We, like everyone else who comes here, only thought that we'd been here for the obligatory contract length of 2 years, but those two years have quickly turned into 4. If you're considering working here, I highly recommend it!
I am grateful to go back home every summer and see family and that we can pick up quickly like it hasn't been a year since we'd seen each other. I am grateful that Leslie, her dad, my mom and Jason's mom have come and visited us. I'm grateful for free medical insurance with ridiculously low copays, numerous public holidays, that 95% of the population speaks some variation of English, and for my friends and coworkers who are all in the same boat.
I'm grateful that living in another country gives me a worldly view of America and how it is perceived by people from 6 of the 7 continents. I'm grateful that I can celebrate American and Christian holidays openly with friends, and that my Muslim friends and students wish me Merry Christmas. I'm grateful that I can experience traditional Emirati culture and food, stroll through an oasis and souq, and walk among archaeological ruins dating back to the Bronze Age.
I'm grateful that I can see blockbuster movies on Thursdays in the cinema and purchase Bath and Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin candles. I'm grateful that Jason can watch the Cowboys play fairly easily (with the exception of the time difference- 5:30 am games are unpleasant).
Moving across the world was a great idea. Al Ain is a wonderful place to live, and if you're considering it, take the leap!
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