First Two Weeks

It’s hard to believe it’s almost been two weeks since we have arrived to Al Ain. These two weeks have been busy with unpacking and settling into our new home. Unfortunately, due to the heat, we haven’t as yet made too many exciting excursions out save shopping for groceries and house. In some ways, we are “biding our time” for the next two weeks – hopefully it’ll begin to get cooler, we’ll have internet access at home (which has started to really make me insane not having), and there will be an end to Ramadan, which I am interested in learning more about, but has been challenging due to store and restaurant closings.

It was very intimidating venturing out of the apartment for the first time and truly feeling like an outsider, however this feeling goes away more and more with each trip out. It's exciting being in new surroundings but also a bit nervewrecking at first. This feeling makes me think about how arabs or foreigners may feel when they come to the US and are looked upon, especially when it may be unkind. No one has been unkind to us however. Everyone has been hospitable and especially sweet in saying hello to Eleanor.

The two highlights since arriving has been a trip to the Al Ain Oasis and a “Mom and Tots” expat playgroup at a nearby hotel. The playgroup meets weekly and it was nice to get out and meet people and of course, Eleanor enjoyed playing and seeing other children.

Right now we are at a nearby hotel getting memberships to their health club which includes use of their swimming pool, gym, and other ammenities. It's also a great place to see and meet other expats we are told. Eleanor is in heaven as it is her first time swimming here - something she got used to doing daily when we were staying with my parents in Cincy.