So I've finally done it.

After months of delays and endless ups and downs later, everything came together in the last 48 hours in a bit of a blur. 30kg heavier, and armed with a handful of monopoly money (or Dirham as it's formally known) for a new life in the desert, I set off for the airport. Typically I'm terrible with goodbyes, the usually emotionless ice queen melts into a blubbering little pool when it comes to closing a chapter of my life. But not this time.


Maybe it's because I've had so much time to prepare. Maybe it's because I've said my goodbyes to friends countless times, only to turn up with the promise of cocktails and dancing that same weekend. Maybe it's because I've looked at every blog/website/video imaginable on being an expat in Dubai, to the point that I feel like I already know my way around. Or maybe it's because this is too exciting to be feared. Of course I'm going to miss days with my mum and dad, home cooked meals, Box Friday's, brunch Saturday's and hungover Sunday's that religiously plagued my London and Cheshire weekends. Not to mention my closest girlfriends to comfort, reassure and mislead me on a daily basis. But life is too short to spend it in one place.


So with martini in hand I say goodbye for now. In 12 hours time, I'll see you on the other side.