Arrived in the UAE

So here I am! The move went much more smoothly than I ever could have hoped it would! I have started at my job and although it is early days, I am really excited about it! There are some great things in the pipline, the hotel is more beautiful than the photos on the net do it justice for adn everyone here is so nice! I would say that 98% of the workforce here are ex-pat of some nationality or another!! It's great really cos everyone is in the same boat and know what I'm going through. The people in my office are really nice. I am going to a house party to celebrate New Years (Although, I'll be counting down at 8pm UK time which is a bit odd!!!)
The weather is great, not too hot at this time of year, its been about 20c, a bit cooler in the mornings, really foggy too at the beginning of the day (but never cold), apparently that's because it's winter.
I went to the supermarket last night, it's about a 5 minute walk. I caved and bought branston pickle!! I've also discovered that the bread here is awful so will be having flat bread from now on instead of sandwiches, cos that's much nicer!
I have the 1st off and then Friday is my weekend, so I am planning to explore the city a bit, and catch a few rays while I'm at it!
I am at work, have no internet at home yet, but will post some pics as soon as I can.
Hope you are all well!
Jen.xxx

The start of my big adventure

Ok, so tomorrow I leave the UK and head off to the sunny, warm climes of Abu Dhabi (with a stop over in Bahrain - gotta love flight connections!) with my allocated 40kg of (very pretty) luggage!!!!

I am starting to get a little nervous about everything, but the biggest thing I have been worrying about isn't "how will I pay for things" or "will everyone understand me" or not even "where the hell will I be living" but "What should I wear on my first day to work and what shoes are acceptable"!!!! Typical eh? Oh, any advice on this would be gratefully recieved!

I've sent messages to everyone I needed to, but I'm sure I've forgotten loads of people like I normally do so if you haven't recieved one, I do apologise and just want to thank you for all you support and encouragement (although I am slightly worried about the cheers I've heard as I've been leaving rooms and about the reason why no-one has asked me to stay!! - glad I'll be missed!)

I have to go and finish my packing, and go and stand on the scales holding my suitcases to ensure they come to the right amount (I will NOT be paying excess baggage!) and then I think I am ready to leave.

My flight is at 8.25pm (UK time) and I will be arriving at 9.20am (UAE time). I will keep you all updated as soon as I possibly can and please, please keep in touch with me while I'm away, be it e-mail, facebook or any other methods you can devise!
I'm not promising postcards....I'm bad enough at those when I'm on holidays! But I will be thinking of you all....and about how glad I am to be hot and not freezing!

Finally, if anyone is ever in the UAE (scarily, everyone I know, knows someone out there!) drop me a line and I'd love to see you!

Bye for now! Jen.xxxxxx