This week’s Into-yous features Indian expat Jennifer Mendosa.

Tell us a little about yourself
I am a French teacher at a leading school in Dubai. I adore my job. I have 3 wonderful children and a son in law. My husband and I strive hard to keep our family happy and loving and yes we have succeeded.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I came to Dubai in 1981 after I had my eldest daughter. She was 3 months when we rejoined my husband, who had just moved from Oman.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
No, never.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
In the ’80’s I was told I would be living in a desert but I was willing to take the chance since my husband was living in that desert as well.

What surprised you most about Dubai?
Dubai is another Mumbai – a cosmopolitan state – friendly and warm. This surprised me the most. I was indeed staying in a place I can almost call my home.

What area do you live in?
Sharjah

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
I dont think I would like to swap Dubai for any other part of the world. My family and I have traveled extensively, but the safest and cleanest place in the world is Dubai

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Inshallah

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
the greenest desert.

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Actually everyday is a sweet experience, although we do have traffic here in the morning, its nothing compared to the nonsensical traffic back home.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
With my eldest daughter in the US.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My son who works in Mumbai and my eldest daughter and her husband in the US.

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
Blue Elephant – Al Bustan Rotana

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
I miss the small fenugreek leaves that are bundled up and sold in the bazaar area. You get the big fenugreek leaves here, but the smaller the leaves, the tastier they are.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
To every famous nook and corner in Dubai The Atlantis, Burj Khalifa, The Metro, Dubai Mall…

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The team at Expat Echo Dubai would like to feature you in our Into-yous section

Please complete our 5 minute interview and submit your answers along with a profile picture (in JPEG format).