720 Arabian Nights: Day 1 Picture Tour

Day 1 was great. Awesome hotel buffet for breakfast. Yes, there was an omelet bar, in case you were wondering.
Next I went to orientation with a knot in my stomach. Finding out about housing and placement. Before arriving I already knew there were three regions: Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, or the Western Region. Abu Dhabi City was what I wanted so badly. I would be fine with Al Ain too, which is a smaller city about 1.5 hours away. What I was nervous about was the Western Region. We have heard horror stories from there, not to mention it is in the middle of nowhere desert. I knew there was always a chance I would be placed there. The evening prior, a list was posted downstairs of people going to the Western Region. I held my breath and looked. I didn't see my name. I check again. Didn't see it that time, or a third time either! This was good news, but I didn't want to get my hopes up. So, now at orientation we do find out that I am placed in Abu Dhabi City! I was so happy! I did feel bad because a girl we had been hanging out with was assigned to the Western Region. Not only that, Delma Island. It is a two hour drive from Abu Dhabi City, then an hour and a half ferry ride to the island, which only has four restaurants and no real stores. AND they share apartments with a roommate. That's why I was scared. I did not want to be somewhere like that!
Anyway, we found out ALL teachers in Abu Dhabi City will be in the same complex, called Al Rayyana. We will be getting keys and tours the following day. It isn't a sky rise looking over the gulf like I had hoped, but I am sure it will be fine.
Here are some pictures from my first day:
This is the view when I arrived in my hotel room.

 This is the same view in the daytime:

Restrooms here are a little interesting. I have a bidet type thing in my hotel room, but I haven't ventured to use it. In public restrooms like at the mall and airport, each stall has a sprayer on a hose, which I also haven't used. I can't even wrap my mind around how you use it and don't get yourself all wet. I think I will stick to the American way on this topic.

Hotel infinity pool:

 Hotel gym has all this cardio equipment plus another side with weights:

 Me behind the hotel by the pool and canal:

For those of you who were scared that this is a "totally foreign" country, check out the food court at the mall. Of course I went for the Tandoor Inn, which had amazing Butter Chicken!

 Also at the mall, a selection of SEC scarves. Not sure why anyone would want a knit scarf in 115 degree weather. Or one from the SEC for that matter. BUT it does show how much American influence is here!

I really like the fact I get to see what Ramadan is like. Here is a store front wishing people a blessed Ramadan. There are also lights decorating the city for Ramadan.

This is Carrefour, like Super Walmart: 

Also at Carrefour, they have beans, lentils, spices, and items like that in bulk.

And of course, where would we be without Coca-Cola?!!?