不知不觉

I've had a really great week, and 不知不觉，it's Day 5 out of 6 already, and I remember last week, I was so thrilled to think about a 6-day break in the middle of July. It's the Eid celebrations, and it's also my first time following the local work calendar here. :) So, I was pretty determined to make it count, and yesterday, I was even thinking I am ready to get back to the work grind. 

And it's been a pretty amazing 5 days thus far, with lots of explorations, me-time, good food, conversations, new experiences. And enjoying being around Abu Dhabi with different ones, whether on bike or in the car, and also with new colleagues. 

Such a contrasting view. Beautiful skyline, vs a pretty derelict building - both in town area. :) And the older building strangely reminds me a little of NK.

Too often, there are just too many memories to be captured, and too often, they become a part of the life for that season. Last week this time, I was just thankful for DYL - the book and the program I took in March this year, that made it clearer to me that I could try and prototype a little, and do something different, and especially when it beckons. 

And then, I am also thankful for the many little explorations here, including going to a new Japanese restaurant, doing shisha (first time trying) at M's house and having a lovely meal together with him and N, and then doing Korean, and then, getting a taste of Indian chai. Food wise - I have so much to be thankful for. But to me, the best is the Singapore chai png still - I miss that, and the local coffeeshop feeling v much, and look forward to the day when I could be back. I figure, probably max 2 - 3 more years here, but then again, who would really know?

There's some hype around the newly-opened Kinsu, and so we visited. It was good and fresh, but more than that, it's the fellowship with Lily and Herman.

And my new colleagues, Mahendra and Neha, and we were all spending Eid here while many others travelled out. So, it was a super cosy afternoon at a Thai-Jap restaurant, and then over to his house for more chats, and a first shisha try for me. Grape-flavoured, and I think this first experience is enough. :)

And some Indian chai at Neha's place. :) Great way to kickstart the long break. And it's boiled, together with Indian basil and ginger. 

And of course, there's the bike experience continuation. Came across a few articles that said - cycling makes you happy. I think the 2-wheeler has some magic in it, and it's not as tiring as running. I am really enjoying it. The exploration and its nimbleness is the appeal for me. I don't think I am at that stage where I can go very fast yet, and the road bike was a new try for me. But, I just enjoy being out exploring, and discovering. It was so possible to go explore Abu Dhabi city - and I actually cycled from my place all the way to Khaladiya, and so many places in between. So fun, and such morning sunshine doses really do wonders to the soul. 

Hehe, and becoming more and more pro looking? Still some way to go, but hehe, at least got some sei. 

And the deeper conversations continued too, and some good me-time reflections throughout the week. And in thinking about the work culture, the people, life choices. This hot summer afternoon, at a sweltering 48 deg, one day, I would look back, probably in 10 years time, and wonder where life has brought me to. :) 

So, 今天，我感觉非常感恩，满足。Quick short one, as I gear back into work mode mind. (And making some CKT). Totally a week well-spent.