After not enough sleep, we were on the way again! Another sunny day but had a huge sandstorm this morning as those of you watching on tv will have seen - games continued - Tui even played in it! But made us pretty dusty for the rest of the day.
Highlight of the day? Meeting DJ Forbes - NZ's captain - such an awesome guy and quite cute up close. I do have a pic as evidence but it's on Kalala's camera so will post it tomorrow. They had just played Kenya and won even though it looked shaky for a while there. We told him he'd given us a scare, he laughed and said they'd had one too and that they were nervous about playing England that afternoon. He also said England would have most of the crowd support so we promised we'd be as vocal as possible in our wee corner. In saying that, as it turned out, yes England did have an incredible amount of support but NZ were popular too.
However that leads to the lowlight of the day - we lost to England in the semi final - 21-19. They just ran all over us in the first half. We almost caught up in the second half - one missed conversion was what was needed to have drawn and gone into extra time. Gutted? We sure were. However we all got together and did a haka for them on our stand as they moved around the field thanking fans - they stopped and watched us - amazing feeling - everyone rushed to watch and I KNOW we were on tv!
We were a bit flat after that but swung into supporting South Africa in the final - they were playing England and there was NO way we were going to cheer for red and white. Thrilling final and South Afirica pulled it off in the last seconds of the game.
Sevens are great wherever they are but having the opportunity to attend the Dubai ones was amazing. So a huge thanks to Brent for organising so much of it - and thanks to all the kiwis I went with - real and honourary!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Sevens Day One
Awesome day! 36 of us (all Kiwis bar 1 SA, 1 American and 2 Aussies) went to Duabi 7s today - we caught minivans there and most of us were wearing the tshirts we got made - looked awesome!
Great venue, warm as, awesome seats and lots of fun. Not as jammed as Wellington which was really nice. Kiwis played well winning all games, as did Samoa. Some of our boys, including Tui and Wayne, are playing in the local tournament and they won all their games as well - tomorrow's gonna be an interestng day!
Kids came today but won't tomorrow as we'll be home much later and it would be a long two days for them. Jamin and I wandered down to give Gordy a few tips for the game - pic attached. Nice, nice guy - very friendly and great with the kids! Thanks to Tui they also all got to meet the Samoan 7s team and get pics and autographs - just in heaven!
Not as many people get dressed up in costumes as they do for the 7s in Wgtn but there were still a few. Most people were quite relaxed. The merchandise was amazing with huge selections so spent a bit of dosh there.
Anyway another early start in the am so off to bed- hoping to see a good kiwi haka tomorrow night - will prob cry!
Great venue, warm as, awesome seats and lots of fun. Not as jammed as Wellington which was really nice. Kiwis played well winning all games, as did Samoa. Some of our boys, including Tui and Wayne, are playing in the local tournament and they won all their games as well - tomorrow's gonna be an interestng day!
Kids came today but won't tomorrow as we'll be home much later and it would be a long two days for them. Jamin and I wandered down to give Gordy a few tips for the game - pic attached. Nice, nice guy - very friendly and great with the kids! Thanks to Tui they also all got to meet the Samoan 7s team and get pics and autographs - just in heaven!
Not as many people get dressed up in costumes as they do for the 7s in Wgtn but there were still a few. Most people were quite relaxed. The merchandise was amazing with huge selections so spent a bit of dosh there.
Anyway another early start in the am so off to bed- hoping to see a good kiwi haka tomorrow night - will prob cry!
Henna
Finally got my hand henna-ed - they were doing it at school to get ready for National Day. A 15 year old did mine - she was very talented. It's like a thick gooey, smelly paste and can't imagine it's that easy to work with!
Once the paste is dried you rub it off and are left with bright orange stains - which deepen in colour overnight and then look amazing for a couple of days and then fade over a week or so - so will have mine for London!
Pics attached :0)
Once the paste is dried you rub it off and are left with bright orange stains - which deepen in colour overnight and then look amazing for a couple of days and then fade over a week or so - so will have mine for London!
Pics attached :0)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
National Day
Next week - the 2nd of Dec - is National Day here - it's been 37 years since the Emirates were united and the celebrations are a big deal - seriously guys - a BIG deal! The whole place is kitted out in lights (no small feat in a city our size) and everywhere is selling flags, costumes, badges, etc - all with the Shiek (the one who did the uniting but has now passed) on them. At school every morning this week they promoted it in assembly and have been selling flag earrings etc at break.
So today Sara (my translator) and I were invited to see the children's parade through town happening - my two PE teachers helped to co-ordinate it so we went to see. As it was close to Kalala's we picked up her and Measina too for a look.
It was so well organised and the children looked amazing! I was allowed to wander and talk to the children waiting to go out into the parade line and have photos - so lucky. Kalala was amazed at all the REAL gold the children were wearing! Measina just loved the colour and noise - she even waved a flag enthusiatically!
Apparently the actual day is full on everywhere - parades, food, singing - the works! I won't be here to see it all because I'll be winging my way to London but I don't feel I've missed out - the build up has been amazing!
So today Sara (my translator) and I were invited to see the children's parade through town happening - my two PE teachers helped to co-ordinate it so we went to see. As it was close to Kalala's we picked up her and Measina too for a look.
It was so well organised and the children looked amazing! I was allowed to wander and talk to the children waiting to go out into the parade line and have photos - so lucky. Kalala was amazed at all the REAL gold the children were wearing! Measina just loved the colour and noise - she even waved a flag enthusiatically!
Apparently the actual day is full on everywhere - parades, food, singing - the works! I won't be here to see it all because I'll be winging my way to London but I don't feel I've missed out - the build up has been amazing!
Yay - a Tyre!
You can not believe how happy no longer driving around on a space saver makes me! What would have been such a simple thing at home was a nightmare to do here but got sorted yesterday and I'm in a much better frame of mind - just did not feel safe on the space saver - especially in this country!
There's some things that seem so easy at home but take a lot of effort here - such as a new tyre (for me anyway!), getting your phone installed if you live in a newly built building and trying to explain where to have something delivered to. Then there's things that would be big deals at home and are not here - can't think of any examples at the mo but will - promise!
Have attached pics of the "fraud house" - it is about 1 min away from my school and we drive past it every day. It's huge and all walled off - has a helicopter landing area and it's own mosque. Apparently has a ballroom too! Basically apparently a non Emirati businessman started to build this, high up people got wind of it, said "you can't live in something like that - it's fit for royalty", had him investigated for fraud (hence the name) and found guilty (whether he was or not) and thrown in jail and work has stopped on the house. Now only the sheik and family can have it and are still deciding whether to buy it or not...taking their sweet time apparently. If work does not continue on it within 14-18 months, it'll have to be pulled down because of the time it will have sat in it's current state. So how much of this is true? Who knows but it's a good local legend!
As for the last long post, it's amazing how many people asked if that was about them. No - I don't need to dig at people, it was just saying to people not in this country that things are not all easy. And at times some problems are teh same, regardless of where in the world you are.
Ok life is about to get very busy - I will try to blog where and when I can but forgive me if they're short and not at all over the next two weeks!
There's some things that seem so easy at home but take a lot of effort here - such as a new tyre (for me anyway!), getting your phone installed if you live in a newly built building and trying to explain where to have something delivered to. Then there's things that would be big deals at home and are not here - can't think of any examples at the mo but will - promise!
Have attached pics of the "fraud house" - it is about 1 min away from my school and we drive past it every day. It's huge and all walled off - has a helicopter landing area and it's own mosque. Apparently has a ballroom too! Basically apparently a non Emirati businessman started to build this, high up people got wind of it, said "you can't live in something like that - it's fit for royalty", had him investigated for fraud (hence the name) and found guilty (whether he was or not) and thrown in jail and work has stopped on the house. Now only the sheik and family can have it and are still deciding whether to buy it or not...taking their sweet time apparently. If work does not continue on it within 14-18 months, it'll have to be pulled down because of the time it will have sat in it's current state. So how much of this is true? Who knows but it's a good local legend!
As for the last long post, it's amazing how many people asked if that was about them. No - I don't need to dig at people, it was just saying to people not in this country that things are not all easy. And at times some problems are teh same, regardless of where in the world you are.
Ok life is about to get very busy - I will try to blog where and when I can but forgive me if they're short and not at all over the next two weeks!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Think It's Time for A Break!
Roll on Dubai 7s, roll on London next week and roll on NZ in Jan! :0) Am really looking forward to being with you if you're going to be at one (or more) of those! xxx
Culture Shock
We've been told about culture shock and I guess it's always expected. But am struggling with a few things that are just this place and a few things that I guess could happen anywhere but seem magnified because you have a smaller group of people to care about and be with.
Will start with the things that are about this place - as previously mentioned need a new tyre. It has taken me three nights and loads of haggling by my dealer and his driver (with me standing useless in the background) to get me two decent quality new ones that can go on my car. Yes two coz can't get exactly the same and need to be even. So after weeding out the liars and dodgy suppliers, I have paid someone to do it tonight. Getting a receipt was hard but got it in the end - was so reluctant to hand over the cash until the job was done to my satisfaction but just not how it works here. Also what time should I drop the car off? Hmmm maybe 4.30, maybe 5, maybe 6, would I consider 7pm? Heck no! Don't want to be in that part of town at that time of the night. So will go (not on my own) at 4.30 and attempt to lay down the law. Wish me luck!
Another culture shock issue is the laid back attitude - it'll happen. All year we've been worried about curriculum coverage and teachers having enough time with students and getting stuff done - it'll happen...yeah right! Now our poor teachers may be working Fridays and Saturdays with students to make sure they're ready for exams in 3 weeks! Just wouldn't happen at home.
Not so much about culture is the realisation how much I depend on the other ex pats around me for normality and how "right" I think I am! The "rules" about interactions and appropriateness seem to have gone out the window - is that coz we're a small group and rely on each other? Or have people always been like this and I've never noticed? For example if you ask for someone's advice, don't so blatantly go against it the following week and if you know someone's busy with something, don't try and tempt them to your 'better' offer - I used to believe this and thought more people did. However the cutting in thing is very common here and bound to be absorbed, and the advice thing - well I am young and guess relatively inexperienced compared to people here so should just go with the flow and enjoy my learning curve.
Not whinging - just reflecting - hopefully it's all part of making me a better person while on my journey. :0)
Will start with the things that are about this place - as previously mentioned need a new tyre. It has taken me three nights and loads of haggling by my dealer and his driver (with me standing useless in the background) to get me two decent quality new ones that can go on my car. Yes two coz can't get exactly the same and need to be even. So after weeding out the liars and dodgy suppliers, I have paid someone to do it tonight. Getting a receipt was hard but got it in the end - was so reluctant to hand over the cash until the job was done to my satisfaction but just not how it works here. Also what time should I drop the car off? Hmmm maybe 4.30, maybe 5, maybe 6, would I consider 7pm? Heck no! Don't want to be in that part of town at that time of the night. So will go (not on my own) at 4.30 and attempt to lay down the law. Wish me luck!
Another culture shock issue is the laid back attitude - it'll happen. All year we've been worried about curriculum coverage and teachers having enough time with students and getting stuff done - it'll happen...yeah right! Now our poor teachers may be working Fridays and Saturdays with students to make sure they're ready for exams in 3 weeks! Just wouldn't happen at home.
Not so much about culture is the realisation how much I depend on the other ex pats around me for normality and how "right" I think I am! The "rules" about interactions and appropriateness seem to have gone out the window - is that coz we're a small group and rely on each other? Or have people always been like this and I've never noticed? For example if you ask for someone's advice, don't so blatantly go against it the following week and if you know someone's busy with something, don't try and tempt them to your 'better' offer - I used to believe this and thought more people did. However the cutting in thing is very common here and bound to be absorbed, and the advice thing - well I am young and guess relatively inexperienced compared to people here so should just go with the flow and enjoy my learning curve.
Not whinging - just reflecting - hopefully it's all part of making me a better person while on my journey. :0)
Monday, November 24, 2008
DIshes
Have been trying for a while to get a good pic of the satellite dishes here. The free TV isn't that great but LOTS of channels on sat dishes. What cracks me up is that some people live in the most run down hovels but have a satellite dish - shows where their priorities are!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Brats anyone?
Ha ha just realised when I posted the photos that I have none of the kids enjoying the water - the main point of the trip! Will get some :0)
Brat Camp Explained
http://www.southtravels.com/middleeast/uae/dreamlandaquapark/
Ok some of you have tried to match my Facebook comments up to this and I now realise I have been a little confusing. Last weekend we were going to go away to a water park but it got moved to the weekend just been. As it was 7 "families" going away with lots of kids - we were calling it "Brat Camp". So as you can guess, we went this weekend!
It was a great facility - have provided a bookmark for it above - things in this country are so geared for kids and ease for parents. Took two hours to get there but the place is really well laid out with loads of lifegaurds and the whole thing felt very safe.
The park is next to the Arabian Gulf which made for spectacular scenery. Unfortunately my camera only lasted until Friday night (must remember to charge it much more for London!) so I don't have any pics of the rides etc - will steal some off the others for here.
Spent all Friday going up and down the rides etc with the kids - was great - good excuse to have fun - especially when I mostly had Kiana who's 7, Anja who's 3 and Niamh who's 5 - they needed adult supervision! (Any excuse eh...) However one ride was called the Kamikaze - HUGE slides that go very fast - I got to the top and badly wanted to chicken out but had the 5 year old waiting behind me - had to save face - OMG! Only did it once!
The park was really well laid out, well supervised, reasoanbly priced (considering you couldn't take food and drink in) and even though it was busy think the longest I waited for a ride was about 4 mins! They have cabins on site so we booked 7 to stay the night. The price included food for a bbq, breakfast and great facilities (with air con!) Luxury camping I tell you. I stayed with G and her two girls - there was plenty of room and comfty air beds.
That night we had a big bbq all together - quite funny coz we are all kiwis and sat around, had a few drinks, sang some songs, chatted away and ate BBQ food - could have been at home! Made us think of NZ that's for sure. Beautiful sunset - which you'll kind of see in one of the pics - just finished it all off. Also we were allowed access to some pools etc once the main crowd had gone and the park was closed as we were staying right inside it - and they provided two lifeguards still - the kids were in heaven! There was also a belly dancer provided but I was knackered so crashed before she came. However everyone said they had a good time and of course some (boys) stayed up til the wee hours...as you do!
Yesterday we got up and cooked some more bbq for brekkie, went off swimming and relaxed until check out at 12. We could have stayed the afternoon but were all tired so made our way home slowly. Amazing trip though - great facility and no doubt we'll return.
Have the 7s this weekend so now trying to gear up for that as well as getting organised for London whihc is only two days later! Yay, yay, yay!
Bit of a quiet week at work as there's baseline exams and not much we can do to help - and we're not spending too much time with teachers so they can get assessment done. Paperwork week coming on. :0)
Hope you NZ people are getting some sunshine and warmth - it is cooling down here but still lovely during the day!
Ok some of you have tried to match my Facebook comments up to this and I now realise I have been a little confusing. Last weekend we were going to go away to a water park but it got moved to the weekend just been. As it was 7 "families" going away with lots of kids - we were calling it "Brat Camp". So as you can guess, we went this weekend!
It was a great facility - have provided a bookmark for it above - things in this country are so geared for kids and ease for parents. Took two hours to get there but the place is really well laid out with loads of lifegaurds and the whole thing felt very safe.
The park is next to the Arabian Gulf which made for spectacular scenery. Unfortunately my camera only lasted until Friday night (must remember to charge it much more for London!) so I don't have any pics of the rides etc - will steal some off the others for here.
Spent all Friday going up and down the rides etc with the kids - was great - good excuse to have fun - especially when I mostly had Kiana who's 7, Anja who's 3 and Niamh who's 5 - they needed adult supervision! (Any excuse eh...) However one ride was called the Kamikaze - HUGE slides that go very fast - I got to the top and badly wanted to chicken out but had the 5 year old waiting behind me - had to save face - OMG! Only did it once!
The park was really well laid out, well supervised, reasoanbly priced (considering you couldn't take food and drink in) and even though it was busy think the longest I waited for a ride was about 4 mins! They have cabins on site so we booked 7 to stay the night. The price included food for a bbq, breakfast and great facilities (with air con!) Luxury camping I tell you. I stayed with G and her two girls - there was plenty of room and comfty air beds.
That night we had a big bbq all together - quite funny coz we are all kiwis and sat around, had a few drinks, sang some songs, chatted away and ate BBQ food - could have been at home! Made us think of NZ that's for sure. Beautiful sunset - which you'll kind of see in one of the pics - just finished it all off. Also we were allowed access to some pools etc once the main crowd had gone and the park was closed as we were staying right inside it - and they provided two lifeguards still - the kids were in heaven! There was also a belly dancer provided but I was knackered so crashed before she came. However everyone said they had a good time and of course some (boys) stayed up til the wee hours...as you do!
Yesterday we got up and cooked some more bbq for brekkie, went off swimming and relaxed until check out at 12. We could have stayed the afternoon but were all tired so made our way home slowly. Amazing trip though - great facility and no doubt we'll return.
Have the 7s this weekend so now trying to gear up for that as well as getting organised for London whihc is only two days later! Yay, yay, yay!
Bit of a quiet week at work as there's baseline exams and not much we can do to help - and we're not spending too much time with teachers so they can get assessment done. Paperwork week coming on. :0)
Hope you NZ people are getting some sunshine and warmth - it is cooling down here but still lovely during the day!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Happy Birthday to me...
Well have had a lovely couple of days being spoilt for my birthday! The actual day was Sunday and did girly things with the others that night and pampered myself - nice.
Last night (the 17th) 16 of us went to Trader Vic's at the Rotana Hotel for dinner - it was really awesome. I have been getting lots of phone calls, skype calls, texts, emails and Facebook messages (thanks everybody!) and was really missing some NZ people but was totally fussed over by my UAE family which really helped. We had a relaxing evening and they brought out a cake afterwards for me which was unexpected but lovely!
Am hanging out for being in London in 2 more weeks - work is very very busy with exams and no team leader as such and covering work - roll on the holidays! Will be an expensive trip but well worth it! :0) Well I plan to make it very worth it!
Had a wee incident tonight - a guy came up behind me driving silly and I moved slightly (hoping to get out of his way) and ripped my tyre and smashed my mag on the curb. So a friend came and helped me put my space saver on (hate those things!) and I wnet to my dealer to replace it. I was informed that I should have stayed put, rung the police, waited for them and got a police report! I was like 'why?' Well no repair jobs can be done without it - I tried to explain it wasn't an accident as such - just misjudgement. It was suggested to me that I go and change the tyre back somewhere - ie set up the scene, call the cops and get a report. I was like 'bugger that!' and said just order the parts - I'll pay. It would have affected my no claims bonus on insurance anyway. Think the car guys thought I was nuts but I think it's crazy I need a police report to get my own mistake fixed! So I have a new mag on order and can only drive at 80kms an hour for the next week - lucky I wasn't planning on going anywhere too far in my car! So strange though...when in Rome etc etc I guess!
Last night (the 17th) 16 of us went to Trader Vic's at the Rotana Hotel for dinner - it was really awesome. I have been getting lots of phone calls, skype calls, texts, emails and Facebook messages (thanks everybody!) and was really missing some NZ people but was totally fussed over by my UAE family which really helped. We had a relaxing evening and they brought out a cake afterwards for me which was unexpected but lovely!
Am hanging out for being in London in 2 more weeks - work is very very busy with exams and no team leader as such and covering work - roll on the holidays! Will be an expensive trip but well worth it! :0) Well I plan to make it very worth it!
Had a wee incident tonight - a guy came up behind me driving silly and I moved slightly (hoping to get out of his way) and ripped my tyre and smashed my mag on the curb. So a friend came and helped me put my space saver on (hate those things!) and I wnet to my dealer to replace it. I was informed that I should have stayed put, rung the police, waited for them and got a police report! I was like 'why?' Well no repair jobs can be done without it - I tried to explain it wasn't an accident as such - just misjudgement. It was suggested to me that I go and change the tyre back somewhere - ie set up the scene, call the cops and get a report. I was like 'bugger that!' and said just order the parts - I'll pay. It would have affected my no claims bonus on insurance anyway. Think the car guys thought I was nuts but I think it's crazy I need a police report to get my own mistake fixed! So I have a new mag on order and can only drive at 80kms an hour for the next week - lucky I wasn't planning on going anywhere too far in my car! So strange though...when in Rome etc etc I guess!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Where does time go?
OK so I've been here for just over three months now and it's as good a time as any to reflect. I am loving my time here, and feel I've grown so much as a person. Such a cliche but I'm more open minded, willing to take risks and paitent (hard to believe I know!)
I keep thinking of things to put on my blog but when it gets down to writing it, I've forgotten them! We were going to go away this weekend but have moved it to next weekend for a number of reasons. Then weekend after that is 7s (go NZ!) And thankfully we've had our holiday break extended by 3 days so I'm actually leaving for London the morning of the 2nd Dec and back the night of the 10th. Am so excited but had to go shopping for some winter clothes to get me through the first couple of days there - so hard to find that sort of thing and then to try them on in the heat!
Mind you it is cooling down a bit now - winter is here next month and we're down to 18-20 degrees at 6.30am. But still gets up to 28-30 during the day. Occasionally wear long sleeved tops at night - prob would be easier to alter air con! :0) But kinda nice to wear soemthing else at times.
Had a sand storm tonight. Was out waiting for a taxi to go get my car from being serviced when it blew up - quite freaky really. Got a pic but doesn't really capture it. Don't miss the rain as such but it is dry here - Al Ain has a drier climate than most of the emirate.
I keep thinking of things to put on my blog but when it gets down to writing it, I've forgotten them! We were going to go away this weekend but have moved it to next weekend for a number of reasons. Then weekend after that is 7s (go NZ!) And thankfully we've had our holiday break extended by 3 days so I'm actually leaving for London the morning of the 2nd Dec and back the night of the 10th. Am so excited but had to go shopping for some winter clothes to get me through the first couple of days there - so hard to find that sort of thing and then to try them on in the heat!
Mind you it is cooling down a bit now - winter is here next month and we're down to 18-20 degrees at 6.30am. But still gets up to 28-30 during the day. Occasionally wear long sleeved tops at night - prob would be easier to alter air con! :0) But kinda nice to wear soemthing else at times.
Had a sand storm tonight. Was out waiting for a taxi to go get my car from being serviced when it blew up - quite freaky really. Got a pic but doesn't really capture it. Don't miss the rain as such but it is dry here - Al Ain has a drier climate than most of the emirate.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Busy Weekend!
Oh it is soooo good to have a great shopping buddy again! Kalala had a blast at Marina Mall on Friday - although after a few hours of walking around, we were all kinda over the size of the place! And Tui made a good shopping partner Saturday at the Al Ain Mall where we got more stuff for their house. So things are really starting to get settled there.
This weekend we're all heading to a water fun place overnight - other side of Duabi and has a great bar for the night along with a bbq - or so we've been told. Then I have a birthday to celebrate, a weekend to get organised, the 7s the weekend after that then two days of work and off to London - yes just a little excited!
Saw the aftermath of a very yukky accident the other night - an emirati man got hit while trying to cross the road - one of the roads you can do 120kms on - yes they have those in town. Judging by what we saw he was in a very bad way and ahrdly anyone was stopping or warning oncoming traffic that there had been an accident. Was very unpleasant and made us all very quiet. I know accidents happen but the high accident/death rate here could be lowered so much if people just slowed down and drove a little more carefully and with awareness. Just one of the things I guess happens here.
This weekend we're all heading to a water fun place overnight - other side of Duabi and has a great bar for the night along with a bbq - or so we've been told. Then I have a birthday to celebrate, a weekend to get organised, the 7s the weekend after that then two days of work and off to London - yes just a little excited!
Saw the aftermath of a very yukky accident the other night - an emirati man got hit while trying to cross the road - one of the roads you can do 120kms on - yes they have those in town. Judging by what we saw he was in a very bad way and ahrdly anyone was stopping or warning oncoming traffic that there had been an accident. Was very unpleasant and made us all very quiet. I know accidents happen but the high accident/death rate here could be lowered so much if people just slowed down and drove a little more carefully and with awareness. Just one of the things I guess happens here.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Long Week
This week we have worked six days due to needing to make up a day that was an extra given to us in the last hols - despite the fact that our company still worked it! Anyway it is finally the weekend - and two glorious days stretch out in front of me!
Am going to Abu Dhabi tomorrow - taking Kalala and Tui to IKEA for shopping (daresay I'll do some too!) Little bit nervous as I haven't driven there before - well not in the actual city - but if I can do Duabi, AD should be a breeze...hah! The trusty GPS will definately be on.
Saturday should be a fairly relaxing day - have some jobs to do though - including working out how to get an identity card. It's a new thing out and all expats have to get one by Xmas. Sounds like the wait where you go is horrendous though - one person we know was in line from 1pm-5pm and then had to come back the next day as she hadn't made it to the counter before they closed. OMG! Will tell you about my experience when it's my turn for sure!
The weather is cooling here - most days it's about 30-32 degrees and am turning my air con off at night. Kalala and Tui are still happy with how warm it is - coming from the icy temps of NZ, I'm not surprised! yes still put on tshirts etc when I get out of teh shower, but have thought a cardi would be nice on a few occasions - well will be able to buy something in London when I'm there in four weeks!
Am watching the NZ election with interest - very impressed with America's choice - good luck to Obama! (Huge talking point here)
Am going to Abu Dhabi tomorrow - taking Kalala and Tui to IKEA for shopping (daresay I'll do some too!) Little bit nervous as I haven't driven there before - well not in the actual city - but if I can do Duabi, AD should be a breeze...hah! The trusty GPS will definately be on.
Saturday should be a fairly relaxing day - have some jobs to do though - including working out how to get an identity card. It's a new thing out and all expats have to get one by Xmas. Sounds like the wait where you go is horrendous though - one person we know was in line from 1pm-5pm and then had to come back the next day as she hadn't made it to the counter before they closed. OMG! Will tell you about my experience when it's my turn for sure!
The weather is cooling here - most days it's about 30-32 degrees and am turning my air con off at night. Kalala and Tui are still happy with how warm it is - coming from the icy temps of NZ, I'm not surprised! yes still put on tshirts etc when I get out of teh shower, but have thought a cardi would be nice on a few occasions - well will be able to buy something in London when I'm there in four weeks!
Am watching the NZ election with interest - very impressed with America's choice - good luck to Obama! (Huge talking point here)
Monday, November 3, 2008
Catching Up!
Ok no excuses - but have been busy hanging out with my "family" - it's so great to have Kalala, Tui, Kiana and Measina here. There's a number of reasons - mostly because having them here feels normal - like home just got a bit closer or something. It doesn't seem quite real that they're here to stay - almost more like a holiday. Tui has started work though and Kalala has a rental car so that makes them a little more permanent.
Took Kalala for her first trip to Dubai yesterday - had to pick up a friend so she came for a ride. A friend described Dubai as "Los Vegas on steriods" - but she loved it as much as I do. We came home after only covering half of one level at the Mall of the Emirates but we have 2-3 years to get through the rest!
Long story but didn't end up needing to do the border run - lots of people labour contracts came through the day before. The funny was that Dave went but didn't have his camera so I lent him mine - only for him to get it confiscated off him! He got two pics before being called over. Now Dave's a great guy and not an intentional law breaker so was rather surprised until they told him no photos and took the camera. No idea how he got it back, but he did and was too nervous to take any more! I haven't seen the pics yet but funny story anyway.
Mo-vember has started here via the rugby club - Tui's signed up so at the end of the month I'll share his progress with you. Lots of our SIPs guys are doing it and will sport beautiful mos for the sevens at the end of this month! Quite good timing!
Took Kalala for her first trip to Dubai yesterday - had to pick up a friend so she came for a ride. A friend described Dubai as "Los Vegas on steriods" - but she loved it as much as I do. We came home after only covering half of one level at the Mall of the Emirates but we have 2-3 years to get through the rest!
Long story but didn't end up needing to do the border run - lots of people labour contracts came through the day before. The funny was that Dave went but didn't have his camera so I lent him mine - only for him to get it confiscated off him! He got two pics before being called over. Now Dave's a great guy and not an intentional law breaker so was rather surprised until they told him no photos and took the camera. No idea how he got it back, but he did and was too nervous to take any more! I haven't seen the pics yet but funny story anyway.
Mo-vember has started here via the rugby club - Tui's signed up so at the end of the month I'll share his progress with you. Lots of our SIPs guys are doing it and will sport beautiful mos for the sevens at the end of this month! Quite good timing!
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