The Move: Finding My Ecosystem

Something I find interesting is that any time I've moved, or taken the plunge into a new situation, city or place, there's a strange contradiction that comes with it. One part of the experience feels completely destabilising — everything is unfamiliar, your usual rhythms disappear, and even the simplest things require a little more effort and thought. But at the same time, I become so much more conscious of all my little comforts and routines — the things I crave when I'm trying to feel grounded again.

It's almost as though, when everything familiar is stripped away, those things rise to the surface. You get to know a part of yourself again through the habits and comforts you didn't even realise mattered so much: the coffee you like in the morning, the kind of spaces you feel most at peace in, the things you instinctively reach for when you need comfort, the way you like to spend an evening. You start to understand why you do those little things — and realise that, actually, they were never so little to you. In some quiet way, they're part of what makes you feel like you, part of the little home ecosystem you've created for yourself.

It's been just over a week since I landed in Dubai and moved my whole life here — and that's exactly what this first week has felt like. All my favourite things to do, the ways I like to spend my time, have been stripped away — but with that has come an invitation to create those things anew: to explore the city, meet new people, and slowly build a life that feels like me again. And honestly, from what I've experienced this week, I feel excited and grateful for what's ahead.

And I think, for me, building a life here starts with finding the little things that make me feel grounded. Finding your favourite supermarket — the one that's close by and, importantly, has all your favourite things — makes a surprising difference. Once you know where you're doing your weekly shop, the anxiety of being somewhere new drops considerably. There's an abundance of supermarkets here, but Spinneys and Lulu feel the closest to what I'm used to, and their delicatessen sections are filled with fresh salads and healthy options.

Then there's finding a place to write. Somewhere I can sit for a while, gather my thoughts, jot down ideas and recipes, and think about the week ahead. I've always loved having that little pocket of time to myself — to let my mind wander, mull things over and see what ideas come to the surface.

I wish I could say I stay at home and get all of this done in a quiet little studio, but honestly, I usually opt for a cute café with nice light, where I tend to watch the morning come in. I like the occasional hustle and bustle around me — the sound of busy hands preparing food or making coffee somewhere nearby. Strangely, I find it quite peaceful. There's something about being tucked away in my own little corner while life carries on around me that makes it easier and more joyful for me to write. It feels like you're watching life unfold around you, and it tends to inspire your own thoughts and ideas.

Where have I found that? Angel Cakes Café in Dubai Creek Harbour — a little café perched right on the promenade. After my first few days here, I really felt the lack of a little café I knew I could go to. I love Dubai Creek Harbour out of everywhere I've been in Dubai so far. Albeit it's early, and I'm sure I'll find plenty more. But it's so peaceful in the evenings, as the sun reflects off the water and the hazy buildings of the city feel like soft silhouettes in the distance. It feels so peaceful — I love the view, and it's so easy to get lost in my own little world. Plus, the coffee is good.

So that's my first recommendation — you won't be disappointed. The view and sunset alone, in the evening, make it worth it. I've been stealing evenings there — 30 to 40 minutes just to watch the sunset. It's quiet and relaxed. I like being by the water and how the big city evaporates into the distance. I watch the movement of the water, and honestly, it helps put my mind to rest — like my worries and anxieties fade into the distance along with the sunset.

After my coffee cup is finished and I've got a little work done, I tend to walk along the promenade to end the day. It's approaching the end of summer, and the sun has been setting just after 6.30 — you'll notice families and dogs out for a walk, and Dubai seems to take on a new lease of life in the evening, once the sun's gone down and the heat isn't so intense. Close by, I've also made another discovery for something sweet — a spot called Flaky. I called in this week and tasted the most beautifully moreish Portuguese tart.

Another favourite part of my week was my first home-cooked meal in my little apartment — for me, that is peace. I just like the quietness of it, hearing the food simmering in the pan and the gentleness of that. I'm still pretty short on pots and pans, having only been here a week, but I bought a cast iron pan as an easy thing I could put into the oven and use on the hob. For that evening, it was a simple tomato and butter bean stew with feta crushed on top, all fresh from the supermarket that day. Give me more simple evenings like that, and honestly, that's me in my happy place. And on the to-do list this week: collect a few more pots and pans.

I've found that the takeaway scene in Dubai is incredible — things are so convenient in every sense, and potentially even more economical, than cooking. It's been great for inspiration too; I've had some incredible Lebanese food, and I love how sweet and savoury are mixed together to make mouth-watering combinations, which will definitely inspire some future recipes I share here. But for someone who loves to cook, it would be a little heartbreaking to opt for convenience all the time. But I'll definitely keep you up to date on some of my favourites when I find them!

For my final favourite part of the week: I visited the Palm Jumeirah Mall and came across a shop I'd only ever seen online called Sandro. It's a French designer brand, and the clothes were beautiful. I opted for a timeless cotton ruffle shirt that was in the sale, as a little treat for starting my new job. Also worth mentioning is the food hall there, Depachika — really good ramen and espresso bars, somewhere you can lounge for a while after a shopping trip. I opted for ramen, and managed to drizzle sauce on my blouse — not so great.

So there you have it — a little glimpse into my first week of finding my feet here. I'm still figuring things out, still getting lost, and still discovering what I like and where I feel most myself — piece by piece, rebuilding that little ecosystem to help this place feel a little more like home. I have a feeling I've only scratched the surface of this city, and I'm quite excited to see what else I find.

If you know Dubai better than I do (which, at this point, is basically everyone), send your favourite spots my way. Cafés, walks, hidden gems, places I simply have to see — I’d love to hear them. I’m taking notes.