A year that taught me plenty — and reminded me it’s time for a new adventure

There’s a particular feeling South Africans know well: that moment when you look at your life, take a slow sip of coffee, stare into the middle distance, and say, “Ja… this chapter is klaar.” Writing this final Abu Dhabi post feels exactly like that — not dramatic, not emotional, just that quiet, familiar click of knowing it’s time to move on.

Back Then

When I first arrived in Abu Dhabi, I felt like a boertjie who had accidentally wandered into a sci‑fi movie. Glass buildings everywhere, heat that could fry a boerie roll in under five minutes, and traffic that moved with the confidence of people who definitely knew where they were going.

Meanwhile, I was still trying to figure out which direction the school gate was.

But as South Africans do, I adapted. We’re built for strange places. We survive load shedding, Eskom, and Woolies specials — Abu Dhabi didn’t stand a chance.

Slowly, the city became less intimidating and more… interesting. A place of contrasts. A place that teaches you things you didn’t ask for, but probably needed.

Before the End

The final stretch of the year felt different. Clearer. Like the dust had settled and I could finally see the shape of the experience.

I noticed the small things: The kindness of colleagues. The resilience of students. The way teachers everywhere share the same tired‑but‑determined look by Thursday afternoon.

I also realised something important: A one‑year contract doesn’t measure the value of a year. It just frames it.

And inside that frame, I learned, grew, laughed, and occasionally muttered under my breath in Afrikaans when things got… interesting.

The Whirlwind End

And then, as these things always go, the end arrived in a rush. The last few weeks were hectic — properly hectic. Finalising results, wrapping up exit admin, sorting documents, closing accounts, attending farewell gigs… it all came flying at once. There wasn’t much space left for blogging or reflecting. It felt like trying to pack up a whole year while the clock was ticking louder every day.

By the time everything was signed, stamped, boxed, and handed in, I realised just how much I needed a proper summer break back home. A breather. A reset. A chance to let the dust settle before stepping into whatever comes next.

The People & The Cities

I also met so many great people along the way. Not just fellow Saffas — though we always find each other — but expats from every corner of the world, and the countless others who keep the city running through their maintenance, service, and heavy‑lifting roles. They are endearing, hardworking, and the real heartbeat of the place.

Living in world‑class cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai was fantastic. It opened my eyes, stretched my perspective, and showed me what cosmopolitan truly means. Not just a word — a lived experience of cultures, languages, and stories crossing paths every day.

The Ones Who Keep It Afloat

And I want to say this plainly: it’s the expats — all of them — who keep the place afloat. The teachers, nurses, engineers, cleaners, drivers, admin staff, construction crews, hospitality teams… the people who make the city function from sunrise to well past midnight. They are the quiet engine behind the glamour, the ones who hold everything together with grit, humour, and unbelievable work ethic.

Seeing that up close changed my understanding of what a truly global city is. It’s not the skyline — it’s the people who make it possible.

The Lesson

If I had to summarise Abu Dhabi in proper South African style, it would be this:

It’s a place that gives you exactly what you didn’t know you needed — and takes exactly what you were already ready to leave behind.

No drama. No bitterness. Just a chapter that served its purpose.

And now… it’s time

Time for a new adventure. Time for a new landscape. Time for a new rhythm. Time to pack the bags, take a deep breath, and step into whatever comes next — with the same stubborn optimism that keeps South Africans going even when the WiFi drops during a Teams meeting.

What remains?

A few good memories. A few great people. A clearer sense of direction. And the quiet satisfaction of knowing I didn’t stay too long or leave too early — just long enough to learn what I needed.

Abu Dhabi will stay filed under “Good chapter, solid lessons, no regrets” — the kind you look back on with a small smile.