Reader Questions

Hello readers!

    I have had a lot of activity in the past few days and I just want to that you all for reading. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions: Haneefa underscore c at hotmail dot com. 

I got a few questions from Aamena and I thought they were very relevant. 

Differences between being at a private V/S public school (A.D.E.C), and which is better? (work hours, salary, benefits, accommodation, vacation time...)

Adec pays more, but they have less vacation time (only 2 weeks at Christmas not 3).

Adec work hours depend on what grade you teach and also if you teach boys or girls, but roughly it is 7:45 am-2 pm. Less if you teach kindergarten.

Benefits are about the same for both. Adec supplies you with accommodation, I think in some private schools they give you the money and you have to find your own. 

*3 things you wish someone had told you about living in Abu Dhabi

-it really isn't as strict as you think

-there are stores from all over the world here

-always be open to new things

*Is lunch served to teachers by the school? Or do we bring our own?

-they sell somethings but most teachers bring their lunch.

*When family/ friends visit do we need permission from our school or landlord for them to stay with us? (Rules about having male relatives/ non-related males in our apartments)

-no rules you do what you like. Just be cautious if you are 'dating' a male. 

*What is the main use of transportation? (Do most people take cabs/ rent cars?)

Depends where you live here in al ain most people have a car. But I have friends who have been here three years without a car and just use taxis.

*Biggest shock culturally for you?

-how different the school system is here.

*Advice on items and clothing to pack and leave behind?

-bring all your favorite pieces because you will wear them. Bring your heels, your short skirts, your dresses. 

*What is the dating scene like in Abu Dhabi as an expat? Do's and Don'ts?

It is ok. Many more women than men so that can be hard. 

*General Advice about teaching in Abu Dhabi

Come with an open mind. 

*Does ADEC have an age limit?

I have heard that they will not hire anyone over 58 years old.

Hope this helps! 

Plus Sized Modeling

This outfit is curtesy of Forever21+ in Dubai. 

I am a plus sized girl and I am lucky because I think I carry my weight well. I am not afraid to dress trendy and I think I have a great sense of style.  I would love to have plus sized modeling contract but I feel like those days are over. I auditioned once in Montreal to be a mode for a plus sized Canadian store but I didn't get it. If you are in the UAE and need a plus sized model, holler at ya girl! 

Clinton Street Bakery

  This is a salted caramel milk shake, sounds delicious right!? Right! This is from Clinton Street Bakery in Dubai. They serve delicious breakfast and everyone is always raving about their food, I finally got to taste some of their yumdelicious menu last November. 

   Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you, that is chicken and waffles. 

#winning

The chicken could have been seasoned a bit better, but we won't look a gift horse in the mouth. The meal was still mouth watering and tasty. 

This yumdelicious (yes I made that word up) plate consists of pancakes with chocolate chunks, need I say more?

Next time you are in Dubai and favour a yummy breakfast head to Clinton Street Bakery near Burj Views, near the Dubai mall you will not be disappointed. 

Game Nights

This is C. She loves to host game nights with her husband J. They usually prepare some food (jerk chicken wings) and the rest of us will bring some drinks and snacks. We love Taboo and at times the games get heated. It is all in good fun and it is a great alternative to going out. 

Sri Lanka--A Must Visit

In mid-October I went to Negambo Sri Lanka. We had a long weekend and Sri Lanka is only about three and a half hours away and it is super cheap. I flew into Colombo and I was staying in Negambo about half an hour away from Colombo, the country's capital. I stayed at Jetwing Sea.

There was a lovely pool and I was right on the beach.

The people of Sri Lanka are some of the nicest in the world. I made a reservation at the seafood restaurant (they bring in the catches of the day and you choose what you want, they weight it, you choose how you want it prepared and then you eat!).  They set me up with a beach view restaurant and treated me like a million dollars: the chef even came out and chatted with me for a bit. 

I had a delicious jumbo prawn in a butter garlic sauce.

I went into 'town' one day and walked around. I almost caused an accident because a driver was staring and not paying attention to the road. All in all a very enjoyable experience. Some guy even tried to holler, he was sad when I didn't give him my number, 'you don't like black?'. Ummm, sir, I am black too.

    I could have done more, but in all honesty I just wanted to relax on this trip. If you have a chance I highly recommend Sri  Lanka, you will not be disappointed. 

Wine Down

Back in October, I went to one of my favorite events in Abu Dhabi; Wine Down. This is a wine pairing event usually held at a nice restaurant in Abu Dhabi. This time it was held at Caramel Lounge on Saadiyat island in Abu Dhabi. The cost is about 45$ and you get 5 courses paired with wines. This time the wines were from South Africa.

Delicious shrimp.

Mini shawarmas (grilled chicken inside)

Beef sliders

Delicious pudding dessert. 

I know that there will be another one held in 2016, so if you are in Abu Dhabi you should definitely attend. 

Sushi Central: Amazing Sushi In Abu Dhabi

This post is long overdue. 

I went to Sushi Central's Al Khalidiya location to check out their 2 for 1 Saturday special. On Saturday's, all of their delicious dishes are buy one get one free.

I quenched my thirst with a refreshing lemon ginger drink. 

As an appetizer I went for two of my favorites, Edamame (soy beans) this time covered in chili sauce and shrimp tempura. 

For our main meal, we wanted to have a an assortment of flavors, so the waitress recommended the Takayama box.

This wonderful sushi smorgasbord, called the Takayama (ni) is comprised of various fresh sushis and rolls. 

As usual the service was impeccable with our food arriving very quickly. 

My only regret is that they do not have a branch in Al Ain. 

If you are in Abu Dhabi please check out one of Sushi Central's two locations, you will not regret it.