And..... I'm back in Abu Dhabi after swearing I'd not do that to myself again! The work, or more the paperwork associated with the work, rather than Abu Dhabi. I love being here. I love the warm sunshine, not too hot because its winter. That I can swim in the sea even if it's a bit chilly getting in; that I have the best view from my hotel room desk where I'm working; that I'm catching up with new friends and old friends while I'm here; that I get to enjoy the hotel facilities, buffet breakfast, room service when I need to and Spinneys supermarket with it's fresh food. Best of all I'm missing the UK winter.
I'm not really a winter person. Enjoy the changes of season, enjoy a variety of temperatures but not the dull grey, wet, relentlessly cold for ages UK winter. Especially after a mediocre summer. I didn't come here to write about the weather. I came to add a reflection from my breakfast dining this morning, report writing day so I get to take a break and enjoy the buffet. I was worried I had missed breakfast looking up from my computer to see it was already 10am. So down I rushed.
The first people I saw were two of my colleagues, the two lovely inclusive ones who are frequent fliers in the work and the hotel. A nice catch up and an arrangement to catch up later and have a swim and/or a drink. A lovely loose 'keep in touch and we'll go from there' arrangement. Just the ones I like, knowing I'll be welcomed by them and others in the team where ever we see each other. Reciprocated of course. I'm no longer the brand new one, not yet a seasoned one either!
There are two young men at the egg station. Young men who most mornings make me an omelet to keep me going through out the day. I always have a little chat with them if they're not too rushed, and at 6.30am it's not too busy. A smile and a chat, the same with the other staff who are getting to know I'm a regular customer. I watched as two young men walked past, young men staying at the hotel. Young men who confidently walked through the dining room and made way for the young waiter who came from the kitchen with a replenished bowl of food. Gave way with a small acknowledgment and carried on with their conversation. And another who was grumpy with getting the wrong cup at the coffee machine and didn't look at the young man making his coffee for him.
I wrote a post years ago about accidents of birth, how the place you're born and the family you're born into often dictates how and where you live your life. This is clearly seen in the dining room of large hotels; in the hallways with the folks who make up the rooms; out the front with the concierge and his welcoming team; with the young man who brought my room service meal last night, and who so cheerfully and willingly managed to get me a proper teapot and some extra tea, delivering it again with a smile as he took away my dishes.
The economic migrants so maligned by ignorant people in wealthy countries; ignored by some and treated poorly by others. These lovely young people who leave their homes and travel to countries where they can make a living, and hopefully a life, while still supporting their families back home. On very low wages, working punishing hours, dealing with rude people, racist and religious abuse, loneliness and isolation from their own families and culture. Economic migrants without whom many countries would not be able to provide their citizens with the lifestyles they have become accustomed to.
There but by accident of birth go our own children. Smile. Be kind. Be friendly. Be tolerant. Be respectful. It doesn't take a lot.
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