Snow Day

It rained. 

Apparently, deserts don't see much rain. Well, I guess water mitigates the whole desert motif. Naturally, the appearance of rain is very exciting. Actually, a couple weeks ago, it got too exciting. There was a severe thunderstorm. Those of us in Fujairah experienced an electrical blackout. It only lasted a couple hours. This was great for those who, like myself, could comfortably view the storm from a living room window. Many others were very inconvenienced because the city does not have a very good drainage system, so the streets flood easily. 

The UAE had not seen rain for some years. When it rained a second time within a few days of the previous storm, many of the Emiratis became overjoyed. Some performed their own Gene Kelly like dances in the outpour. My students became distracted (actually, they are always distracted), and began to open windows and stick their hands and arms out to feel the rain. 

At first, of course, I was not cognizant of the momentousness of the occasion nature had bestowed. I continued to teach and admonished the students to pay attention. The students seemed bewildered by my blase attitude. Fortunately, I recognized the value of what was taking place, and put away my geographical insensitivity and talked rain with the students. 

Within an hour of the initial rainfall, students from every campus within our school system were sent home.  

We had a "rain day". 

Teachers and faculty were also released. I went shopping. The mall was virtually empty. The rain did not return. The sun came out. It was a lovely day.

Between the "rain day" and the impromptu holidays (and the fluidly scheduled annual holidays), these people are trying to get me to stay. 

LOL

Wednesday

Wednesday in Chicago, IL, USA

His Honor Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the CPS School Board of Directors graciously allowed teachers and students to enjoy an early Thanksgiving by closing the schools the Wednesday before the holiday. No pay of course. 

Wednesday in Fujairah, UAE

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, UAE announced to the utter joy of his people and educational expats that all public and private schools in the UAE would close Thursday because Dubai had just won the World Expo 2020 bid. No one's pay was affected.

To make the extra day off just that much more delightful, we were entering into a long weekend (Friday - Monday) because of the National Day holiday. This meant that I was off of work from Thursday until Monday, returning on Tuesday: 5 days! paid! Woo hoo! And, instruction finished for Term 1; all that remained were exams. Students would be leaving at 10:00 immediately following their exam of the day. Then, they would start their three-week winter break. Staff would complete a week of training before starting our two-week break. I love the schedule (even though my teaching schedule changed four times during Term 1!). I have learned to go with the flow. 

I miss the artistry of a Marvin Gaye.

So, I opened my YouTube account a few days ago, and there was a suggested video of a Korean female singer from the popular (in Korea) group Girls Generation. The California native was singing the national anthem at an LA Dodgers game. She did a creditable job. Her talent was evident. Our national anthem is a difficult song to sing. 

Naturally, this performance made me want to hear Whitney’s version again. Now, that is ability. There are as many good singers as there are families in the world. There are only a few who have a gift for singing. Whitney was undoubtedly such a singer.

Also Marvin Gaye. His rendition of the national anthem is award winning. The artistry is captivating. His voice is silk. I love it. To make someone love hearing the national anthem is talent on a higher scale.

This leads me to “Got to Give it Up”. 

When I walk between school buildings for my classes, I put on my shades and sounds. The purpose of the shades is obvious; I listen to music to take my mind off the heat. Anyway, I was listening to “Got to Give it Up”, and instantly one can hear Robin Thicke’s song, “Blurred Lines” (hmmm). While the young talents may not have outright copied Marvin’s song, the author of Robin’s song had to hear Marvin’s beat in his head as he wrote his own version. The rhythm is just unmistakeable. Anyone from the Motown era would recognize it in a heartbeat. I just think the young talents suffered from absence of historical perspective.

I appreciate the schtick (pardon the judgment) of Robin Thicke’s blue-eyed soul. I like soulful white boys; it is a different kind of sexy (though I have yet to experience one who can be comfortable in his own skin amongst us while trying to be of us). Anyway, to further support the accusation of plagiarism, one could write an essay on the parallel messages of the two songs. However, the young ones lack the subtlety necessary for true allure.

Their song is just nasty.

Marvin and Whitney, you are sorely missed. 

Marriage Meeting (?!)

You remember the English language-challenged-Jordanian-colleague who was able to coherently express a desire to match me with someone he knows. I thought I dodged this strange and uncomfortable situation by feigning ignorance of his intentions. Well, I have found that Middle Easterners are nothing if not persistent; it's like cultural. My colleague has brought the issue up again, but with, I guess, a better strategy.

He asked for my number (previously, he gave me his number and directed me to call him - which I did not). He also secured knowledge of my available time. In response to his query about what I would be doing Friday - the holy day - I said I would be going to church. He did not seem to understand the word "church". When he brought up the marriage topic asking again if an Arab is acceptable as a marriage partner, I tried to be more direct. I said that, of course, I have no objections to Arab men, but I am a Christian. He said that my being a Christian is "no problem" (popular phrase). I laughed uproariously (seriously, I threw my head back and everything), and said to him that he is very funny (he did not seem to get the humor).

Anyway, my colleague is coming to meet me at my hotel apartment (in the lobby people, calm down). I fear he may bring the spousal candidate, and that my agreeing to meet may be considered tacit acceptance of the suggestion of marriage. The point is, if I come up missing, start looking in Amman.

Jeeeesus!

51

The best response from a student once I revealed my age: "How?"

Yas Island Waterworld!

Well, another field trip. I volunteered to chaperone. It took place on a Saturday - a Saturday! What is going on with me?! Anyway, I am determined to enjoy as much of this country as I can. The trip was free for me, and it meant I could see another aspect of Abu Dhabi. Yas Waterworld is considered one of the top 10 water parks in the world. It was worth it! I am not a great fan of parks of any kind. I am the kind of person who takes a book to DisneyWorld. I cannot ride rollercoasters and I cannot swim. So, what's a girl to do? Rent a cabana and relax in air-conditioned splendor until it is time to take the boys back to school! 

I rented a cabana for four and invited three of my favorite colleagues to join me (okay, it was the three colleagues who saw me first - anyway, pleasure is magnified when you share). The cabana had four lounge chairs, a fan, air conditioner, refrigerator, dry towels, wet face towels, complimentary water, Wifi and a phone with a direct link to a restaurant for front-curtain delivery service. There was even an electrical socket to recharge my iPad! Ohhhh, it was the life.  

It looks like I did not take any pictures of the water at the park. You've seen water; it was blue. The park is incredibly big and very attractive with many water slides. I guess I was all about the cabana. Oh well, to each his own.

She works hard for her money.
I was too glad to spend some of my hard earned salary to make this trip more enjoyable for me.  

This photo was taken by a student. I am standing near the entrance of the bus as we are about to depart for Yas Waterworld. The students were so much fun. Although, the bus ride was a bit loud. They brought FIVE drums!!!! 
They played every one of them as they sang - loudly.
Needless to say, my smile did not last long.

Happy Eid

Eid is a Muslim holiday celebrating the Arabic interpretation of the events involving Isaac's obedience to God's command to sacrifice his son. For me, Eid meant a nine-day school break. So, a colleague and I decided to vacation in Abu Dhabi. On the way back, we stopped in Dubai. The photos below are of our hotel, the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana.

An external view of the Khalidiya hotel in Abu Dhabi.
It is located on the Arabian Sea in a very posh tourist area.  

Interior lights of the hotel.

Hotel lobby near entrance. 

Chandelier in the small hall near the entrance to the beach.

Night view of neighboring building from
the al freso dining area of
one of the hotel restaurants. 

View of our hotel area from the Marina Mall nearby.
In the background, you can see the buildings that are in the photo
just above and to the left.

Life is Too Short

Life is too short for so many things. Life is too short not to venture to far away places and start your life anew even though you're in your 50s. Life is too short (and God is too good) to allow the apathy and immaturity of teenage boys to ruin your day. Life is too short to be impatient with your colleague when she re-tells the same story 3.5 times a day. Life is too short to entangle yourself with complications that are apparent to the blind (you know this one is about men). And, life is too short for Pilates. 

There is a lovely British woman who hosts Pilates classes in her villa for AED 25 per session (about $6.83). The location is close enough that I can walk back to my apartment hotel when it is over. Since the sessions take place on workdays, I take my workout clothes with me in the morning. Well, on this particular morning, as I was leaving the Teacher's Room heading to my first class of the day, I was overcome with dread (marvelous word). I nearly teared up at the thought of going to Pilates class after work. It seemed my knees and ankles were in agreement. Those two regions of my body were in pain at the thought of reclining on a thin mat and using my pelvis to lift my butt for what could not be more than a few millimeters off the floor. 

Hallelujah and thank you Jesus! I made a very mature and reasonable decision to find other ways to improve my physique without the emotional turmoil of strenuous exercise. Walking is good. It is kind to one's limbs and actually involves normal body movement. I think I'll take a walk to the corniche. There is a carnival there, and I am told they sell funnel cake! 

Saturday Afternoon Along the Coast

A colleague and I took a drive along the Indian Ocean. This is a shot of a beach in Khor Fakkan which sits at the edge of the Sea of Oman (I just love my new geography lessons!). It is not really clear in this photo, but the beach here is very nice. There is snorkeling and scuba diving (not that I care about such things); one can also rent a speed boat or sail boat. Just to the left of me in this shot, way in the back, you can see evidence of the vast shipping that takes place in this area.

We are still in Khor Fakkan in this shot. I just wanted a photo with the mountains. Love the mountains around Fujairah and Sharjah (another emirate).

This is the beach at the Radison Resort, Fujairah. It is about 25 minutes north of Khor Fakkan. There were no Emiratis at this (or the other) resort we visited. After two months of being surrounded by people of color, it was a little jarring, and very funny, to find oneself in "Europe" after a mere 45 minute journey through the Middle East.

This photo was taken at the Rotana Fujairah resort (in Dibba). This place is larger than the Radison and just a little more expensive (both just under $500 USD per night). The upside is that one can enjoy the beach for the day for just about $40 USD per person. We had lunch here; it was delicious. It was also fun to hear Western music (Rihanna and Usher, not Taylor Swift or Patsy Cline - though I am a fan of "Crazy") playing as we lounged in beach chairs enjoying the breeze. 

Night and Morning

This is the view from my desk in the sitting room of my hotel apartment. Beyond the lights is the Indian Ocean. It is a striking sight to see the emirate of Fujairah laid out before me. Most nights, between 7p and 10pm, the streets and roads bustle with activity. The street in this photo is a main drag. It leads east to the Indian Ocean and west to the highway that takes you to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates. 

Same view at about 6:20 in the morning. I was leaving for work, and as I turned to shut off the lights, I was struck (awestruck) by the sun shining through my windows. The hotel apartment door is immediately opposite the window. Naturally, I had to stop and try to capture the image. And, naturally, a photo could not possible do justice to such natural beauty. Still, this is kinda cool, and at least, the memory is captured. 

1 Week Down, 34 to Go!

The week ended really nicely. First of all, I only had three classes (though one was a double, so I taught four periods). The first three periods started at the beginning of the day and ran in succession; so I got those over quick. My last class was my "A" class. They are the best. Many of the students are good at math, and THEY TEACH EACH OTHER. The level A class almost considers my involvement an intrusion. Oooooh. I am done teaching by 12:30p!!! And, since school runs Sunday - Thursday, today was like my Friday!!!

Overall, my first week was pretty good. There were some interesting occurrences, but none have a deterring affect. I think I can make it (at least through the first year). 

Thank you all for praying for me.  

Day 4 - Kids Are the Same the World Over

Well, it happened. I knew it would. And, I was having a GREAT day. I only had three periods to teach (one of which was a double period - so it was like having two classes), and the first class did not start until almost noon. And, I had a really good, interactive, hands-on, student-friendly lesson prepared. 

But, it happened. A kid p'd me off! Over the most typical teenage topic of dispute - a cell phone; wait, I'm in the East where they speak British - a mobile. I informed the dean in what I consider a really cool manner. We have these iPads and AppleTVs in each classroom. So, I typed an email in full view of the class (I did not use any student's name). I just stated that a couple students refuse to stop playing with their phones in class, and could he stop by when convenient. Of course, everyone but the culprits witnessed what was going on. The dean (a great guy) was knocking on my door in three minutes!

The dean confiscated the students' phones, and warned them about their behavior (in Arabic - I'll be fluent by the time I get home). Once he left, one kid had a fit. Of course, everything was my fault (this is what I don't like about teenagers). He proceeded to further disrupt the class in that way that kids do when they feel embarrassed - you know they talk loud (thankfully in Arabic so I don't know what he was saying) and make their peers laugh. His behavior (and the other students) did not stop until I started filming them with my iPad, and blasting them on AppleTV. They immediately composed themselves and sat down (I love technology!).  

Because I am too often given to perseveration, I could not stop thinking about the events in the classroom (this happened at the end of my GREAT day). So, I sent the dean a detailed email about the student's behavior. The student apologized. Meaningless. He did not acknowledge the most offensive behavior. Oh well. How refreshingly typical. 

Day 3 - "Yes, I am married."

It may not be classified as sin, but apparently singleness for women is unjustifiable to the Middle Eastern mind. 

I made the great mistake of answering what is generally an innocuous question in the U.S., "Are you married?". In the UAE, this question takes the form of asking if you have a family, which means do you have a husband and children. Upon hearing the "distressing" information that I am unmarried, the gentleman questioning me proceeded to enter into a matchmaking frenzy. (A single woman with a good salary must be in want of a husband.  --nod to Jane Austen)

This did not make me happy. 

The gentleman in question is a colleague. (He really is a very, very nice man, and meant me no ill will.) He stated that I need someone to wake up with and have discussions with. True. Could not argue his point. He asked if I lived in Fujairah, and whether or not I like it (I am not staying here for no man!). He asked how much I paid for rent (this is common fodder for discussion here). When I told him how much, he nearly had a conniption. Apparently, a single woman should live in a single room, and for no more than 5% of her monthly income. Well, the gentleman had to control his sense of incredulity because he had already begun discussing matching me up with a friend or brother or cousin; I'm not sure.

The gentleman gave me his number and directed (not suggested) me to call him after work so that he could discuss the matter further. Did I mention he is a teacher of Arabic, and that he has an extremely limited English vocabulary. He nearly says "Thank you" to any comment or query made to him in the English language, the Queen's or otherwise. Yet, he became amazingly lucid in his matching efforts. I think I was thrown off balance by his clarity. I'm serious. 

The husband he has in mind is 45 (well, that is within my age range). After confirming that the younger age is acceptable, my colleague explained that "my family" is in Jordan. Yes! He already considers me married to the man. 

I want to cry from the supreme annoyance of the situation. This is my fault for caring too much about someone else's feelings. When he asked if an Arabic suitor would be acceptable, of course I said yes. Though, I immediately thought that a Christian would not be acceptable to "my family". However, I felt too awkward to inject that bit of information into our discussion (not because I am in a Muslim country, Christianity generally changes an atmosphere even in the U.S.).

On the upside, there is a man in this world who considers me marriageable. Somehow I knew he would only be found in a land of dark men. 

From now on, I guess I will have to get deep in a weird way. If someone asks if I have a family (i.e. do I have a husband), like the nuns, I will just consider myself married to Jesus.

Lord, have mercy.

Lost in Translation

"Teacha, you nigga?" Why does ugly, and dare I say, evil, translate so well? Three Emirati male students accosted my Zimbabwean British male colleague with this question. He kindly and patiently explained why the students should not use such a word. He explained its ugly connotations in the US and UK.

This same teacher shared with me that he suffered much racist abuse from British children. The British students would point to a tree and ask if he lived there like other monkeys. Or, they would ask him when is he going back to his country. I think he did not want to believe that his new students were giving him the same treatment. Believing that the students were unaware of the negative essence of their words, he provided them with a social lesson. I witnessed the entire affair; the students knew exactly what they were saying.

So, what have we learned so far? "Nigga" and "Mylie Cyrus" can permeate the most opaque cultural boundaries.

My Kind of Town

To introduce myself, I created a PowerPoint presentation of the four seasons in Chicago. I figured the students would get a kick out of seeing a blizzard (they did). They were so funny because, of course, as desert children, they want to experience snow. I tried to play Frank Sinatra's "My Kind of Town" as a background ("Teacha, good music."). In an effort to explain that some American cities have their own "anthems", I asked the students if they knew Alicia Keys and/or Jay-Z (he's going to be in concert in Abu Dhabi, November, 2013).  I was trying to connect "My Kind of Town" with Jay-Z's "New York". No connection. They did not know Alicia and only very slightly knew Jay-Z.

So, I asked if they were familiar with American popular music ("o course Teacha" - I figured). Then, one misguided, but beautiful and intelligent young man beamingly expressed his adoration for Mylie Cyrus!!! He went as far back as her Hannah Montana days. I could not hide my incredulity. (Emiratis will someday regret allowing the westerners in.)

You know who the students proudly proclaimed next, right?

Day 1

Wooh!  I survived it. First day of school - it was naturally very busy and slightly chaotic. Lots of ogling from the students - all boys. I expected it - they're not used to my kind around these parts. There is a morning assembly every day. The students line up, about five boys deep and face the teachers. They sing the UAE National Anthem. Very seriously, but without much enthusiasm - typical of teenagers. This is followed by announcements - all in Arabic. Many of the faculty and staff can speak Arabic. The rest of us just smile and clap where appropriate. 

STS-Boys School, Fujairah - My New School

The school campus is a contradiction. It is in a desert, but green plants and trees abound. The area is vast and open inviting you to come outside, but the heat beats you back in doors to the sanctuary of air conditioned rooms. There is a great sense of camaraderie among the international staff. They are from Uganda, Cameroon, India, Philippines, Jordan, Zimbabwe, the UK, and the US. All but two teachers are men. The two women (myself included) are American, and are of African descent. 

Similar location shot as the one above. This one includes a portion of the administrative building. The campus has about eight buildings, including a brand new canteen. The campus houses two schools; one is vocationally focused (STS), and the other prepares students for college. However, like in Chicago, the administration has decided that all students should be prepared for college should they choose it. Therefore, STS students are now subject to the International Cambridge curriculum. There is also a major (and most importantly, financially supported) push for increased technology use in the classroom, with a drive toward a paperless classroom.

This is the school building in which I work. My classes meet on the first floor in the four rooms on the left. I teach 11th grade maths (we say "maths" because of the British influence here). The Teacher's Room is on the second floor on the left. My desk is just to the right of the entrance to the Teacher's Room. 

Cool panoramic shot from the entrance to my desk.

The Teachers' Room houses 10 teachers - nine men and me. All of us are expats; I am the only American (in the office; there is another African-American female teacher). The gentlemen are very nice and generous (one has offered to match me with a husband - seriously - he already put a call in). They always offer coffee, tea, figs or whatever they may be enjoying themselves. They are also ready and willing with assistance and advice.

A close up shot of my desk. My lunch pack just behind the keyboard. I bought it at Costco. The "ice" pack is great; it works all day long. I bring my lunch to work everyday - yeah. See the banana; I am trying to increase my portion of healthy items. My trusty timer is behind the mouse. Both the students and I rely on it to let us know how close we are to freedom. The iPad is provided by the district. They want a paperless classroom (not happening). I am doing my part though. I have to say I am incredibly grateful for the technology training. I love using Apple TV in the classroom! 

August 28

It was a bright, sunny, warm day. Not cold, rainy and dismal as one might imagine, and even expect, when first hearing the news of your mother's death. The most feared day. I was immediately amazed at God's promised presence "I will never leave you, nor forsake you". I still remember the friends who seemingly instantaneously responded with palpable help and prayers. I also remember the grace and emotional generosity that came from unexpected sources. To this day, Terri's words of assurance still comfort me. My sisters were remarkable. I was, and still am, very proud of how Tracy, Guana, Sharron and Justice presented the best of their mother's essence within each of them during that time.

I am the age at which my mother passed away seventeen years ago. As I have said to a few friends, I marvel at how young she was. You think of your mother as old as soon as you understand that life is counted in years. Of course, once the years advance upon you, you get a better understanding of time. It makes me sad sometimes to think of how short, and full of trouble her life had been. Don't misunderstand, she was not a pitiful woman. Quite the contrary, Marion Stamps lived her life out loud. Yet, like so many of her time and ilk, she definitely struggled ("Aluta continua"). 

Still, my memory of her is rich with her strength in raising her five daughters while living out her passion for Black people. My mother always gave me courage; she would be surprised that she still does. 

Chocolate

I like fine chocolates in fancy packaging. Strangely, some people photograph their fabulous meals (Uncle Richard! Menyett!). 
But, beautifully wrapped fine chocolates are the work of artisans and should be memorialized.

Purchased at Dubai Mall.
My favorite is a mild chocolate with raisins.

Patchi is a chocolate brand that 

originates in Lebanon. 

 There are no U.S. stores, but Patchi chocolates can be purchased online.

Ok, not exactly beautifully wrapped, but still a fine chocolate!

View from the Pool

Fujairah from the 20th and 21st floors of the Noor Arjaan by Rotana Hotel - 21/08/2013.

I have a video of a night view of Fujairah from the pool on the 20th floor, but I could not upload it. I will try again later. In the meantime, here are some photos. The emirate appears large, but I believe one can traverse it from east-west or north-south in 15 minutes (no traffic). There is a very large mosque behind the hotel. However, the mosque in Abu Dhabi is really magnificent and far more grand (gold everywhere); I will try to get a photo when I am there for training in two weeks.

First, there is me on the elevator heading up to the pool. I'm wearing my "Running Man" t-shirt!

Fujairah is extremely mountainous. Sometimes, the views of the mountains are captivating. 

The great blessing in Fujairah is that the mountains (along with the Indian Ocean to the east) 

make the emirate a tad bit cooler than the other emirates. 

I don't like selcas, but there was no one to take a location shot of me. So, I had to improvise. 
Again, it's cool to get the mountains in the background with a couple of spires from the mosque.

Cool effects happen by mistake (above and below).