the beginnings of Wonderlust...Petra and the Dead Sea, Jordan

I cannot deny the most amazing thing about living in Abu Dhabi…has nothing to do with Abu Dhabi. I’ve been amazed with the UAE, I have. But for someone who has discovered that she has a little ‘wonderlust’ in her afterall, the most amazing thing about living in Abu Dhabi, is how easy it is to be ‘out’ of Abu Dhabi.

We apparently had a long weekend coming up. There was some debate over this. The actual holy day was Monday, May 26^th, but it was upto the government to decide to keep the holiday on that day, push it back to the Sunday (May 25^th), or place it on the following weekend (Thursday, May 29^th). Living in the Middle East, you have to be patient with announcements like this. Before it was confirmed Tara asked me, “Hey, do you wanna check out Petra on the long weekend coming up?”. Throwing caution into the wind, I decided to go for it, and was prepared to take a ‘sick day’ if needed. Now tell me, how can you take a 3 day weekend from Canada to Jordan? See what I mean?

Now, I may have known where we were going, but not really having a clue with what we were going to do until Tara asked me what clothes I was packing. Luckily she asked me ahead of time or else I would have ridden horseback in a sundress. I also must admit, that despite being a practicing Catholic (ok, much of my teaching career until I moved to Abu Dhabi), I was also the student all throughout high school falling asleep in religion classes (except for the likes of Mr. Kalenchuk and LaBatte, but even they couldn’t help me some days!). This didn’t change in adulthood through my religious specialist courses. No matter how hard you try, you simply cannot do the Holy Lands justice in it’s environment, the centuries of war and politics, the Middle Eastern way of thinking and culture, and so much more from the Canadian classroom. I am by no means any kind of an expert now, but I can now confidently say that I have started to chip away at the challenge of beginning to understand. If I’m ever teaching religious education in the Canadian classroom again, I hope I’m able to inspire my students to see Jordan and surrounding areas for themselves.

Last Thursday evening, we took off from Abu Dhabi, and arrived in Amman, Jordan. Our first hotel was called Petra Moon and was located footsteps from the entrance of Petra. Getting there may have been an invisible challenge. We rented a car and were confident in the GPS. At first, it seemed easy. Before we knew it, we were in the dark besides our headlights, and the only ones on the road besides a few that respectfully passed us along the way. The roads seemed narrow, but we couldn’t be too sure. One giveaway was the popping of our ears. We must have been hitting some pretty high altitudes. The man behind the desk at Petra Moon welcomed us with a smile and said we didn’t even have to show him our passports. He had our reservation and showed us how to get to our room. Quickly we were in bed as tomorrow was going to be filled with walking and mule-

riding.

Well rested, we picked up our friend who came along but stayed at a different hotel, and ma

 way to the entrance of the once forgotten ancient city of Petra. Before long, we were talking to a group of local men who owned their own horses and made a living taking tourists up and around the countryside and down the steps of Petra on horseback. We negotiated a price and wer

e on our way. Once on the first hill we could see our hotel and the entire region from above. The layers of sediment, rose coloured rock will always be in my memory. Although all 3 of us were comfortable on the horses, worry struck when we realized we were alone. There were no other tourists in sight. About half way through, wanting to turn around because of uncertainty, we knew we had to keep going. Our tour guides were great; they took our photos, stopped to tell us what we were looking at, helped us on and off the horses (there were times the rocks were too steep for the horses to carry people AND keep their balance at the same time), and were ready to stop and disinfect a nasty wound. We were down to 2 tour guides for a while and then it was time to say goodbye to Khalid. He would take our horses, Suzie (mine), Suzanna (Tara’s), and Sherri’s to a resting spot while our main guide, Yusuf, would take us down the steps of Petra and into the area of the Treasury.

As our initial plan was to take mules UP the steps, I’m glad that we went the way we did and walked DOWN the steps. A dear friend back home wanted a simple souvenir in the form of rocks (if it was allowed). The rocks of Petra are like no other. We came across a number of loose rocks, but none that were small enough to fit in Tara’s backpack (LOL). To our delight, our guide picked up our favourite, easily crushed it, and gave pieces to each of us to take back. I’m not quite sure if this is actually allowed so ssssshhhh.

Once we were near the bottom, we came to the beginning of the lost city. Despite 2000 years of wind, flashfloods, and deterioration, much can still be seen. The steps of the old amphitheater, numerous houses carved out of the rock with family tombs above (I confirmed with our tour guides later that the Nabateans believed it was so the dead could be closer to God), and places of worship could easily be made out. After stopping to rest at a snack and drink area, we were on our way to the treasury. You've seen pictures, you know what to expect, but your mouth still drops in awe and amazement at the incredible skill and craftsmanship it must have taken to create such a magnificent piece of work. The rock being soft was made even more pliable by adding water. We also learned that it was carved from the top down rather than the bottom up. Even though it was made more possible to our imaginations, I still struggle to picture this being done before any modern 

technology.

Our travels continued after the treasury to what seemed to be a never ending winding trail of lowlands in between high cliffs. The sun was always shining brightly but hidden away from us at times. It was amazing to see the odd tree and flowering bush against the seemingly barren rock. I was also taken a back by their water system that lay against the walls of the rock at about waist height that was carried out all through Petra. It would have taken incredible ingenuity to manipulate the water by a dam and have it run through the city. No wonder it has been named one of the New 

Wonders of the World and a protected site of UNESCO.

Our tour guide Yusuf got us back to the gates. We said our goodbyes with a picture, and were on our way to lunch. Well fed, we were going to be back on the road on our way to the Dead Sea. Trusting our GPS again, we were about to encounter a very bumpy ride. The roads outside of Petra were not congested, similar to the night before, and now we figured that we had the advantage of daylight so we can now see where we were going. We saw numerous Bedouin settlements and camel crossings, even the random camel. We could feel our ears pop again as we headed down the twisty mountain terrain and we knew we were on our way. We thought we may have hit a snag in getting to a gravel road. This turned out to be our travel for just over an our. We figured that due to the flash floods suffered by the area, we were now driving on ‘roads’ that are sometimes a seabed. Chunks of the road were missing at times, and we were all silently praying for us not to go off the edge, get stuck in a pothole, or have one of the tires blow. Tara was driving, 

and she did great, but no roads should be like the ones we were on.

Once down the mountain, it may only have been a turn or two, and we were on the coast of the Dead Sea. The water was shining as if it were a sheet of diamonds. Before too long, we got out to take a picture of the coastline. We knew our hotels would be close to the Dead Sea, but weren't sure of any views or accesses as of yet.

Tired, we came to our hotels, checked in, relaxed, had dinner, and were in for the night. There was something that we noticed about the main road along the coast near where we were staying. Even within the hotels, there seemed to have been heightened security measures in place. Tara’s fingerprints were taken off the steering wheel upon entering the hotel parking lot, airport-like scanners in the hotel’s lobby entrance, and military personnel on the street. We were wondering if Jordan was always like this as tensions always seem to pester the Middle Eastern regions. Then, we opened Facebook. There were numerous posts of the Pope meeting with a Muslim and Jewish leader, and holding mass…yes…right here at the edge of the Dead Sea….a mere 5 kilometers away. There were no actual dates or calendars for His schedule, so we figured his mass that he was leading must have been on Sunday. Friday night was coming to an end, and we looked forward to taking a dip in the infamous Dead Sea where the salt concentration is so high, you have no choice but to let yourself go, and float.

Our hotel, despite being on the coast, had no current access to the sea. Luckily for us, Sherri’s 

hotel did. So we were off to sea what this was all about, getting a daypass to let us in for the day. Hot mud awaited us. It was difficult to keep your balance (in the salty water, and trying to walk on the natural rocky terrain). The water itself was warm with cold spots but relaxing. The cool breeze and temperatures under 35C are some things that we have missed in the UAE since the winter months. We weren’t sure how Tara was going to be after being hurt the day before by the unforgiving rocks of Petra, but luckily, she was ok and we were all able to enjoy ourselves flopping around on the top of the water.

Next, we had lunch and decided to follow the GPS/signs that we saw to THE Baptismal site that we noticed on the way in. Just further on down the road, there seemed to be a soldier every 20 meters or so. Maybe they were here a day early? Then, we noticed a bishop on the side of the road talking on his mobile. We knew we happened to pick the luckiest (or unluckiest) day to visit the site. As the Pope was holding mass Saturday evening, there was no way we were going to get passed the gates. The guards were nice about it, allowed me to take a quick picture, and had us turn around. Our flights were in the morning so we tried again by being there at open, but the tours didn’t start until later, and there was no way that they were going to let us go down to the site on our own. We had somewhat heavy hearts leaving the Dead Sea and making our way to the airport, but we knew that we would be back. Across the Dead Sea, Israel is visible. At the Southern end of the Dead Sea, it was the site where Lot took refuge. Along the way we would see The Prophet’s Cave. We know that we are going to be back. Besides…from Abu Dhabi…all you need is a long weekend to help see the world.

so today I bought a car in Abu Dhabi...

So, I bought a car today. From one hoop to another the seller and I jumped. The process was new, and sometimes seemed upside down compared to what I am used to in Canada, but maybe there is yet another thing for the ‘West’ to learn from the East.

First thing I had to do of course, was check with the bank. This is standard. But the rates are quite different. Here, we have 3 options when looking to get any type of loan in the price range of a used car. Before I left for Malaysia, I wanted to make sure that I started any paperwork for it to be completed when I got back to smooth out the process. It’s not too often when someone at NBAD is particularly helpful…inshalla my luck will stay with me because my banking service has been amazing through this experience. I was told that I could either apply for a car loan (option 1) at an interest rate of 3.5% calculated at a flat rate, or option 2, increase my credit limit with credit interest at about 2.5-2.9% calculated on a declining balance (interest paid each month). As I explained my situation and expectations as to what I was intending to spend, my banker introduced me to their ‘ezcash’ program (option 3) in which a cash advance from your credit card would be directly deposited into your chequing account at a declining interest of 0.8%. This seemed to make the most sense as it allowed me to still use the credit for store purchases as well if needed. The second banker I was sent to gave me a print out of the months I signed up for (18 month plan) with the withdrawals that would be made each month. Having this completed on the spot, I was ready to shop. Family and friends back in Canada are likely to gag over the interest on loan rates…yes?

I thought the next part would be easy. In the UAE, we have a great website called dubizzle.com. You can buy and sell pretty much anything through it, and it’s very popular for cars. I would spend hours going through profiles of cars, and each time I searched, there seemed to be cars I didn’t see before, and I was going to make sure that what I purchased met a few criteria. For about a week, I went through and messaged a good 10-15 car owners about their cars and to get back to me. ONE returned my call, and unfortunately, he was in Al Gharbia (about 2 hours away). I was going to try again, and if no one returned my calls/messages a second time around, we were going on a road trip.

The second dubizzle blitz I did just this past weekend. The cars that I had originally left messages for had all been taken down, so I’m assuming those car owners from before simply didn’t get back to me because they had sold their cars. I found a few I liked, and within ONE hour, the seller of my favourite car out of what was there emailed me. She offered to meet me that evening, and I accepted knowing how fast things go on the site. The car itself was within my budget plan with the bank (and I’m not a negotiator with price, I know…I have to learn that to survive in this country), it was formally ex-pat owned (seller works for Etihad and is from Hungary), 2007 Mazda 3 with less than 60,000 kms on it. All of the servicing had been done at the Mazda garage, and there is even one more servicing still under warranty. Getting into the car for a test drive, you can quickly tell that this was a person who took care of her car.

So, if it’s so great, why is she selling it? She bought a motorcycle. Flying with Etihad, this was her ‘weekend car’ as she spends most of her time in the sky. Those of you who have been to the Carribean/Latin America…the same kind of traffic here. She is my new hero who can handle these roads on a bike.

Now, off to get the car out of her name and into mine. Easy…right? Well…

I was to meet her at 5pm. I was at the bank just down the street and I told her I would be a few minutes late. She said not to worry and that I should find her at ‘Bay 5’. Hmmm…let’s see if I can find this ‘bay 5.’ Knowing where I had to go was nearby the location where I got my licence in the fall, I parked my rental in the area and walked over to where the familiar ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) blue signs were, and sure enough, I found ‘bay 5’.

Picture 5 ramps going into a Speedy or Midas-like oil lube change. Up each ramp (bay area), there were at least 10 cars in each queue. I found the seller along the line and she was frazzled. She gave me her registration card and told me to go inside and get our ‘ticket’ for inspection. I quickly weaved through the 5 lines of cars, got into the building and quickly found my way to the cashier. Coming back, I found a police officer at the drivers’ side talking to the seller. This wasn’t the first time an officer was at the car (hence why she was frazzled). Rules are rules. We were supposed to park first, get the ticket, and then join the queue. After apologizing to the officer (I guess I looked innocent as I was the 1 of us who really didn’t know any better), the ordeal was over. I wondered later that if we were supposed to get out of line to park, not sure how we would have done that in a wall to wall traffic area.

Wait, I thought…she had done this before. I asked her how the inspections go in this country. Once every year, the cars go through inspection to make sure that they are ready and safe for the UAE roads. Seeing about 50 cars get through within 30 minutes, I would say it’s a pretty effective system.  Inspection passed…now we have to get the insurance and registration switched over. Now, here’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned of the night. Even when dealing with government-run institutions such as vehicle insurance, everything is negotiable.

Going just past the licence plate area were what looked like to me, a small sea of office cubicles. Each cubicle representing a different insurance company for your car. Keeping with the same insurance company until at least hers expires in August made the most sense to me. Talking with friends and colleagues I asked and asked…do I need ANYTHING from ADEC (Abu Dhabi Education Council) when I go in to switch the cars over? It was a unanimous ‘no’. I found that you don’t need anything from ADEC (unless you want a discount on your insurance). Our insurance provider first explained to us that since we were going from an Etihad employee to a regular customer, that the insurance would be more expensive. We asked him, OK, but do you have any discounts for ADEC employees? No, he said. He looked at my licence again and asked if I had my licence from Canada with me. I told him I did, but it was at home (why would I carry my drivers’ licence from Canada?) He said that because my UAE licence was less than a year old, I would again, be more expensive unless I had my Canadian licence on me to show him. I did point out that I obviously have my Canadian driver’s licence in the country as it was a prerequisite to obtaining a UAE licence. Fine…rules are rules he said. It can’t be changed.

Not wanting to go back to the flat, I told him I would pay the extra. In the meantime, the seller went to get the car back from the inspection area (we thought we would save time doing paperwork while they looked at it). Talking to the insurance man on my own, he made a comment that I seemed happy with the rates anyways as he knew that Canada’s insurance is much more expensive (vehicle comprehensive insurance here is 1200 AED a year…less than $350CAN). He then asked me again which company I worked for. After telling him ADEC again, he said that yes, there was now a discount. The seller of the car returned and I told her that magically, there is now a discount, but I left the ADEC paperwork in the car. Upon returning, he validated the paperwork that I had given him. And all of a sudden the 355 AED charge I was facing went down to 75AED. We thanked the man and went to the next station to have all of the insurance documents ‘blue stamped’, as nothing is valid without the blue stamp. Impressed with my employment ‘pull’ the seller laughed and said that it had nothing to do with being an employee of ADEC. Wiping everything away but the standard transfer fee was due to being a woman. Hmmm…

Inspection…check. Insurance…check. Now…change of registration. The registration room seemed to be packed, but following the seller across the room I was reminded again, that being a woman in this country can have its perks. Women have their own waiting areas, and in some cases such as this, their own area to be completely served. It didn’t look to busy, but the next hour seemed to drag on. Despite having 6 counters available, only 1 was open. This is a standard practice here. In theory, the system would work great if it was working at full capacity. Despite the waiting time, our time at the counter would be 10 minutes or less.

For those of you back home, imagine your inspection, insurance company, and place of registration all in the same place? Licence issuing just down the street. Having the inspection being mandatory before selling your car also gives the buyer a better feeling as well. This process may have taken up my entire evening, but when you go through government services, I find is where a lot of learning takes place about the country that you are living in. The next time I’m at an OHIP office or the 8^th floor of the Standard Life building at King and Bay (Hamiltonian Canadian passport holders will know what I’m talking about), I will have extra empathy for those who might be new residents.  

Thank you to those friends here in the UAE giving me tips and advice on the purchase of the car. For those of you that would like any assistance from me, just let me knowJ

Malaysia...

It’s that time again, another blog waiting to pour out of me!

For years, I’ve kept a journal…quite a different experience when you’re blogging. It’s as if you finally have permission to share your thoughts in a public forum. Living abroad takes credit for this one…I want to share all of my experiences with my loved ones back home.

As you know, this spring break I was able to travel to Malaysia and Singapore with some of the ‘group 5 family’. An experience like this one doesn’t really ‘kick in’ until you return. I recall being in awe and in the moment…but coming back, you really ask yourself, “did we just do that?” We sure did.

About to take off from Abu Dhabi in the early morning on March 29^th, we were given the terrible news that we would be bumped to the next flight available. I’ve seen overbookings before, but this is the first one I have been a victim of. It’s an awful thought to know your flight is leaving without you, and there is nothing you can do. To help make things up to us, our airline, Etihad, had given us a brief stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Yas Island. They’ve also given us a voucher to upgrade on another one of their flights…I’ll be coming back home to Canada in July in comfort J Disappointed…we changed our attitudes and became convinced that we were held back for a reason and it would only come to our advantage. Before we left Abu Dhabi, we got them to change our flight so that we could stay an extra day…after all, we were about to miss a day because of their mistake.

For the rest of the trip, I really need the assistance of all of the pictures we took. It is a blur of tastes, sights, and the many walks and bus trips we took. I would like to consider myself a person with a passion for history. I won’t likely be able to spout out facts and dates for you. But what I can say is that I can put my feet down in an historic site, take a deep breath, and almost be able to feel the footsteps of civilizations past. The 300+ steps that we took into the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur almost did me in…but I loved it. Walking up there we were in awe of the sacredness of the Hindu temples almost in hiding…in complete serenity. Only now unfortunately I feel a little spoiled by tourism. You will find the gift shops and refreshments at the foot of the stairs as well as inside the caves, but are quickly taken back to nature with the wild monkeys roaming the area searching for coconut pieces and other treasures they might find from the workers and tourists. Oh, how do they get the refreshments up those stairs you might ask? I thought it was hard enough making it up those stairs on my own. Watching a Malaysian worker going up with 3 cases of water on his head…I couldn’t imagine how that would feel!

One of the other experiences I could literally feel footprints of civilizations past was when we took a trip a few hours outside of Kuala Lumpur to the quaint city of Melacca (also Melaka, Melaqa). There, we were able to see Dutch, British, and Portuguese influences throughout this busy but small area. The pirate ship on display was able to be discovered. Inside, you would be able to find a diorama of trading pirates as well as weapons and coins on display. Within the ship, you can hear the creaks of the stairs underneath your feet as well as see the latch doors that would unhook and unfold in the days of trade.

In retrospect, the country of Malaysia is literally seeping with history for those who want to discover it. Canadian by birth, I was struck by the similarity of government as Malaysia too, is part of the British Commonwealth. Prime Ministers and Kings of the past and present decorate their walls and denominations of the Malaysian Ringgit.

As our trip was delayed, we were determined to make up for lost time. A special thanks to one of our group members, for this and everything else she’s done! She was able to contact our travel agent back in Abu Dhabi who worked out a package that would allow us to stay one extra night…in Singapore. Transportation, tours, and hotel included…it was about $200 extra. How amazing is that? Back in the van, our driver took us to the 5 hour away destination. There is a stark difference between Malaysia and Singapore, but both worth a visit for you to discover. I want to go back to both places.

People have commented to me, “this looks like a trip of a lifetime!” Looking back, this is my 3^rd so-called trip of a lifetime, and I intend on having more. Throughout the break you can see on my Facebook newsfeed pictures from around the world from fellow ADEC teachers. We are so fortunate to be in a place where we are able to travel so easily to parts of the world we never thought we would go from North America. Living abroad, and now travelling abroad with Abu Dhabi family members…it makes you appreciate family and friends from home more than I ever thought possible.

Discovering new countries, new people, new climates, new foods, new streets, and new ways of doing things…is unforgettable and indescribable in any way that would do it justice. I challenge each and every one of you to find a new place within the next little while. For those of you restricted by time or area…find something new within your ‘backyard’. For those of you with passports, at least one new stamp before your expiry date. For those of you with passports and NOT restricted with a teaching schedule…you have no excuse! You are the limited few who can go anywhere on a cheap budget! If you are interested in Abu Dhabi…we’ll work it out. If I can help you put a few more stamps on that passport, I’m here for you J Wouldn’t you rather experience it for yourself then try to imagine it through my blogs? Go for it.

Do you remember the time when....?

Having moved away from everything familiar, it’s hard to describe what you feel sometimes. Some days you feel literally on top of the world because only you are in charge of your life. On other days, you can really miss people and places from home. Thinking about loved ones here and back home, I started to think of memories. Looking back, I have had a pretty blessed life, often filled with tears of joy and tears of hilarity during embarrassing moments.

The following are in no particular order. If you are reading this and don’t seem to find yourself in it, let me know and I will add one. I’ve been blessed to have you all as part of my life J

Let’s see if you can find yourself?

Do you remember the time when….?

∞ we had our reservations lost by the fancy restaurant staff on Valentine’s day? You were nervous but we relaxed and had heart shaped pizza at Boston Pizza instead…a tradition that went on for a number of years J

∞we bonded over you getting car sick while dune bashing in Abu Dhabi? We had only known each other for a few days, but it was as if it turned into an immediate closer friendship.

∞we spent countless hours in the pool and oceans as we grew up together letting the waves just take us?

∞we had to make a quick trip to Walgreen’s for a knee brace? I had just injured my knee pretty badly climbing the rocks along the California coastline.

∞we realized that although we spend no time together in person, we know each other more than most people do?

∞we drove 3 hours out of town to visit a few of my family members (and you got to see some of your family too?) On the way home, I slammed a compartment on my dashboard so hard that my hands free wireless system wouldn’t shut off no matter what we did! We pulled over to the nearest Timmies and had a good laugh (and coffee for the long ride home).

∞you saw the terrified look on my face when reality hit me about teaching a full class of ESL students? You continue to be an exemplary role model to myself and the staff.

∞you came with me into a hospital room and I realized with your help I could bring comfort to the critically ill through the Holy Communion?

∞my phone was acting up and I didn’t respond to your texts? You were worried about me so you used your key to let yourself in to find me singing in the shower!

∞I was about 9, you were about 19 and we were getting you ready for a night on the town? We were curling your hair with 2 separate curling irons. One of us flinched…both curling irons were dropped, and we ran to put cold water on our newly minted fashion statements on our skin!

∞we met for the first time over sushi in Istanbul? We continue to be hall mates and friends!

∞we have our moments looking over all of your accomplishments? I’m so proud of your experience and success in the Canadian military. You continue to amaze me.

∞we spent hours in the water of Lake Erie talking about our crushes? Best weekend ever!

∞we had very inappropriate conversations on the beach? Our colleagues wanted to know what our “special cream” was all about!

∞we realized that when wine is spilled on clothing, it can become the latest fashion accessory, especially around family?

∞your cooking made me cry? It was spicy, I swear! Although it was hard to eat, it was the tastiest chili ever!

∞we would have continuous debates as to who would be single the longest and who would end up owning the most cats? #catladiesforever !

∞we would bake cookies and make gingerbread houses? You’re just about a teenager now, but those so far are my favourite memories…looking forward to always making new ones!

∞we would spend hours on the phone (and we still do), connecting one side of the world with the other?

∞we had our last tight hug before I moved away from Canada? Neither of us knew what to say, but the sudden tears said it all J

∞I was so upset with you? I ignored all your phone calls. Only to try and go to sleep…you were there at my door ready to sort things out.

∞we would play hours of video games together? Family get togethers would not have been complete without the original Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt!

∞we were only 16 and didn’t get carted at the LCBO? Summer of 1998 was a blast.

∞one of us missed the second last train from Toronto to Hamilton, and had to explain to her parents why she was late and all of her friends weren’t? (cough cough!) Again, summer of 1998 was a blast!

∞you constantly teased me about my developing body while growing up? I don’t have an older brother, but you sure continue to fill that role!

∞my niece started arguments as to who you belong to? You’ll always belong to all of us!

∞you made me feel like my simple shepherd’s pie was the best meal in the world? I had no idea it was your favourite, and I’m sorry that I’m going to be missing your birthday this year!

∞we would check our emails for months wondering when we would get our magic ticket to Abu Dhabi? Your unwavering support and humour got me and many others through that struggle!

∞we had drinks and a sleepover on a school night? Our time out on the hammocks will be unforgettable. Thank you for helping me gain the courage for doing what was right for me.

∞we thought “Friends” was the best TV show ever, that we re-created the video in the beginning for a music project in grade 7?

∞we both came to the realization that we were now in a very different world of teaching? But we’re there to support each other…every day J

Love always,

Cara

a call for Ontario teachers to be aware of some employees behind the OTPP

Recently I posted a status on Facebook expressing severe frustration over the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan. The Plan itself is strong, and doing well. Some employees, however, shouldn't hold a position of any kind of power when it comes to handling savings and retirement of hard working teachers who are depending on the plan for their life after teaching.

I strongly urge all Canadian friends and family to educate yourself about your retirement and overall financial picture. See what you need to get there. Imagine having a plan in place and a date at which it would be accomplished! Talk to your financial professionals. If you would like a free second opinion with an in-depth analysis, Empirical is still #1 in my heart.

The following is email communication between myself and Hindrek Piigert, a representative from the OTPP, who I am sure he's not going to be happy he's going to be have to dealing with me.

As I state, in the end I'm inconvenienced. It's not the end of the world...but wouldn't you expect more from people handling our finances?!?!

********************

Dear Miss Tabron:

Thank you for submitting your documents for withdrawing your credit and funds from the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

We received all of your termination documents on January 27, 2014, including the authorization from CRA to not withhold tax on the cash portion of your benefit.

As the CRA authorization is only valid for the 2013 calendar year, we cannot process your file without the tax. We have been in contact with CRA and have confirmed that as payment to you will be made in 2014, the 2013 letter does not apply.

There are two choices that you can make at this time, the first is that we can pay the benefit to you with taxes withheld, and the second is you can make another request to CRA for this special tax treatment for the 2014 calendar year.

If you choose the second option, we will have to re-issue a new options package for you as the six month submission deadline (February 28, 2014) has passed.

Would you kindly respond with how you wish to proceed with receiving your benefit from the plan?

Please contact our Client Services Department and we will be happy to assist you. You can reach us by phone (between 8:00 am and 5:30 pm Monday toFriday) or by e-mail.

Regards,

Hindrek Piigert

Client Services

Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan

Telephone: 416-226-2700 or 1-800-668-0105 (toll free)

Fax: 416-730-7807 or 1-800-949-8208 (toll free)

Website: http://www.otpp.com

**********

Dear Hindrek Piigert,

Thank you for your communication, but I am very frustrated to have received your last email.

I have been in touch personally with the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and I must say that the individuals that I have dealt with have been very helpful and easy to understand my account.

The events in the last few months have been otherwise.

Yes, I would like to start the process over again. Please re-issue a new options package, the address is just below. This is really a financial ‘no brainer’ considering the tax penalties of being paid now taxes withheld; this is why it was sought out in the first place. If you would like further explanation on this, any one of the professionals at Empirical Group would be happy to explain.

Empirical Group

Attn: Sean Kiely

3310 South Service Road
Suite 300 
Burlington, On
L7N 3M6

In case this address needs to be repeated, it can be found under my signature at the bottom of the email.

Please let me explain my frustration:

I have been a teacher in the Ontario Catholic schools for 8 years. This year, I have created a major change in my career and I am currently teaching in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). My school board in Ontario would not let me take a leave of absence. As I had to resign completely, my pension had been released.

I had left for the UAE September 25, 2013. The paperwork for my pension has been submitted before this date, including a request to the CRA to allow a tax exemption for the smaller portion in question. The CRA had responded by November 2013 with their approval. My financial advisor had retrieved the documents from my family and had passed them along to the OTPP, and to the receiving institution, LaCapitale. One would believe that as the paperwork was submitted in November 2013, that the deadline of February 28 2014 would be easily met.

January 2014 started off with some confusion by the OTPP. Representatives from the OTPP had contacted my financial advisor with multiple requests for my account number for my LIRA (“Locked In Retirement Account") held with LaCapitale to proceed with the transaction. Each conversation ended with the OTPP responding, "There, it is. I guess I should have scrolled down and looked at the whole case!!”

Last week (sometime between the 24^th and the 26^th of February), another representative from the OTPP told my financial advisor,  "for sure, on Friday!" Friday was the 28th--the date the OTPP listed as the "Submission Deadline". That was to be the "Transfer Date", not the Submission Date. Clearly, if the OTPP were ready to transfer (finally!), the case was well past the Submission Stage!

I find it insulting to myself and my financial advisors that you would have included in your email:

“We received all of your termination documents on January 27, 2014, including the authorization from CRA to not withhold tax on the cash portion of your benefit.”

This is simply not the case.

You further state:

“As the CRA authorization is only valid for the 2013 calendar year, we cannot process your file without the tax. We have been in contact with CRA and have confirmed that as payment to you will be made in 2014, the 2013 letter does not apply.”

In the end, my financial advisors and I are inconvenienced, and further paperwork has to be filed. We will be fine. But the incompetence behind how my case was handled by the OTPP is simply unacceptable.

As I hope you know, the OTPP is an independent organization responsible for administering defined-benefit pensions for school employees in Ontario. The OTPP invests the plan's pension fund, and is one of the world’s largest institutional investors. The current statistics that I found was that the OTTP holds pensions 179,000 teachers, principals, and school administrators, and pays pensions to some 124,000 retirees.

The teachers of Ontario, past and present cannot afford to have their retirement handled in such a way.

Please forward to your supervisor. This case has been passed along to the CRA and the Ontario Ombudsman. I expect more from the Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan.

Thank You,

Cara Tabron

Empirical Group

3310 South Service Road

Suite 300
Burlington, On
L7N 3M6

http://www.empiricalgroup.ca/

reflecting on loss

Reflecting on loss...

I bet I can make you feel old. I know I do. How do I do this? 2004 was 10 years ago. Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” was 10 years ago. Smh (“shake my head”).Today…the 19^th marks the 10^th anniversary of the loss of one of the most important people in my life. Look back over the last 10 years…did you ever think those events would happen? Neither did I. But, here we are.

Every one of us has had to deal with loss at some time or another and at different levels. I am not here to say that I am special, but that I am here, to lend an ear, to talk to listen, to Skype, to Facebook, anyone who may need someone to just ‘be there’. Loss is difficult to comprehend. It is never logical that the loss happened in the first place, and grieving can ease over the years, but can also come back at any time, at any strength.

I have and interesting past, full of drama and intrigue, as with any family. It was through a recent discussion with a good friend that I realized…I didn’t come from a broken home. I came from a home that happened to be broken. No matter what, I was always surrounded by people who loved and cared for me. In the crazy mix of drama and love, I was blessed to have two father figures in my life, the later, whom I’ve lost suddenly 10 years ago today. This has been posted before. I still look at it and see where I can make changes, I’m not thrilled with it...it’s choppy with no rhythm, but when it comes from the heart…there is nothing to edit.

Keith M. Hill (November 19th, 1948-February 19th 2004) [originally written February 19 2009]

To the man who changed my life...I hope that where ever you may be, you can see me and know how much I miss you and cannot wait until we meet again. If I could think of one moment in my life, where my fate could be much different, it would be when we joined our lives together...me as one of your daughters, and you as one of my fathers.

There were so many times when you believed in me, when even I couldn't. When I held my head low, you lifted it up.

You showed me a new life, a new world, where it was possible to be safe and cared for at the same time.

You showed me how to throw a pitch, how to drive a car, and how it feels to be caught in a lie

I admired you from the moment I met you. You welcomed me with open arms and untimely humour.

You never judged me...only my actions, in which I am thankful for your guidance still.

When I am ever at a cross roads, I will always think, "What would Keith say?"

Though there were no biological relations, you were my dad in every sense of the word.

In a matter of hours from this note, it will be 5 years since I last saw you, our last conversation...we were together...you were helping me...up to the day you died.

I would give anything to be able to see your face and to hold you in an embrace, but have faith that God has bigger plans for you right now.

I see you in my dreams from time to time, but always, they are too short.

My mom, Dave, and myself hold your memory strong. No one could ever take your place. Words cannot express the void that has been left in our lives.

We miss you, love you, and hope that you are watching from above...celebrating in our good times, and grieving in our sorrows.

Until we meet again, Keith. Your influence on all of our lives will never be forgotten.

<3

Cara

Recently, a study has shown that...

I haven’t blogged in a while, so I apologize to my readers…how did you get a long without me? Heehee…

following post is something that I’ve thought about for a long time but couldn’t come up with how to best bring it across to those of you back home without sounding negative about the UAE. My intention is to simply inform and perhaps comment a bit about the culture. This can be tricky. I want to give facts and have my readers decide. I love Abu Dhabi itself and owe much to this country that has changed my life in such a positive way.

Driving to school this week while listening to a news report, it dawned on me. I can bring news headlines across to those back home with some clarification. In this way, aspects of the culture are coming across from a more ‘official source’ with my experiences tied to them.

Here in the UAE, I’ve noticed a lot of ‘studies’ being done. The following studies might seem simple and common sense to you and I. Remember, please, that this country is only 42 years old, and the citizens of the Emirate have come a very long way in very little time. There are some big clashes, as you can imagine when you have a country that has a 20% population of locals (Emirati), and 80% expats such as myself.

The following are actual reports here in the UAE, “A study has been done to show that…”

1.   “Dr Eman Al Nuaimi, paediatric dentistry resident at the Dubai School, said poor parenting was because adults are unaware of the importance of taking care of teeth. “A number of children are brought for dental work and are put under general anaesthesia. It is expensive and can be prevented,” she said.” Taken from www.gulfnews.com

·         Well, I can say that when I look at my children that many of them have teeth in the process of rotting. Poor parenting? Maybe a lack of instilling proper nutrition (most students bring sugar filled items to school) and lack of monitoring dental hygiene. I didn’t like them pointing the finger at ‘poor parenting’. In teaching local children, it is very clear that the parents care about their children. Most of my parents are involved in some way, and those who aren’t I believe wish they were, but haven’t found their way to be yet. Hopefully now that a ‘study’ has been done, citizens will take it to heart and be more involved in brushing and maintaining their children’s teeth.

2.    ‘Most traffic accidents and fatalities in the UAE are due to a) speeding, b) not leaving enough stopping distance, and c) swerving from one lane to another. We must change the ‘me first’ attitude and drive with caution’ taken from news report on radio.

·         Hmmm…when I went home for Christmas and told my friends that the Dubai police were getting a new fleet of cars able to catch up to the drivers who go 300+ km/hr, they thought I was mistaken. I must have meant 200km/hr? Wrong. Driving here is not as bad as you might think but you have to be ready for anything at any time. Fog and rain are brutal conditions when 350 out of the 365 days are beautiful and sunny. Driving in the so called fast lane isn’t one of the things I like to do. Before you know it, you will have a large SUV on your tail flashing their lights on you to move over. I posted on Thursday via Facebook an article from KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) noting that there is an average of 19 fatalities a day in that country from traffic accidents. I can say in the UAE that it’s probably a lot safer due to red light cameras and speeding sensors. Breaking one of these rules you’ll be brightly “flashed” by the lights and fined accordingly. Why is speeding such an issue? Not sure…perhaps the fines are not enough of a deterrent. The traffic police and criminal courts are also separate, unlike at home where they are tied, so there is a limit as to what the traffic police can do.

3.    “Of the more than two million calls made in Dubai, more than 500,000 of them were classified as situations not requiring immediate attention. “One guy called us because he had locked himself out of his car. That’s not an emergency,” said Brig Omar Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, the director of Command and Control Centre at Dubai Police “Some people call thinking their issue is an emergency when, in fact, it does not qualify as one. One man complained about a bad mobile phone signal, one was looking for help with a leaking pipe and another trying to find a maid for his house.” Taken from www.thenational.ae

·         I don’t really have much of a defense here. I think if I tried to defend this one, I would be insulting to the common sense thinking citizens!

I predict that there will be more ‘studies’ done to try and get main issues in the Emirate solved. I hope one is done (if it has already, it should be again), on the importance of child safety seats in cars. 2 of the 3 studies above have to do with traffic…now realize most children are not in proper seats or even belted in. Maybe there will be a study that will reveal that our students should be taught according to more realistic outcomes? Hmmm…

Back home, I know we have our silly ways of doing things and outdated laws too. I can only imagine the culture shock that Emirati citizens might have should they go to North America and see our ways for themselves. This blog was to bring across what I see, not to be negative. It may seem backwards at first, but really, just different. Things are changing still. Remember, 42 years ago, this was simply a fishing village with hardly any vehicles or sugar. Four months here and I still feel the culture shock. 

Thank you again for your readership! 

xo

it's January 13th...5 lessons already from 2014

All settled, so what now? Time to learn a few lessons I guess.

I know I’ve said this before…in blogs, in chats if we’ve chatted, and face to face if I’m lucky enough to be able to converse with you on a regular basis. I am SO lucky to have the people in my life who are here and at home for a support system like no other.

So what was my first lesson of 2014? Getting blown off. This might not seem like a big deal. But, this is my first time being blown off…ever. I’ve been broken up with, even broken up with over an email (which sucked!) but never just ignored as if the other person were to simply fall off the side of the earth despite communication attempts from me. I’m in my 30’s, I don’t need this. I thought people have grown up since middle school! Luckily, I wasn’t attached, therefore, no heartache. Just frustration….it just shouldn’t be done. Dating wasn’t on my agenda coming to Abu Dhabi. In fact, it was the last thing on the list if there were one…back to focusing on family, friends, work, and absorbing all of the amazing things that Abu Dhabi and the UAE have to offer. Lesson #2…don’t blog about something like this, at least not until a few months perhaps? LOL.

Ok, lemme think…lesson #3---never think that it’s too late…for anything! If 2013 was the year that I changed my life, 2014 is going to be the year that I invest in my life. Not long after I arrived, I got a cold call from a financial company here in the UAE, but has a home base in Britain (friend from Empirical know exactly what those calls are like to make). The gentleman was kind, and did the typical take me out for coffee. Being smart with money, I’m able to manage investments here, in Canada, and had my retirement pension switched and managed by Empirical Group…I’m safely and progressively investing in my financial future. It’s never too late to look at your finances and see where improvement could be made (insert ad for Empirical Group’s FGA here for all Ontario residents).

But what else? I’m also taking advantage of the extra time that the teaching expats have to enjoy here. I’m getting back into fitness. What I thought might be too late is getting back into dance. I have been in ballet from 1987-2001 continuously, took a break and re-joined ballet in the 2004-2005 school year. Thought I would shake things up and did dance/aerobics for 2005-2006, took the next year off, and then finally tried hip hop of all things in the 2007-2008 school year. I don’t want to blame marriage, LOL, but while married, nothing stuck when it came to fitness. Here though? I have a small walking group, and TWO dance classes that I’m attending regularly. Belly dancing is a must for all those here with any dance experience (and without!). I’ve also dusted off my plies and releves! The Xtend Barre class here in Abu Dhabi has taken traditional ballet techniques and warped them into weight training and aerobics as well. I was tempted to slow down and get into the strict adult ballet, but the workout I got was incredible! I told the instructor that I had many years of classical ballet training (but as you can see, it’s been many years SINCE my classical ballet training!). It was great to hear her comment that my structure is still proper…I think it was muscle memory…strange how it can all come back (ok, mostly). NEVER too late!

Lesson #4…remember to never take anyone for granted…there is nothing like a random chat conversation or phone call from your home country that can put you in the best of moods. As I said above, I am extremely blessed to have been given the global family that I’ve got. Thank you for your questions, kind words, support, and encouragement. From the pictures on Facebook, it may look like that we are living the dream life. Remember, those are the Facebook highlights. There are still frustrations, tears, arguments, lack of sleep, a cramped workload (at times), and loneliness (I have to say here, that I’m lucky I don’t really get lonely per se…I love being on my own), but it happens now and again. Those of you in the teaching profession considering Abu Dhabi…I will say this: I will NEVER regret making the move. I will, however, insist that I speak with you one on one.

Lesson #5…things change whether you like it or not. I noticed a change among the group of friends that I came with when we came back from holiday. It’s almost as if we reached a different level. Now knowing that we’re all here for a bit of a long haul…it seems more intimate. I know for those of you here, this might be hard to imagine, as since the Fairmont/Sahara/Grand Millenium/Murjan Asfar, we got to know each other really well, and really quick-we had to! But now, somehow, even more so. We discuss the change in dynamics at length sometimes. Some that were friends, are no longer friends. Some that were not friends, are now bonded at the hip. Two special people were strangers in September…they have now committed their lives to each other and we’ll be looking forward to a wedding! The dynamics here simply wouldn’t exist had we been in the states, Canada, the UK, Australia, or anywhere else. Change can have some negative side effects, but overall, change in itself is essential, and therefore, always good.

What have your lessons been for 2014 already? What would you change?

Xo

Cara

fragments from NYE 2013-2014

Fragments:

If I were to honestly describe all of the moments I want to blog about NYE…I wouldn’t be able to do anything else. That task would absolutely consume me. There are so many memories not mentioned here, and perhaps I’ll add them as time goes one. Terrible traffic (3.5 hour drive which is usually 1 hour from Abu Dhabi to Dubai), a great dinner at the Dubai Noodle House, amazing world-record breaking fireworks display, countless jokes about being late for dinner and a show, a fantastic display of Cirque de Soleil bringing out the works of the late Michael Jackson to life, and then heading home…a nice drive from Dubai, to Al Ain, to Abu Dhabi. A few days that I will never, ever forget. You know what the best part is? The friends here who we’ve got and will be making more crazy blog-worthy memories together! Alhamdolilah.

#1: The car situation

So, we booked 2 rooms that the World Trade Center, Dubai…but had 3 cars. One for their room, and 2 for ours…for the first night anyways. As it was NYE, they did not allow 2 cars per room, only one. It would have been nice had they told us ahead of time when we asked. So, I was instructed to move one car to the paid parking garage attached to the hotel. We split the parking job in the end…but I had a bit of a heart attack going back to the carpark later on NY day as there was a warning for any car to be parked longer than 24 hours, that it may be impounded. YIKES. Being in Dubai to find that your car has been taken? Yuck. Luckily, my car was still there without a ticket and mine for the taking. As it was 10 dirhams an hour, and I've been there for over a full day, “oops. I lost my token”. The fine for that was 150 dirhams. Very lucky! I usually feel guilty about this sort of thing, but had we been honoured our spot at the hotel as we were told, this shouldn't have happened to begin with!

#2: “But you look drunk!”

Boy: “can I get you a drink?”

Me: “no thank you.”

Boy: “Please? I insist. It’s New Year’s!”

Me: “No, really. But thank you. I am fine.” I pull my water bottle from my purse.

Boy: “Wait. You really are not drinking any alcohol tonight?”

Me: “Nope.”

Boy: “But you look drunk! You have no alcohol but you act this crazy? I love it!”

#3: “Um, this isn't a taxi.”

You know you’re in Dubai when…you have your hotel concierge get you a taxi but it doesn't look like a taxi. In fact, they’re unmarked white Lexuses (Lexi?). Not all taxis are unmarked, but a good number of them are like this. They felt luxurious, and safer, as other cars on the road seemed to give them less hassle as they got us to where we needed to be over the New Year celebrations.

The celebrations on Barasti Beach are something that I won’t soon forget. The traffic was brutal getting out there from hotel (we were just west of the entrance onto Palm Island). In case you’ve been living under a rock, Dubai was setting up to smash a world record for the longest consecutive fireworks display around Palm Island and the World Islands. We were expecting traffic on the way back to be even worse. We assumed people would straggle into the celebrations, but like back home, all rush at once to get out once it was all over.

It was strange to be up later than 5am. It was strange to see alcohol served even longer! We left the party around 4-4:30, and it was still going strong. It was a little tricky getting a taxi. Like I said, many were unmarked. Luckily, a white minivan showed up along the side of the road where we were walking. The great friends I was with have no shyness to flag it down. He quoted us a steep amount, but agreed as there were 5 of us to pitch in, and had we had to get 2 cabs as we did on the way there, it would have been roughly the same anyways.

I couldn’t wait to sit down. Dancing all night is one thing…dancing all night in the sand, that’s something else. Ahhh…so relaxing to just sit after all that! He gave us a flat rate, so I wasn’t looking for the meter, but my attention had me looking at the dash area anyways. No meter. No GPS Monitor. No identification. Hmmm…NOT a taxi. I said to my friends in the back with me, “um, I don’t think this is an actual taxi.” They replied, “Hey, he stopped, we’re getting back to the hotel. That’s good enough for me!” At 5am? Me too. Any traffic? Nope. I couldn’t wait to get to sleep.

#4: “Alhamdolilah(?)”

Boy meets girl, etc. etc. etc….maybe. I can’t say too much more as it’s just sooo new and I’m not the one to be talking about successful starts to a relationship. I can say that I had a great dancing partner for most of the night. We met after midnight…and as the Jumeriah Beach Resort was a little late starting the record breaking fireworks, we were able to see them together. What a way to begin the new year!

The UAE as you know consists of the 7 Emirates. This was New Years. Not only are you not likely to be in the same Emirate as someone you just met, you might be countries apart! Even on that night I met people from Texas, and out of all places, Richmond Hill, and Stoney Creek (near Toronto). Dubai is so populated, and I knew quickly that he spoke Arabic, I assumed he was there. “Do you live here in Dubai?”

He looked a little sad, and perhaps assumed that I lived in Dubai. He replied, “No, I live in Abu Dhabi”. You might have guessed how I replied.

With a big smile, he replies, “Alhamdolilah!” (giving praise and thanks to God).

#5 “Cara? It’s for you.”

Our hotel room had 3 girls (including myself) staying in there the first night. I was one of the 2 non-drinkers, and there was one of us who drank on NYE. There were times where I wanted to move to check the time, but my phone was plugged in across the room, and my body was just trapped in stillness. Until…the phone rang. I am online friends with someone in Dubai. They knew where I was staying, and kindly thought to call. I started to move as I heard one of my friends answer the call.

“Cara? It’s for you.” I would love to tell you what was said. All I remember is that it was quick and I was groggy. I looked over…230pm. 230pm!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Our roommate who had been drinking had already been up for a few hours waiting for us to stir. The non-drinkers slept longer? We still don’t get it.