I partied last night with some of the AD80 (group of 80 teachers that recently arrived from all over the world) but still had the urge to get up early and do some sight-seeing. I initially planned to hit the beaches on Corniche St. but thought it would make more sense to go furniture estimating since we will be getting our allowance soon. Get this... I caught a public bus for 1 dirham (about 60 cent) about 20 miles to the big Marina Mall! From there, I caught a free shuttle to Yas Island, a development project that already houses Ferrari World, the biggest indoor theme park in the world stretching longer than 10 football fields! (View Ferrari World here) I went to Yas because that's where the Ikea is located. I was able to scout essential furniture like bed, couches, curtains, computer desk, etc... I budget everything for around $1000 (US) so I was happy about that because the allowance is more. I still have to get a refrigerator, stove/oven, washer/dryer, so I couldn't get too happy. If you've ever been to IKEA, you know that it can easily get overwhelming. I had some terrible lasagna and vegetables but it was only $6 (US) so I wasn't too upset. I should've gotten the salmon for three dollars more!
While waiting for the free bus back to the Marina mall, a native middle Eastern man stopped and asked me a question in Arabic! I knew it would happen eventually. I've been mistaken for Hispanic by latinos and now Middle-Eastern by Middle-Easterners. I thought looking like Jon B was the only benefit of having a multi-ethnic background until now. On the way back, I met a cool girl from Bosnia that said she was a supervisor of operations at Ferrari World. She ironically also graduated from FSU so she offered me a hookup with my friends if we ever want to go. I also ran in to other AD80 teachers that told me of a used furniture website for the Abu Dhabi area. It is my belief that God is lining up networking relationships because everything is falling in to place. I caught the long ride back to my hotel and was in awe of all the breath-taking architecture. I made it back and took a much deserved nap!
that theme park is unreal! wow! congrats on getting placed in AD. Used furniture is the way to go (less consumerism, less waste from packaging and you'll save yourself the headache of putting all that furniture together with that silly allen wrench and illustrated instructions that are NOT CLEAR.) I say get used furniture (or rent?) for big pieces and they may deliver. And then get the cool linens and decor from IKEA. Love your big sis!
ReplyDeletegreat first post Paul... yeah the multiracial background is a trip, especially when you travel abroad... Look fwd to more of your posts.
ReplyDeleteYou are keeping it interesting and I am going to live this Abu Dhabi experience through your words and pictures!!! If only I could really experience Ferrari World (big kid inside)and furniture shopping for under $1000....Jon B...cute!!! Looking forward to more post. Happy Blogging
ReplyDelete@Gabby I found out about a good website where you can get used furniture. Thanks for the head's up b/c I definitely don't want to deal with that silly "monkey" wrench!
ReplyDelete@Ches Thanks. That means a lot from someone that keeps great records of their travels, himself. Our interacial-ness is viable overseas if not shunned in America. Hope you keep reading!
@SimpleeNapptural Thanks for the love. Plan to visit for real one day. My descriptions are only a fraction of the experience. You won't regret it!