Dubai Update 01/11

Life is busy in Dubai !!!

What is new with me?
* I have moved out of the Holiday Inn hotel and into a nice 4 bedroom apartment in the marina called Horizon Tower. I have the master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, a colleague Maria has another bedroom, a Pakistani professional man lives in another bedroom and one bedroom is still not occupied. Apartment sharing is normal here so I dont really feel uncomfortable living w strangers, especially since this was the norm for modeling. The apartment is quite large and has a stunning view of the marina, and in the distance, I can see the beach. This is quite a change from the winter cold and snow, especially since I keep getting updates on how cold it is in Canada. Since I moved in rather quickly, I still dont have internet, television or kitchen appliances, but this will come soon. We even have someone who comes in to clean for us a few times per week :) The building has a gym, which I have yet to even see and our pool is currently drained.
* I have completed my first week at work as a coordinator. I like the job so far, its a great work environment, and I like my colleagues. It is a bit challenging when I make the phone calls, but Im getting more comfortable and feel more at ease with everything. This week my target was to book 5 appointments - so one a day, and I got 6 ... so I was quite happy with that. There is still alot to learn so it keeps things interesting. Considering I had no previous interest in finance, I do find it mentally stimulating - it is certainly not as dry as the economics courses I had taken in University that is for sure.
* I went out networking a few times this past week: one night I went to the Yacht Club with Jason for the quiz night. We met a few people, and enjoyed the evening. Another evening we went to an InterNation event at The Address hotel; it was great to meet new professional expat people so it was well worth our time to go :) so many different people here with interesting stories !
* I have joined the International Business Women's Group Dubai so my first event is on Tuesday - a breakfast event on Goal Setting for 2011. Then 2 weeks later, there is a luncheon on The Laws of Attraction...Im rather excited to attend these events.
* I volunteered at the Dubai Marathon to help raise awareness for Parkinson's disease. Our company has sponsored a runner who has Parkinsons himself, and is running 100 million meteres in one year across the world - so here in Dubai he completed his first 100 million meters. You can check out his story if you google Alex Flynn - extremely motivational and inspiring.
* I have checked out some more nightlife as well - Trilogy, Rock Bottom, Buddha Bar. I have yet to find the "Stereo" of Dubai :P As a side note, considering I dont wear shorts and skirts often in Canada, my tattoo was never really THAT noticeable - here in Dubai, everyone keeps seeing it and asking about it. I have met someone who has even been to Stereo - so that was fun to talk about it. Im looking forward to seeing a DJ I like spin here...not sure when that will be. I have been offered a weekly DJ gig at a new club so Im looking into that with one of my colleagues who also DJs.
* If possible & time permitting, I might get into modeling and promotions here too - more info to come...
* Alcohol here is expensive - but it can be found in many restaurants, hotels and clubs. I have sampled a few drinks that are amazing but dangerous hahaha- the Ticca Bucca (5 different shots of alcohol - tastes like juice) and the BullFrog (again potent but tasty).

The city itself is great. The weather has been cool - actually there was rain a few days, and in the evenings sweaters are necessary. But everyone keeps saying how nice this is compared to the excruciating heat in the summer. Im just happy there is no snow! I have made it to the beach and walked on the sand - sometimes I find it hard to believe that this is now home. I have found everyone to be very welcoming - for the most part, people are friendly and receptive to new people. I have yet to meet another Canadian. People at work are mostly from the UK so sometimes I do struggle with the accents and expressions - but I think Im getting used to it.

xox <3 xox