Al Whada Mall and LuLu's Hypermarket

These photos are just a few from the mall itself with various stores we recognized!  And to get to the Hypermarket (grocery store) you walk through the mall.  It's interesting to say the least. There appear to be two major grocery stores here in Abu Dhabi.  One is LuLu's and another is Carrefour.  We have not been to a Carrefour but the comparison has been made that Carrefour is like the Fiesta or WalMart while LuLu's is more like a Super Target. 

I also included several other random photos from our "cultural experience" so far....

Al Whada Mall - near the entrance

Haven't tried the Frap's yet....I'll get back to you on this one!

Tacos - it's what's for dinner!  Now the beef we use to make the tacos will be from either New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan and not sure where else.  The beef is separated into areas according to where it's from!  Interesting...

ac

Lays...and the flavor is "salt".  They have quite a few other flavors. 
They are different than what we're used to but still good! 

Lots of American style sugar cereals - and quite expensive.  A box cost around $5 or $6 a box! 

It's not Diet Coke - it's Coke Light

LuLu's is multi-levels.  You can buy all kinds of electronics there as well as exchange money and get groceries.  You take your grocery cart on the "flat" escalator. It's magnetic and so the cart (or as they call it - trolley" holds in place while you're moving. 

Not Wheat - Brown bread...

Oreo's don't come in a package like we're used to - they come in these rolls. 

Coke and Pringles...package deal!

Popeyes - two buildings over. We went during lunch and you can't eat there because of Ramadan so you take it back to the room. It tasted good.  Spicy was not really spicy (maybe they messed up the order?).  Biscuits were different too.  There is also a Pizza Hut one building away.  Pizza takes perfect. It was about $6 (USD) for a personal pan pizza, bread, and drink. 

We take the taxi where ever we go.  We use the "silver" ones.  They're the average price and quality.  This machine tells us their name permit number and how many Dhs (Dirahams) we owe. It also alerts the driver - and I suppose the passengers too - when he hits 80 km/hr.  Not that it helps their driving or anything! 

IAH to DOH to AUH! The Experience...

FRIDAY - AUGUST 12th

All the Texas LT's (Licensed Teacher) attached yellow

bandannas to their carry-ons so we'd recognize each other at the airport. 

We got to the airport with plenty of time to spare!  Qatar Airways was very helpful!  We did have to pay $50 for one bag that was over 50 pounds.  Saying goodbye to the family was very tough.  While we were excited about our adventures ahead we couldn't even talk about leaving our family and how tough it was without getting tears in our eyes.

Once we went through security we met up with several other LT's and ate something quick before heading to the plane!

Our rather large airbus

The kids were excited about getting on a plane!  We couldn't even get to our seats before the Flight Attendant were helping us, and giving things to the kids.  They got a Sponge Bob zipper pouch with a Sponge Bob stuffed animal, stickers, and more junk!  But the kids loved it! 

Every seat had a little bag thing that had a toothbrush, tooth paste, eye mask, and socks. 



When we heard we'd be boarding the plane an hour before departure, we figured we'd lose our minds with two 5 yr olds trapped in a seat!  But - with the Sponge Bob stuff and the TV console and getting a drink in the back of the plane - life was good!  Cole was fascinated with the options he had for this 13 hour flight!  Carlayn didn't really put too much interest in each one but was "all over"!  Here is what was offered:

So we got in our seats and explored.  There were lots of TV shows (like Big Bang Theory - thought my dad would love that!) and various movies from all over the world.  Cole watched Rango, Rio, Dumbo, and Up!  He rarely moved during the flight.  Caralyn would watch Dora and then play a few games, and then bother Mommy! 



The Welcome Candy! 



Once we were in the air, we got drinks, and were fed.  We were given a menu to let us know what we'd be served. We had some choice in what we wanted.  Either way - we felt it was a risk!  But it worked out - we ate some and Jennifer wasn't crazy about the chicken meatloaf but I thought it was really good.  I tried the Moong bean Chaat salad with spiced yogurt....it was interesting...I only had one bite!  Jennifer didn't even try it. 

The kids were given a SpongeBob lunch kit with chicken tenders, corn, peas, mashed potatoes, lays potato chips, potato salad, brownie, and a juice box.  They loved the lunch kit.

Once dinner was finished the lights were dimmed and the lights above the storage compartments would change colors and it was soon bed time!  

Caralyn had it a little more difficult situation since she had someone on each side of her - but Cole was able to stretch between two seats. He just laid down and went to sleep.  He did at one point fall out but just got right back up and kept sleeping.  We let them sleep until 6:30 AM Houston time.  We knew when we got to the hotel it would be around midnight so it'd be bed time here too! 

Jennifer didn't sleep much.  I slept a few hours.  Around 2 AM (i think...) they came through passing out Ben & Jerry's ice cream.  It was our midnight snack! The kids missed out!  Luckily we used our stickers they gave everyone to mark their seat accordingly! 

After the snack of ice cream - back to bed!  If you got hungry there was a tray thing set up in the back with wraps, oreos, drinks, etc.  You could just walk back there and get a drink too!  It was great! 

Around 6:45 or so the lights slowly came on and we were given these hot towels to clean up and be as refreshed as you could be which wasn't much!  But it was nice anyhow...

Then we ate breakfast and waited....and waited....and waited to get to Doha, Qatar!  FINALLY we made i there.  We did not realize however that even though it's an international airport their methods are not quite what we're used to.  You walk off the steps on the plane - with two kids, and 4 carry-ons, camera bag and the dvd bag - it was rough.  And we started to learn a cultural lesson right there - not everyone is accustomed to waiting in line and being patient.  We had to stand firm and not let a few folks just basically push us out of the way so they can go ahead.  But we get on a shuttle bus where you stand and get bused to the "transfer" area where you go through security AGAIN!  It was mass chaos but it didn't take as long as we thought and luckily we didn't have a long layover so it worked out.  The kids (and the other 200 folks) were tired of traveling.  But we were soon on the plane again to Abu Dhabi. 

This flight was long enough for them to quickly pass out a spicy beef wrap (halal of course!) and orange juice.  And some water if you asked for it.  The kids weren't excited about the wrap but we liked it.  It reminded me of an Alief taco roll! This leg of travel was only like 45 minutes! 

We land in Abu Dhabi and the madness REALLY started!  We were met with the travel agency folks and some ADEC (Abu Dhabi Education Council - like the Abu Dhabi public school district).  We had to go through an eye scan and then passport clearance.  All of us along with quite a few others. 

Abu Dhabi Airport (after eye scan)

We received our actual employment visa and were sent through eye scan.  Because we were with ADEC we didn't have to wait in line at the eye scan - we just walked up to the door and went in.  We did have to push our way through some others who were waiting to go through the line.  They were frustrated that we were getting to pass them up - which we did feel bad.  But off we went and when the official saw we had the two kids he didn't even do Jennifer's eye scan.  But her visa was stamped as if it was done.  Who knows...

We then went through passport clearance and off to baggage claim.  I was pulled aside with my backpack and asked if I had a walkie-talkie...which I didn't but they took my word and did not search anything.  We were then told to get all our luggage and go to an assigned area to be shuttled to the hotel.  This was quite a chore.  There was luggage everywhere!  After 15 minutes or so we found ALL OUR BAGS!  Piled them up on a cart (with the help of a porter). 

The kids loved it - it was containment but they didn't see it that way!  

Once all the families were gathered together we began the journey to the shuttle.  When the airport doors opened we almost fell out.  The humidity was outrageous!  We were then shuttled to the Asfar Hotel Apartments where we finally settled in around 2 AM!  This was after we gave up one room - so we could all stay in the same apartment.  The two bedroom apartments were all taken. So we added a twin bed next to the king and we all sleep in one large bed! 

So we went to sleep around 3 and made ourselves get up at 8:30 to have breakfast and go to the grocery store and stay awake until bedtime.  This really helped us adjust to the time here. 

Here are the hotel apartment photos:

The Kitchen area...there is a small refrigerator and a washer/dryer combo (all in one machine!)

Living Room and small table to eat at!

Wardrobe - only storage space!

Bedroom - kids bed on the far left!

bathroom - we haven't used the hose to clean off with..

Cole hasn't figured out what the hose is for...

washer/dryer - all in one!

Caralyn is already playing house/teacher with her chipmunk and baby

So life is good....we're adjusting to the living quarters!  Stay tuned for the mall photos and LuLu's Hypermarket! 

Last Day In The US of A

Well here we are...our last night in America.  While we will be home to visit in December and the summer - it's a very weird feeling knowing that tomorrow evening we'll board a plane and travel over 8,000 miles to Abu Dhabi where we will start a new temporary home.  Lots of mixed emotions.  Leaving lots of family and friends behind while we are joining an education reform in the UAE! 

Our Luggage....8 suitcases for 4 people! (no carry ons!)

The next post will be when we're across the pond! 

The Last Month.....

WOW!!! So much has happened over the last month…check it out. We will definitely keep our blog updated more regularly when we get to the UAE!

August 7^th

All our family got together today to have lunch and swim.  Its times like these we’ll miss in the UAE.  On the bright side, we’ll be home at Christmas so that’s only about 4 ½ months from now.  We can handle it, right?!?!  This week we’ll be busy organizing our stuff and getting all packed into 8 suitcases. Should be interesting.  Stay Tuned!!!!

Boo and Cole - Nice goggles Krista!

August 4^th

Met up with about 15 other LT’s (we’re called LT’s over in the UAE – Licensed Teachers) and chatted about packing, moving, leaving family, etc.  It’s nice to get together and get to know several of the folks even some we’ll be traveling with!  When we got home that evening we checked our email and BAM!  TICKETS!!!!  We’re flying out August 12^th @ 8:45.  Flying on Qatar Airways to Doha and then to Abu Dhabi. When we arrive in Abu Dhabi it’ll be August 13^th at about 10:30 p.m.  Can’t wait!!!

We've attended several get-togethers with various LT's
from all over the Houston area.  This one was
held at Ragun Cajun in Sugar Land.  It's
awesome to meet up and get to know them and
share stories, etc...

August 3^rd

Love my Miller Family!!!!  Had a great dinner with several of the Milla folks.  Good Mexican food and good chatting with all of them. THANKS GUYS!  I’ll miss you!!!  It’s interesting to see how puzzled people are when we tell them we have no idea when we’re traveling but we’re ready.

Shawn, Carol (Sanchita, Sanchez), Porras!
I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!

August 1^st & 2^nd

Received our employment visa’s today….It is getting real!  I am however getting nervous that we’ve not received any travel itinerary or tickets but we know it’ll come sometime.  Group 1 is traveling this week so we know we’re in group 2 which is rumored to travel August 11^th – 13^th. 

Part of Shawn's employment visa

July 30^th

Since we’re still not sure when we’re traveling we decided we better have Cole and Caralyn’s 5th birthday party.  We were afraid that we’d get the tickets and would not have time to get it all organized and that wouldn’t be fair to them.  The party was great and I think everyone enjoyed it.  Lots of gifts and we’ll to find a way to stuff it all with us when we travel!

Caralyn & Cole blowing out their candles! 5 already!!!

July 28^th

We’re now feeling like the Irish Travelers (Gypsy’s)!  We moved from one parent’s house to the other.  This time we actually rented a U-HAUL to move all our stuff.  Since we’re using my mom’s two door Solara there is only so much room with 4 of us.  So it was nice to get it done it all one trip.  Now we’re living out in the country – where it takes twice as long to get anywhere you go!   So traveling to swim lessons every day in Sharpstown isn’t exactly fun but worthwhile! 

 

July 25^th

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!  Got my test results from the English 131 Grade 8 – 12 certification test.  AND PASSED!!!!!  So now I have more options when I get back to the states to teach.  And I’m actually certified in the area I’ll be teaching in the UAE!

July 20^th

FINALLY received our docs back from Pro Ex.  We were required to get all sorts of documents authenticated for the UAE.  This whole authentication process is quite complicated and thanks to this courier service, Pro Ex, in D.C. it made the long distance part simple.   

We had to get our degrees, marriage license, teaching certificate, and the kids’ birth certificate authenticated at each level. 

Authentication steps:

1)      Get documents notarized

2)      Take them to Austin, TX so the state level Secretary of State’s office can authenticate them. We took a Friday and left around noon.  Drove for 2 ½ hours and it took us less than 10 minutes to get the letter from the TX Secretary of State saying that the notary or the county clerk is real and was able to certify the documents.  And of course – fees for every printed piece of paper! 

3)       Ship them to Pro Ex located in Washington D.C.  They (for another fee!!!) walk them to Hillary’s office (U.S. Secretary of State) and get then authenticated.  Basically saying the exact same thing Texas said.  Then Pro Ex picked them up and walked them to the United Arab Emirates Embassy who stamps them and logs them (I guess!). 

4)      Then Pro Ex ships them back to me (of course more fees!)

Now we just have to keep up with them and turn them in to ADEC (the Abu Dhabi Education Council) when we get there so they know our credentials are legit.

July 17^th

We enjoyed a few days in San Antonio to get away from the madness of waiting for information on our travels to the UAE.  We shopped a little in San Marcos for some of the clothes we'll need in the UAE.  We went to Sea World and the Natural Bridge Safari.  Have lots of fun!!!