We did it!!!

As Emily and I practically skipped up to talk to the always polite, happy, and perky check-in attendant on Friday afternoon we were greeted with a smile. More than a smile we received some very interesting news; our flight was cancelled and we were now booked on a flight for saturday, A WHOLE DAY LATER. For the previous week the excitement level climbed and had reached a high, but now we were speaking with an attendant telling us that our adventure was to be postponed another day. “Oh well,” says Emily, “We get another last meal – What shall we have?”

Saturday we wake up feeling less excited and more tired. We stayed up preparing for the previous day only to realize that it came without reward. Nonetheless we were still ready - Ready for this adventure changing our lives.

We boarded the (newly scheduled) plane and walked, walked, and walked some more to the back of this massive piece of engineering marvel only quickly to realize that we were assigned the two middle seats in a row of four. No big deal, we didn't care where we sat, unless you ask Emily and quickly realize that near the back is not the place you want to be, ha! We sat next to two extremely wonderful people of which we made brief conversations where we were able to insert that we are moving to Bahrain. The look we receive whenever we have mentioned our plans for the next year have been interesting at best, but more satisfying than you could ever imagine. We are doing something most people only talk or dream of doing and it is with that moment on the plane we both realized how incredibly lucky we have become. The plan takes off without any troubles and soon we are flying over Canada with visions in our head of what could be waiting for us in Bahrain.

Before our trip Emily and I decided to make each other bags-O-fun to help ease the tension and possible stress of the long flight and the EOL (experience of a lifetime, thanks Angela). As we exchanged our bags-O-fun we realized that we both were giving each other the same items. A journal of some sort and a magazine filled with puzzles. Made us feel happy and confident about sharing in this amazing experience together.

We flew into Amsterdam and wanted and was anxious to explore; however, we got on the wrong train for an hour and instead viewed the Netherlands countryside. Needless to say we finally found ourselves in the town center and realized that one of the biggest festivals (it occurs only 1 of every 5 years in Amsterdam) is Sail Amsterdam. It was unbelievable to see the massive sail ships in the harbor. Tried some amazing cheese and loved every minute. What took us an hour and half to get to from the airport (due to the wrong train) took us 12 minutes to get back, oh boy haha. It was fun though. We actually met up with another guy who was traveling to Bahrain to teach in our school, randomly, at the airport. We then boarded the plane for Bahrain. Amazing food, and an amazing airline. AND THEN WE GOT TO BAHRAIN.

From the minute we stepped off the jet we were golden. A man met us with our names on a piece of paper and quickly took us to customs/immigration. He escorted us past all of the lines and to our baggage. All in all we went through customs, picked up our baggage and left the airport in under fifteen minutes. Anyone who has done any traveling internationally knows that this was great! Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable.

The heat hit us like a brick wall the moment we left the comfort of the airport. Throughout the drive to our apartments it felt as though we were in another great city with a lot of life and excitement. Nothing felt real and I'm not sure if it was because I had missed sleeping for the past 22 hours, or it was stunning, but something told me that I was the path to an amazing year.

I am so lucky to be here with Emily. She is just as excited and more beautiful than ever now that she is able to shine in her natural environment; the classroom. She has settled in and made her room hers. I can't wait to share with her the coming year.

The apartments we are currently being housed in are amazing. Marble floors, a bar in the living room, two bathroom, two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a dinning room and an excellent view of the financial district of Bahrain.

Did I mention we have a rooftop pool? We do.

We are here. I am still not sure what I will be teaching, except that it will be social studies in the high school. Emily is teaching the 4th grade and couldn't be any more anxious to get in the classroom. Tonight is exploring night. A group of us are going out on the town to enjoy some beverages and great food.

On a side note, its Ramadan and it would be illegal for any of us to drink or eat while in public. We could actually be thrown in jail for taking a sip of water in public during the day. Truly amazing how Muslims go all day without water in this climate. The sun just went down and I think its time for a beer. We are enjoying everything about everything thus far and can't wait for the coming weeks and to meet our students.

“Every moment of greatness is proceeded by a moment of opportunity.”

Being here with Emily is one big moment of greatness.