“Still round the corner, there may wait, a new road or a secret gate.” – J.R.R Tolkien

Am I insane?” I’m 99% 100% sure that’s my new mantra.

Moving across the world for a job when I have never traveled before (save for trips across North America) is actually insane, nuts, bananas, absolutely bonkers. Doing it two weeks after our wedding? A totally different experience. I’m pretty sure the lovely stewardess from Etihad Air looked at my tear and snot covered face and thought I was a little crazy on the plane ride over. I know my lovely husband thinks I’m a little crazy- or as he lovingly calls me “a hot mess,” (the emphasis on “hot,” and “mess,” changes day to day). Maybe I am a little crazy and that’s okay. Reminding myself that being a little crazy is okay is going to help get me through.

11,256km away from home and a ten hour time difference made the first few days extremely challenging. I don’t think I knew how to process all the things happening around me. My senses were inundated with new smells (I miss the smell of trees). I was jet-legged, a new language, and totally new surroundings freaked me out. I have never experienced culture shock and didn’t really believe it was a thing until I experienced it first hand. I have so much appreciation for foreigners coming into Canada and beginning their lives anew. It’s not easy and it’s not cheap to move so far from home. We’re so fortunate that our employer outfitted us with the basics-towels, a few appliances, couches, a table, etc.

A lack of some creature comforts is also strange. I have a serious craving for Miss Vickies Salt and Vinegar that isn’t going to be resolved any time soon. It’s comforting trying all the fun new foods and using it as a time to be a bit more adventurous with my palate. I could eat chocolate and almond covered dates and shawarma every single day-it’s a problem. I miss my fabric softener for my laundry and my Swiffer Wet-Jet. Asking for special gas instead of “regular,” is a little strange too. I miss friends and family the most. Having the option for video calls has been such a blessing.

I’m so thrilled for adventure though. I’ve had so many “firsts,” here and it’s taken me a few weeks to feel ready to try some new things. I tried my first paid-for beach club. If you do nothing else, visiting Abu Dhabi, a day at the beach will make you feel like you’ve really escaped. I swam for the first time in the ocean. If you’ve ever gargled salt water you might understand how salty the water on the Persian Gulf is. There are some lovely beaches and some are even themed to a degree. The Louvre has also been a life changing experience. Seeing art from Rembrandt to the ancient artefacts of Egyptian civilization is nothing short of amazing. Brunch is also a way of life out here. Whatever you think brunch is, get it out of your head. Here, you get all dressed up, go out somewhere fancy, and eat and drink a smorgasbord of food for up to 4 hours. It’s a little insane, but also freaking amazing. Our walks with Nhala in the desert have also been so fun. Just seeing her excited to run so freely is a joyful experience. With no trees as an obstruction, she really can go run for miles.

This past weekend, Cole and I took our first honeymoon trip to Dubai- another adventure. It’s a totally different vibe and experience from Abu-Dhabi. I don’t know how to coin the feeling in Dubai, but it has a different energy than Abu Dhabi. It was really cool experiencing an area that is referenced so often by celebrities and movies and seeing areas first-hand.

Work is taking some adjusting to. I think my expectations of what a classroom or a school should be like will have to adapt with where I am and what I want. This will be a period of time where I grow immensely as an educator. I’m so grateful that I can be encouraged by my other new colleagues who are treading this unknown territory by my side. Even more so, I’m fortunate that my husband is helping me navigate this part of my career as well.

I think the take home message here is that I am up for adventure and this is going to be my year of saying yes. My first inclination as an introvert and homebody is that I want to stay home and enjoy snuggles with my dog. I am making sure that I’m taking advantage of every opportunity, escape, and adventure. This year will most definitely be a year of growth, opportunity, and new experiences. If I can do it- while kicking and screaming some days- anyone can go out into the world and embrace some variation of the unknown. I can’t wait to share these experiences with you.

Here’s to new, less tearful, more smiled filled, adventures.

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