# Life Abroad & Travel Stories > Honest stories of life abroad, culture, travel and work ## Posts - [My Journey Getting a UAE Driving Licence — One of My Hardest Achievements Abroad](https://lifeabroadstories.com/my-uae-driving-story/): A real and honest story of how I got my UAE driving licence. The long process, the fear, the support from my team, the lessons on UAE roads and the confidence I finally gained. - [Is Relocating to the UAE Worth It? My Honest Journey of Struggle, Confidence and Growth](https://lifeabroadstories.com/is-relocating-to-the-uae-worth-it-my-honest-journey-of-struggle-confidence-and-growth/): An honest reflection on relocating to the UAE, facing challenges and finding growth through struggle. - [Eid in Dubai Through My Kenyan Eyes](https://lifeabroadstories.com/eid-in-dubai-through-my-kenyan-eyes/): A Kenyan woman’s first real experience of Eid in the UAE, seeing the shine, the joy and finding her own small moment in a celebration she only knew from TV or passing through town. - [When I First Arrived in the UAE: The Untold Reality of a New Immigrant Worker](https://lifeabroadstories.com/when-i-first-arrived-in-the-uae-the-untold-reality-of-a-new-immigrant-worker/): A simple, honest story of my early days in the UAE. Long shifts, shared rooms, small salary and the quiet strength it took to survive as a new immigrant. - [Culture Shock in the UAE: The Things Nobody Warned Me About](https://lifeabroadstories.com/culture-shock-in-the-uae-the-things-nobody-warned-me-about/): My real experiences adjusting to life in the UAE. The heat, the rules, the people, the malls and the silent moments that shaped me. - [The Reality of Salaries for Newcomers in the Gulf](https://lifeabroadstories.com/the-reality-of-salaries-for-newcomers-in-the-gulf/): A real and honest look at what people in the Gulf actually earn. The salaries, the struggles, the shared rooms, the pressure and the courage it takes to survive and grow in a new land. - [How I Became a Mall Toilet Cleaner (Plot Twist of the Year)](https://lifeabroadstories.com/how-i-became-a-mall-toilet-cleaner-plot-twist-of-the-year/): Visa pressure, survival mode and a mop- the real story of how I ended up cleaning mall toilets in the UAE. - [The Accommodation That Humbled Me/Bedspace](https://lifeabroadstories.com/the-accommodation-that-humbled-me-bedspace/): How a tiny bedspace in the UAE humbled me, taught me patience and made me laugh at my own expectations. - [From Eldoret (Kenya) to Dubai Job Hunting With 3 Months Visa and No Experience.](https://lifeabroadstories.com/from-eldoret-kenya-to-dubai-job-hunting-with-3-months-visa-and-no-experience/): From cows and dusty roads in Eldoret to AC blasting malls in Dubai - my journey was not smooth but it was unforgettable. - [Summer Said Welcome Before Anyone Else.](https://lifeabroadstories.com/summer-said-welcome-before-anyone-else/): Arriving in the UAE in summer felt like stepping into a new world hot, overwhelming and unforgettable - [The Girl Who Dreamed Beyond the Village in Eldoret, Kenya](https://lifeabroadstories.com/the-girl-who-dreamed-beyond-the-village-in-eldoret-kenya/): A tender story about a village girl with big dreams, quiet courage and a heart that refused to stay small even when the world around her was. ## Pages - [Kenya](https://lifeabroadstories.com/kenya/): KENYA TRAVEL GUIDE If you’re traveling to Kenya for the first time, let me prepare you gently and with love.  Your journey may begin at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi where the warm air hits your face and you instantly know you’ve arrived somewhere lively. Nairobi is a city that never sits still. Cars everywhere, people everywhere and somehow everyone looks like they know exactly where they’re going. Don’t worry, you’ll blend in quickly. Nairobi gives you a little bit of everything ; wildlife, busy markets, modern malls, restaurants, nightlife and that chaotic charm that somehow starts feeling comforting once […] - [Maldives](https://lifeabroadstories.com/maldives/) - [North Macedonia](https://lifeabroadstories.com/north-macedonia/) - [UAE Itinerary](https://lifeabroadstories.com/uae-itinerary/): UAE Custom Budget Itinerary — What You’ll Receive Planning a trip to the UAE can feel overwhelming especially with so many attractions, hotels and transport options. When you purchase a custom UAE itinerary, you’ll receive a complete budget friendly travel plan created from real experience  shaped by the years I’ve lived here and the places I’ve explored myself. Here’s what your personalized itinerary includes: ✔️ Recommended Budget Hotels Handpicked options based on: You’ll receive 3–5 hotel recommendations with links, prices and reasons why each one fits your budget. ✔️ Day by Day Travel Plan A clear schedule tailored to your: Your […] - [Budget Travel Itineraries](https://lifeabroadstories.com/budget-travel-itineraries-2/): Budget Travel Itineraries Travel doesn’t have to be expensive and I’m living proof of that. Many people assume I travel because I have money but the truth is simple; I’ve learned how to travel smart, simple and beautifully on a budget. Every trip has taught me how to stretch my coins, find hidden gems and enjoy a country without overspending.  This section is for anyone planning a trip and needing a custom budget friendly itinerary created from real experience. I only create itineraries for countries I’ve personally visited, so everything you receive is based on places I’ve seen, routes I’ve taken […] - [Budget Travel Itineraries](https://lifeabroadstories.com/budget-travel-itineraries/): Travel doesn’t have to be expensive and I’m living proof of that. People often assume I travel because I have money but the truth is simple; I’ve learned how to travel smart, simple and beautifully on a budget. Every trip I’ve taken has taught me how to stretch my coins, find hidden gems and enjoy a country without overspending. This section is for anyone planning a trip and needing a custom budget friendly itinerary created from real experience. I only create itineraries for countries I’ve personally visited, so everything you receive is based on places I’ve seen, routes I’ve taken and […] - [Dubai Travel Guide](https://lifeabroadstories.com/dubai-travel-guide-first-time-visitors/): Dubai Travel Guide Welcome to Dubai (First Time Visitors) If you’re visiting Dubai for the first time, welcome to the land of AC, malls and heat that slaps you like a jealous ex. This guide is not from a tourist who stayed in a five star hotel for three days. It’s from someone who actually lives here, survived the culture shock, the visa pressure, the bedspace life and the long shifts. I want to give you a simple, honest and sometimes funny guide to Dubai. so you arrive prepared, relaxed and ready to enjoy, not just struggle. What to Expect in […] - [Contact](https://lifeabroadstories.com/contact-2/): Get In Touch Feel free to reach out with any questions, thoughts, or collaborations. I’d love to hear from you Use the form below or email me anytime. - [Blog](https://lifeabroadstories.com/home/blog/) - [Pricing](https://lifeabroadstories.com/pricing/): Pricing Discover stories of migration and life abroad. Thoughts From Our Valued Readers I found a piece of myself in every story Cathy shares on her blog. Start Your Storytelling Journey Ideal for newcomers to blogging. $10 Elevate Your Storytelling Skills Perfect for dedicated writers looking to grow. $20 For the Passionate Storyteller Includes everything for advanced users. $15 FAQs Find out more about our blog and its content. “Cathy’s writing feels like a warm hug.” James Smith - [Gallery](https://lifeabroadstories.com/gallery/): Gallery Behind every image lies a memory, a feeling and a chapter of my life abroad. Come explore the stories they whisper. My Creative Journey Life abroad has a way of stretching you, softening you and teaching you to see beauty in unexpected corners. These images are pieces of my heart snapshots of the journey that continues to shape who I am becoming. Your Voice Matters: Thank you for being here. My stories come from real moments, real struggles and real joy and I’d love to hear what touched your heart. Share your thoughts, your own experiences abroad, or anything you […] - [Our Mission](https://lifeabroadstories.com/our-mission/): Our Mission Discover the heartfelt stories of a Kenyan writer in Dubai. Crafting heartfelt stories about migration and identity To share authentic personal narratives. Creating a community through shared experiences. Explore My Personal Writing Portfolio Each piece reflects my journey and resonates with readers. Reflections on My Writing Journey Personal stories of my growth as a writer. Insights on Migration Experiences Thoughts on the migration journey and identity. Living and Thriving Abroad Experiences of living in a new culture. Essays on Everyday Life Reflections on daily life and its significance. Join Our Newsletter Subscribe for updates and insights. - [Services](https://lifeabroadstories.com/services/): Services Discover the heartfelt stories of a Kenyan writer in Dubai. What We Offer Personal stories and reflections. Authentic Personal Migration Narratives Thoughtful Insights on Daily Life Understanding Self Through Experiences Engagement with My Readers In-Depth Essays on Living Overseas Stay Updated with My Latest Stories Engaging narratives that resonate with readers’ experiences We focus on honest storytelling that reflects everyday life and migration. Genuine narratives from real experiences Stories that resonate with everyday life. Discover diverse perspectives on migration Understanding through different cultural lenses. Get in Touch with Cathy We’d love to hear from you! - [About](https://lifeabroadstories.com/about-2/): About Discover the heartfelt stories of a Kenyan writer in Dubai. Who Is Cathy? Cathy is a Kenyan writer based in Dubai, focused on personal narratives that explore migration identity and the journey of building a life abroad. With each story, Cathy shares reflections on migration and identity, creating a warm and inviting space for readers. Through her blog, Cathy invites readers into her world. My Creative Journey I didn’t plan to become a writer. Writing simply refused to leave me alone. Somewhere between the quiet paths of my village and the bright noise of Dubai, stories started tapping my shoulder […] - [Subscribe](https://lifeabroadstories.com/subscribe/) - [Home](https://lifeabroadstories.com/): Hi, I’m Cathy. I was born and raised near Eldoret Kenya and today I’m building a life in Dubai UAE.This space is where I share the stories that shaped me the funny ones, the painful ones, the hopeful ones and the ones I’m still learning from. Life abroad has a way of stretching you, humbling you and teaching you who you really are.Through these stories, I hope to make someone out there feel a little less alone, a little more seen and a little braver. Welcome to my corner of the internet. I’m glad you’re here. My Mission I write to […] - [Stories from a life in motion](https://lifeabroadstories.com/home/): Reflections on belonging, becoming, and the quiet moments that shape us. The Things I Learned While Figuring Out Life Abroad Moving Abroad Moving abroad taught me lessons I never saw coming some beautiful, some painful, and some so ridiculous I can only laugh about them now. Nothing prepares you for the mix of hope, confusion, homesickness, and unexpected joy that comes with starting over in a new country. This is a reflection on the things I learned while trying to figure out life far from home — one mistake, one breakthrough, and one funny disaster at a time Stories A collection […] ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/lifeabroadstories.com/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)