I was here in Dubai 4-5 years ago when I was working with the Consultant Engineering Company, worked as a project engineer in construction site. We were building the District Cooling Plant in The Green Community, Jebel Ali, Dubai. That’s the place I met my hubby – Raymond. We started to see and date each other since I met him; no matter he was in Dubai, Penang, KL or Chiang Mai. We have been dating for 4-5 years? (I don’t really remember when it’s the Official Date we dated!)
Dubai, Abu Dhabi or I should say U.A.E (The Emirates), or maybe the Middle East Countries are developing. They are building more and more nice Architect work piece although the inflation rate is getting higher and higher globally. And of course, there are tones of project and construction going on in this region! They are rich, in the other word.
End of year 2007, Ray has proposed to me. We can actually either sign the paper before or after the wedding ceremony. But we decided to get the marriage license at the same time we are planning for the wedding ceremony. The ceremony is planned to be held in year 2009. There are several reasons to put the ceremony in 2009. One of them is all my siblings are abroad, I have to plan and giving them a 1 year notice. Haha.. Ray and I have never though that we will be back to the Emirates until Ray has got a new assignment in Abu Dhabi; while my company has approached me a job in the Middle East. So, we are here now in Abu Dhabi.
Well, I have been here for a while, one and a half month. Everything is finally settled down in this strange city. Ray and I stayed with a colleague’s family. A couple and 3 kids (age 8 months, 3 year old and 5 year old). Oh man, 1 baby and 2 toddles! We shared a living hall, a kitchen and a bath room. Eventually, it is not so hard for me to handle the kids (the kids love me), but it is not easy to get used to the crying, noisiness. The only good thing is I have accompanies when Ray is out for work. (I am SOHO, so I spend most of time in front of pc at home)
The first thing to do in this strange city is to get a Visitors Guide, to know about this country, the history, the culture, the emergency contact number and to know where to go, where to shop, where to EAT! Ray has bought me the Abu Dhabi Min published by the Explorer. www.explorepublishing.com it is handy and useful.
It takes awhile for me to get connected to the internet service. Rules here are strict. Or I can say me as a foreigner in this country not easy to apply for the permanent landline services. It required all the documentation e.g. Residence permit, labor card etc. And I was so depressed for a few days when I did not connected to the internet. Am I Internet-ic? Haha.. but, finally, I bought the mobile USB device. Though is a bit expensive, but it’s easier, and I can online wherever whenever as long as there is Etisalat network. :)
Abu Dhabi is a young and modern city, with its own unique contrasts. It is clean and blessed with a surrounding marvelous cornice. I stayed in down town city centre, so, its just take 15 minutes to walk to the cornice. The cornice is a nice place to walk and jog in the evening. There are a few Theme parks with different concept and layout near by the cornice. The grasses grew well in this desert place. There is well designed sprinkles system for the plants.
The city is not big though, but it will be getting bigger and bigger. They are developing dramatically. They are building up a few islands in this state. From an empty island to a well city planned island! And these projects are going on for more than 10 years. Ray and I have visited most of the biggest mall in Abu Dhabi. We spent most of time in window shopping, eating, cappuccino-ing and spending time in bookstore (Ray is a big Liverpool soccer fans, so he loves to look at the soccer magazines). The best thing I found in the Virgin bookstore is The Entertainer Abu Dhabi. It is a coupon booklet that offers the Buy 1 Free 1 concept. www.theentertainerme.com It’s really worth it!!!
p/s: i am writing this in English so that Ray can read it.. :)
