How to be a happy expat

Because a cloud wall makes you want to take a selfie. 

After 10 years living in the UAE, some of that time happy, some miserable and the rest just about everything in between, I finally feel qualified to write this piece.

The answer to the question "How to be a happy expat"?

It's back! It's back! Get ready for the Terry Fox Run 2018

Go here to register for this 8.5km track along Abu Dhabi's Corniche on Friday, January 19. See you there!

Canada Day in the UAE: The last supper at Maple Leaf Diner in Dubai

I am super sad about this. Apparently the Maple Leaf Diner in Jumeirah is already closed and July 1 will be the last chance to visit the location in JLT. Opened by brothers Ahmed and Moutaz Al Ghussein, Maple Leaf offered yummy smoked meat sandwiches, hand-made cheese curds and lots of Canadian memorabilia.

You have three days to visit.

Overheard in the newsroom: Justin Bieber's is it too late to say Sorry? edition

It's an apology bear. It should be bigger.

Canadians of the UAE: Meet Hala Khalaf

Hala, Alana and Mr T.

Meet Hala Khalaf, a writer who has lived in the UAE for seven years.

"I’ve never felt more Canadian than I do living right here in the UAE. I acquired Canadian citizenship as a teenager living in London, Ontario, after having grown up in three different Arab countries before that. Then, after university, I left Canada - more than 13 years ago - and I’ve only been back “home” to Ontario for short visits. When I’m asked where I’m from, I didn’t always identify as a Canadian immediately.

When a loonie is more than a loonie - and doesn't buy very many dirhams

I don't usually get too excited about currency fluctations - the drop in funds that I experienced when transferring money into US dollars back in 2008, when I moved here was shocking and I totally freaked out when my financial adviser showed me the figures. Since then I have calmed down, having the benefit of time to see that what goes around comes around. Having said that, I did just transfer a chunk of savings into Canadian dollars with the idea that it is either a good time to invest in property back in Canada or just hang onto the Canadian dollars until the US dollar weakens. A foreign exchange expert I am not.

One thing I do know is that it's important to diversify your currencies when living over here, and yes, also to possibly take advantage of the dollar's fluctuations. The National breaks down the current dollar situation here.

New Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau really hit the ground running this week

That includes making history by choosing a thoughtful, representative cabinet that is 50 per cent women. When a reporter asked him why, he said: "Because it's 2015." I've never been farther away from Canada, in years gone or miles traveled, but I've also never felt more grateful and proud to be Canadian.

Tim Hortons in Abu Dhabi, UAE and Canadian foreign ministers edition

What on earth are Canada's John Baird and the UAE's Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed talking about, do you think? Let's hope it's that pesky visa issue.

Today around 1pm, Abu Dhabi Mall location.