Yalla!

It has been 1,788 days since we left on our overseas adventures, and today, we returned home to Portland. We are thrilled to be closer to family and friends, to listen to the pitter patter of rain on the roof, to smell the lush forest, to eat the bounteous crops of Oregon’s seasons, to sip a hoppy IPA, and frolic with friends and family. The grueling heat of summer and our excitement to reunite with friends and family made it easier to leave. But it was hard to say goodbye to friends and colleagues and to the aspects of Abu Dhabi that we have grown to love.

We will miss the incredible diversity of the community. 80% of the population of Abu Dhabi are expats, and we have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. In addition to meeting Emiratis and fellow Americans, we made friends and worked with colleagues from Hungary, the Philippines, Canada, Korea, Palestine, Israel, Sweden, Bulgaria, Iran, India, South Africa, Ireland, Botswana, New Zealand, Spain, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Italy, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia, Sierra Leone, Russia, Nigeria, the UK and others that I am probably forgetting. The restaurant scene reflected this diversity as well, and we loved having access to so many global flavors. We will particularly miss our weekend morning dosa with karak tea and all the amazing shawarma and Arabic foods.

We will miss the sense of safety. Abu Dhabi is frequently cited as the safest city in the world. For three years, we didn’t fret about gun violence, drunk drivers, theft, or other crimes. Our kids enjoyed a freedom that we probably wouldn’t have allowed in other cities, taking taxis with friends and going to the grocery store on solo shopping missions.

We will miss the winters. From November to March while our friends in America were dealing with drizzle and cold, we were dining al Fresco, rollerblading and going for long walks and boat rides, splashing in our apartment pools, desert camping, and relaxing at the beach.

Winter was also a great time for visitors and we enjoyed multiple visits from our family throughout our time in Abu Dhabi. Most recently, we enjoyed a visit in February from Bonnie, Israel, Noah, and Isaac. After an amazing performance of Hamilton at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, we headed on a road trip to Fujairah, Sharjah, and the “Omani Donut.” We rented a house in the Omani village of Madha (the donut ring) which is entirely surrounded by Oman. Encircled by Madha is the small Emirati village of Nahwa (the donut hole).

We will miss living in such an amazing travel hub, and the discount airlines that afforded us travel to so many destinations. With Dubai’s airport just over an hour away and the new Abu Dhabi terminal close by, we had easy access to flights all over the world. Though we traveled to many amazing places, there were so many more that I wish we could have made it to while living in the Middle East.

We will miss affordable and easily accessible health care. Appointments could be booked the same or the next day, even with specialists with offices open late and on weekends. And who knows when the next time will be that we are offered free Arabic coffee and dates at a hospital.

We will miss the community of our school, GEMS American Academy. The kids particularly loved their teachers and friends and thrived in the school’s vibrant arts program, with Alden developing his passion for music and skills on the bass and Mila blossoming in choir, theater, and visual arts.