What a year 2019 has been! There have been many ups and downs, and lots of adventures (even if I haven’t finished the blog posts or pictures…).

January

To ring in the New Year, I flew early in the morning to Cape Town, South Africa from Johannesburg. I had a wonderful 4 days in the southern city, exploring vineyards, visiting penguins and braving the freezing temperatures atop Table Mountain. This city is one that I could definitely see myself living in. It has everything from mountains, to the beach, and beautiful botanical gardens.

Later in the month, our school had our yearly government inspection. This was a very stressful time for most of us in Middle School, as our principal had left in November, 2018, and those of us in middle-level leadership positions (including myself) along with the assistant principal and school superintendent, were doing everything we could to keep the school running smoothly. I felt very unprepared for my leadership position, and did not feel like I was able to support my team to the level that I would like.

At the end of January, mom and dad came to visit for about 5 days before they went on a cruise from Dubai to Singapore. I sent them to La Perle (a Cirque du Soleil inspired show), the mall and to visit the main sites on a city tour (hop on hop off) while I was at work. In the evenings, we went for dinner, and also went on a Dhow dinner cruise (a dhow is a traditional wooden boat).

Friday morning, I organized a sunrise hot air balloon ride in the desert. We were picked up early, around 5 am, and driven into the desert to meet our balloon captain, Sanjay (I think that was his name!). The cruise was beautiful, and we spotted Arabian Oryx, camels being trained for their races, and other desert-scapes. The falcon that was brought in our balloon was not feeling like flying much, preferring to model his beautiful feathers in the balloon and enjoy the ride himself! After the balloon ride, we were taken in vintage jeeps to a Bedouin camp that was set up with a buffet breakfast. In the afternoon, mom and I decided to try the indoor ski hill at the Mall of the Emirates (Ski Dubai). The runs were actually longer and a bit more challenging (on the hard side) than I was expecting!

On Saturday, we drove down to Abu Dhabi to visit the Corniche, Emirates Palace (very grand hotel) and to see the Grand Mosque at sunset. It is spectacular with all the tile work, and definitely a must see if you are in the region.

February

February involved me coming to terms with my new egg allergy (I started reacting in October, 2018). According to my allergist, small amounts of egg, such as in baking should be ok, however, eggs (both whites and yolks) in a regular cooked form, or mayo is no good.

One of my coworkers invited me to join her in salsa lessons, and I started to do that twice a week. I was also really happy to receive 2 days off for the historic Papal visit of Pope Francis to the UAE. The mass itself was held in Abu Dhabi, and many people were bused down from the other emirates to attend. Because they needed the school buses to transport people (starting in the very early hours of the morning), so schools were cancelled. It was interesting watching the mass through live stream. The message of tolerance (2019 is the year of tolerance in Dubai) and fraternity were the main messages. I also saw people I knew in the orchestra playing.

The Papal visit came at a time when I was very stressed, and thinking about taking a day off work. It turned out wonderfully, allowing me to recharge from the stresses of work, inspections and being the trip lead for an international trip to Nepal. I also got the chance to try out the Farm restaurant, with my friend Janelle. It was a beautiful oasis and delicious food. Janelle and I also went to see George Ezra in concert. We also visited Dubai Parks for a free Chinese New Year celebration.

March 

What a month! This was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It started off with my trip to Nepal for Week Without Walls. Myself, and three other teachers took 31 students to Nepal for a week of adventure. We went with Camps International, and their staff, both local and from the UK were excellent. The students that we took were quite challenging, and really should not have been traveling together. Although many people love Nepal, and the mountains and school that we visited were wonderful, I was left with negative feelings, due to the group that I had. Many of my students were good, but the handful that weren’t, ruined the experience for me. We all returned exhausted, and with only half our luggage. The rest (including my bag) had been left on the tarmac in Kathmandu. (We did have some funny moments, including when the students, especially the girls, first encountered the squatty potties (hole in the ground), and when we were at one of the temples, and the monkeys were having sex. One student asked if the monkeys were married, because if not, it is haram, or sinful/against Islamic law. Another student ended up on anti-nausea meds, and was quite hilarious. When some of the girls on the trip told him that he should do stand-up, he missed the connection (English is not his first language), and replied “I am standing up”!).

In the middle of March, I was invited to the Stampede in Muscat, Oman. This is a big party put on by the PDO (Petroleum development Oman), and likely sponsored by Calgary Stampede. They had the backgrounds from Weadickville, Heritage Park and other Calgary sites, along with live music and a Stampede dinner. It was delicious and lots of fun!

Later in the month, I received news that Grandpa was not doing well (which was a shock, since the last I heard was that he had rallied). Despite the fact that Grandpa was 99, I was devastated by his passing. Two days later, my sister had her second child, and I found that I was really missing my family.

By the time spring break arrived, I was desperately craving some downtime, and changed my flights, which originally had me flying to Kampala 4 days sooner than I did. My original plan had been to visit Rwanda before beginning my tour with G Adventures through Uganda. I just couldn’t imagine doing anything for a few days though, so instead, opted to stay in Dubai for the first few days, just relaxing. I attended an Aura and Chakra workshop, and also began golf lessons at the Meydan Golf course, joining a group of ladies to work on my swing/learn how to golf. Janelle and I also got dressed up and attended the World Cup horse races in Dubai. It was a lot of fun, and I love my fascinator!!

April

Once I arrived in Kampala, I had a few days before my tour started. Using Immersion UG (which I saw on the billboard as I left the airport), I booked a city walking tour and a cooking class. I met Annabelle for my walking tour, at the Craft Market. We visited different sites, including the WW2 memorial, Independence statue, the Bus station (where I had filled chapati) and down to the markets. Nakasero has everything you could ask for, while Owino is more so food and secondhand goods. Owino is very crowded! I also took a cooking class, buying ingredients at the market before going to my hostess Kamphat’s house. We spent time with her new baby (who had just been circumcised) and I learned how to make many different things, including millet, matoke (plantains) and pumpkin over charcoal, sukumaweeki (chard) and other greens. We also made a peanut sauce and chicken. The food was delicious, and we talked about everything from different traditions, to education, religious beliefs, perceptions of white people, perceptions of mental illness etc. and before I knew it, it was almost 5 pm! This was definitely one of my highlights in Kampala, and I highly recommend it!

The best way to get around in the Kampala traffic is by boda boda (or motorized scooter). Uber in Uganda is widely used, along with SafeBoda (although you need a Ugandan number) and Taxify. The advantages of using these services, are that they are required to bring helmets and hi-vis vests, and are generally safer.

After a few days on my own, I joined my tour group (they started in Nairobi), and we headed out for an adventure filled with primates! We headed out towards Lake Bunyoni, and I joined the “slow” group, who got to visit the gorilla family closest to the entrance, so that we only had to hike 1-2 hours, instead of 4+. I was very thankful for that! I hired a porter, to help carry my camera bag, and he ended up helping another member, as she needed more support than I did. We chilled by the lake the following day, and toured its sites. Later in the tour, we visited the chimps, who were much more active and quite interesting to watch. The tour ended (for me), in Jinja, where we went white water rafting in the Nile river. It was SO MUCH FUN!!! Some of the best rapids (aside from near Vic Falls in Zimbabwe). (At some point, I promise to have a longer, more detailed post about this trip!)

Back in Dubai, I took advantage of some of the weekends to see the WOW show at Rotunda Cesar’s Palace, and comedian Michael McIntyre (hilarious!!!).

May

Ramadan began near the beginning of the month, and brought with it a slightly shorter work day. In the “extra time” that we received, I began to work with a colleague who has trained as an instructional coach. I began working with her as I began to flip my classroom and use video lessons in conjunction with in class activities. I found it very helpful, but was saddened in September when she did not return, due to her father becoming ill.

I took a calligraphy course, went to Warner Bros Abu Dhabi (which was fun), and also went to a couple of Iftars (the meal that breaks the fast at sunset). It was delicious again, and was a wonderful way to spend time with friends who were leaving at the end of the year.

One of the things that my friend group in Dubai likes to do (other teachers at school) is to have Murder Mysteries. We sailed the seas (in my apartment) at a cruise-ship themed party, where I, unknowingly, ended up as the murder victim. For the 3rd or 4th time, no one solved the mystery, but I did walk away with best acting for my ghostly reappearance after my death!

At the end of the month, Janelle and I spent a weekend in Muscat, as she had never been to Oman (I have been several times). We forgot, however, that Ramadan was still in effect, and in Oman, unlike Dubai, everything is actually closed. The only places that served food were some of the hotels. We also went to an iftar at Kargeen, an Omani restaurant. Despite Ramadan timings, it was a wonderful weekend, and I got to go snorkelling with sharks in the Damaniyat Islands!

June

The holy month of Ramadan ended at the beginning of June, with the celebration Eid Al-Fitr. Originally, we were going to work at the beginning of the week (Sunday), and then have the rest off, however, the government decided last minute (as is normal for Islamic holidays), that the Sunday would also be off.

Janelle and I headed to Lebanon, where we toured most of the country in the 4 days that we were there. Our first day, Yehya, our driver, toured us to the Jeita grotto, Our Lady of Lebanon at Harissa, and Byblos (Jbeil), where we had lunch in the beautiful beach town. It turns out that our hotel is only blocks away from where Yehya and his brother Zakaria grew up, so he was really familiar with the area. The following days, we visited Beaufort Castle (in former Hezbollah territory, near the Israeli and Syrian borders), Saida (Sidon) and Tyre (Sur) where there is a UNESCO world heritage site with Phoenician ruins, the cedar forests (The cedars of God, Chouf), Beiteddine (a beautiful palace) and Moussa Castle. It was quite an interesting experience, and aside from the northern and eastern border regions, we covered the country.

The end of June brought with it the year-end celebrations, including our Staff Talent show, where we did a number to Old Town Road and a Greatest Showman Medley. I also did a rap to Baby Shark, which was a huge hit! June also brought with it change, including our grade 8 completion ceremony (where they move to HS), and goodbyes to many people leaving for new adventures.

July

To start my summer holidays, I had a few days in the UK. I decided to go out to Cardiff, Wales for a couple of days, and then spent the last 2 days at my cousin’s place. I was able to catch up with a teacher travel friend, who lives conveniently close to my cousins! We had a BBQ, and I went to see Hamilton. I also experienced “queueing” and saw 2 Canadians battle it out (Posposil vs. Auger-Aliassime). It was an excellent match!

I then returned to Calgary, where I began my Masters of Education (Interdisciplinary Route) through the University of Calgary. I chose to do the Leading with Heart topic for my first year, and spent the 2 weeks as a full time student on campus. The remainder of the courses (and my current courses) are completed online.

As is the tradition, we attended Stampede, with probably the best weather I can remember in a long time! (Although Parade Day was very rainy and cold). I also attended 2 weddings, saw a grizzly! It was a busy 3 weeks.

At the end of July, I flew to Spain to meet up with friends and traveled with them throughout southern Spain. We visited Malaga, with wonderful architecture and weather, before renting a car to drive up through Valencia to Barcelona. I didn’t really care for Barcelona this time around, but I did get a chance to revisit the stunning Sagrada Familia, and Park Guelle. I also saw Casa Batlo, and drew inspiration from Gaudi for one of my university projects.

August

I left Spain and headed to Slovenia, spending a few days in Ljubljana before going to Bled. Ljubljana is a walk-able city (downtown), and the markets along the river, with the castle on the hill makes for an impressive scene. I did a walking tour with an art historian, and got lots of information. I visited the castle, did a Slovenian wine tasting tour and again, ate delicious food! Did you know that there is a pumpkin seed oil? It is delicious!

There was a volleyball tournament on, so I took advantage of the distraction (I had an assignment due in a few days, worth 40% of my grade…) and watched the countries battle it out (when it wasn’t pouring) on the sand court near Congress Square. I also did a day trip out to the Skocjan cave system, Predjama Castle and the coastal town of Piran (booked through the tourist information office).

Then I headed north to Bled, where I did an adventure tour canyoning in frigid waters (6 degrees). We rappelled down rock faces, jumped off water falls and slid down the river. The last jump was about 10 metres high! I went with 3Glav Adventures, named after the national park, Triglav. I also did their Emerald River Adventure, where we visited the golden goat, Triglav National park, and finished the day off with a Car Train!

From Bled, I took the bus (Flixbus) to Munich, where I stayed with friends, and had the very German/Bavarian experiences of beer gardens and wine festivals! We toured the main part of the city, and walked through the park. It was a nice relaxing weekend with them.

Finally, I flew to Malta, to visit another friend and go diving. I enjoyed my diving with Go Dive Malta, based out of Mellieha. The diving was good, although the wind limited the sites that we could visit. I ended up with a major ear blockage too, and couldn’t enjoy the cave system that we were swimming through. There was not as much wildlife as I have seen in other places, but I did see a couple of wrecks, and an octopus!

On the way back to Dubai, I had another 4 day stopover in London, where I saw Come from Away. I rented a car so that I could visit friends in Norwich, and decided to tour some of West Sussex, heading to Petworth Castle, before going north through Cambridge to Norwich. I had a wonderful time visiting my friends and their new baby, and ran into one of my coworkers while I walked around Cambridge. Small world!

September

The new school year began with me once again teaching 8th grade science, and having an 8th grade home room. I have changed “colour houses” each year, and am now a Cougar. (I was previously a Jaguar, then a Bobcat, before the bobcats were removed from the list).

I returned the Mini Countryman that I had been driving for the last year, as my lease was up. I would have gladly continued to lease it, however, there are no 9 month leases, and I already knew in September that this would be my last year in Dubai. My Duster is just not the same!

I also began physio therapy for Posterior Chain Weakness, only a few weeks before being rear-ended at high speed (the other guy rolled his car, but at least only clipped the back of mine instead of ramming into me straight-on). It was quite the run around trying to get all the papers done for insurance. I am thankful that I was in a rental, and that once I had the correct documents, they look after everything else, including giving me a replacement vehicle. Not a fun start to the year! Now my physiotherapist gets to treat me for whiplash and my previous complaints! (It is working, I am getting stronger and I have less knee/hip pain if I do my exercises regularly). Once again, I had to fight with insurance to get the physio covered, even seeing a rheumatologist, as the asked, but in the end, I gave up and pay out of pocket.

I am continuing my golf lessons, although my swing has definitely been impacted, as my rotation to the left has decreased. I also started belly dancing again, which I really enjoy, and attended a hair styling master class hosted by Dyson. (I got to try their airwave and sonic systems. Very cool, just too expensive).

October

I have been enjoying my students this year. Several of them are ones that I had in sixth grade, and I am happy to have them again. The group this year is very curious, and love asking questions, which is a huge part of science. I have several who dream of careers in dentistry, medicine and astrophysics.

I hosted a Canadian Thanksgiving at my place, although we replaced the turkey for beer can chicken. It was a nice time, and several of the Canadians I work with were able to make it.

October also brings the annual Dubai 30×30 challenge, which tries to promote physical activity (30 minutes/day for 30 days). I tried Rad Rollers (pressure point balls), pole dancing (much harder than it looks), Pilates, and I started back into Yin Yoga.

We also ended up with 3 inspections in less than a month… The first was for our international school standing as part of the Council of International Schools. The next 2 were the government mandated inspections (which we have normally had in January). This made October a very stressful month.

November

As part of the 30×30 challenge, we had a field trip to Kite Beach, where my students and I got to try part of the Tough Mudder course. It was a lot of fun, although, true to form as la petite tortue, my group finished the course last, just in time to leave! At least we finished though, as others became injured, and my job became cheer leader to keep the kids going, as the midday heat was getting to them.

Influenza A also made a return, and for the next few weeks, my classes were missing 6-8 students each, as they were kept at home for an entire week from diagnosis. It seems that the vaccine that I received in Canada did the trick though, as I only ended up with a minor cold, and did not become ill.

I also attended a job fair, and a friend from Korea flew in for the fair. It was not successful for me, however, she did get a job and will be moving to Senegal! I will continue job hunting in the new year, as nothing that I have applied to yet has worked out. She even got to experience the flooding that occurs after heavy rain!

I hosted another murder mystery at my place, with the theme this time being 80s prom. It was lots of fun, and I am looking forward to another mystery in the new year!

And just when I was thinking that I needed a day off, a rain day was called, due to the forecast of a major storm to hit the UAE. Very little rain was produced, but I took advantage of the day to get my driver’s license renewed, and to do some banking stuff.

For the second time while living in Dubai, a member of the royal family passed away. (Both in November). For 3 days, as is the custom in Islamic Law, no music with words was to be played in public. As such, I got to enjoy classical pieces on the radio.

November 14th, the choir I sing with (Dubai Singers), had their concert for Puccini’s Messa de Gloria. It went well!

For American Thanksgiving, Commemoration Day and National Day (UAE), I headed to Sri Lanka for some rest and relaxation. You can read more about that in my post on Negombo. I was also really lucky to get a last minute ticket to Tolerance show held at La Perle, in which several of my students (past and present) performed.

December

True to form as a procrastinator, I left my final assignment for my course until the day it was due. I had started earlier, but ended up with writer’s block, and kept reworking the same page over and over again, not making any progress. Under pressure, I was finally able to hone my focus, and pulled off an A+, giving me an A overall in the course. Although I have not developed better study/work habits, I have maintained my GPA 😛

To round the year off, there were multiple holiday celebrations, with our Science department party first, followed by the whole school party and the Middle School party over the next week.

As I write, I am back in Calgary, having celebrated Christmas early with my family, and visiting friends. I was even able to catch up with a friend from New Brunswick, who is in town. Despite snowy weather, we also hit the slopes for a day of skiing at Nakiska.

As 2019 draws to a close, the adventures continue, and I will be heading to Iceland to ring in the new year. I have also signed up for the next segment of my Masters (pending job situation).

Thank you for reading, and I wish you all the best in 2020!