No Roots
“I’ve got no roots, but my home was never on the ground.” Great song lyrics, story of my life, and very prevalent in the city I call my home nowadays – Dubai. I’ve been here almost three years and have already said goodbye too many times, whether to friends or lovers. And it hurts – every…
Social media detox
A month of (trying to) detox from social media really opened my eyes! We all know Facebook is called Fakebook, and research has shown that Instagram is actually linked to depression. So why do we spend hours a week scrolling through our social media timelines, as if it’s our lifeline? Why does our self-esteem depend…
Tinder taglines deciphered
Tinder. Once a taboo and now still actively used by singles. Admit it! Being single (in Dubai) means either finding a date in a club (fat chance of finding a normal guy) or using Happn, Bumble, or Tinder (0.001% chance, meaning you have to go through 100 profiles before you find a reasonably normal one. Only…
Dubai dating 101
Dating in Dubai started out as a fun hobby but has turned into a cringe-worthy tragicomedy. Not necessarily because I’ve had so many dates, but my experiences so far combined with the stories of my new friends can make anyone want to stay single for life, or at least while in Dubai. Read and weep,…
Only in Dubai
I like it when something is ‘out-of-the-box’, whether it’s a person (all my exes and many of my friends), idea (“let’s move to Johannesburg, Murder Capital of the World!”) or city (Amsterdam). Lucky me I moved to a city that doesn’t fit in any box, no matter how big (or expensive). After half a year,…
Luxury = lazy lifestyle?
After moving into my new apartment last week, it feels like I’m finally settling in! After weeks of hotels, adjusting to a new job and climate, and arranging a loan, apartment, painter, DEWA, bank account, medical, phone, internet/TV and finding a hairdresser who understands blonde hair, Dubai Marina is starting to feel like home. Comparing…
Paradoxes in a parallel universe
Dubai is an intriguing and weird place which I still can’t wrap my head around. I thoroughly enjoy every moment and feel privileged to be here, but sometimes feel like I’ve landed in a parallel universe.
10 Arabian days & nights
After my first 10 days as a newbie in Dubai, I already feel like I’ve been here 10 weeks. However, this roller coaster ride is far from over and even though I’m overwhelmed by all the new impressions, and the 45 degree heat, I’m very happy to be here. Trying to make sense of this…
Goodbye Amsterdam, hello Dubai!
Ten years ago I moved to Amsterdam, a 24 year old girl straight out of university, looking for ‘bright lights, big city’. Everything about Amsterdam intrigued me; the cosmopolitan vibe, the open-mindedness, the crooked houses and canals in the Jordaan, the nightlife, the American Bakery, and stores which were actually open on Sunday! A life I…