Working in Dubai - First timer experience

 I was very lucky to given the opportunity to work in Dubai in 2014. My stint was 3 months long. I was really depressed after the passing of my husband. But I told myself ,what else can I lose? I have no more space for sadness but all the desire to experience new things and bring some happiness to my life. I took the challenge. My whole family was very against it as none of them knew what Dubai is like and with all the news about the middle east just makes things a lil harder. Plus, I do not know anyone in Dubai.

3 months, 2 suitcases, 6 pairs of shoes and no shorts......( I read that you have to dress very decently and cover your knees, shoulders etc.)

I stayed at Rose Rayhaan hotel for a good 120 days!!! Loved it.

I was upgraded to the 62nd floor, the highest was 63. This is the world's second tallest hotel. 

I arrived at 5am and took a complimentary taxi to the hotel and checked in. The reception manager was so generous and upgraded me from a normal deluxe room all the way to a suite. Man....things are looking good as a start.

The amount of homes, villas and buildings is kinda crazy. I live in a terrace house with small roads and compared to this...its quite crazy. The sky was not as clear as it was entering Winter. However, you can sort of see the Dubai Archipelago which apparently is sinking and shrinking in size as we speak.

My workplace is located near the Burj Khalifa, so I get to see it everyday and it looks way prettier at night with all the lights lit up.Dubai is very clean, unless you step out of the city and go and venture into other places. Service is top notch, however, their standard of mannerisms are a kinda different from Asian cultures. Expect loud voices and some who just don't believe in queuing.

At the office pantry, there is this Rainbow Milk which I am totally clueless what it is. However, all my colleagues use a lot of this.

The Address Hotel, Downtown Dubai before it got burnt on 31st Dec 2015.

The infamous fountain show in Dubai Mall. 

It has only been 2 weeks and I am already attending a farewell for a colleague. I am now left with 3 Singaporean friends at work. This is probably the most international meal I ever had. Well this is Dubai.

I miss this so much. You have to try it at Magnolia Bakery- Banana Pudding. Thanks Rose!

My first alcoholic outing. Barasti is a must go to place if you like drinking on the Beach. Please bring your ID and stilettos is not gonna cut it out here. Chill place and find your sunbed.

Halloween at Zinc, please come and horror me again. 

Funky Rock that I bought at the Dubai Global Village.

Living in Dubai is quite expensive. A night out with a bottle of vodka would set you back somewhere AED2,000 and thats +/- MYR2,200. Buffet at Jap, Dim Sum etc places would start at about AED200. Most time, the food seem to taste better at these joints. Normal chinese chicken rice would cost you somewhere AED30-50 on avg and foodcourt noodles around there as well.

There are plenty of Malaysian or Asian cuisines in Dubai but the fresher the food the more expensive it will be. A cabbage costs like AED60 once I saw...I wouldn't want to guess if it was organic and air flown from Australia.

To be continued in Part 2.