One year on...

You know you're a local when:

You can negotiate a UAE roundabout without hesitation

You can negotiate a UAE roundabout at speed

You can talk on your cell while negotiating a UAE roundabout

You resist the urge to give someone the bird when there's a near miss at a UAE roundabout

You stop getting lost in Dubai

You can follow someone's verbal directions in Abu Dhabi

The bar staff at your local say "Margarita?" soon as you arrive

You know the names of most of the bar staff

The cafe staff don't even ask but just make you that much needed double espresso

The people at the post office greet you with a smile and ask how you are

You know most of the people at the rugby club on quiz night, even if it's only the second time you've been there

You've had the misfortune of crashing into an Emirati when out and about in your car (luckily not a big one but all my fault!)

You've camped in the desert overnight

You've plunged off the top of a sand dune in your 4wd

You can speak enough Arabic to make the locals smile and want to teach you more

You can ask for coffee in Arabic and be understood

You've swum in the pool at the top of a falaj after exploring an oasis

You've lounged by a 5 star pool for an afternoon or two

Everywhere you go you see familiar faces and are greeted warmly by others

It's almost been a year since I arrived in Al Ain, an interesting and at times difficult year. One of change, endings and beginnings. One of losses and gains. A year worthy of reflection.