Two weeks into my new life in Dubai without a job, here are some things to be observed:
- American moms talk the loudest
- You can't have enough bling on your flipflops for this lifestyle
- Massive marquee handbags are de rigeur among the moms here, especially Louis Vuitton
- Flipping the bird still gets top billing in the local newspapers
- It is ok to drive your illegally black-tinted windowed-Bentley through the carpool lane, and stop it on the wrong side
- Race cars on Sheikh Zayed Road are even worse in broad daylight than they are on weekend evenings. Who are these guys and why the reckless antics on work-days?
- Fake grass is way more expensive than wall-to-wall carpet (OMG did I really just have fake turf installed in my yard... for shame)
- Most kids here have their hair combed (or moussed or braided) by 'their maid'. We still awkwardly insist on calling our helper a nanny or a housekeeper. I mean, isn't the word 'maid' a bit antiquated, at least by American standards?
- The neighbor's helpers still don't like to see me washing my own car (though perhaps I should do it without a jug of red wine nearby)
- And yes, I do miss the collegiality of work
However, after a hard-fought but rewarding three-year contract, I have returned to the UAE, to a new post. I gave up my faculty job at the Higher Colleges of Technology and we're switching over to my husband's work visa, which makes me his dependent in the eyes of immigration (as soon as his visa actually gets through, that is). So I am now driving the kids to school, checking out the PTA and having leisurely morning coffee. Just call me Jumeirah Jane..
No comments:
Post a Comment