This week’s Into-yous features British expat Tori Leckie.

Tell us a little about yourself
Originally hailing from Scotland, I am a Hong Kong-raised expat brat. I am an adventure-loving free spirit who loves running, mountaineering and any other sport that gets the blood pumping. When not traveling to all four corners to embark on some far-flung challenge, I moonlight as a freelance writer. In addition to writing for various magazines here, I have columns with Lovestyle.com and Outdoor UAE magazine and I am a communications consultant for Ignite fitness & wellness. Oh and I occasionally write the odd post (!) for my blog – fit chicks & fast women.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here
I moved here three years ago as my then partner had a new job opportunity.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where
I am a true ‘expat kid’ as my dad has been in Hong Kong since the 70’s so I grew up there and went to the German Swiss school there for 10 years.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
I don’t really recall any advice as our move was totally out of the blue and very sudden. We just jumped with both feet in the hope of a new adventure in then unchartered territory!

What surprised you most about Dubai
How sporty it is. I expected with the climate, the landscape and the perceived reputation of being party central, that I would struggle to find other likeminded people. How wrong I was!

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai
Not bothered. Wherever I lay my hat, I can make a perfect little sanctuary to call home. The size, location or address is secondary.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
‘Assalaam Alaikum’ which means ‘Peace be upon you’ … such a lovely way to greet someone!

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
Predictable I know but it would have to be ‘Inshallah.’ Although annoyingly, it is the standard response to any problem you are attempting to solve, I hear myself say it all the time!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date
Too many to mention! I still wake up every day feeling excited about what the day holds. We’re all so spoilt here.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday
Mmmm. I do like to travel so I spend about as much time ‘on holiday’ as I do ‘at work’ but most of my trips sound more like punishment as all too often, they involve running in long events or climbing high mountains. As for my next, hopefully Nepal next weekend to run a mountain marathon for a kids’ charity.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai
I can’t pick just one of my family members! I miss all my family – regularly. Sometimes you crave those afternoons sitting around the kitchen table just chatting with the people who know you best.

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai
For romance, Ozone at the One & Only, for a juicy steak, Grand Grill at Habtoor and for carrot cake and chicken kebabs, Lime Tree – no contest!

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country
Muller Lights – the Vanilla with Dark Choc variety – delish.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them
To Bastikiya for a wonder around the galleries and a glimpse of old Dubai and then on an abra for a cruise along the creek. And girlfriends always want to visit good old Dolce & Karama for some ‘genuine fake’ (!) handbags.

– – – – – – – – –

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).