The Sheik Watches Me Sleep

I am sad to report that Abu Dhabi is not all glitter. It is not Eldorado and it is not studded in diamond.

Firstly, there's the issue of actual school work. Sure, it's the reason why I'm here, but that doesn't mean that I have to adore it. Though I do adore my Calculus class. What can I say? I'm a romantic and a math major. But homework is beginning to take an actual portion of my life again, which is really a good thing. It provides structure to my life and allows me to set reasonable, daily goals. This is turn gives me a sense of accomplishment other than that pseudo-accomplished feeling that accompanies getting out of bed during the summer months. (Yes, I was that lazy this last summer. What did you do with the last 7 weeks of your life? Oh, you didn't move to Abu Dhabi? Then don't judge me.)

Secondly, there is the issue of living under a monarchy. Now, keep in mind that I am running a risk even posting what I am about to, but it must be done. His Highness Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is in fact a King. Now, he is a good monarch. People here love him, and for good reason. He has ruled justly and fairly. And, in fact, he is my kind and generous benefactor (Thanks, Sheik Khalifa!). But, he is still a monarch. He might well call himself a president and act de facto as such, but ruling party is passes on by blood line. As a red blooded American, I am basically obligated to dislike monarchies if on nothing more than principle alone. That is to say that I dislike the establishment that the Sheik represents, while still liking the Sheik.

Unfortunately, my recent coming of cultural age (if it could be called such) deems that I have to take a second look at this dislike for monarchies. Is it only my Western ideals that dictate my desire to see democracy spread and monarchies gone? More than likely. Is there really an issue with a monarchy if it really, truly works? I don't know. And for now, that has to be my honest answer. If the people are happy and the majority want a king, isn't that some sort of twisted democracy anyway (not looking for logical debates here, just throwing this stuff out)? In the end, there might well be no grounds for my monarchy-disliking. If that's the case, than I stand corrected.

And just on a side note, a gloriously lit photo of his Highness Sheik Khalifa sits on the building opposite mine. He watches me. All through the day and through the night whilst I sleep…His gaze is so wise and discerning. Maybe I'm already turning!

There are many other things that I am growing accustomed to in this place. One of which is the concept of a labouring class. These people are so patient and kind. You literally can't "No, you go first them" them out. They will always win and somehow I always go through the door first. They open a door, and thank me. I don't get it. And I really can't escape it either. At the university cafeteria, they bus our plates and pick up our trash. There isn't even an option for us to take the initiative. No trash cans or bins for dishes. Not only is very un-college like, it seems almost inhuman. It seems inhuman to have a class of migrant workers always working to service and convenience me. I don't think I'm quite comfortable with it. I'll write more on it in the future. That's it for now.

From the capital of global academy and the new beast that is NYUAD, this is the Lesser Scholar saying goodnight.