BRING ON 2011

1. 

MY "BABY" TURNS 21

Dian had his 21st birthday here with us in Dubai.....This was his choice of gift LOL....It is remote controlled, BUT he went back the next day for a refund as it was very slow......

We went to Buddha Bar for dinner and that is a serious WOW......The food is fantastic and the service is outstanding. Happy birthday my boy and I hope all the love and happiness for you in life.

ROSSOUW 22ND BIRTHDAY

Rossouw had his 22nd birthday and here he is all decked out in his new shirt......Hannes and the boys went to Frankies for dinner and had a blast. Happy birthday Rossi. All love and happiness to you in all the new wonderful things happening in 2011

CAMPING IN MUSANDAM

We have realized we are not "happy campers"..... I think we need some advise and assistance in this matter. We had a gale force wind the night which kept the tent billowing and moving.....Hannes stept into the fire when we took the tent down, which resulted in a nasty burned foot. We really tried our best to stay upbeat and happy but oh boy you can only put on a brave and happy face for so long....

CLOUDY SUNSET

I added this photo as it is not very often you see clouds on the horizon. Average raibfall is 4 days per year

SPECIAL

I just find this so very special to see camels on the beach. I do not think I will ever get used to it.

OK it has been a very very long while from my last update. I have no excuse. It is just not easy to always write what I feel and think....I do not want to disturb any of you reading...So I kept a little to myself....I hope to change it in 2011 and I still feel the blog in very therapeutic for me to try and organize my shambled mind and feelings. Also to keep all of you updated on what we are doing so that it is never difficult to pick up the pieces when we do see each other again. 

I think it is called writers block...WOW I have a diagnosis.............This will be a very general  news entry to catch up and try to get onto the writing thing again.

Christmas was very nice, and we had a wonderful lunch at Movenpick in JBR. We got all our friends together who were in Dubai and minus family anbd we made our own family Christmas. Food was over the top and way too much. Speaking of food....I have gone into a chocolate frenzy........(Is it a real food group I have to wonder).Will also try and fix that as none of my clothes fit any more.

Dian was home for holidays and it was fantastic to have him here again. He did very well at varsity last year and we are very proud. He returns to SA tomorrow and he is really looking forward to going and getting stuck into his new year.

Rossouw is still happy and coaching swimming in Dubai. He might have a new and exciting 2011. Will update on that  soon .

JC has joined us in Dubai and he will have tough and exciting things happening as well.

Hannes is well and he also might have some exciting news in the near future....Seems as if 2011 will be full of new, exciting and tough stuff.

I struggle with only one thing and that is the longing to people. My family and friends not here with me are a constant ache in my hart. I have found strength in my character which I did not know existed. I am very adjustable...holy cow It sounds wrong to say adjustable....What will be a better description..... I have done the ex pat thing and have found it to be " not for sissies" but also very easy if yo have your mindset in order.

I really love Dubai with all its diversity and new and exciting stuff happening. It is so nice to see all the wealth that you are surrounded in. You have to keep a strong guard as not to feel you are just as wealthy. The service in the shops is so good and friendly. It is a "delivery" city. Yes  I have succumbed to the delivery mode. Imagine going to do grocery shopping.....hauling it form the car to the lift at the apartment.....Hauling it all into the lift......going to the 23rd floor (this is easy) then hauling it all out the lift and then into the apartment and then only start packing away......Nee wat.....Not this MARINA MARY.....I now phone my local supermarket with my list and they deliver it into my kitchen...easy peasy.... Any take away or restaurant delivers to your door.

Taxi's are my other pleasure. I have a "driver" who does the traffic number and stresses and I can sit back and look at what ever I fancy. If I want to the driver and I have a fat chat......All I have to do is ask him where he is from and what does his family consist of...the rest he does then all by himself. I then get to learn of another country and how they think and do things. The taxi drivers are very lonely as they cannot have their family with them in Dubai. They all have wives and kids at home and get to see them once a year on their annual leave...It makes me realize how fortunate I am to have my family (partly) here.

My mother turns 86 today., I wish I could have been there just to say happy birthday in person. Well a phone call will have to do.

I have gone a blank now and mind is empty....

Chat later again

L