Expat Teacher
Top 10 things you ’ ll miss about the Middle East after repatriating
By Suzanne Berg
Don ’ t worry . Life goes on even after you leave the excitement and opulence of the Middle East . Whether you migrate to a new country or repatriate , there ’ s no doubt that the thrill of a move in itself offers at least some degree of initial excitement . Sooner or later , though , the absence of certain aspects of life that are more prevalent in the Middle East , than elsewhere will tug at you for a while , some being :
1 . Call to prayer - An integral part of daily life , the call to prayer is both peaceful and mesmerizing . What non-Muslim doesn ’ t come to love the soothing sounds of the adhan , heard over the loudspeaker fives times each day ?
2 . Running into friends - Although the expat population comprises a large percentage of the residents , major Middle Eastern cities still offer a smaller feel . Running into at least a friend or two every time you hit the town is the norm , and it adds to the fun of the whole experience .
3 . Obtaining tickets for recreational activities - With access to Formula 1 races , pro golf tournaments , and concerts that don ’ t sell out within twenty minutes of ticket releases , attending events that are saved for special occasions back home are commonplace in the Middle East . It also doesn ’ t take several hours to exit the venue or car park , so I doubleguarantee that you ’ ll miss these perks .
4 . Shawarma - One of the most readily available snack foods , shawarma is the Taco Bell of the Middle East . What will you miss about this delicious , inexpensive treat ? Everything , especially the garlic sauce .
5 . Inshallah - Whatever will be , will be ; no need to stress about it . If it is God ’ s will , then it will happen . The Western world certainly does NOT live and work by this motto .
6 . Punctuality - When you first started working in the Middle East , odds are you made a concerted effort to show up on time for all scheduled meetings and appointments . Then you realized the joke was on you because showing up within an hour or two of the scheduled appointment time only left you endlessly waiting around for everyone else . Admittedly , the lack of punctuality is maddening more than it is endearing , but you will miss it when you find yourself in a society that never seems to stop and take a deep breath .
7 . Understanding the unwritten rules of driving - Gone are your days of feeling like you ’ re part of a secret driving society . Stop at a stop sign ? Nah , I don ’ t think so . Obey the speed limit … but I can go 20km over without a ticket ! And definitely stay out of the left lane unless you ’ re ready to play with the big boys . Not everyone plays the same game . It ’ s probably a bit safer , but still … It ' s not as much fun .
8 . Full-service fuel stations - I mean , when was the last time someone filled up your car for you in another country ? In the US , I think this perk went by the wayside in the 1970s . Darn .
9 . Weather - Ok , I agree that it can get hotter than hot in the summer , but I ’ d be willing to put up with it in order to scrap umbrellas and ice scrapers for life .
10 . Desert Safaris - All kinds of fun rolled up in one , desert safaris are a one-stop shop for local entertainment . From dune bashing to sand boarding to camel rides , safaris showcase the best of Arabian desert transportation methods , and none are for the weak . Then there ’ s traditional food and dance , followed by music and shisha under an impressive display of stars .