First Impressions

So here I am, on the other side of the world.

They tell you in new teacher orientation at many schools that there are 4 stages of adjustment (honeymoon, disillusionment/frustration, adjustment, and acceptance.) It's so brain-bending to do it all over again - I find myself mentioning Korea so frequently but it became my new normal. Things I'm dealing with at this point are not really "This is different from Minnesota" but more "This is different than Korea" which is strange to hear my brain say.

I've been here just a little less than a week and I have some remarkable (ha!) experiences to share with you:



1) I made it through immigration and onto campus. The relief I felt once I stepped into my new town home was more than noticeable - I have been anticipating this specific move since mid-January 2017, and imagining far-away places since probably April 2016, maybe earlier. It's so nice not to worry or wonder - I'm still figuring out SO much about my new residence and workplace, but in a way that I can actually figure out or know an answer. No more wondering. I get to finally DO what I've been talking about for over 6 months. amazing, sweet relief.

(this is my home! 3 bedrooms and one really kind 
post-doc researcher roommate, plus an ironic 2-car garage)

2) I completed new teacher orientation. I'm approaching a new curriculum and school-of-instruction so I'll be working VERY hard this year to be a good International Baccalaureate teacher. Our classrooms have TONS of instruments and resources I don't even know where to begin with. I have 6 bass recorders and a full set of drumline instruments, among other things. What?!

 (My classroom door at The KAUST School)


3) I've gone grocery shopping and holy moly the selections are just SO american/international. I remember in Korea (see? here I go again, always talking about Korea...) that the grocery store was one of the most stressful places for me, besides having limited foreign options. I finally figured out that I needed to bring headphones and avoid the seafood section and then all was well, but that took time! The grocery store here has everything (well, except pork and alcohol). Eggo waffles, varieties of chips, produce from around the world, baked goods that I find appealing, even a jar or two of kimchi was seen! Talk about culture shock - the first time I went in I seriously couldn't believe it. 

(for those who miss the taste of beer.... Budweiser Non-Alcoholic! 
found in markets and grocery stores on campus)

I just got back from the grocery store - I live about 2 blocks away from it. I walked home with my one bag of groceries and as I was about 3/4 of the way home, a red SUV u turned and the driver pulled down their window to say "hey, I saw you in the market. do you need a ride home?" - I had just gone to her garage sale less than a week ago. I live in a fabricated "city" of 7,000 people and everyone seems to be SO nice. (For the record, mom, I did not get into a car with a stranger)

4) I've exercised. So far I've taken a spin class led by an insane Russian man named Igor, and a vinyasa flow yoga class by an Indian man who did not mention his name. The university really emphasizes wellness and I'm so into it. The recreation centers here are fantastic - lots of classes, facilities, easy scheduling, yummy restaurants, opportunities for families, etc. Speaking of the yummy restaurants.... I stopped to have a nice lemon mint after work once evening and quite enjoyed it. This pic is from back of the Island Recreation Center, where they have a healthy restaurant - I liked watching sunset over the red sea!


It's the weekend here - we work from Sunday to Thursday. I've completed my first week of work and have big plans this weekend. I'll head to the beach, bake some cookies, and visit Ikea (in Jeddah)! Thank you for reading and I'll catch up with you soon :D


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