Where we didn’t end up – thankfully
November 22, 2008At the end of an incredibly long road…
…lined with colleges of assorted sizes and subjects…
Lies a college, which shall remain nameless, who considered me for a librarian position, which they didn’t offer and I wouldn’t have accepted. It was the right decision. It is a very large institution and the faculty live in campus housing. I am very glad we did not end up in that bubble. We are so happy to be living in the heart of the city with the wide variety of humanity.
Below is the mosque of this campus. Notice the men in traditional local garb.
Here’s a similar shot seconds later. Notice the female students in Western garb, not considered modest by local standards (too much bare skin and shapeliness).
Lower your voice. We are entering the library.
Quite lovely.
Beautiful window dome.
We are glad to be in Dubai and I am happy with my workplace. We ended up at the right place. My college has a little bit of a bubble effect, but I leave it at the end of the day and head into the city. We have to make our own way in dealing with red tape, licenses, identity cards, etc., but we came here for the adventure. I was attending a library conference today and talking to another librarian who has been in the country only a little longer than I. She asked where i lived and asked how I like it. Apparently, my answer was too glowing. She was baffled that I would love it so much. We were interrupted by someone else, so I didn’t get to explain. I think many come here for the good salary, but not for the adventure. The salary is very helpful and it did figure into our decision to come here, but we are REALLY here for the adventure. So far, it has not disappointed.
Living the Travel Channel 
Adventure! That is the best reason to go to a place like the UAE. I feel like I missed my adventure time, but maybe there is still time. You two inspire me. I’m sad that others see it just as $$$. Life is so much more fun if you enjoy the ride.
~ Linda