First Impressions

It's only been a week and I feel that my life in Australia is so far behind me. This is such a different world, and it is pretty overwhelming. Having lived in Malaysia for so long, I think I'm much better prepared than many others who have lived all their lives in the developed world. I'm used to inefficiencies, bureaucracies and just expecting that things will not work the first time around. Having said that, there are some really interesting things here that really blew me away, like..

1. How my water heater malfunctioned, which caused a pipe to explode and rain down in my bathroom. Thankfully the water stopped flowing before it flooded. It took maintenance 2 attempts before they got it sorted out and until now I'm still paranoid that something's going to blow while I'm taking my shower and I would have to run out half naked to get help. Apparently leaking roofs are very common during rainy days but explosions aren't.

2. How skype and flickr are banned. I'm not sure why flickr is, but skype is to fund Etisalat and Du. They've got to make money somehow I guess, since local calls are free

3. How there is no postal service, so all mail goes to PO Boxes in the 5 post offices in Abu Dhabi. So most of us just send it straight to the company we work in

4. How crazily people drive. I'm pretty used to mad drivers coming from Malaysia, but the difference is that people here are driving at 160km/h. It's pretty scary. Last year there was a 200+ car pile up on the highway because people were driving at 160km/h in a fog!

5. How most locals are dressed in traditional dress. It was quite an experience going to the supermarket and being overwhelmed with abayas and guthras. I like it actually, it's kinda like Malaysia with all the baju kurungs, except its alot less colourful. I wish I could take pictures but it's illegal to take pictures of women, so hmm, better not risk getting deported in my first week here

6. How much wealth there is here. GDP per capita is USD63k and average net worth for its 420,000 citizens is USD17m. People here pay millions of dirham for a licence plate!

So far it's been interesting to say the least and everyday I find out something new..I like it, it just needs a healthy dose of patience to stay sane!