I originally intended to do these posts week by week, but realized they'd just be way too long (and probably boring) so I'm going to have to theme them on particularly eventful days or occurrences.
I woke up after my weird middle-of-the-day nap feeling sort of buzzy and excited but intimidated all at the same time. My company had recommended that I get a local Sim card as soon as I could, as you need a Dubai number in order to apply for things like your Emirates Id and bank accounts etc, so I decided to brave the metro and Dubai mall and get one so I could go into work on my first day feeling productive and sassy and adjusted and impress everyone with how with-it I was (ha).
And now I don't know how I could ever get back on the tube in London. The metro here is an absolute dream. Literally the easiest thing in the world, even I couldn't get lost.
There's just two lines, only one of which you really use, and it's a straight line. So all you have to figure out is which direction you're going in, and how many zones you're going through. The station names are idiot-proof, like Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa.
The whole thing is shiny and clean and efficient and so empty compared to the tube.
There are designated women-only carriages, which seemed a bit outdated to me so I assumed no-one would really use them. Turns out I was incorrect. After being stared at by about 1000 men as the only woman in my carriage, I have learnt my lesson, and haven't stood in the unisex bit again! And it is actually so refreshing to not have that creepy lurker that seems to be on every train hovering over your shoulder making awkward eye contact.
I'd read that Dubai Mall is nowhere near the Metro station and was having horrible visions of getting lost in the desert and being attacked by a rogue camel or something, but turns out that panic was for nothing (as it usually is) as there's a huge tunnel that connects the two.
Also, none of the metro stations here are anywhere near their destinations, as they're generally in the middle of the road, and you have to walk through long tunnels to get to whichever side of the road you want.
To be honest, I'm lucky I made it out of Dubai Mall alive and on the same day as I entered it. It is bloody HUGE. And there doesn't seem to be any sort of logic to the layout; just as you think you're at a new bit you find yourself back at the aquarium again.
It took me a good three or four hours to find the phone shop, (I may have fallen into some clothes shops on the way) and I only saw it on my way out, when I'd admitted defeat and was trying to find the exit.
There are only two phone networks in Dubai, Du and Etisalat. I'm unsure which is better, but I'm with Etisalat at the moment as it's the only shop I could find.
I couldn't understand the man in the shop, so just bought the temporary sim card that he waved in front of my face (you can't get a real one until you have your residence visa, which was delayed, so I'd entered on a tourist visa).
It had 666 in the phone number so I picked it because I felt like it matched my soul.
There were two sim options, and I chose the option with more data but no texts or calls, which actually turned out to be a pretty stupid thing to do (more on that later).
But still, I HAD A SIM. Look at me all independent and Beyonce.
So I went home feeling really accomplished and proud and like I could well do this.
Unpacked my suitcase, treated myself to room service (gross actually, prawns that were way too huge and prawny for my liking) and decided to go to bed so I was fresh for work.
Easier said then done, it was about 6.30 my time and I was trying to force myself to be tired.
But I had done my first day! I hadn't got lost, hadn't cried, and wasn't feeling overwhelmed.
Maybe I am an adult after all?
More, more! :-)
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