Nature!

Soothing! Uplifting! My end of day walk, a little later tonight and you get a stunning sky in return.
The police were there, broadcasting their message, talking to some. But not me. They either remember me or ‘white privilege’ applies, as a former colleague who isn’t ‘white’ said one day when she was frustrated with someone’s behaviour. (Needless to say I don’t like the language or distinction, it’s what was said.) So many layers in these Gulf countries with locals and foreigners. Hard to adequately describe the complexities here..
I got some good advice about how the employment and visa system here works, decided I didn’t want to be locked in for 2 years with an employer who’s unlikely to let me change companies, but will expect me to accept less than legal behaviour. Crazy to think of resigning in these current circumstances but it buys me freedom to get work here again. I’m working illegally on an expired tourist visa, although the first hurdle to get a visa has been cleared. I spoke to the police about my tourist visa who advised I can renew it next week without a penalty. A colleague was directed two weeks ago to do it, but didn’t..
I spoke to the Acting CEO who offered to give me a one year contract instead of 2, I’ll not get my salary halved like my colleagues (the law also states a corresponding reduction in hours but that’s not being honoured), and I can do the extra work I want to do, and get paid without it being built into my current contract. I’m still not convinced, especially with her level of frustration with the owner, but management consultants have been employed, and I’m only stuck for one year now. Let’s see how it goes.