Memories of the Middle East

Six months ago the above was view able from the back of my house, or more accurately, villa.   Six months ago I left the Middle East after working there for seven years, returning back to the UK for new challenges and opportunities.

I look back and realize that I miss a number of things including the views and the heat.   I miss my 4.6 litre mustang and the low cost of fuel and cigarettes.    I miss ending the day by the pool or spending the weekend sat with fellow ex-pats in the heat solving the worlds problems over a pint.

I also realize that I am glad to see the back of some things, such as the heat, particularly during the summer months when it becomes very difficult especially where, as I was doing at the time, you had to do a fair amount of driving.   I am glad to no longer have to go through complex Visa processes every couple of years.

My new location may now have the same view as the Middle East however the views around Somerset are equally breathtaking, although this is currently limited by the temperature.   The last thing I want to do is stand around and admire the scenery when temperate is only 1 or 2 degrees.   Clearly I am still acclimatizing.   My new role provides me with new challenges which are keeping me engaged and excited.    I am now closer to my family and that of my wifes such that we can regularly see them on a much more frequent basis than when we were in the Middle East.

I reflect on my time in the Middle East and after 7 years there, there are many things I now miss.    There are also many things which I am glad to be away from.

I reflect on my experiences and am glad that I took the opportunity and went to the Middle East.   I would recommend it to anyone considering it although I will admit it isn’t for everyone.  That said, if you don’t try it, how will you ever know.    If you do try it then maybe like me you will come away with a long list of pleasant memories and experiences, plus with a broader view of the world.

So its back to reminiscing on my memories of the Middle East, and hoping the thoughts will be enough to keep me warm in these winter evenings!

 

 

Author: Gary Henderson

Gary Henderson is currently the Director of IT in an Independent school in the UK.Prior to this he worked as the Head of Learning Technologies working with public and private schools across the Middle East.This includes leading the planning and development of IT within a number of new schools opening in the UAE.As a trained teacher with over 15 years working in education his experience includes UK state secondary schools, further education and higher education, as well as experience of various international schools teaching various curricula. This has led him to present at a number of educational conferences in the UK and Middle East.

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