Dearest Clara,
Every so often, I’m able to be exposed to a part of the world I hadn’t known before, with customs and traditions and environments that are completely foreign to me. We often seek that out in our personal travels, but my work trips tend to be confined to a set of usual locations. That’s comforting in its own right, but sometimes, it’s exposure to a completely new place that perks me up and makes me interested in what it is that I do all over again.
I had this feeling just last weekend I traveled to the Emirates for the first time, taking in that intersection of the world as much as I could over the few days that I was there. I couldn’t help but to see their world with new eyes and I noticed:
- Modesty is not a bad thing: Regardless of one’s opinion as to why, women’s dress was largely more modest in the Emirates, and in the larger Middle East in general. Like most people raised outside of that environment, part of me can’t help but be fascinated by women who cover up nearly all of themselves when in public. But once you notice how much certain women do cover up, you can’t help but also notice how much women who are visiting do not---shirts that go lower, skirts that go higher. There was something about that juxtaposition that made me choose clothing and combinations that were more modest and more covering than I might normally, even though I don’t consider myself a revealing dresser. And interestingly, it was in that additional coverage that I found a certain bout of comfort and confidence because I knew I was being judged by what I was saying, and not what I was showing. You don’t have to change who you are when you go abroad, but you should absorb your surrounding environment and adjust accordingly.
- If it doesn’t look natural, it probably isn’t: Across the city of Abu Dhabi, I saw plenty of things that were beautiful and modern but didn’t necessarily look like they were part of the natural scene. For example, when approaching the city the road is flanked by sand dunes until skyscraper upon skyscraper rises to the sky . . . or until fountains of water appear in the desert heat. One of the beautiful things about being human on this earth is building and improving and changing the conditions we might have been born into---we don't have to be confined solely to what "was" but we have the possibility to dream and build what "can be". But we still need to be mindful of what belongs, and what we give up by adopting that change.
- Invest your resources: The Emirates were fortunate with the natural resource of oil, but also with the foresight that money made from resources can always run out. It’s amazing what the country has done by putting resources into building and tourism, and making itself a crossroads for the world. But more importantly, they’ve also invested into education and transport, as these are the things that stay long after the money is made and pave the way for future possibilities. When you are lucky enough to profit, make sure you set aside a portion into savings and activities that build your future.
- Look behind the scenes: Most people who work in the Emirates aren’t actually from there. And if you take the time to speak to waiters, drivers, hotel clerks, and just about anyone else, you’ll find that they are far from home and their families, and looking to make a living so that their children are entitled to those very basic resources that I mentioned above. When you’re being treated to a wonderful experience, take a look behind the scenes to see what makes things work. Chances are, you’ll be surprised at just how many people’s efforts go in to making that experience for you. Compensate appropriately, it affects their future.
All my love,
Mom