A joyful jaunt in June





As I write this, I am currently 410 nautical miles off the Irish coast flaked across four seats on an Emirates plane. I am a little sleepy after a fab wedding, you could say my head is in the clouds ๐Ÿ˜…. (I promise that’s the worst pun in this post.)

As I have passed through a few time zones en route to our idyllic Isle, it has set me thinking. Mainly about the importance of the seconds that tick by at a similar rate to our breathing or even our beating hearts. Motion that happens without a thought and I feel like I have a new found appreciation for time at home since I moved abroad. Particularly the hours I miss with all my faves. As difficult as this is, it also builds an unrivaled appreciation when you do get to spend quality time together. 

I have been living in Abu Dhabi for nine months now and I am quite partial to it. That’s not to say I don’t miss anything or even many things about home. I feel adequate time has passed (it’s substantial enough to hone a human being) in order to reflect on what I have loved and what I have missed since I moved from one distinctive biome (the bog) to another (the desert). 


The things that make my heart a little heavy:

๐ŸฅฐQuality time with family and friends. If you can pop in for a chat or visit them at the weekend. Have a coffee together and read the courts section of the local paper. Go for a wander through the local forest or amble along the banks of the river. You're very lucky. Shoot the breeze and breathe it in. Never take these things for granted.

๐ŸžFresh air. We had to leave saucepans around the apartment to quell the moisture sucking monster that is the AC. We have since acquired a humidifier but I cannot wait to step off this jet and invigorate my body with Irish air. 

๐Ÿ’ŸMissing special days. I appreciate the opportunity we have been given to live in another culture and explore all the amazing opportunities this presents us with, however living 4000 miles away means you cannot always rock up to important events. I am lucky that we had holidays this week but as a teacher I work much longer days and the holidays aren’t a patch on the Irish system. That being said, the financial incentive outweighs the time off because teachers are paid in equal measure in the UAE, which is a pleasant change! 

3 things I dig about living in the desert (What are the chances of making 'dig' happen?)

๐ŸŒžThe sun. You never have to bring a jacket but an umbrella is actually a fairly common accessory. I have yet to use a sunbrella but it is definitely a common feature over here. It’s nice to wake up in deep December and not have to defrost the car. However, it’s nice to walk out in mid June at home and not sizzle as you slink across a scorching car park. Same discomfort but different (by about 40 degrees).

๐ŸŒThe ex-pat population. It doesn’t feel like you are far from home when you have so many similar people in the same place. There is definitely a greater emphasis on meeting people and making the most of the weekend. The UAE is packed with amazing places to visit and and there is always something to do. The working day is longer here though so I definitely have an amped up appreciation for the weekend. 

๐Ÿœ๐Ÿ๐ŸžThe opportunity to explore and the financial security to support this. I feel so lucky to be able to teach in a totally different environment and experience a whole other culture. Teenagers are the same no matter where you go but the cultural differences really shine through which is both insightful and intriguing in equal measure. 

All in all, the decision to relocate has been a predominantly positive experience but it is always nice to come home. I’ll be humming the song from the Aer Lingus ad circa 1980 as I pass by the Poolbeg Chimneys on our descent into Dublin. My heart will hop a little harder as I see the front door of my house. (The Power Station in Lanesborough just hasn't achieved iconic status yet.) One thing is for sure, I will observe the clock and appreciate this time because I have realized what’s rare really is wonderful. 

 Postscript: It was the best of times. 






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