Hi - sorry for the lack of blogging but you know how having someone else around makes life busy! Mum is here, quite settled, getting used to the heat and sand and almost over the time difference! Measina is loving having her as she plays with her lots and Mum is getting a buzz out of bubby too.
We spent this weekend in Abu Dhabi and took Mum to the Grand Mosque (only mosque for non-westerners) - she was blown away! She know understands what I mean when I say it's undescribable and really enjoyed her time there. I think she looked cute in her abiya but she thought she looked old and will prob kill for me posting the pics!
We then headed to the Emirates Palace Hotel which was great too - had coffee and cake (worth about $135NZ) because it was arabic mothers day! We also saw part of a royal wedding with singing and dancing - Mum's getting the full cultural experience here!
Next weekend we're heading toCirque du Soliel in Dubai - that'll be fun and Peg's eyes will pop when she sees Dubai - ie Las Vegas on steriods!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Secret's Out...
No I'm not getting married, and no I'm not pregnant! Kalala has got a job over here - secret number one - very excited for her though. Secret number two (and directly relates to number one) is that my Mum is here - she flew in last night. Poor thing was holidaying in the sunny north when she got a call to say go hoem and pack your bags - you're coming here - a weeks' notice - not bad...
Why is she here? Well Kalala needed someone to look after Measina until their maid arrives from the Phillipines and Mum is a logical choice. It'll keep her busy, gives Kalala and Tui peace of mind, free trip for Mum and best of all I get to see her and show her around.
So for a woamn's who never been further than Australia, she did very well - had a long stopover in Sydney which she didn't like but the flight was good. She looked great when she got off the plane and is in AD recovering today and tonight before coming to Al Ain tomorrow to get reaquainted with the Raelis before Kalala starts on Sunday.
So sorry it's not as exciting as some of you were hoping but it's pretty exciting for me to have my Mum here for a month!
Why is she here? Well Kalala needed someone to look after Measina until their maid arrives from the Phillipines and Mum is a logical choice. It'll keep her busy, gives Kalala and Tui peace of mind, free trip for Mum and best of all I get to see her and show her around.
So for a woamn's who never been further than Australia, she did very well - had a long stopover in Sydney which she didn't like but the flight was good. She looked great when she got off the plane and is in AD recovering today and tonight before coming to Al Ain tomorrow to get reaquainted with the Raelis before Kalala starts on Sunday.
So sorry it's not as exciting as some of you were hoping but it's pretty exciting for me to have my Mum here for a month!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Long Weekend
So this weekend was a three day one due to the Prophet's Birthday - the one extra day we get off until July! Spent most of it relaxing, catching up onb a few jobs and of course, went to the World Cup 7s.
Such a topsy turvey tournament! NZ knocked out in quarter finals by Wales, so then we were cheering for Kenya or Samoa who made it to semis. However Wales won the whole thing, beating Argentina (so lots of big nations out early - Fiji, Austrailia, SA....) We did have a good time but were a little flat after everyone we were supporting was knocked out - so didn't stay for the final. Doesn't sound like many people did though! Did catch up with DJ though - as the photo shows - still in fine form!
Have a seccret too to be excited about but can't share for a few more days - so promise I'll reveal in the next blog!
Such a topsy turvey tournament! NZ knocked out in quarter finals by Wales, so then we were cheering for Kenya or Samoa who made it to semis. However Wales won the whole thing, beating Argentina (so lots of big nations out early - Fiji, Austrailia, SA....) We did have a good time but were a little flat after everyone we were supporting was knocked out - so didn't stay for the final. Doesn't sound like many people did though! Did catch up with DJ though - as the photo shows - still in fine form!
Have a seccret too to be excited about but can't share for a few more days - so promise I'll reveal in the next blog!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Babysitting
In the weekend we had Kalala's two wee ones - Kiana (7) and Measina (10 months) for the night to let mum and Dad have some quality time. They were both SO good and slept all through the night but I was still knackered after they went home!
It's nice and warm here agin - winter's def over! As you can see it was warm enough for all of us to go swimming!
This weekend we've got a 3 day weekend - off to the World Cup 7s in Duabi Saturday but relaxing the other two - can't wait!
It's nice and warm here agin - winter's def over! As you can see it was warm enough for all of us to go swimming!
This weekend we've got a 3 day weekend - off to the World Cup 7s in Duabi Saturday but relaxing the other two - can't wait!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
James Blunt
Now I know some of you aren't James Blunt fans but I tell you being able to sit outside in an amazing ampitheatre (in winter) and it's warm at 10pm and you're up for a good show - is fab! Regardless of what you think of his music - he himself is a great performer and looks like he's having a great time.
The concert was in Dubai as part of the Duabi Jazz Festival they've got going on for 10 days. It's not far from The Palms and it was an amazingly clear night. Kalala, Brent and I were pleased we paid for good seats - we were nice and close - and of course Kalala went and danced up the front. (groupie!)
Little bit tired today as got home at 2am and had to get up at 6am - but it's the weekend after work today so yay!
The concert was in Dubai as part of the Duabi Jazz Festival they've got going on for 10 days. It's not far from The Palms and it was an amazingly clear night. Kalala, Brent and I were pleased we paid for good seats - we were nice and close - and of course Kalala went and danced up the front. (groupie!)
Little bit tired today as got home at 2am and had to get up at 6am - but it's the weekend after work today so yay!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Halfway through Feb already?!?!
Ok so time does fly when you're having fun - or just incredibly busy doing not much it seems! I've had two weeks of work now and am back into routine there - great to be over the initial getting to know how everything works stage and to be actually making changes. We have 23 weeks of work without a break this semester - last semster was def the holiday one! However we can do little weekend breaks to keep us going until July when we'll head to London and Greece.
Other things to do in weekends? Well this weekend we painted! Paint's reasoanably priced here and when you move out, they replaster and paint anyway so made sense to try and make it a little more like home. So picked a lovely burgundy colour and did a lounge wall and my little hallway. Next time we have that much energy again we'll do a wall in my bedroom but this was enough for this weekend as poor Brent had to also put up new pictures and towel rails. Makes the house more functional and relaxing.
This morning Brent, Kalala, Measina and I did a walk for cancer fundraiser. We started at 10am and oh my gosh it was warm already! It's also been getting a lot warmer at night (and it's only Feb)- we'll be turning our air con back on very soon I think. It's been ok in the 25 daily but don't think that'll last.
Not much else to report - off to James Blunt next week in Dubai - which will be fun! May have a couple of days off the week after that (how desperate do I sound?!?!?) due to the prophet's birthday - will have to wait and see.
Happy Valentine's Day all! (Although I don't believe in it, it's still nice to share the love)
Other things to do in weekends? Well this weekend we painted! Paint's reasoanably priced here and when you move out, they replaster and paint anyway so made sense to try and make it a little more like home. So picked a lovely burgundy colour and did a lounge wall and my little hallway. Next time we have that much energy again we'll do a wall in my bedroom but this was enough for this weekend as poor Brent had to also put up new pictures and towel rails. Makes the house more functional and relaxing.
This morning Brent, Kalala, Measina and I did a walk for cancer fundraiser. We started at 10am and oh my gosh it was warm already! It's also been getting a lot warmer at night (and it's only Feb)- we'll be turning our air con back on very soon I think. It's been ok in the 25 daily but don't think that'll last.
Not much else to report - off to James Blunt next week in Dubai - which will be fun! May have a couple of days off the week after that (how desperate do I sound?!?!?) due to the prophet's birthday - will have to wait and see.
Happy Valentine's Day all! (Although I don't believe in it, it's still nice to share the love)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
"Home" from NZ!
Have been "home" from NZ for 2.5 days now and it feels like it was a LONG time ago already! Funny, when I'm here, NZ doesn't seem too far away but that flight is a killer! I know you folks in NZ love visits but so glad I only do it once a year - wears you out. Coming back is actually worse coz you've have a full on time while away. Also I handled the jet lag well there but flying against time is hard and exhausting. Anyway I had a fab time!
Flew into Wellington on the Saturday and was met by Susan (yay!). Crashed early that night after compulsory Japanese Thai. Sunday Mum came down and we all went shopping. There is so much that is hard to get here (believe it or not) and it was great to get out and know the shops and buy what I really want or need.
Spent the week tripping around visiting people - thanks to all who had me to stay and made the effort to catch up - appreciate it all. Brent flew down Friday morning and we had a night at my brother's farm which was great. We did dinner in Palmerston North the Saturday. He went home Sunday and we headed south again. Spent my last two days in Wellington doing last minute jobs and catching up with people.
Cried and cried when I flew out of Wellington - I definately miss family and close friends - and the things that are happening for them right now. The other thing that made me homesick (for NZ) was seeing my beautiful homeland - people say oh so clean and green when I say I'm from NZ - and I so agree - especially the colour of everything - it's amazing!
So am packed and working on sleeping past 3.30am - not easy :0) Ready for work tomorrow - looking forward to being back in routine.
Flew into Wellington on the Saturday and was met by Susan (yay!). Crashed early that night after compulsory Japanese Thai. Sunday Mum came down and we all went shopping. There is so much that is hard to get here (believe it or not) and it was great to get out and know the shops and buy what I really want or need.
Spent the week tripping around visiting people - thanks to all who had me to stay and made the effort to catch up - appreciate it all. Brent flew down Friday morning and we had a night at my brother's farm which was great. We did dinner in Palmerston North the Saturday. He went home Sunday and we headed south again. Spent my last two days in Wellington doing last minute jobs and catching up with people.
Cried and cried when I flew out of Wellington - I definately miss family and close friends - and the things that are happening for them right now. The other thing that made me homesick (for NZ) was seeing my beautiful homeland - people say oh so clean and green when I say I'm from NZ - and I so agree - especially the colour of everything - it's amazing!
So am packed and working on sleeping past 3.30am - not easy :0) Ready for work tomorrow - looking forward to being back in routine.
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