missing dubai :-( | ExpatWoman.com
 

missing dubai :-(

16
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 09:34

So we shifted from dubai to alberts canada last month and I m missing dubai a lot. I lived there for more thsn 8 yrs and for last 3 yrs I was hating it. Always waiting for the moment to run away. But really now I m missing every little thing. Firstly the weather. God how I hate snow. Then late young nights. Safety to move around, cheap and safe taxis, late night food deliveries, convenience of life, home delivered laundry, mid night mall strolls. Oh god I can go on endlessly. Maybe it is coz that I m new here, so don't have any friends. No licence to move around unlike dubai where I always used taxis. My daughter will start school in sept. So she is also at home with me now and ridiculously I m misding her nursery more than her. I don't know when I will be adjusted and start liking here. But now what I only want is to take a flight back to dubai

1601
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 19:40
OP it is a massive change I know, I went through it,not being native to Canada and the weather the winter was a huge challenge for me too. I have come to really love my 'new' home passionately and have even learnt to enjoy winter. There is nothing like Christmas in the snow.....the fire going inside everyone bustling about in the snow at shopping centres, the preparation of all the foods the various markets...even if it is not part of your beliefs you can still get caught up in the Festivities. Summer on the prairies is wonderful the wide open blue skies the rolling fields just outside of the city,the wonderful parks in the cities ALL the festivals and summer activities. I would strongly suggest you register with New Immigrant Groups in your area as it is such a help to mix with those who are facing the same challenges you are. Today I heard my first Robin which to me means get your butt out into the garden,summer is on the way........!!!! My hands are just itching to get stuck in. Moving to Canada at the back end of the winter is not easy.Most of the Prairies is still an ugly shade of brown under the snow but when summer kicks in it is truly beautiful. Do as much as you can outdoors in the summer and your spirits will lift I promise.... As some have said no two winters are alike we have some that have been quite brown instead of white .. All the very best to you and your family.:) <em>edited by Nomad on 30/03/2013</em>
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 18:56
I'd switch place with you in a heartbeat! I love love love Canada, and Finland! Two place where I will move without any reservation at all.I have lived in every continent except Africa and Antartica, and I must say, have no plan to move anywhere in Africa, not for any money in the world. I don't care for Dubai at all, have been here for over a year. Another 3 years to go.
227
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 14:46
I am from Edmonton and please believe me when I say: this snow that you just got and the extended winter isn't how it is [i'>every[/i'> year! Boy, I would switch places with you in a minute as I miss home sooo much! But, just give it some time, you'll settle in and find that there's lots to do once you start driving. Although, even now before you have a car, public transport is ridiculously easy and you could go nearly everywhere! Busses are generally on schedule so if you time it just right you wouldn't have to stand at the bus stop for very long at all. (I wouldn't use taxi's, they're too expensive). Take your daughter to the Space and Science Centre (you could easily spend hours upon hours there), or to the Muttart Conservatory in the river valley (all inside, and nice and warm!!). West Ed Mall is another place where you could go swimming, on rides, shopping... and spend a full day- or two. Most areas of the city also have indoor pools you could venture to. Once the weather warms up you'll like it, there's a reason why it's dubbed Festival City- there's a lot going on in the summers to keep you well entertained!
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 12:45
We r in Edmonton. Yes u r right that winter is about to end but even then -8 or -9 is a lot for us. And I m not Canadian infact I m from Asian region. So its a new continent, new culture and new ppl. Fir now I just stay at home all day when my husband is in office. Just cannot muster up courage to go out in chill give it a chance. I am Australian and I have traveled the world and I always say that I would love to live in Canada if I had the choice/chance. love love love it. :-)
1184
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 11:47
I do know that I would terribly miss Dubai when moving from here, and dread the moment.
5499
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 10:49
Edmonton has a fair mix of different nationalities so I hope you find and make friends. (and you have WEM!!!) Once the weather warms up there are parks for you to take your LO to so hopefully you'll meet people that way as well.
16
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 10:40
We r in Edmonton. Yes u r right that winter is about to end but even then -8 or -9 is a lot for us. And I m not Canadian infact I m from Asian region. So its a new continent, new culture and new ppl. Fir now I just stay at home all day when my husband is in office. Just cannot muster up courage to go out in chill
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 09:58
you can stay on here, night and day, and pretend. You will not be alone. Then one day....POOOOOF! you will find your way and be fine and dandy. Dubai sucks but is great too.
5499
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 09:58
Oh, and give it time. I was in northern AB for Christmas and I know the winters are so harsh. Summer is on its way and you can explore the beautiful areas of Alberta. Banff is one of my favourites - it's equally beautiful in the snow or in summer. The Banff National Park is a lovely trip with breathtaking scenery.
Anonymous (not verified)
0
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 09:58
Psychologist say that re-acculturation is very difficult and can take a couple of years depending upon how long you have been away. It is the same as moving away in the first place: For couple of months is the "honeymoon" phase - exciting mew sights and smells, busy with unpacking and arranging - not much time for thinking Then the reality sets in - What have I done? Why did I come here? Then a couple of months of thing it, being miserable, finding fault in everything Finally you settle into a routine for life, start making some friends and will begin to enjoy your new life and what it offers. Don't give up - remember what you didn't like about Dubai: unbelievable traffic congestion, terribly rude drivers, workmanship in constructions of buildings, repairmen who have no idea about what they are repairing, terrible poverty and loneliness of labourers, skyrocketing prices, options for sending your child to school, construction noise when pouring concrete at 2am in summer - I could go on and on. You will settle and you will make new friends. I agree that you may never get used to not having a small grocery close to call when you forget to buy eggs at the supermarket or restaurant and cafeteria deliveries. But there is a lot to be said being "at home". I have been away now for so long, married outside, that I now feel like a stranger in my own country only visiting annually (maybe): the people, the behaviour, the food etc. is all foreign to me now. It is no fun when you actually loose your own culture. I don't know if I will ever be able to get it back again. I wish you luck. You have moved home at the right time. Be patient and kind to yourself for six months and suddenly you will find yourself "at home" finally. Good luck. :)
5499
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 09:56
They say be careful what you wish for, and although we're desperate to leave I reckon like you, I'll miss the UAE more than I bargain for. Whereabouts in AB are you? <em>edited by Sanddy_Dogg on 30/03/2013</em>
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY