This week’s Into-yous features American expat Toni Snyder

Tell us a little about yourself:
39 year-old American expat. Came for career but met my Husband here and had a son. I struggled with being a new mother so started a social group of mothers with like-aged children in my neighborhood. I still moderate the group and keep everyone active. Currently trying to ease my way back into work. I love Dubai but seen plenty of its ups & downs and been in them! I am quite a foodie and love to do reviews and love to indulge in everything the UAE has to offer. We do loads more stay-cations than travel. I was your lucky winner of tickets to see OLIVER! at Madinat Jumeirah. THANKS…it was
WONDERFUL! I read & write and speak a bit of arabic…which is weird because I am blonde!

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
2003. I came to study at AUD and get out of the States for a look at the world!

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
Jordan.  Just 1 year.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai:
Keep your guard up but keep an open mind. Take the beauty (cultural practices) from the many cultures here and leave behind the poor habits you can live without, along with those you brought with you.

What surprised you most about Dubai?
The complicated mix of people that somehow forms an amazing place to live & experiencing without ever even jumping on a plane.

What area do you live in?
The Springs

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
An apartment: I would love to live in the Trade Center Residence or The Limestone House (DIFC)…because I love the energy of the hustle & bustle with a great view of the nightscape in a posh setting.

A villa: Emirates Hills or one of those lucky right-on-the-beach
dwellers’ villas…ANY ONE!!

Your favourite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far:
Insha’allah. I secretly love it even though foreigners hate it here…hahaha…shh, dont tell 😉

Your least favourite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai:
“…he know the law, you didn’t…sorry…”

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Not enough space here to share!
Meeting my husband.
Having my son here.
My career experience.
Learning so much about so many types of people…cultures & religion.
Learning about patience.
An appreciation for the people, history, and structure of my own country.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
France.  My family all really wants to go…so do I!

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My sister and her 6 children.

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
One of my husband’s clients just opened this place called ‘Wok -it’ in Karama. the owners love for far-eastern food donned the menu with his favorite street-foods from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, etc. table. I also love Sai Dham, Paul, Cafe Supreme, Lavazza JBR. MoMo at Harvey Niks, Starbucks, Maria Bonitas, Pars Diyyaffa,The Farm.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Bocca Burgers & egbeaters. Vegitarian alternatives.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
The Farm, Sai Dham, & Pars.
The creek abra, Madinat Jumeirah, the Metro, and Dragon Mart.