Steve and Alison's Excellent Adventure...: November 2013

Welcome to our apartment (flat):

About a month ago we moved into the Beach Towers (BT), Building A. The complex consists of two identical, figure eight buildings connected by a common pool area in the middle. We are on the 21^st floor of the 28^th floor structure.

The pool is a circular or “infinite” pool, with a depth of about five-feet deep. On the other side of the pool area lays the beach, or “corniche,” which is expected to open in another month. A workout space with the latest exercise technology exists on the ground floor of BT B; in the comparable space in BT A, a small café is promised.

Tile work in pool is beautiful and gives off a lovely blue color.

Workout with a view of pool.

The Beach Towers, located on a small inlet called “Reem Island,” looking out upon the Arabian Gulf. A former patch of mangroves, Reem Island has been open only about two years.

We are the first inhabitants of the Beach Tower apartments! Many new high-rise apartments and businesses dot the landscape; look at all the cranes in the photo.

Sunset over the development.

One nice perk of teaching here is the rent-free apartment; ours would probably run about $2000+ a month if we had to pay for it. That accommodation, and the tax-free income, makes teaching here very attractive. (And the fact that for less than $30/3hour session, Alison has the apartment cleaned)!

Our apartment actually looks out over the entrance in the photo. We have a large living room, a bedroom, a full bathroom off the bedroom, and a half-bath near the entrance for our many guests.

Hallway to apartment.

Our new bed.

Sofa area from IKEA

Dr. & Mrs. respective desks

Bed with a view: Black-out curtains needed in the early morning.

Sunrise from our bedroom; notice the clouds.

Dining Area - one of our first "real" meals.

Master bathroom

With a keen eye for design, Alison brought 99% of our furniture at the nearby IKEA, and has turned our apartment into a cozy home. A furniture allowance from the Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEC) supported our efforts. We still have to purchase pictures for the walls and a few more carpets, but Alison assures me that these will come per our travels.

Utilitarian maid's bathroom

The apartment also has a maid’s quarters with no window and its own very small bathroom, replete with spray hose and drain. Currently being used as a storage room.