Elham Al Dhaheri talks about her first weeks at The National, and adjusting to life in Abu Dhabi.

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As the days go by, my confidence in becoming a journalist grows stronger. I have written my first news story, and seen my article in print. Boy, what a good feeling that is! It has really made me look forward to writing more articles and seeing them out there.

I am also getting to know Abu Dhabi city better. Dining out been nice, as there are really good varieties of restaurants. Grocery stores are open 24 hours here, which is really very convenient for parents; you might be short of diapers without realising. I have been to Yas Mall, and it is a great place to spend your day. They have a place called Rogo’s, a roller coaster restaurant. By far, it is the most unique experience I have ever had in a restaurant. The food was amazing, too.

But there are some things I really miss, like my son. I miss him all the time. It has been a struggle for me to be apart from him. The good news, though, is that at 20 months, misses me back, unlike before, when he constantly wanted to run away from me. It is a good balance now, and I think I am starting to like it. Something else that I really miss is Al Ain’s beautiful weather. It is winter now and Abu Dhabi is not really there yet. The humidity is still around, and a shower a day is not enough, especially if you are a pregnant woman. We feel hot all the time. I am not quite sure how it is going to be in summer. Nevertheless, the good outweighs the bad, and that is a good situation to be in. Alhamdulillah.

ealdaheri@thenational.ae