The Lip and Stick Buildings

Technically labeled "Tameer Towers A &C", these two massive skyscrapers were called the lipstick buildings by a few members of our teachers group today. We had a good chuckle about it despite the fact that construction in Abu Dhabi is no laughing matter. At a time when most of the world has virtually halted the majority of construction projects, Abu Dhabi seems to have not missed a step in the race to have the world's neatest skyline. On our way to today's first orientation for the "AD80", as we our aptly called, the sky was littered with construction cranes reminiscent to Miami in the early 2000's. The economy suffered like that of many other region's around the world with the economic collapse of 2009, but with the UAE's commitment to diversifying its infrastructure to be less dependent on oil, Abu Dhabi is continuing construction projects that it halted over the past couple of years.

We were treated to another eclectic breakfast this morning. We are quickly realizing that Arabian breakfast is more comparable to the West's dinner than its morning meals. There was chopped burger, egg plant, potato, and rice and beans. The cocktail drink mixed with what had to be mango juice had to be the hit of the morning, though. I personally had five glasses. The ice was broken with my fellow teachers as everyone pointed out the big diploma that I carried around. For some reason, Georgia State University gave me a super-sized diploma that looks more like a poster than a college degree. I framed it because it was too big to fold and carried it on the plane and with me throughout the day for orientation. It was a conversation starter to say the least. It was impressive to meet up with the remainder of the 80 teachers that were at other hotels. Everyone was cool and down to Earth. There are teachers from Scotland, England, Nova Scotia, Canada, and various places in the U.S. The largest group of Americans actually hails from Houston.

In orientation, we set up a bank account and heard more about our placements that we get tomorrow. We can be placed in either of three places: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Garbia. In American terms, Abu Dhabi is like New York City, Al Ain is an Atlanta, and Al Garbia is best compared to a small town in Iowa. Most people prefer to be in the first two cities but others say they're content with even the rural area. Although I want to be in a bigger city, I am praying for serenity that I may optimistically accept either placement. After orientation, we went for medical tests. It was a long wait to get our X-Rays and blood tests but a necessary step towards receving our visas. While drawing blood, the two Phillipino nurses read my Black on Black Rhyme tattoo and the way they said it sounded great! I guess it's neat to hear other people from around the world say our name. Can you say, Black on Black Rhyme-Manila?!

I am beginning to open up a lot more as my comfort level is growing with my new colleagues. With this new comfort comes the false notion that people want to hear my jokes. Hosting the Black on Black Rhyme show in America has blown my head up to the point that I'm really starting to believe that I am funny. On the bus back, I began to crack teachers up with jokes that are not good enough to repeat in this blog. The bottom line is the third person in as many weeks said that I could be a comedian! I am flattered but I think I will stick to rap, poetry, and teaching!

More Construction Projects in Abu Dhabi