Sunday

I had a quiet day yesterday due to the fact that I fell on the street on Friday night.  No, not what you are thinking!  I was on my way to a beer garden in the back of the La Meridian Hotel down by the Abu Dhabi Mall when I slipped.  Very spectacular fall apparently.  There was a downward slope and we'd been warned to take care so I took a tentative step onto it and my feet slid out from under me.  I thought I was going to knock myself out as I just fell flat onto my back.  Luckily I didn't hit my head or I'd have been in a worse position.  So I'm very sore and my knee is not right.  I think I've jarred my hip which is causing the knee to protest so I'll keep an eye on it over the next couple of days.

The footpaths here are not made for walking.  One of our group ended up in hospital with a broken leg on the first night after she tripped.  So I have been careful.  All around the city there is building and new construction.  They continually rip up the old and replace with new.  Nohing seems to get finished.  The footpaths are brick and are as rough as can be.  Not for the faint hearted.  No walk this morning then.

Today Lochie & I are hoping to check out a couple of International Schools for him.  I'll phone them shortly to see if we can get an appointment today.  I'll also return to the Mushrif Mall to see if our bankcards are ready.  The third visit to the bank.  "Inshallah - God willing."  That's how things are done around here.

We should get the results of our medical back today.  If we don't pass we are shipped out immediately.  Apparently the catch phrase they use when you are being sent home is 'win or aisle'?  Meaning which seat on the plane do you want?  Nothing more, not much chance of there being less.  Obviously we live in dread of hearing those words.

I've been in email contact with Alec's former teacher from Springlands School.  She's teaching at an International School here and has been helpful in our search for a school.  I plan to meet up with her once I'm a bit more settled.  She's living right in the city.

I've also been checking out furniture for our appartment.  Expats leaving the country adverstise whole house lots so once I get our place I'll see if there are any going.  There is at the mo but no use to me even phoning as what would I do with it?  So may be able to get the house furnished for 1/2 the cost.  Saw one lot advertised on 'Dubizzle', like Trademe, for AED11,900.  When you arrive you buy new then most people only stay a couple of years and they have to sell everything.  What I love in our hotel is the washing machine that has a dryer in it.  I plan on buying one of them.  Mind you, your clothes dry in no time here but no outside clothes lines around here.

I've been impressed with the safety of the city.  Everyone is very respectful and Teachers are treated like Royalty.  We're up there with Drs & Engineers.  But with that respect comes expectations that our behaviour will be exemplary.  Two examples are clothing & relationships with the opposite sex.  You are reported to ADEC which is like our Ministry for any misdemeanour: by your workmates, parents, students, & those living in your appartment block.  So no men coming to stay.  No skanky clothing in public.  Don't annoy your parents or students.  If anyone reports you ADEC begins to 'watch' you and compiles a dosier on your behaviour.  You aren't usually even aware it is happening.  Then an investigation by ADEC.  It seems like at that stage it's dependent on what your Principal has to say about you so positive relationships are a must.  Lots of cheery 'Asalam Aleikom'' 'Good morning' and we were advised to walk through their office each day greeting them.

We have a two week break at the end of March/beg of April so am already checking out holiday packages.  Depends on when we get paid and how much I suppose but we may check out this country first or head to Cypress.  It will also depend on how much Lochie's school fees are as they vary considerably.  We may know more today.