I had been asked so many times in the bus by random people sitting beside me why the move to Dubai. I come from a country with good weather so my view of our move is not influenced by the sun nor it is influenced by money (hard to believe, I know). Some of them wanted to shoot me down for saying this but we didn’t come here to get rich. Some bluntly tell me I am stupid for leaving Japan with the classic remark: “You earn more there, don’t cha?”
Dubai looks great on TV or in advertising (a very clever marketing campaign) but the day to day living, like most places, is not a holiday brochure! I’ve seen some of the ads and is shocked to find out it’s Dubai. This place is perfect for tourists or someone in their first few weeks or months; but you can’t live your life constantly going to spas, the museums, taking abra rides, buying pashiminas or having drinks at the world’s only 7-stars hotel that is the Burj Al Arab!
Every Dubai-related web forum tells a different story. Some like it here, others loathe it. Frustrating for some, interesting for others. But for me, any place in the world is worth exploring. What I am trying to say is, everyone can tell you what a place is like but until you taste the experience yourself, you will never know.
On a personal note, hubby is happier, his face lighter with the relatively easy working style than what he had in Japan where overtime i.e., working until late at nights and coming home almost unable to speak due to fatigue is a normal day to day experience. Darling daughter is settling in beautifully and have made friends with other kids from all over the world. I am contented with work career ideally, have flexible time with less pressure, not to mention more blogging time to make lengthy entries such as this one.
The whole city under construction tires me. The buses are sometimes frustrating but so far, I come home in one piece. The occassional sandstorm and eternal traffic can get to my nerves but all is forgotten when I see my lovely daughter in the doorstep greeting me with a kiss and starts her blabber about the fun she had in school.
Do we miss home? Sure we do, but, will it not always be there? We left our house knowing that it’s just bricks and mortar. We came not to make a fortune but to enjoy our life and teach our child (and coming children, if ever!) that travel and broadening one’s horizon is important and that anything is possible. After all, who knows where this journey will lead…however at home, we had a pretty clear picture.
Finding Backroads 
amen! I agree 100% with you. To teach your children that the world is at their doorstep and life is worth taking risks and adventures…ah. what a gift. It’s not always easy making a big move, but neither is it necessarily easy for those we’ve left behind who never move out of their comfort zones.
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Where did the post go on getting married in a church? I just read it – I’m sure it was here! Anyway, my two cents…. do what’s right for you and your hubby! Hope your mom will eventually understand your point of view.
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i’m in construction line and was toying with the idea of relocating to dubai / doha (though that thought has been dormant since the arrival of little miss)
never know when i might just up and go with hubby when she’s a little older, so will treat your blog as “research”. very insightful indeed 😀
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thanks for visiting my blog
your new life sounds interesting
Im pleased your hubby is less stressed and that your daughter is settling in well
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i quite agree grace! 😉 it’s really not all about the money.
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Same question with cheryl…”Where did the post go on getting married in a church?” I have read it….and it happened to us also…my parents keep on saying b4 that we should get married in the church (with both parents and relatives in the background) when Lemuel came home from Taiwan…well, they were pleased when we did marry again even if it was a great lost as in no savings and have to start for a new life of being together jobless with a son. IMAGINE????
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Very insightful!
You are right grace- while we need money for survival- it is not the “be all” of our existence. Di ba look at where you are now- I’m happy that pristine is enjoying her preschool, maki is happier these days and you happier in Dubai(minus the traffic and heat)…
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I think it’s awesome that you guys got to do this. You seem happier (from what I read on the blog) especially with regards to your hubby.
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Hi there, Nice writeup about g the plunge at Sandier Pastures. I would have to agree with you on this one. I am going to look more into teach in taiwan. This Sunday I have time.
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Greetings from an English teacher! I came across your blog posting after searching for teach in taiwan and your post on g the plunge | Sandier Pastures makes an interesting read. Thanks for sharing. I will search online more next Friday when I have the day off.
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You are a braver woman than I. I like “home.” But if the stress of Japan was my other option, I might coose Dubai too.
Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)s last blog post..5 Minutes for Making a Difference – Operation Christmas Child
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