“Time’s the king of men; he’s both their parent, and he is their grave, and gives them what he will, not what they crave.” – William Shakespeare

The last two hours have not been enjoyable. They were spent watching what has to be one of the worst films ever made. Worse still is the fact that I have spent much of the last two and a half decades advocating the man who made it, because he is the man who made Four Weddings and a Funeral and could therefore be forgiven anything.

Or so I thought…..

About Time was so painful that my mind started to drift. I started to think about, well, time….

A few days from now it will be December 10th, which means I will have been in the UAE for four months. First thought about time: it flies. Coincidentally, it is also the day we break up for Winter Break (UK audience: Christmas Holidays!). Ongoing COVID restrictions have scuppered all travel plans and therefore all potential blog material, so instead we will settle on some news from Abu Dhabi.

Yesterday was National Day in the UAE. This is to celebrate the anniversary of the unification of the seven Emirates in 1971, and is a big deal. So much so that we have enjoyed five days of public holiday. Apart from playing yet more golf and continuing my perpetual quest to complete Netflix I have enjoyed some rather convivial activities, the first of which was an evening drive down the Corniche (the main strip along the seafront, featured in episode 3) to see the National Day lights.

My second leisure activity was hotly anticipated. I was invited to a day out with ‘the lads’ at an Island Resort. I was quick to accept as I had learned of such an island, off the Abu Dhabi coast, that you can visit for the day and pamper yourself in a haven that is the last word in civilised luxury. I had read about this during my 14 day quarantine soon after arriving here, which was now a long time ago. Second thought about time: it is not your friend if it causes you to mix up island resorts.

There are, in fact, two islands to choose from: the aforementioned opulent paradise, and the one chosen by my companions which, as it turns out, is akin to visiting Ibiza for the day. This caused much hilarity amongst my new friends. Of course (through slightly gritted teeth) the company is the most important thing and a most enjoyable day was had at Al Maya Island.

So as Winter Break approaches and my first term comes to an end (and I have given this blog the title I have given it), it is probably a good time to reflect on my time, so far. Moving to a new country to start a new job in the middle of a pandemic has had it’s challenges. A mix of live (socially distant) and remote teaching has certainly had it’s challenges. Trying to integrate, acclimatise, make friends and become established in the circumstances has most certainly had it’s challenges.

I think the biggest challenge of all, however, has been the continuing travel restrictions. One of the main aims of this whole journey was to have journeys. School holidays promised a hastily packed bag, a cab to the airport and on to far off lands. Adventures would ensue frought with danger, hilarity and of course the resulting content for you, dear Teacher Abroad readers.

All, however, is not lost. There is light at the end of the Coronatunnel. I am soon to be permitted to travel. The reason for this will be explained in the next exciting episode. All you need know for now is that I will be an unrestricted man as of January 5th. But, as cruel fate would have it, Spring Term begins on January 3rd.

Third thought about time: he definitely ‘gives them what he will, not what they crave’

Three weeks of Winter Break without anywhere to go. The first in 38 years that I will not be spending Christmas with my family. I am left wondering if any more cow pats from the devil’s own satanic herd can strew the path of my life (and that using this reference balances out the earlier criticism). Fourth thought about time: it can sometimes be a little crap.

But wait. A very wise man used to say to me “you have to slightly think bigger picture.” We live in very strange, very challenging times. I have a good, well-paid job, a lovely apartment and my time here, so far, has been good. Abu Dhabi is good. My new home is good. The golf is very good. The people I have met and somehow managed to befriend are way beyond good.

About time I got a grip……