So it’s probably time I wrote something again - after all the entries Cheryl has done!
What to write about?
Aaahhh. The first summer’s day in Al Ain.
So I get up as usual at 6. Sun is well and truly up and outside the A/C of the bedroom it feels like about 30deg. I do the S,S,S thing and make that all important first cup of tea and breakfast. By this time Cheryl is up and checking the email and SMH for the daily news from Oz. This morning, there’s nothing to report. Finish breakfast (our usual fruit & cereal – gotta watch those carbs!) and get dressed (yes, until now it’s been nickers only – why bother to dress when it’s so warm). Some polite chit-chat so I can’t be accused of ignoring her and it’s on with the shoes and tie (gotta keep up the professional appearance – my boss says so). A bit more chit-chat and out the door, into the stairwell and down the stairs.
I grasp the door handle to go outside. My it IS warm! As I open the door, a wave of 35degree heat washes over me. Remember – this is 7 o’clock in the morning. “Ahhh what another lovely sunny day in paradise” my soul mumbles as I fold myself into my blue indulgence (the Merc Sports).
As I cruise slowly down our side street I can see the workmen at the construction site nearby already hard at work. They look like they’ve been at work for hours – and probably have. They will carry on through the heat until about 5pm. It’s only a 5 minute drive to work at this time of day, but during that drive the usual things happen. 4 wheel drives (BIG ONES) drift across lane markings almost into my front bumper, a water truck turns right – and across my path - from the left lane, at least 2 taxis stop on roundabouts to pick up fares and despite my speed of 80+kph, I’m overtaken by almost everyone else on the road! Just a normal drive really, and so I arrive at work just after 7 and stop in the car park for a minute or two to let the heart rate slow. I’m first one there as usual, but others in my team are not far behind. We settle in for the day’s work.
Last week was full on into exams mode. All students sat an externally set exam in almost all subjects. The teachers at the school mark the papers and the marking system is so refined that almost every exam is marked the afternoon that students complete it. Another team of teachers then does the checking and data entry into the ministry system. This is the first day after exams have been completed and marked so things are a little laid back. Staff arrive between 7:30 and 8.
I’m busy refining a presentation for tomorrow until 9 and then I go down for my meeting with the principal. He is gradually awakening to my way of organising the school planning thing and we have a lengthy discussion about finance committees, program groups, and such. Back in the staffroom I put the finishing touches to my presentation and then do some planning of my own on selecting the people for the finance committee and managers for the program groups. Democracy’s great when you can rig the results – just ask George (dubbleyaa)!
At 10:00, the English staff drop in and invite us for breakfast. Much as I try and dissuade them (today and most days) that I’ve already eaten breakfast, I must still go and have at least something small. It’s local fare: fried kibbeh in tomato and chilli sauce. “Did you make this yourself Shukri?” I ask. “Yes.” he says. “No he didn’t.” comes a quick retort from his mate Adnan, “It was his wife!” Nevertheless, it’s quite delicious and with a side dish of tabouleh that is also fresh and delightful – but my waistline is increasing ever so steadily.
Michael and I then have a deep discussion about the final PD session of the term (3 weeks away – but preparation starts now). The morning wears on. Discussions here and there about planning, committee managers, exam results, setting up a promotion-retention review committee before results go in to the Zone, the list goes on. Before I know it it’s 1 o’clock and Mohammed Waheeb reminds us all that he has prepared lunch for us all - all that’s left that is. At least his wife prepared it – and he brought it along! Another splendid fare is set. This one has plates of prawns, layers of lamb, (Aussie lamb of course), biryani by the bucket, salads and assorted accompaniments. All eaten Arab style of course, with the right hand, straight off the platter with your mates next to you taking from the same platters. (You get used to it ) Again, we have little choice but to join them. The food is too good to pass, but mindful of the onset of the last remaining belt settings, I minimise my input!
I must go see Etisalat to settle accounts for phone and internet, so I clamber into the blue roadster. The dash temperature reads 52.5deg. The shade screen is so hot it burns my fingers as I fold it away. The steering wheel is too hot to hold for more than a few seconds. Blast on the AC. Wait a few minutes so I can hold the wheel and then I’m off. When I arrive at Etisalat, the thermometer is reading 47deg. Yes folks, summer’s here in the gulf! Thank goodness we only have another 4 weeks of these temps to endure before the respite of our trip back home (to 10deg no doubt!). An hour at Etisalat and it’s time to get home into the AC. – Can’t even get out for a swim yet - too damm hot. Funny thing is though that we rarely get sunburnt. – more ozone up there and certainly more dust!
A group called Aussies Abroad recently organised the Inaugural Australian Ball at the Hilton Hotel on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. We were very lucky to get tickets as there was a waiting list to buy them and we just happened to know someone who knew someone and ......... well we ended up at table 17.
