I went downstairs to ask the concierge to call a taxi for me. Since it was my last day I knew I had to go visit the grand mosque in Abu Dhabi. Everyone talked about how great the mosque was and that it was one of the biggest in UAE.
The taxi driver got me there fairly quickly. As soon as he pulled in I was in shock of the beauty and structure of the mosque. I walked up to the front desk because I noticed all the women had to change into black Abayas. The lady looked at me and was able to guess my size. I put the Abaya over my clothes and was able to go into the mosque. I took several pictures of everything. The chandelier alone was made purely of swarovski crystals and weighed over a ton. Everything in the mosque was clean, perfect and expensive. I also had to take off my shoes to go into the mosque. There were lots of people some were praying, some had tour guides explaining the history of the mosque and others were taking lots of pictures and videos.I couldn't help but feel amazed at how much work must have been put into building this mosque.
Outside there were speakers on the top of each pillar. There was a man singing a prayer through the loud speakers the whole time I was there. After about an hour, I watched as the sun went down then decided to head out to get something to eat. As I went outside I realized that I needed a taxi. I had to walk about a quarter of a mile out of the mosque to find a taxi. I asked the driver for the nearest Souk to get something to eat.
I made it to the Souk to find it fairly empty. The upper floor was a little more populated but overall there was barely movement. I browsed through some stores and decided to head home since it was getting dark. I made it to my hotel, a little tired so I decided to order in and relax. My last day in Abu Dhabi was a good one and I couldn't wait to take my flight tomorrow to get back home to the U.S.
This was the end of my great journey.
6 comments:
I have been searching and searching and then more searching for insight about working with ADEC. I have been offered a position with ADEC to teach in Abu Dhabi and have a for more days before I need to give word on whether or not I accept the position. I know everyone's experience and opinion will differ, but I must still ask, is the experience worth accepting the challenge of all the unknowns (living location, position, and everything else they do not tell you before you get to Abu Dhabi)? Any advise would be greatly appreciated!
Yes! Definitely the experience was worth it. Just have a TON of patience when you're there. That's the best advice I can give you. As American we have the fast paced mentality. They are our polar opposites.
Thank you for such a fast response! I signed and submitted my contract yesterday. I'm super excited and still super nervous about again the "unknowns." Does ADEC seem to acknowledge preferences such as living location and the grade level assigned? I've heard horror stories about teaching in boys' schools and will avoid teaching in the upper grades (4-5) if I can. Thanks again for taking the time out to respond! -Sara
Congrats! I understand why you're nervous but it's okay! They try to accommodate your needs but most of the time they place you according to your experience and their needs. For example, I asked to work in Abu Dhabi but I got sent to Al Ain. It wasn't a big deal for me it's just I would've been happier to be there. I also heard about the upper grade students. And yes I've heard from two teachers they are a terror but the teachers whipped them to shape.
I've heard that as well about the boys school experience but i'm not sure if that's true for all of UAE. I heard they usually place women teachers with girls that are middle/high school students. Also, the women teachers who have elementary school students have co ed students because their little. So it's female teacher with female students and male teacher with male students.
I hope that helped!
Thanks again for responding and sharing your knowledge! I'm committed to making the experience a wonderful one. Thanks again!
Hey Valerie! Wow I loved your blog, your vivid descriptions, and gorgeous pictures! This was very interesting to read :) Thank you for sharing!
Post a Comment