Final reflection from home: Recommendations for travelers

 "Boats are safest in their ports. But that’s not what they were created to do." - Unknown

This will be the last reflection of my visit. With this closing, I wish to pass on a bit of advice for future explorers and fellow ambassadors. 

Recommendations for prospective travelers

Read literature of the area. Even though it may not give you immediate input as to what is happening in the country at present, it is nevertheless another connection with the country. For a fun read that pulled on the heartstrings of Arabic history, I read The Arabian Nights, which is considered a classic at Barnes and Noble.

Learn common phrases. Google it. Buy a book at Barnes and Noble. Talk with people. Also, write down everything you hear while there. It makes the memory sweeter when home. Go beyond learning just "bathroom", "hello", and "thank you". Natives will be impressed and touched by your efforts to get to know them, even if your pronunciation is wrong.

Check with the CIA. The CIA World Factbook has an extensive list of information about each country, which includes details on the political, economic, social, and cultural elements of a country. Check it out for yourself at https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ . 

Check with your doctor. For certain countries, there are specific vaccinations you must get before entering the country. When I got my vaccinations, I also received a general antibiotic for if I were to get diarrhea or any other unpleasant illness. Furthermore, I recommend bring probiotics especially if the food you eat while over there is not, um, moving. Also, take some sort of pain relief, band-aids, Tums, multivitamins for insurance, and Airborne for the airplane or areas where the immune system could be attacked. Take a few of your favorite snacks in case you get incredibly homesick. Food is medicine!

Bring a sewing kit. You never know. In the picture below, I am wearing an orange skirt that had a very high slit on the thigh, but I sewed it conservatively before leaving for the U.A.E. Well, as I was there, the slit ripped at school... yep. Nice. Thankfully, when I got home, I stitched it right back up. 

BE FLEXIBLE. I cannot overemphasize the importance of this one. Please do not forget that you are a guest in a host country. Eat what they offer you. Go where they go. Do what they do. The more rigid and closed off you are, the more you will miss. You can catch up on that TV show or eat what you want once you get home.

Blend in... You do not want to be a target of theft or otherwise by looking like a tourist. Look into clothes that resemble the culture without looking too tourist-y. I found skirts and dresses in South Dakota that resembled beautiful Arabic patterns. While abroad, I was repeatedly asked if I purchased them in the host country! Mission accomplished.

.. but stick out. In a good way. Be proactive in having a positive attitude. That attitude will get your noticed and will be appreciated. Tell your new friends/ hosts what you like about their cuisine or traditional/contemporary practices (if it is acceptable by the host culture to be honest and open with your thoughts). Ask questions and show interest. Chances are good that the host culture will be honored that you asked and will thus respect your willingness to learn about them.

Understand the stereotypes about the region before you go and then throw them away once you arrive. Having an idea of what people misunderstand about the region allows you to address why it is wrong. Return home and redirect those with a wrong perspective. You become an ambassador for that country.

Bring an audio recorder or some sort of journal. I used the MicPro app on my Ipad just to debrief about the day's events. Using an audio recorder was much more relaxing and easier than writing in a journal at the end of the day. Recorders are also great because it captures your excitement and emotions from the encounter. When I finally revisited my audio memos, I was transported back to the moment that I made the recording.

Get gifts for yourself. It is nice to buy gifts for loved ones, yes, but do not forget about yourself. You are the only enjoying this experience, so why not make it last when you get home? Buy a gold lamp to display on your desk for others to see or get a sweet fedora to hang on your bookshelf. I already framed my plane tickets along with a personal note from a friend, dirhams, and key chains.

Look to connect when you return home. Email/ Skype your host family, speak diplomatically about your experiences when home, and follow the current events in that area after you return home. Research their popular music, read blogs from a local in your host country, follow current events, be a guest speaker for Kiwanis groups or such, and make plans to revisit someday.

Many blessings if you decide to visit or teach in the United Arab Emirates. Moreover, many blessings if you decide to go elsewhere. You will find similarities and differences; some will surprise you and some will not. Just remember that people are people and we all live under the same sun.

One last shot of the henna on my feet; this picture was taken minutes after I had it done.
Today the henna is completely faded, but the memories in the
U.A.E. will not.

Reflections from home: The Sheikh Zayed Mosque

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Hellen Keller

Travel. Do it. Find the exotic and the beautiful in the world. Meet it and behold it to your memory for safe keeping. You are a child of this world and thus deserve to partake in its bounty. If not, then perhaps you disown that inheritance for a short while.




Speaking of the exotic and beautiful, the Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque was built in honor of the late Sheikh who helped build this country 40+ years ago. Hence, the mosque itself is relatively young, but has gained much attention world wide in a short amount of time. So enjoy the photos! They describe themselves much better than I could with words. Notice how strikingly beautiful it is with the graduating blue sky behind it and the cool blue ponds beside it. It certainly gives off a feeling of tranquility and regality.

I cannot get over the details throughout the mosque.
Emilee knows more about Arabic art than I,
but I remember her mentioning the importance of
geometric symmetry and balance, as shown here in the
intricate square design.

So beautiful.

Gold is laced throughout the mosque in an elegant manner
that honors the Sheikh, but is not overly excessive.

Area to wash feet before praying.

Some visitors still wearing their abayas which can be
rented from the mosque before entering the main section. 

The gang

Mosque Manners Dress code: what is okay and what is not.

Even the ceilings are frosted with beauty.

Great shot! Thanks Maureen!

Modeling the humble abayas which were available to us at the entrance of the mosque.

Just taking it all in how huge the mosque area is. Posters
around the city told us that it can hold up to
14,000 people! That's the population of my home town
plus a few thousand!

My friend filling me in on the functionality of the mosque
and the expectations of visitors. At this point in the day,
I am drenched in sweat (maybe I should have left that
blazer at the villa), but eagerly anticipating the inside of
 the actual mosque!

Reader, there is much more that I would love to show you, but in respect for the mosque, I withheld the photos of the inner mosque. Just imagine MORE gold, ornate designs, marble-like walls, chandeliers, and elaborate carpets.

Reflections from home: Arabic music and language

"I can’t think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.” - Bill Bryson

I chose the quote above because it applies to learning a new language. To our ears, foreign languages sound enticing and perhaps attractive because we don't understand what is trying to be communicated. But, we can appreciate the uniqueness and maybe relate to the emotional appeal. That is why through foreign music, we could come to appreciate the language even more and enjoy the novelty. That is one way I deepened my appreciation of the Arabic language, through Arabic music. I didn't learn any new words in the music, but I tried to pick up on words that I knew. 

A sampling of frequently used Arabic words:

"ee-yawn-ee" = in other words. Emilee and I would hear our host family use that word often in between phrases and clauses. They would say, "Dinner, ee-yawn-ee, let's eat!" 

Insha-Allah = Allah willing. Surprisingly, tt is used in the same context as Americans do with the Christian God.  Americans would say, "We can't go to the zoo today because, God willing, it will rain." In Abu Dhabi, they would say, "Safe travels, Liz, inshallah." 

"Sway sway" = little. For example, I could ask a native speaker if there is a major difference between it being very hot outside or being incredibly hot outside, and s/he would respond with "sway sway". Ha!

Jemeela = beautiful. Beautiful eyes are eyes that see the good in everything, something I learned while teaching at the Al Sorouh American School!

Hallas = stop, halt, understand, take this in. For example, our students would be chorally responding the letters and words on the Word Wall when all their voices start to blur together. My teacher would call out, "Hallas! I cannot understand you. Start again."

La la = no

Na-am = yes

A mal jayeed = good job

Geloose = sit

Keam = stand

Bahebbak = love you 

I love music. When I was a dance coach many years ago, I would chase after various types of music and lesser known songs to use in choreography. I sought it everywhere; in theme songs of television shows, commercials, movies, friends, YouTube, everywhere. So after the season of dance in my life concluded, the habit of researching music stuck with me. Guess it's a hobby now. Therefore, while in the U.A.E., I asked the host family daughters to share a few names of their favorite Arabic artists. Success! Those artists are below. 

     1.       Nawal El Zoghbi "Gharbibi Hal Denyi" at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-0fl_N1KFc

2.       Balqees "Ya Hawa" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIHxZkhFn_I
3.       Balqees "Gdar Gdar" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2zpX-cJwS0
4.       Hussain Al Jasmi (spelling?) "Al Shaky" at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d6VgO5B7mg  
5.       Hussain Al Jasmi "6 El Sob7" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XJn6PonE2k

Nawal El Zoghb

Balqees

Hussain Al Jasmi

    

      




  Do not ask me for the lyrics or for the translation because I know neither! Just enjoy. :) 

      Concluding with examination of the opening quote, few things excite a sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are near complete ignorance of the language and popular music. Being in that state of wonder reminds me that there is an entire different sphere of popular culture and norms that I knew little of. It brings me back to the idea that the world becomes smaller the more you travel and make connections. I learned that music can be means to learning or reinforcing languages and emotions shared across cultures. We can learn to appreciate and enjoy it despite not knowing the words. 

Reflections from home: There are no foreign lands

 “There are no foreign lands. It is only the traveler who is foreign.” - Robert Louis Stevenson

Considering Stevenson's perspective, the countries we travel to are already familiar with themselves... it is just the traveler whom is not familiar with it. We tend to first see the world with our own eyes and then through the eyes of others. Consequently, when we travel, we strive to gain the eyes of the locals. Doing so changes us from the inside out. Throughout my time in the U.A.E., this quote served as a healthy reminder that America does not encompass the world and that I am just one person in it.

Want to know more about the U.A.E. and Abu Dhabi? Here's some trivia about each. 

The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.)
http://visiting.definitelydubai.com/why-dubai

1.     "The sun shines almost every day."

2.     Archeologists unearthed hundreds of artifacts, including pottery, weapons, and coinage. These are dated back to the third millennium B.C.

3.     The U.A.E.'s culture is rooted in Islam.

4.     Almost every neighborhood has its own mosque (our host family's compound did).

5.     In a single day, "the tourist can experience everything from rugged mountains and sand dunes to sandy beaches and lush green parks, from dusty villages to luxurious residential  districts and from ancient houses with wind towers to ultra-modern shopping malls."

6.     The hottest months are between June and September, when temperatures can hit 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

7.      More about the U.A.E. at the CIA's World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ae.html 

Abu Dhabi:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/abu-dhabi-facts/

1.     The population is approximately 1,600,000. 

2.     Languages include Arabic and English.

3.     Religions include Sunni Islam and Shiite Islam.

4.     The Abu Dhabi emirate is slighter smaller than Ireland.

5.     Abu Dhabi's growth came with the discovery of oil in 1958. Less than twenty years later, the United Kingdom ceases its treaty arrangement and the seven emirates of the U.A.E. became fully independent. 

6.     Abu Dhabi has many lush hotels, skyscrapers, and business opportunities. 

7.     Islamic heritage is undeniably important to the people.

8.     The country has much beauty aside from the stretches of desert. 

9.     More "fast facts" about Abu Dhabi for tourists found here: http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/getting.here.and.around/facts.and.essential.info/fast.facts.aspx

10.    Check out the amazing photography towards the bottom of the website above.

Reflections from home: When in Dubai part II

The Dubai museum was actually part of an old fortress.
Beneath the fortress are rooms and rooms full of artifacts,
videos, and props that glorify Dubai's history.

... continued from When In Dubai... 

Did you know? (according http://visiting.definitelydubai.com/why-dubai )

*     Dubai has a humble beginning as a pearl-diving community.

*     It is the "gateway" between the East and the West for many businesses and cultures.

*     Dubai is home to just over two million people from more than 200 nationalities.

*     Salaries are tax-free.

*     Dubai is one of the top export and re-export centers in the world, after Hong Kong and Singapore.

*     Although the early history of the area is not very well documented, archaeological discoveries suggest that, as back as four thousand years ago, small fishing communities lived along the coast of the Arabian Gulf on the site of modern Dubai.

*     Pearling which was the mainstay of thue city's prosperity for many years, succumbed to the development of the cultured pearl in the 1940's. But Dubai's enterprising merchants bounced back, developing a thriving trade in gold and other commodities. 

*     If you plan to make Dubai your future home, here are videos and information about Dubai! http://www.thisisdubai.ae/ 

Lantern in the old souk in the mall.
Souk = Arabic for market.

Another skyline near the Burj Khalifa.

My video taken of the Burj Khalifa.. whoa!

The Dancing Fountain. Unfortunately,
it did not dance for us, because we were
not there at night. But here is a video
to show you its beauty:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw50qsH5aDs

The Burj Khalifa. The tallest skyscraper in the world!
I was not able to capture all the building
in one shot.

(Soooo we didn't actually stop and eat here, but I couldn't deny
taking a picture of it.)

Italian restaurant that we stopped at to enjoy a "black coffee"
(which was really just multiple shots of espresso...
it gave me goosebumps it was so strong) along with a latte,
tea, and sweets. Next time I'll be safe and just order an
Americano, which is just a shot of espresso filled to the
rim with hot water.. ah yes, much easier to down.  

Emilee and her favorite sweet - macaroons!

So when in Dubai, you must visit the famous Dubai mall, the Dubai museum, a few restaurants, the Burj Khalifa, and as many souks as possible!

Reflections from home: Al Sorouh American School

“There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t met yet.” - William Butler Yeats

I had a rockstar cooperating teacher. It was her first year at the school and we are the same age, so we were able to be co-teachers. We were both very willing to learn from one another, which is so good. I could not have asked for a better teaching experience. We tried many of the co-teaching strategies, including

* One teach, one observe: Simply put. However, as one teacher observes, s/he is also looking for details in the lesson to converse with the active teacher after the lesson. The teacher observing may also be looking for specific student behaviors or may be informally assessing students.

* One teach, one assist: The assisting teacher may be passing out papers, formally assessing students, supplying the active teacher with materials, laminating, etcetera. This strategy is most common during the first few days of co-teaching because the 'guest' teacher is still learning the classroom environment.

* Parallel teaching: This is when both teachers are teaching the same content at the same time, but to one half of the class. This is very beneficial because all the students are learning the same thing, but with a reduced teacher-to-student ratio.

* Stations teaching: We did not try this strategy because the students were so little and it was difficult enough to guide them in cooperative learning groups.

* Supplemental teaching: We did this quite often. My teacher or I would introduce the lesson and then the other would follow it with another medium of learning the same content. Sometimes we supplemented the lesson immediately following the lesson, later in the day, or the following day. All three ways worked for the students and worked for us.

* Team teaching: This strategy includes lesson planning together and supporting one another with feedback. Both teachers are teaching at an equal 'authority'. I personally really liked this strategy because it allowed me to share my thoughts and expertise while also learning more about the school's educational norms and the student's culture from my teacher. Loved it. I highly recommend co-teaching, especially team teaching. Team teaching abroad? Few things gets better than that.

One of the things that impressed me about co-teaching was how respectable and open my teacher and I were with one another. We would honestly critique each other. For example, she would encourage me to be more bold in disciplining students. She, in turn, would ask these excellent questions about the English language. I clearly remember one question was, "Do we say 'be quiet on the bus' or 'be quiet in the bus'?" Brillant! I had to explain that most Americans say on  the bus, even though the students are indeed in the bus.. it is just another one of those silly American rules. But I loved those questions because it revealed how much we collaborated on various levels of lesson planning. There was no pride to be broken. It was not about us. It was about the students. Whatever questions or comments that needed to be said, were said.

I take pride in my ability to learn student names quickly, but it was more difficult for me at Al Sorouh! I had never heard of many of the student names before.. except for Mohammad or Mariam. It took me a full week to learn the students' names and nearly three weeks before I could pronounce one student's name. I struggled with that one name because all the other teachers said it so fast and I could never catch it. So, I tried to blend some consonants together to vaguely make it sound like the student's name and pray that maybe no one would notice.. sometimes you do what you have to do! The student always responded, which I was glad for, but maybe it was because I would point at him and nod for him to come to the board. Sigh, I am not proud of that teaching moment, but sometimes you do what you have to to get by.

There was a week in Abu Dhabi when it rained abnormal amounts due to cloud seeding (CLOUD SEEDING!). Emilee was fortunate to look outside and notice this sweet gesture. See the stairs? Those lead to the music room. See the little hands out the window? Those are the children reaching for the rain. They just wanted to touch it. How precious. Emilee mentioned that it reminded her of our first snowfall in the States. Very true!

In the far left corner is one of the school guards who also opened the window and was smiling up at the rain falling. I think he moved me more than the children, actually. It was so tender to see this mature, elderly guard recaptured by the beauty of the rain. Because for children, it is natural to be in awe of natural phenomena, but for adults, it sometimes takes a lot for us to be amazed again.

Giggling in the car on the way to school.
There is always a chance to laugh about something
that made our day. If not, the granddaughter who rode with
us will insist to call us, "Liz Lipstick" (nice alliteration for
a four-year-old) or "Em-a-LEE!". 

Poor Emilee had to listen many a time to, "A Tooty Ta" or
"Happy Banana" during our car rides. Hey! It helped the
granddaughter and I get ready for KG!

One of Dr. Prenn's after school workshops with the
teachers of Al Sorouh. The teachers were always able to
take away at least one technique from the multiple strategies,
whether it be a Word Wall session or about how to rap with
synonyms. I tried out the last one with my KG students with 3D
shapes and they loved it! They picked up on a it
 quickly and were rocking out.. they could tell you any 3D
shape in a heartbeat.

Em and I in the art room preparing our posters for the
school. It is now a tradition for the American
student teachers to prepare an inspirational poster for
the school before they leave. Thankfully, Em and I each
had an idea of what we wanted to leave with the school.
Also, we were very grateful that the art teacher was kind enough
to let us use her room and resources to compose a poster. Look
around the room to check our her masterpieces. Note, she
is NOT one to use Pinterest. That's right. This is pure talent
and raw creativity.

Made from pumpkin seeds (maybe?), matchsticks,
leaves, and faux jewels for the center.

Maria's poster

Laura's poster

Emilee's poster

Mine. Notice the desert and the children in their uniforms?

Playground. Notice the huge tarp to protect the children
from the harmful rays. Some days it would get up to
39 degrees.. CELSIUS. 

Although empty now, during recess this courtyard is filled
with girls and boys running around playing tag or soccer.  Balls are flying
everywhere, because with that tarp, balls go up and then come down..
anywhere! The sky is falling! Also, in the tight right side of the photo,
you will notice the mosque. It is a small shed-like building that is painted
in various colors to look like a larger mosque. It was very beautiful.

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it."
One of my favorite quotes alongside the building.

N for nest. I believe the straight line across the rice bowl is the
Arabic symbol the makes the sound for the word "rice".
Maybe.. I could very much be wrong. 

Teaching the high-frequency word "at". 

Teaching words that start with the letter "s" with
picture cards, including sun, six, store, sock, star,
and others.

I promise that supernatural eggs and loaves of bread were not just
floating around the classroom.  My teacher had used string to run from
one wall to another. On the string, she hung photos of content-related objects
as well as numbers and the planets. So, in this photo, you can observe the dangling
produce. Yum!

Typical snack at the school. There was no lunch period, just two snack periods.
The reason for this is because the society believes in eating all your
meals with family and friends. Therefore, the students ended the school day at
2:30 p.m. in order to go eat a late lunch with their families. No lunch at school.

This is a cute montage. The boys are just hanging out in the hallway
when I call out their names...

They spot us..

... and come running in...

... to shows us their letter V that they learned in KG!
Ah, it feels good when to know that learning is fun for students!

Dear reader, I wish that I could share with you the many videos that I took of the students singing, dancing, and learning. But, those videos are not included due to privacy reasons. If you and I happen to  be together enjoying a coffee or whatnot, I would be glad to show you one-on-one.