New year, new country

It seems I am living in Dubai, although now is the first time I have had the chance to sit down and actually think about it. Busy, frantic, manic, hectic and all other synonymous words found on my PC’s thesaurus apply here. But in a good way.

I arrived 10 days ago and haven’t stopped; from dune bashing and a barbecue in the desert on the first day (see pic), then full-on flat hunting interspersed with meeting about a million people, exploring the nightlife, getting back together with The Date (willpower? What willpower?), going to the beach and on top of this – doing what I’m here to do – working, I’m a pretty sleepy girl. Beach tired, if you know what I mean.

Arriving was a bit of a rude awakening, 6am flight, met my newlywed housemates (who are lovely) and then we went to our new home for the next few weeks. Imagine the crappiest ski hostel having a baby with a shitty student flat and you might be somewhere close to the standard of accommodation we’re living in. Cooker? You have to hook it up to the gas tank. And we’re too scared. Beds? Single. 3” foam mattress. Bathroom? Zero water pressure and an unattached toilet seat. But it’s a five minute walk from work and in this short time it really does feel like home. Strange how quickly you get used to things. Amusingly, the flat is normally used by a party planning company and the residents are musicians, illusionists and circus folk (carnies?) from all over the world so there are maps directing us to local magic shops and loads of juggling DVDs lying around.

Of course this meant that standards were at an all-time low when it came to finding my own place. After hearing serious horror stories (eg looking for six months) I appear to have found a great place after just a week. I’ll be living with two girls, one British (with a mum living in Whitley Bay) and one Spanish who both seem great banter and we had a hilarious night out exploiting ‘ladies nights’ across the city, the flat is lovely, big balconies, pool on the roof, gym, walking distance to work, maid service, own bathrooms - with fully attached toilets seats and water that travels with some sense of purpose - and in a great neighbourhood with lots nearby. I am, of course, within a few strides of a mall but then – I am in Dubai.

Work is going good – we joined at a pretty (very) busy time so I’m working on the end of guides for Hong Kong, Singapore and London but will be the deputy editor for the Amsterdam book which we start in March. Good job I’ve been a few times, bad luck that I can’t remember most of it.

The people are great – 45 in the company and 18 nationalities. The editorial team is mainly British and everyone is really enthusiastic and great at planning things – weekends away in Abu Dhabi, camping trips and your usual boozy nights out which is great when you’re in a new country. I fear I may become outdoorsy. Send DVDs immediately or I’ll be forced to buy hiking boots.

We watched the football the other night and all the players were wearing gloves which was somewhat satisfying after spending the afternoon watching beach volleyball in 24 degree heat. OK, enough bragging. You’ll be the ones pissing your pants when it’s 50 degrees here and I can’t leave the flat to buy water.

Apologies for the lack of emails everyone, no excuse other than being utterly crap at time management and focused on ensuring I’m not homeless after the Fire-eater’s Flat is taken away from me.

Really hope everyone is well and happy – and the January blues haven’t hit too hard.

h