by Mannahattamamma (UAE) | Feb 20, 2012 | Culture, Economy, UAE
This is a gold ATM machine: you can purchase gold in any amount. The machine is in the mall, near a Starbucks.
That’s been a question I’m asked a lot lately. It’s a question I was almost never asked when we lived in Manhattan, even though it’s home to god knows how many hedge-fund gazillionaires.
When we moved to Abu Dhabi in August, I prepared myself for all kinds of changes–food, customs, weather, schools, jobs–all the big stuff. But it never occurred to me that, of course, here in the land of Gulf petrodollars and expat tax-free paychecks, my kids would be exposed to the trappings of wealth in a way they’d never seen before.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like they were walking barefoot in the snow to some rat-infested public school in outer Bushwick where there weren’t enough math books to go around. Both boys went to public elementary schools, true, but one was in a lovely little neighborhood in Gramercy Park (a very affluent ‘hood) and the other went to a gifted-and-talented school that wasn’t very fancy on the outside but was delivering a kick-ass education inside (albeit in over-crowded classrooms with underpaid teachers).
We have friends with weekend houses and beach houses; friends who take great vacations and explore the world, but my kids don’t really see those things as signs of money—in part, I guess, because they’re still young and don’t quite understand what it takes to support two households, or truck a family of six to Egypt for the winter holidays.
I wasn’t prepared, myself, for the way that wealth is on display here: that the Porsche Cayenne is basically the Chrysler mini-van of the Gulf; (more…)
After twenty-plus years in Manhattan, Deborah Quinn and her family moved to Abu Dhabi (in the United Arab Emirates), where she spends a great deal of time driving her sons back and forth to soccer practice. She writes about travel, politics, feminism, education, and the absurdities of living in a place where temperatures regularly go above 110F.
Deborah can also be found on her blog, Mannahattamamma.
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by Susie Newday (Israel) | Jan 31, 2012 | Death and Dying, Israel, Life Lesson, Motherhood, Parenting, Susie Newday, World Motherhood
*Just a warning to those who find it hard to talk about death, this post uses the D word quite a bit. But the point it makes is really good food for thought.
I’m a planner.
Actually if I am truly honest, I am more of a slowly recovering control freak. I am the kind of person who even thinks about trying to control their own funeral. Yes, I know that is slightly twisted, but I guess my ability to laugh at the funny parts of death (and yes, you can find humor in death) is what has kept me sane after years of ER and oncology nursing.
So it should come as no surprise that for years I have been thinking about writing “goodbye letters.” You know, the ones I am talking about. The ones that get opened if you walk out of your house one day to go to work and end up never coming back.
Those personalized heartfelt letters written to your loved ones telling them what you loved about them, what they meant to you and what you wish for them for the future now that you’re not there in person anymore to tell them.
Yet something has been holding me back. (more…)
Susie Newday is a happily-married American-born Israeli mother of five. She is an oncology nurse, blogger and avid amateur photographer.
Most importantly, Susie is a happily married mother of five amazing kids from age 8-24 and soon to be a mother in law. (Which also makes her a chef, maid, tutor, chauffeur, launderer...) Susie's blog, New Day, New Lesson, is her attempt to help others and herself view the lessons life hands all of us in a positive light. She will also be the first to admit that blogging is great free therapy as well. Susie's hope for the world? Increasing kindness, tolerance and love.
You can also follow her Facebook page New Day, New Lesson where she posts her unique photos with quotes as well as gift ideas.
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by World Moms Blog | Jan 29, 2012 | Eva Fannon, India, Israel, South Korea, Susie Newday, USA, World Moms Blog Itinerary
On Monday, we start off the week in South Korea, where Ms. V. talks about who is really teaching who when it comes to parenting. What valuable life lessons have you learned from your children?
On Tuesday, we head off to Israel for a thought-provoking post from Susie Newday. Do you ever think about your own death and how it would impact your family? Can an act of love inadvertently become a burden to the ones left behind?
On Wednesday, we are in Seattle with Eva Fannon, who talks about the weather. She had a rare opportunity to stay home with her kids and play in the snow, and she tells us what those few days taught her. (more…)
World Moms Blog is an award winning website which writes from over 30 countries on the topics of motherhood, culture, human rights and social good. Over 70 international contributors share their stories from around the globe, bonded by the common thread of motherhood and wanting a better world for their children.
World Moms Blog was listed by Forbes Woman as one of the "Best 100 Websites for Women 2012 & 2013" and also called a "must read" by the NY Times Motherlode in 2013. Our Senior Editor in India, Purnima Ramakrishnan, was awarded the BlogHer International Activist Award in 2013.
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by World Moms Blog | Dec 23, 2011 | Canada, Eva Fannon, India, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Norway, Oceania, Polish Mom Photographer, Scoops of Joy, South Africa, South Korea, Susie Newday, The Alchemist, Third Eye Mom, Unintentionally Brilliant, USA
Today, we bring you festive cheer from around the globe! Read the special holiday messages from our World Moms…
Alison Lee of Malaysia writes:
“May your holiday season be filled with love, laughter, family, friends and joy.”
Asta Burrows of Norway writes:
“Happy Christmas everyone! Hope you all manage to avoid the stress, and just enjoy this holiday ”
Dr. Lanham of Arizona, USA writes:
“Have a blessed and happy Christmas and New Year!”
Eva Fannon of Washington State, USA writes:
“Wishing you a joyous holiday season that gives you precious moments to share with loved ones.”
Inspiration to Dream of Australia writes:
“Christmas to me is about family and friends and creating wonderful memories to carry you through the year. So, I hope you’re all creating amazing memories with your loved ones this year.”
Jennifer Burden of New Jersey, USA writes:
“Wishing you a healthy, happy and peaceful holiday season around the globe!”
JPrestholdt of Minnesota, USA writes:
“Wishing you and your family joy this holiday season and peace in the new year.”
Kirsten Doyle of Ontario, Canada writes:
“May your family and friends surround you with love and joy this Christmas. May beautiful memories of departed loved ones warm you from the inside. May your dreams come true in 2012, and may you party hard this Christmas with the knowledge that calories consumed at this time of the year don’t count.”
Kyla P’an of Massachusetts, USA writes:
“Who better to understand a holiday celebrating the birth of a baby than mothers? So, from a blogging Mom on this side of the world to Moms everywhere, Merry Christmas!”
Maman Aya of New York, USA writes:
“Happy holidays to all of you and your friends and families. I hope 2012 is a healthy, happy and prosperous year for everyone!”
Ms. V of South Korea writes:
“Wishing all a peaceful holiday filled with the spirit of giving and gratitude. Joy to the world!”
Polish Mom Photographer of California, USA writes:
Many thanks to Polish Mom Photographer for supplying us with the wonderful image accompanying this post.
Simona Rinfreschi from South Africa writes:
I wish everyone a Healthy, Happy and Peaceful Festive Season, irrespective of personal beliefs. Personally, I love “Merry Christmas”, though. 🙂
Best wishes from Cape Town, South Africa, Simona. xoxox”
Susie Newday of Israel writes:
“Wishing everyone a year and life of tolerance, love, health and inspiration. May this year be the start of a time of peace and understanding that spreads person by person around the world.”
Tatterscoops of Indonesia writes:
“May the holiday bring you lots of joy, peace and most importantly love to share with everyone near or far.”
The Alchemist of India writes:
“Here is my greeting – I wish you all joy, grace and precious time with your beloved family and friends this holiday season. May the spirit of christmas be with us all through the year.”
ThirdEyeMom of Minnesota, USA writes:
“Wishing you peace, happiness and health in 2012!”
TwinMom112 of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
“No matter what you believe in this holiday season.. believe in yourself and the spirit of love, family and friendship. Sending love this season from my heart to yours.”
Unintentionally Brilliant of Nevada, USA writes:
“Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!
May this New Year be filled with health, happiness, and – most of all – love.”
– World Moms Blog
Photo credit to Polish Mom Photographer.
World Moms Blog is an award winning website which writes from over 30 countries on the topics of motherhood, culture, human rights and social good. Over 70 international contributors share their stories from around the globe, bonded by the common thread of motherhood and wanting a better world for their children.
World Moms Blog was listed by Forbes Woman as one of the "Best 100 Websites for Women 2012 & 2013" and also called a "must read" by the NY Times Motherlode in 2013. Our Senior Editor in India, Purnima Ramakrishnan, was awarded the BlogHer International Activist Award in 2013.
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by Mannahattamamma (UAE) | Dec 5, 2011 | Holiday, International, UAE
Arabic in the sand for "Happy Birthday UAE."
In New York, once I had kids, I tried to ignore the 4th of July. To me the 4th meant crowds, heat, and noise: too many people jammed along whichever river was the site of the fireworks, too many picnickers having too much to drink; and too much general mayhem for comfort: call me crazy, but the idea of teen-agers roaming the streets brandishing small explosive devices doesn’t seem particularly festive.
Once or twice when the boys were young, we braved the crowds, shoving the stroller ahead of us like a battering ram through the throngs. But in the long run? Not worth it.
What else I don’t do on the 4th? I don’t wear flag colors (I’m a New Yorker. We wear black. Year-round. It’s an entire city filled with women who dress like Morticia and Wednesday). (more…)
After twenty-plus years in Manhattan, Deborah Quinn and her family moved to Abu Dhabi (in the United Arab Emirates), where she spends a great deal of time driving her sons back and forth to soccer practice. She writes about travel, politics, feminism, education, and the absurdities of living in a place where temperatures regularly go above 110F.
Deborah can also be found on her blog, Mannahattamamma.
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by Mannahattamamma (UAE) | Nov 29, 2011 | Living Abroad, Motherhood, Technology, UAE, Working Mother, World Interviews, World Moms Blog Writer Interview, World Motherhood, Writing
Where in the world do you live? And, are you from there?
I live in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE, but whenever anyone hears me say “Abu Dhabi,” the association is immediately Dubai, the “big city” to the north of us. (Yes, Abu Dhabi is where the second “Sex in the City” movie was supposedly set…but it was filmed in Morocco!)
No, I’m not from here. I grew up in Illinois, went to college in Boston and lived there for a few years, and moved to Manhattan in 1988 to get my doctorate. I intended to live in New York only until I finished my degree…but I never left! So I think now I’m officially a “New Yorker” who moved to Abu Dhabi in 2011. My husband and I teach at New York University’s Abu Dhabi campus, which is a four-year college that just started last fall (2010), so it’s a brand-new project and very exciting.
What language(s) do you speak?
I speak English. And faux-French (which is to say French with such a bad accent and such poor grammar that my French brother-in-law almost winces every time I open my mouth). My kids are learning Arabic (more…)
After twenty-plus years in Manhattan, Deborah Quinn and her family moved to Abu Dhabi (in the United Arab Emirates), where she spends a great deal of time driving her sons back and forth to soccer practice. She writes about travel, politics, feminism, education, and the absurdities of living in a place where temperatures regularly go above 110F.
Deborah can also be found on her blog, Mannahattamamma.
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