HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNES

Hannes had his birthday party tonight. He wanted to be in Venice (he wished that a year ago) and here we were in the Arabian desert. Just goes to show......life has a funny way of not always giving what you asked for BUT this was fantastic.

I booked a private dinner in the desert just for the two of us. We had our own guide/driver by the name of James. He comes from Kenia and has been in Dubai for the last 17 years as a safari guide..

We were picked up at home at 16hoo. We were very comfy in this huge 4x4. Drinks on supply and wonderful aircon. It is flipping hot here....... We drove for about 65km to get to the desert. Boy oh boy then the fun stated. James took us dune riding in the 4x4. Exciting stuff. He is a very skilled driver as these dune just end and turn anywhere. We loved it. We then went to a camel farm in the middle of the desert and were given the real tourist treatment. Take foto's, pat camels, taste fresh dates. And we did it all. We also saw the locals come to the farm to buy milk. They speed through the desert as if on a highway after buying their milk, and again speed off in the big 4x4's.

Then back to the 4x4 we went for another bit of dune riding. All of a sudden behind a dune is a man dressed all in white with 2 camels, picture book perfect, alone in the desert. We stopped and these were our camels to ride. Each had his own. My camels name was "Saartjie" but she did not speak afrikaans at all. We had a stroll on camel back in the desert over and around the dunes while we watched the sun set. It is very quiet in the desert. Very very calming. But still hot. Luckily there was a breeze blowing which coled it down a little. The camel man walked with us and the camels and took all foto's of us on the camels riding. It is not difficult to ride the camel, just very tricky with the camel getting up and sitting down for you to get on and off. You have to lean very far back as not to fall straight over the camels head. It was great fun but Saartjie kept moaning . Both camels had muzzles over their mouths. I presume they bite is unhappy....... The saddles were very colourful and soft to ride.

Around another dune out of nowhere we came into our private dinner area. It was magical. On the sand is a Persian carpet scattered with cushions and a shisha pipe and ornaments. Private chef. (Another "pakistani kaniverstani") This was all for us 2. The camel man hung around until he was tipped and then disappeared over the dune to go home.....

The food was never ending. I must say it is terrible here with the portion sizes. These Arabs can eat. There is a saying that you pick up a Dubai stone (in weight) in the first month here........) Even in the restaurants the portions are huge and you cannot order a starter and a main as you will never finish both.....

We were served a meze of starters. very much like Greek and Turkish type foods. After that we got a pita like bead with humus, bowls of olives, bowls of chillies, funny green pesto look alike salad..... red bean and corn salad.

Then the chef made a barbecue of chicken, beef and lamb chops. It was delicious. But way too much. James then lit the shisha pipe and him and I had a shisha pipe together while Hannes lay there with us watching the stars. The stars are totally different as we lo at the northern hemisphere stars here and we only now the southern hemisphere stars.... In Dubai you also do not see the stars as there is too much light pollution and dust.

We were served drinks to our hearts content and were treated like royalty. Later came fruit and baklava. We did not even touch that as we wee already so stuffed.

I had a cake made for Hannes,which was delivered after dinner by it's own 4x4......Not because we are special but the cake was kept in a cooler until we needed it. We cut the cake , shared with the chef and James and then just lay back on the carpet and watched the stars and enjoyed the total lack of all sound..... It felt like living in a movie.....So unreal.

I love the water and the ocean but the desert has some magical spell it casts over you...... It feels amazingly calm and peaceful. As if you would not mind to just stay there......

After all this we were brought back home by James.

It was fantastic and even Hannes was blown away.

HE HAD A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY. He had so many calls from friends that he felt so special. Also all the family, my side and his, all phoned to say happy happy. The hospital also made a fuss and had all the staff sing to him. All in all a very hap day.

This morning though before this wonderful desert experience I wanted to go to a bazaar down town. Need some clothes that will work here..... Well Michael Schumacher picked me up disguised as a taxi driver. Boy oh boy it was hair raising, and all the way is this 7 lane highway so I could not say stop I am getting out. When I eventually got out of the taxi I just started laughing...Pure stress relief..... The bazaar did not help much in my line of clothes. If I was looking for a sari it would have been perfect as the Indian type clothes were plentiful but that is how one learns. Minah bazaar is not fir me. Karama yesterday was fun and that I will go back to. I love the "take me to your leader" (Bargains in back of shop....)

In the whole of Dubai so far the only wokers are from Pakistan that I have met. Arabs don't do the work they pay for it to get done. The construction as I told you previously is 24/7.

Well tomorrow we are going to friends in Abu Dhabi.... new day new things.

Chat again later.

DIFFICULT DAY - BUT HAVE TO GO ON

MY DAY AT THE SHERATN POOL AND BEACH. THE SEA WATER IS CRYSTAL CLEAR AND WARM. FEELS LIKE BATH WATER. LOTS OF SHELLS ON THE BEACH AS WELL.

OUR APPARTMENT BUILDING FROM THE OUTSIDE. WE ARE ON THE 7TH FLOOR ON THE OTHER SIDE.IT IS OF THE SMALLEST BUILDINGS IN THE MARINA. ONLY 15 FLOORS. OUR CELEBRATION DINNER FOR PIERE. WE HAD PRAWNS. THEY WERE HUGE....I MADE THEM MYSELF. MUCH CHEAPER THAN IN SA. PRAWNS COME FROM OMAN SEA. THE SMALEST THING ON THIS FOTO IS THE TABLE ITSELF. IT GIVES SOME IDEA OF HOW SMALL WE NOW HAVE TO LIVE. NOT BAD JUST SOMETHING TO GET USED TO.

I have been absent for a few days- longer than I intended but I could not get myself infront of the laptop as my heart and mind are still not connected.

Pierre's funeral service was today at 14hoo. I was luckily not alone as Hannes specialy came home early to be with me at that time. We sat talking about Pierre and it made it easier for me. I still cannot beleive it is true and I do think the full effect of it all has not hit me yet. I feel like a traitor as I am going on with my day to day life and feel I should be in total mourning as he was so special to me, but I also know he would not have liked for me to go and sit in a pathetic heap.

I decided Hannes and I will have a celebration dinner tonight so I went to Karama market today and bought the best prawns to cook for supper for the 2 of us. After supper we went to the waterfront and had coffee in a real french coffee place (Pierre would have loved that) where they make your coffee in what we know as a pudding bowl. We had wonderful cake and coffee and phoned our boys. They all seem OK. My mom also phoned tonght to say that my 2 boys JC and Rossouw looked very smart and neat at the service. JC drove form Johannesburg to Potchefstrrom to fetch his brother to go to the service and he is now driving him back tonight and then back to Johannesburg to be ready for work tomorrow. I am worried sick and tried to ask JC to rather stay over tonight with Rossouw and go back to Johannesburg tomorrow morning early but he insists he is fine to do all the driving.....I can only pray.....

Back to Dubai news.I find the people very friendly. It is so strange not to have crime here..... I have been to many malls with Hannes and I do not think I have scratched the surface. The malls smell like money. Yesterday Hanns and I went for lunch at WAFI Mall. It is a true souk atmosphere where we were. The mall above is all the big label names. The restaurant was such a surprise as you go and select the type of food yu want and thet then serve. I ate true lebanese cuisine. It was delicious. (I must say the chef was very good looking too.........) There is a juice bar with all the types of fresh fruit and you decide which they must juice for you to have fresh. Lunch was rather expensive but very very good. A real treat.

Yesterday I took the day off from house work and went to the Sheraton Hotel, which is practically on our doorstep, and went to their pool area. You pay as a day visitor and can use the pool and beach area. Very very very nice. The sun here is not so strong I think as I was in the sun for 3 hours and did not even colour. There is always a thick layer of dust in the smosphere. The taxi driver say it comes from the desert....... So yesterday was pool and lunch. This morning I went to Karama market. They have a fish maket and shops. All with bags and bling....... They have a "back room" going as well. This is top secret stuff but everyone knows they do it........ Make up your own mind about this statement. I bought a handbag and some gifts for my boys. I must say al the shop owners haggle for you to come in and you are so tempted as it is very hot outside and lovely and cool in the shops. A lot like Thailand but even friendlier.......... Tomorrow I am going to Minah bazaar. The taxi drivers say it is the best for clothes. I cannot afford to pay the mall prices so I am on the real bargain trails..........

It is also Hannes's birthday tomorrow. I have booked a surprise for him...... You all will have to wait until my next entry to find out what we did and how........... I just hope he likes it......

You can wear anythng in Dubai. Lots of people walk around in shorts and slops.........and then the arabian ladies walk in the traditional abeiya's. There are some beautiful abeiya's to be seen..... I will have to adapt my clothes for here. It is so very very hot. At 05h00 in the mornibg it can be 38 degrees celcius........

The taxi driver mostly from Pakistan and most of the "kan nie verstaan nie" but they are very friendly and helpful and the taxis are clean and safe.

Sonja in Auz, it is so nice to get your comment as I now know you read the blog. Thanks. Jinny you are a star with the tegnology ......... keep it up girl.

well all for me for tonight....

PS. Sorry for spelling mistakes as 1) my spelling is not hot and 2) I type very fast and tend to miss some keys...........

Chat later again. L

WHAT A MORNING !!!

I FEEL LIKE HIM !!!!!!!!!!!

Today is the fIrst day of the week in Dubai. (Our Sunday is their Monay) Hannes left for work early an I started with what will be my normal life in Dubai.Yes I did the washing. ironing, dishes,cleaning ect.

Luckily Luckily the flat is very small and easy to handle. After all my house wife duties I put on my kozzie and went to the pool for a tan......... I could stay our for exactly 35 minutes as the temp outside today is in the upper 40 degrees. The pool water is like bath water. Speaking of bath water, the water in the bathroom (cold one) is warm. So when puttng in bath water you have to be very careful with the hot water as the cold water does not cool down the bath. All bathrooms are also equiped with a hand shower near the loo. I think this is vey clever and clean. (Helps a lot with cleaning the the bath too..... You see I already have some short cuts n the cleaning dept. All windows and doors ae double glazed and tinted. This helps with the noise and heat. The noise is something to get used to. The construction is 24/7. Even the cranes operate at night....... Then the traffic is another factor...... A friend of ours had an accident in Oman yesterday. Luckily not injured, just bruised and shaken. She did not see the vehicle crossing (maybe because the drive here on the right hand side.) So I will stay in the taxi's a whie longer. I am fairly good with direction BUT to get the right turnoff from the highway is another story. (These are 8 lane highways....)

Getting the oven to work...Oh boy..... It is gas and electric. Again all instructions are in Arabic. Even the pictures did not help much. I struggled for 3 days but now I can use the rotiserie and set the oven to bake.

This afternoon after Hannes gets home from work we plan to go to the Emiates mall as there is 100 and 1 small things we need. Although the appartment is furnished it still neds stuff like a coffee machine, placemats, bedlinen, towels,toilet brush ect. My list seem never ending and I am really doing the minimalistic thing as to pack the stuff away is a major issue. Hannes spent the whole of yesterday building cupboards. Here is a shop called IKEA. It is like Mr Price home BUT this one is on triple dose steroids. You see the item on the showroomfloor, write down the storage isle number and then go and fetch it YOURSELF. All is in boxes ready for you to assemble at home yourself. You load it on the trolley, pay at the till and then cart it home in the taxi. Then schlep it up in the lift to your appartment. Hannes's toolbox contins a hammer and a srew driver. Well we now have a server in the dining area, a 6 drawer cabinet in the computer area and I have a clothes cupboard in our bedroom. IKEA is very cheap (so is the furniture!!!) but it is fairly sturdy and will do the job. I now have enough storage space but nly for the waht is needed and not any extra..........

The appartment is very small but clean, neat and nice. The outside is very very very dusty but that is the whole of Dubai. The verandahs are small. At the lounge area it is about 5 body boards. The one at the spare bedroom will not even take one body board. The kitchen is a passage.......the size of 4 cupboard doors in lenghth. The fridge is HUGE.

We ave had sme small things broken in the flat, like a eak under the kitchen sink. You fill in a requisite at the reception and the next day the handy man arrives and fixes. That is nice....Also not at any x-tra charge.....

I am still at a loss for Hanness birthday but will setlle that one tomorrow afternoon as in the morning I am going with Hannes to work to meet his colleages, and then I am going on my first expedition to KARAMA. This apparently is the bargain area. Not is a mall ,it is small stalls and shops. So it will be very hot.......... Will post some photo's tomorrow after this expedition.

All for now

THOUGHTS AND WORDS - PIERRE I WILL MISS YOU

I cannot find any photo tonight that will do this entry justice. My hart is shattered .....My brother, Pierre, lost his battle yesterday and passed away. I wish I could describe how I feel but the words feel so stupid. I just have this acute sense of loss. Selfish loss. My loss. What I am going to miss and not have any more. And then it still feels so totally unreal at times..........
I WILL MISS: (To name but a few)
Pierre's phone calls 2x per week.
Always so positive towards me and what I am doing.
Always made me feel good.
Always had a joke on hand.
The exact same sense of humor as mine.
Talking without words, only eye contact was enough.
Having too much coffee from your coffee machne.
Your intefering in my whole being.
Really listening to my opinion.Asking my opinion.
Your unconditional love for me........
Your smile, voice, walk.
Shit Pierre I WILL MISS YOU SOOOOOO MUCH....
I have so many good memories to work with, and that is what I am consentrating on at the moment. I try and call on all the good times and laughs, as I think Pierre would apreciate it to be remebered with love and laughs.
Through all these thoughts I have to think of his kids too. My hart goes out to them as they have also had a huge loss. Much bigger than mine....... I do know Pierre had a wonderful relationship with all his kids and loved and admired each and every one of them.
I am not flying back to SA for his funeral service as I have just arrived in Dubai and I did see him before I left SA. He was so positive and excited about the Dubai expedition. . . He kept on asking how Hannes is and he just thinks this is great...... So I am going to do this expedition so that he can watch me from his special plac and enjoy it with me. I am too scared to go to the funeral as well as I will be alone and I do not thik I will beable to handle that. It is just so much easier to cy n Hannes's shoulde that alne into my pillow....
I am so grateful that I had days in JHB with him after some of my overseas trips. He always enjoyed my stories and antics of where I was and what I encountered. Also I am glad I took the effort to go to ICU after his accident.
My boys als took the news badly, especially Rossouw. I wish they were here with us to be able to share our thoughts and tears and laughs.
I must say Pierre lived his life in fast forward mode all the time. He seemed to love life and was so contented with his or rather happy. Only one thing he would have liked to change and that is to have more time......That you can interpret any way. He would have loved to have a longer day. longer night, moe time to mission.............
I LOVE YOU PIERRE AND ALWAYS WILL. GOODBYE MY BROTHER. GOODBYE MY FRIEND.
L

PARADIGM SHIFT !!!!! I WILL SURVIVE

VIEUW FROM INFRONT OF OUR APPARTMENT BUILDING TOWARDS THE MARINA. THOSE VERY HIGH APPARMET BUILDING ARE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MARINA TOWARDS THE SEA....
I WILL SURVIE AS KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS ARE IN DUBAI. THEY ARE ABSOLUTELU DEVINE.....
AGAIN FROM UR FRONT OF UR APPARTMENT BUILDING TOWARDS MARINA. THIS IS THE 4TH BRIDGE GING OVER THE MARINA TOWARDS THE OCEAN. AS YOU CAN SEE THE ROADS ARE BEING FINISHED AND BUILDING SITE (LEFT CORNER)
DUBAIIS ABSOLUUT STARBUCKS HEAVEN. I HAVE ONE LESS THAN 5 MINUTES WALK FROM APPARTMENT TOWARDS THE SEA. EVERY MALL HAS AT LEAST 3 OR 4 STARBCKS...... I AM IN COFFEE HEAVEN - EVEN HAD SOME STARBUCKS BLEND GROUDED TO TAKE HOME FOR OUR OWN COFFEE MACHINE...... I AM SUCH A TART.....
HE FOTO BELOW IS OF MY ESPRESSO FRAPACHINO. mOST OF THE ARABS AND EXPATS THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY TO TAKE THIS FOTO. i COULD GIVE A DAMN.. INFRONT IS AN ARAB WEARING HIS "DISH DASH" aLL WHITE LONG SHIRT/DRESS. HAS WHITE LONGPANTS UNDERNEATH. HE IS WEARING A WHITE HEAD COVER WITH BLACK BAND AROUND HIS HEAD. i LIKE THE DISH DASH AN THE MEN LOOK VERY SMART AND CLEAN.....

The flight to Dubai was same old same old. First I had to get past the SAA Burocrasy of too much wieght. I was only 38 kg. Not bad for some one starting to take herself to Dubai permanently hey..... (I was alot worse after 10 days in Bali sommer 69kg.) Well I had to pay evey living kilo over 20kg. I stillthink I was cheated as international is not 20kg allowance I am sure it is 30kg... but I gave my tantrum just to make me fell a little better (infact it made me very moody). Gesi took me to the airport and she made me calmer with a lekker cup of coffee and a chat. I have to say my hand lugguage was about 30kg........ So maybe I got off lightly as the hand luggage was not weighed.

Arrived in Dubai at 05h05. Gees it was so hot already.... Hannes came to the airport to fetch me. He had to come by taxi as our car situation is not sorted out yet. It was so good to see him. We went to the flat and boy oh boy. Nothing prepares you for this.

The whole Dubai is practically a building site of some sort. There are so many high rises that are beautiful and impressive and intimidating, you do not know where to look. In any area there is still more building being erected......

We stay in the Dubai Marina at the opposite end of the first develoments. So we are in the thick of buildings and roads being completed around us. It is not a nice veiuw at all. I can see the Marina waters edge at a glance form the spare bedroom balcony but you have to do some contortions with your body that might be ilegal in some countries...... Any case the flat inside is lovely and very clean and basically furnished. You also do not go utside much now as it is bleddie hot.. So you are inside the flat or inside a taxi or inside a shoppig mall . The weather does cool down some later but now t is very hot.

Hannes was very glad to see me and took the day off to show me some malls ( He is the mall rat at the moment...) We went to Emirates mall first - impressive and miind boggling with all the band stores. After that we went to 3 more malls. Sorry the names now have left my brain space. I was bushed from the flight and all Hannes want to do is buy stuff we still need in the flat. I was like getting sticky toffee off a pavement.....I did not budge and said we need lists of what we need and then buy. he flat is furnished vey basic and very little packing space. No cupboard in the spare room at all..... I do realise we come from too much cupboards to just what is available BUT practically the kids will need packing space. Crazy things like broom, mop, ironing board, shar knivess, clock radio, printer copier fax combo, dish towels ect. ect.ect.......

Today I slept until 10.30. I then sorted through all my clothes, did the washing (dutiful house wifey me...) set up the laptop, cleaned the flat, did the dishes and welcomed Hannes home after work. The washing machine is a machine and tumble dryer all in one. Not a nice number to use, but we will get to know each other son. The micro wave is written in arabic...,.. Holy sh*t you try figure that one out. It is a micro combo number, so now i am taking every setting and trying to see what it does.

Hannes suggested we go and try another mall - Ill buttan or something lie that. Well her the two expat shoppers were again. Shopping for homeware we have 2 of at home already...... We bought a coffee machine and lots of other home stuff (2 trollies full) Then we found a taxi, loaded all in the taxi plus hannes and myself and home we came. That was the easy and nice part. The next issue is...........getting all that stuff out the taxi, into the lift, up 7 floors, out the lift, into the SMALL flat and pack away...... Hannes built shelving for the spare bedroom and 2 bathrooms.

I packs away the kitchenstuff and organised the kitchen a little more. It is very small and can not handle anything out of its place......

Hannes is off tomorrow as it is the religious day here so only malls are open. Hannes is off so we will have a late sleep and then ???????? Maybe lunch with Hanneses new buddies from work.

Oh September is Ramadan. Then no eating or drinking out of respect for the locals outside your house from dusk to dawn. I now walk permanently with a bottle of water as it is so hot...... September will be a learnig curve. Apparently the restaurants are closed or have curtains drawn if open to not adverise the eating or drinking. More on Ramadan when it hits me......

L

DUBAI BEWARE- HERE I COME

Oh boy.... Dubai here I come all fired up and ready to go. Just one small problem...I have not finished packing yet. I still have to do my nails, coulour my hair. find some time to sleep and then get to airport tomorrow to go go go..... I am very excited to see Hansie babes again. And to thnk of all the new area's and suff to go and explore...... So up my alley. Had a busy day today and took Dian back to school. I bought the brightest lilac suitcase I could find today for me to pack in. NOBODY will even think of tealing them. Hannes took all our sutcases to Dubai when he left. Imagine customs in JHB when I return with 8 empty suitcases...... I will love for them to go through my stuff and find only empty empty empty.......
I have to plan Hannes's 50th in Dubai on the 28th. I dream of going to the

Burj Al Arab, but that might just stay a dream at this stage.......

I will write more when I get to Dubai as my mind is now only on getting packed so I am really struggling to write the blog now.

Chat from Dubai next time. Love you all who read it.

L

LAUGHTER THE BEST MEDICINE

It has been a very rough 4 days since my last entry. I went to see Pierre in ICU as he was was critical. Trying to get a flight with very short notice was a problem and in the end I drove to Johannesburg. I felt like a celebrity as I had a lot of camera's flashing me all the way (Speed camera's)...... I reached Jo'brg in record time safe and sound.

I was allowed by the staff to see him for a few minutes only. Being a qualified nurse could not prepare me for what I saw and how I felt. If you look at his foto on today's entry u will See he has an acute sense of humor. Always full of jokes in a dry cynical at times sense of humor......He was not holding his own and everything was being controlled and treated. Luckily I was staying with my other brother Mike and his wife Estelle. strange how just being amongst people you love helps so much. I slept 8 hours that evening fr the first time since Hannes had left. The next day his condition was much the same. I did not really like to now a little of the medical side as all the what iff's are always there........My mom arrived from Cape Town and was very shaken to see her son in ICU. Luckily she was also amongst her other children. That evening we went out for dinner and that is where the laughter began and I realised that we have superb coping mechanisms for stress and worry. Pierre's one daughter, Marquax, had a wonderful idea. She brought an IPod to him with one of his favourite songs and got permission from the doctor and staff to play it for him. The song was from Harry Belafonte. The name is "Mamma look a boo boo dere" The songs goes like this: Mamma look a boo boo dere. Oh no dat is your daddy. Oh no, my daddy can't be ugly so. Shut your mouth, go away, mamma look a boo boo dere ....ect. This is such sharp humor as Pierre,we all know, will laugh his backside off at this. The songs are different every day and his kids choose them to motivate him, and also fit the situation. We had so many funny thing to tell about him at table that night and all was so good as we all felt better and stronger after dinner. His children know him so well. His eldest daughter, Bicki, said to him that she will not shave her legs until he is awake, so he better hurry up.!!!!! I believe he hears us in his subconscious as the next day he stated slowly to stabilise although he was still very ill. I also believe in a persons will to get better has a huge influence on the circumstances. The combination of wonderful doctors and their knowledge with the patients will is a good combination. Pierre is so strong willed and always in control, that he cannot wait to get better and start with all his challenges again.......... The next big laugh I had by myself, as I has left in such a rush that the overnight bag I packed seriously lacked clothes, underwear. toiletries ect. In fact I packed a pair of shoes and a toothbrush and one blouse.I had to go shopping the next morning. So thanks Pierre I now has new jeans and underwear (which i needed but never took the time to go and buy.) JC my eldest son also came to see me and we had a good time together, and with all the other family at the table. We went to my favourite Chinese restaurant and we had an evening filled with laughter, stories and personal memories about Pierre.

I left this morning and went to see him in ICU and he really looked a little better and slowly making his progress in the right direction. I will now go to Dubai n Tuesday with a lighter hart. I went to see Rossouw, my middle son, and met his new girlfriend. She is very nice and Sweet and good to Rossouw. The two of them begged me to stay so that we can visit some more, but I had to get back to Dian as he was alone. I am Happy. When I got home, Dian my youngest son, was so glad t see me and said it is not nice without me. That made me feel so good. All 3 my boys kept phoning while I was travelling to find out that I was still OK and gave me instructions to drive safe and phone them to say that I am safe at home. They are now taking the new responsible role in my life. Wonder if it is because Hannes is not here, or just that they are getting mature and now the right way to do things......

Hannes seems to be settling in well but I think he is a little lonely. He goes for swims in the sea over weekends, and goes to our apartment's gym. He had a South African get together to watch rugby today with a braai . He wore his Springbok supporter jersey as well. I only have 2 more sleeps then I go to Dubai. I cannot wait.

I realised today that Dubai is 2 hours ahead of us. I thought it was only an hour, but Hannes confirmed today it is 2 hours ahead.

Hannes did the cleaning of the apartment and has to iron his own clothes. Here came the next laughter for me. He says he questions his Dubai decision only when he is cleaning and ironing. Other than that he is still very excited about this move and decision. He joked and said that you nearly do not have to turn the meat on a braai as the fire from the bottom and the sun and heat from above does the job......

I was worried about my visa to Dubai but it arrived today, so I now can leave on Tuesday without any delays. All i have left to do is pack and beautify myself in the hair department and off I go. Dian is settled at school and is in the middle of his trial exams while I am away. I was very proud of Dian as when I arrived tonight the flat was neat and tidy. He went out tonight to see some friends for a while, but he phoned me early to fetch him. I think he did not have a good time. We will chat tomorrow as he was not in the mood to discuss what happened.......

I will add a foto album application when I am in Dubai to share all the foto's of my visit with you all. I just have t go and figure out how to do this.........

I do not have much more now in my mind so I am off to bed......

Chat later again. L

BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE

My brother, Pierre, was in an accident last night and has been injured very badly. He is in ICU. He always works with speed and has 2 dozen things on the go at any time. Him and I have a very special relationship and are very close...He does not deserve this to happen to him. I just hope and pray he will be OK. Strange just 2 or three entries ago I said how lucky we are to have all siblings on one photo. Pierre get strong and healthy again please so that we can have more photo's together. I am monitoring the situation at the moment but I will fly to JHB if needed at a drop of a hat. I will make an effort to see him before I leave for Dubai next week.
It seems this will be a long time for him to get back to all functions. He was on a motorcycle and a man walked in front of him....He had no chance .......... Sorry Pierre for your pain. I love you alot.
Dian is home and studying for trial exams. Tomorrow he can do the drive to Richardsbay to get more practise in driving.
I am looking forward to see my pets again. They will be all over me again.
Our flat has been given to an agent for rental while we are away, so one item ticked off the to do list.
Hannes did a marathon typing session in a comment on the last entry. He gave more info on what he is doing in Dubai. Go read it and really admire him for his typing.
Tonight I am cooking for Dian. Nice to have some one to cook for. He is also so appreciative. He really enjoys eating.
Went to look for clothes today for Dubai. This is a major issue as all the clothes here are not right or not nice. Maybe I must just wait and see what is available in Dubai.
Not much more happening in my life today .
Chat later again.

TELEPHONIC...... AND FINE !!!!!!

The five of us are all on telephonic relationships at the moment and it sucks big time. I would love to see JC's new job area, meet the people he works with,see where he stays and just know he is OK. I only have the telephone to try and gauge if this boy of mine is OK. It's fine.... Here is a word I detest BUT it is always present. "How are you?" "Fine..." What the hell does that help. It says nothing at all. Rossi is at inter varsity in Bloemfontein. I had 6 calls from him today. Fantastic as I now where he is and what he is doing at regular intervals BUT it is on the bleddie phone. "How are you?" "Fine." hat shitty word again.... Dian chats on the phone and I can hear his hart is broken and he is going through a rough patch. Again I only have the phone to judge....

Last night a call with Hannes was SOOOOOO frustrating. Things that are out of my control and have to be done via courier to him in Dubai made him so unhappy on the phone (again) that it was a bad conversation and very frustrating. It had the trend of nearly being "picked out" !!!Today spoke to all by phone hell I even now have skype on my laptop (I installed and it works !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). Do remember this is my diary of thought so I do not want to sound like an agony aunt just complaining, but it is what is racing through my mind tonight (Sorry early morning as sleep is not high on my agenda at the moment.

I am so grateful to have all the phone contact as without it it would be unbearable but it is the most frustrating way of communication. And the terrible word FINE......Can any one help me with it's true meaning as all I can get from it is that all is not good but does not want to discuss it.....

I watched an old movie today. Gillian on her 37th birthday. This man can not get over the death of his wife so he speaks to her every day........ He in the end had to let go as it was hurting his daughter. Well this got me thinking of communication and how important it is to chat. Hannes and i normally had early mornings to chat. I miss that as we sometimes discussed issues but mostly it was just chatting about everything and nothing. We now only discuss what is needed to be said. I know it has to be that way but it scares the hell out of me because we can easily loose the art of chatting......and then what..... Luckily it is only about 9 more days before i go to Dubai. I am dying to see everything and to be able to visualise what Hannes talks about on the phone. I need so much more information..............I can never handle the unknown. I can handle anything as long as I now what I am facing.

At last also one wait is over. Tomorrow I fetch Dian to stay until Wednesday as he is busy with trial exams and is only writing on Thursday. He will just have to study here with me. I think it will be very good for him to be home for a while. Friday I fetch him again for midterm break and he then also has to study as it is in the middle of exams. Monday night take him back and then I go to Dubai..... I can not wait anymore. Although i have a lot to do this week (Yeah) it will make the time go fast.

I had an absolute binge day today. I buy meringues form a shop n Umhlanga. I am totally addicted to these meringues. Well I polished the lot today. (Will not tell you how many packets I bought !!!!!!) A total sugar high tonight for sure.

Doing my filing last night I found a map of Dubai. I took it to Clydene as she and Ermanno are in Dubai end August. So she can prepare and orientate herself to Dubai. Ermanno was also pleased for the map.

Hannes says he had a day in the sun today at the apartment pool and made roast chicken and roast potatoes tonight. ( I had meringues and meringues and more meringues.....)We do not have a dish washer in the apartment (No space) so dishes windows and ironing are a true saying to what my life is going to be. WHOOPPPEEE. Coming from Africa that is a total unknown version of life.... We are so spoilt. BUT i will be FINE !!!!!!

I have to wonder how it will be to read this blog in a years time again....... Another reason I do the blog is for that too and also to keep all my friends and fans up to date on our life and thoughts. Strange that tomorrow is our Sunday and in Dubai it is the first day of the week. They have our Friday and Saturday as their weekend. I think they call our Sunday Monday.

It is freezing cold here tonight. Must be a cold front coming over. Strange to think that Dubai today was in the 46C. I am planning on coming back with a tan as well. Tanning every day for and hour or 2 will do the trick. Also I believe it is a feel good thing as well. Hannes bought me this book on Dubai on all I have to know. It will be in my bag permanently until I find my own feet. It has amazing info and maps and as i have to make Dubai my new home I intend to embrace it with both hands and go for the experience all the way. Belly dancing classes are high on the list of to do's. (I can practise my moves while I am ironing or washing dishes!!!!!!!!! Might just be good for the figure as well.

Now my mind is empty....... (Hell does not take much to empty my mind hey!!!!!!

Chat later.

I AM ALIVE AND CRAZY

I went for dinner at Ouboet and Ousus (Mario an Marietjie) tonight. Was such fun. Had fabulous pork belly and veg. Ouboet cooked. Clydene and Ermanno were also there. We had good food and good conversation. Marietjie's son Kevin and Theresa (his wife) were also there. Well I got a crazy thought to go to the casino after dinner. (All vodka and redbull's fault!!!)Got Clydene Theresa and Kevin to go along. I won NOTHING but had lots of laughs and fun. Something I that I do not understand is: The casino takes your money so easily but to get your car out the parking lot is top security......

I tried talking to the machine, security cameras and staff about the good cause to make me win as I wanted Clydene and myself to go to Zanzibar for a holiday (shit knows we need it...) but all were deaf and did not hear our reasoning..... All the same we had a good time and it was time well spent. (Good fellowship...) .

Last night Clydene had me for dinner. Hells bells I am so spoilt. having dinner with good friends every night, how lucky can one be.... She made pork roast, roast potatoes and veg ....to die for. If not for my friends I will be having cauliflower every day. Or eggs on toast. Too lazy to make decent food and not nice to cook for 1.... Chocolates and coffee are so much easier......

Hannes now has an e-mail address and it will be easy and cheap to chat. Also only 10 days until I see him again. I really miss him so much. He is my barometer and my stability. My best friend. I really love him lots and miss him....This is not ideal to be apart but we both now it is the only way at the moment as the situation needs the dedication to what it needs.

Poor Hannes is up to buying vacuum cleaners and ironing baskets and globes... New dwelling to settle. Strange to think we have 2 full homes in SA and now settling student type living in Dubai.... Meaning small flat with just what we need at a short period of time. I think it is good to have this "stock taking" experience. Just hope we can do lots of travelling as well.

At the casino I asked the waiter why he works there. He said he is saving money to go back to school and finish his studies. I have to wonder what he thinks about these lunatics feeding these machines with money which he feels can be put to much better use.... Life is interesting. I also have to wonder why he did not finish school?.....

Tomorrow my agenda is clean. I am in limbo. Waiting for my deadlines to appear.... I have been invited to watch the Olympics opening with Ouboet and Ousus. I think I will join them. I feel slightly purposeless at the moment. Waiting......waiting..... in limbo. This is totally new to me as I always have had deadlines and routine. Now the routine is only mine to follow until the date of deadline. Deadline for me is Sunday to fetch Dian from school. Tuesday to Richards bay for work and then next weekend Dian for mid term break. The 19th to Dubai. he days in between are at my leisure................it is difficult as I had deadline daily when Hannes was here. Nice to see him every day and chat and be part of his daily doings and goings. I know for sure I am not made to be alone..... Believe me I can cope but I do not like it at all.

OK enough I now will try to sleep.....that is not easy. Seems 4 in the morning is my new bed time......Up at 7 again to wait and wait and wait......... Not nice.

Chat later again.

I FEEL I HAVE BOUNCED BACK

I had a call from my sister Jinny today. She is in the centre of the photo.
The photo is of us 5 siblings. Luckily all of us still available for a photo. We are in age range from eldest to youngest. Jinny and I had a lekker cat about Dubai and Hannes and stuff. It was so special to have such a long and lekker chat. Jinny has always been a huge influence in and on my life. We differ is many ways but are so terribly similar in the important stuff. Needless to say we love each other warts and all. I actually lived with her and her husband and kids for a good couple of years in the worst of times in my life and age. They had fun (I hope) with some of m antics bu also had some premature grey hairs as well with all my tricks. In any case that tends to make a relationship that stands the test of time. Her family values are to be envied.
Family is s important. They are who you moulded with and understand same things about you and where you come from that nobody can ever dream to understand. It is also a dynamic relationship which changes in stages but never in foundation. Jinny's eldest son is getting married in November. Luckily I am here to attend the wedding.
Hannes has moved into our apartment in Dubai. It is very small but nice he says. balconies about the size of a body board. He is now shopping for towels and a iron. (My new friend in Dubai) Ironing and I are not friends. Not that I don't want to do it but hell I CAN'T. Will have learn quickly or find a laundry quickly.... Which one do you vote for?
He says the apartment is small but good. We apparently have a choice of the view form our balcony (we are n the 7th floor) we can see Sheik Zahid highway or the marina and ocean.... he Sheidk Zahid is a 16 lane highway. main road through Dubai. You will have to wait for me to get there before I can post photo's on the blog. Stove is gas, kitchen is a like a passage, t2 bedrooms but only the main bedroom has a small cupboard. Packing space is a problem it seems. maybe I must just put a "windy dry" in the spare bedroom and hang all our clothes there. The gym is apparently god and it seems Hannes is using it. The building also has a steam room.(In that heat ??????? who the hell want to steam.) Maybe to get all the dessert dust out your skin....
Hannes has had to buy sandals in Dubai so he is now a rooted Dubai expat. He is busy in the morning with all administration and orientation stuff as the hospital on opens 1 September. This gives him good time to rest out (for him after 10 hour days this must be like a holiday) The afternoons are for personal stuff like opening bank accounts and buying cars and settling in Dubai. He phones 3x a day. I am shitting myself fr the account..... I think he is now missing me as he is a total home and family man. I think it must be hard for him in this big city experiencing things by himself. It is always better to have someone to share it with.... he groceries shopping he is doing is hilarious. He buys the smallest amounts as storage space in the flat is at a premium I suppose. hat will be some thing to get used to. Our house here is 540 square meters and the Dubai apartment is 110 square meters.
It seems he is thinking of buying a Toyota Prado. He says they are very cheap and the most popular in Dubai. We have to wait for his permanent visa before we can open a banking account and then to buy the car. I just hope i get rid of one of our cars here before we have a new vehicle........
but all will happen at the right time. I really believe that.
I went to Richards bay yesterday for the surgery work. It feels so strange with my commuting to Richards bay and not living there. The house and pets are all OK but my dog was so pleased to see me. He did not leave my side for a minute. Gees to have such love and loyalty. Was a rough day as I left Durban at 06h00 and only go home again at 20h30.
Tonight I am going for dinner at Clydene. I also did all my visa applications today for my visit later this month.
Tomorrow I have lots of admin work to do on laptop and filling......
I said i think I have bounced back. Well it feels as if my emotions are normalising and I can face every day again. I am again getting excited about Dubai. Something I did not have the last 2 weeks. Thank bali btches for support and love.My youngest, Dian, is very hart broken. He and his girlfriend broke up last night. Not nice to see our kids with broken harts but he is trying to cope well. At 18 it is so bad but he will be OK. They will be able to be good friends as well and then not all is lost. He starts his trial exams next week and that is so unreal that my youngest is now finishing with school and has to start his big life. he will do well as he is a very level headed boy with strong ideas and ideals. He has so much integrity for his age. he makes me very proud.
Rossouw my middle son is on his way to inter varsity this weekend. Hope he will be safe and sound as the student tend to drink too much. Luckily they are going in a Minivan with a driver..... I can only pray .....
Jc started his new job yesterday.
Seems the family is falling into place again.
Cheers All for now.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DUBAI

Well Hannes is safe and sound and had his first work day in Dubai. Yesterday On the phone he was "O hell what have i done. Hope this not a mistake!" He had a walk around last night and early to bed he says. Had a good sleep and was to work today. He is fetched by the company from the B+B and takes about 45minutes in traffic. He is now in the same area as to where we will stay, so the traffic situation seems OK. He says where we will stay looks nice from outside. Could not go in as no one available to open.
They are busy with lots of paperwork and orientation at the moment so no patients as yet. The Hospital only officially opens on 1 September. I will be in Dubai when that happens so maybe some cocktails and drinks to open the hospital.......
Hannes is so happy today and says it looks fantastic. He thinks he is going to be very happy the hospital and people seem very nice and efficient.Work very good and new and first world. He has to go to work in tie and suit. They are still very formal. At that heat it seems so silly but hey he always looks good in a tie and all is in air conditioning.
They had to meet all and tell about themselves. (Sound like a AA meeting to me you know hello my name is Hannes and I am .......) HA HA HA
Our apartment is apparently ready t move in and Hannes will sort that out tomorrow and he has to open a bank account ASAP. Nothing else can work or be done with no banking details....... like the hold up with the apartment is banking details to do the DEWA (Dubai electricity and water) ... Then he to get a car....must have banking details to do that too....
He says the company was very amazed to find out his apartment is arranged and done and the area....The Arabs don't know me yet hey......That was all me before he left...... Well organised...
I miss him alot and it is so different than when I travel alone as I always know where he is and what it looks like where he is. Now I have only empty cupboards, beside tables, no smell of his deodorant etc. BUT I still can talk to hm. This is going to be more expensive than we planned as I think our pone bill will be huge....... I did not budget for that. When I go to Dubai we will have to set up skype and Hannes will then have my old laptop..HA HA HA he then has to lean to use the bleddie thing...
The hospital does their lunches at work so he at least is fed.....
Hannes is gob smacked with Dubai. Huge first world city with so many choices and all available and can be done. O he found his lost luggage. Not bad going that with 6 pieces of luggage only 1 get lost.....
He says I will have a big problem to leave Dubai after my visit. He says Emirates mall is amazing... ell I have 3 weeks to go on my expeditions and find out for myself. Better get myself jacked up at Ermanno and Clydene will be in Dubai on 1 September for a visit.
I have to plan Hannes's 50th birthday. It will only be the 2 of us in Dubai. The Burj is totally out of the question so maybe camels in the dessert or something.......
I wonder what car we will have there. Me I go taxi taxi for some time until I now the place and driving n the right.
Tomorrow I go for Visa arrangement for my visit and I need some clothes. So I am going shopping.....
Chat later

DIAN HAS HIS DRIVERS !!!!!!

My small baby boy has his drivers license. He is so stoked with this. Now my nightmare start as I could always have the upper hand with NO you may not drive without a license....... I am so pleased for him as I can still remember many many moons ago when I got my drivers of how fantastic that felt.
HAD A VERY GOOD DAY TODAY. Alvira, a very good friend came to visit and we had a fantastic girls chat. We laughed at ourselves for being so full of shit at times and even realised how clever and special we are. So strange ow a 3 hours chat with a girlfriend feels like a holiday.
HAD 3 phone calls from Hannes. He is safe and sound in Dubai minus one suitcase..... He is staying in a B+B for the next 12 days as our flat will then only be ready. He phoned again from Emirates mall and was gob smacked at selection of fruit and veg. Mango's from Pakistan, oranges from Israel etc. He also says not expensive at all. He says the selections are mind boggling... Not only food but all other items as well. Now I can't wait to go and visit on the 19th.
I have a possible driver for Hannes's car..... I hold thumbs. I might not have any cars soon. That will be good. Then only the house.
JC my eldest has been through some bad times. The dance studio has paid him and it is totally pathetic. He was paid R1200.00 for the month . He worked 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. My housekeeper earns more. BUT it is not a livable wage....... what do people think.......... Anyway he had and interview today for a job with an in and export company to work as a junior clerk. Pay much better so he will resign form the dance studio and start his new job on Tuesday.
This is how stoked Dian is with his license.......
Nice to have Dian home. He enjoyed the food I made tonight. He is such a easy boy to please and fun to have around. I will miss my boys terribly when I am in Dubai someday (At the rate I am going now it might only be February or March next year.
Hannes report for work tomorrow. Sunday is their first day of the week and Saturday is their religious day of the week.
Tomorrow we have an early start as I ave to have Dian back at school at 09h00 for play practise. He is the backstage manager....... I might let him drive the two of us to school..... Maybe I should take some calming meds before we leave.
I have to wonder how Hannes feels tonight. He is alone in a strange city and country and waiting for his new job to begin. He does not know how or when or what is waiting for him. I somehow think it is more difficult for him as he is not amongst is known people and things.... His first comment was how dusty it is there.... It is in the dessert after all..... I just hope he is happy and it gives him all he wants and deserves.
Rossouw is visiting his girlfriends parents this weekend. Hope he is enjoying it.
There was a protest march in Umdloti this morning. A hippo was shot after it attacked some people and was regarded as dangerous. Well some "bunny huggers" with banners came down the street in protest... I found it funny and amusing as we have hungry kids, bad crime etc. and this hippo who was a bad ass and dangerous get this attention and police escort....
Well just wanted to share Dian and Hannes and JC's news.
Chat later.
I ope Gesi is having a wonderful time in the Midlands with her birthday..

I AM MESSED UP - TOTALLY

I NEED TO GET THERE.................This is just such a beautiful place...No idea where it is but to me this is where I want to be right now. I am tearful and extremely aggressive..Shitty feeling. My hart want to break and then I want to break plates and cups.... So let say I am messed up.

Hannes leaves South Africa in 3 hours. Then his adventure starts. I can just hope and pray he is happy and it pans out to be all he wanted.

I had problems with the laptop to send faxes. Total frustration. I got home after having a technician look at the problem (he had no answers) I sat and fiddled and hey presto I now can send faxes from my new laptop.

I tried to do my Dubai visit and guess what to get a visa is a Major mission. I plan to leave on the 19th and visa takes 14 days......Need letter from bank and employer (shit I am my own employer now!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Then photo's and need to get it to the travel agent on Monday morning.. to be in time for flight on 19th.

Had coffee with Gesi who is having her birthday tomorrow.. I was such bad company. Clydene joined us with Claudia and Kade. I have to get my act together or I might loose my valuable friends. People don't like to be around grumpy old woman..... Will work at that..... I promise.

I plan to sulk tonight until I am all done and tomorrow will be a new day.....

I said this before this is not for "sissies" It just gets more and more each day.

Clydene you are s right by saying it has just been talk and not reality. Thanks for invite when I feel like it. Will take you up on that soon. I always know your door is always open.

I have such a irritable tummy at the moment. I feel like a cow who had too much lucerne.... All blown up and uncomfortable.... No have not raided the pantry or eaten too much. I just think it is stress. A sort of irritable bowel syndrome.

I hope Hannes get his emergency exit on the plane and am holding my breath for payment of excess luggage.......

I will now wait for his call on the update.

My positives today will have to wait...... I just don't feel like it tonight. Psychological treatment (self inflicted) will have to wait...

How cab I feel so upset with Hannes tonight and miss him terribly at the same time..........

Chat later