. It's good to taking care of patients again. Just like any new job, it takes some time to figure out the process for doing even basic tasks. But I'm catching on and that makes for less stress each day. I'll be working mostly exclusively in the OB dept this month and next, due to an unexpected shortage of OB providers.
6.) We have started Arabic classes and have learned some common greetings, and are learning the alphabet. Learning Arabic is one of our primary goals so it's good to be doing that.
Miss you all and thanks for reading!
Stacy and family
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