Survived the First Week!!

Well...we did it!!  The 20+ hour flight was an adventure and we managed to get through it without to many snags! (although ordering at McDonalds in Germany was a bit of an adventure!)  We arrived at the airport in Abu Dhabi and right away, you could tell that this was a country that appreciates the good life - the airport is nothing short of spectacular!  We were met at the gate by the schools two vice-principals and 2 of the drivers who took our luggage, all we own in 6 suitcases) and they all took us to our new villa in the desert.  I had to start work the next morning and we were beat, so we hit the hay right away....  As for the rest of the week...we are learning the ropes quickly...driving is an adventure and if you're not driving at 120km/hr and faster and laying on your horn and off your signal lights at the same time....you are in trouble.  It's survival of the fittest of the roads and after my first few scary road trips on the first weekend - I am now driving like a local!!!  The temperature during the day ranges between 44-48 degrees Celsius so we are learning the importance of moving from air conditioned place to the next air conditioned place.  I'll be smiling though when November to April rolls around and it is 25-27 degrees everyday and I'm at the beach while you guys are shoveling your sidewalks in -30C!!!  All in all....a good start and things just keep getting better everyday!!!