Things I Like about Abu Dhabi

Now that I have worked my way out of my trough and have a bit of perspective, here are a list of things that I love about our year here (future installments will list the negatives):

- my tennis instructor, Mr. Tallat. He is from Egypt and has been here for 35 years. He has three brothers who are tennis pros in Florida, Switzerland, and Italy.

- taking really cheap taxis everywhere ($3-5 bucks to get almost anywhere on the island)

- my washing machine and dryer are in the kitchen

- babysitters live in our building and can be booked on short notice

- when you go to free events, it is not mobbed with a million other people (have you ever been to the easter egg hunt in Dumbo? Hello?)

- the kids take a bus to school

- school is paid by NYU

- Dim Sum from our local chinese restaurant

- no one is double booked- if you have plans with someone they are yours for the night

- huge quantities of cheap fresh juices, my favorite is the Detox Mojito, a virgin cocktail with mint and lemon, also watermelon juice is great

- wearing baggy clothes outside and not feeling particularly frumpy

- stores that sell only sandals

- calls to prayer

- you can get art framed for 60 dhs (about 16$) and they have it for you in 24hours!

Of course lots of these have a reverse side, but whatever, I am feeling chuffed today.