An American Teacher in the United Arab Emirates: My new digs

Well, I have finally moved into my new apartment. Of course, things worked out a little differently than I had expected. I had the expectation of moving into one of the hi-rise apartments that many of the English Medium Teachers live in, but that did not come to pass. It seems, there are many apartments that have been vacated by teachers who left without completing the school year. What does this have to do with me? Well, all apartment rentals are paid on a yearly basis. Since there were vacant apartments already paid for, we were not given a choice.

When I first went to look at the apartment I was totally shocked. I had expected this pristine, and gorgeous building, with my apartment containing large, spatious tooms. However, I saw a small, dirty apartment. The first thing you saw upon walking through the door was one of the living room walls. The wall was painted a dark brick red from the floor up to the half way point. This truly did not help to make the room look any bigger. In fact it made the room look just a little bigger than a closet. The paint job was not the main event. Within this paint job, the prior tenant had scratched into the paint a large (three foot high) simplified picture of a child. In the bedroom another figure was started but only consisted of a floating head. I must tell you, the artwork looked like a large "Chuckie" doll smiling at me. I was so dissappointed I left with tears in my eyes.

The entry to my apartment building

Why did I have to get placed in this dump? When I returned back to the hotel, I sent off an email to the housing office expressing my unhappiness. After a day or two, I went to speak to the office directly. I was told I had no choice at this time. However, my lease expires on June 30th. At that time, I would be able to make my own apartment search. I realized that I would be the only one who would have to put up with this, so I agreed.

In a few days, I was given the keys to my apartment. I took the elevator up to the third floor and walked down the hall to my apartment. I had a huge feeling of dread as I unlocked my door. However, I was pleasantly surprised. My apartment had been cleaned and freshly painted. Gone was the "Chuckie" that was to haunt me! In actuality my apartment, although small, isn't too bad. The building is only four stories high, and there is free parking. My neighbors exhibit the vast cultural variances of this country, and so far, everyone has been very friendly, and willing to help me if the need arises. In fact, my first night here my neighbor across the hall asked if I had eaten dinner. If I had not, I was invited to sup with them. I didn't want to impose on my first night here, so I politely declined.

The Abu Dhabi Education Council gives it's new teachers a housing allowance to furnish their new apartment. I used this money to purchase my furniture and appliances. The majority of my furniture and ALL of my appliances, I bought from other English Medium Teachers. Some of these teachers were going back to the states, and some said they were just redecorating. What ever the reason, I was able to get some pretty nice pieces for a great price. The only thing I had to purchase new was my television, dining table, and my rug. Locating these bargains was easy. On Facebook there is a group page entitled the "UAE Swap & Shop". On this page you will find just about anything you are looking for. In addition to the FB group, there is also an online local classified ads site~ Dubizzle.com. I found my oven on Dubizzle. Of course, if I wanted to buy everything new, it could've been done, but it would have cost me about double the price. I did have to purchase things like dishes, pots & pans, and linens. You can find them on the sale pages, but the timing didn't work out in my favor.

It has been a long time since I have lived alone. Truthfully, I don't care much for it. Here I am in this apartment, with no one to really talk to. So, I decided to get a room mate. Well, sort of. I didn't get a "human" room mate. I acquired a six month old kitten from a fellow teacher who found out her child had severe allergies. They had named him Smokey because of his gray fur. However, I looked into his face and he looks like a Bobcat to me. So, I named him Bob. He is alot of fun and he makes me laugh. I now have someone to talk to, and no problem with back talk. lol Hopefully, things will continue to be on the upswing. I am posting some of the pictures of my new place, and of course Bob. Talk to you again soon!