My name is Norma and I live in Abu Dhabi, more specifically I should say I am living in Abu Dhabi as I have only been here for twelve weeks and am not in a position to see it as my permanent home. I am finding that living alone in a foreign environment for the first time in my life has given me opportunities to reflect and to decide where my priorities are. I have left this opportunity until middle age, which separates me from many of my colleagues who have already travelled far more widely than I could ever hope to do.