A short break to Dubai

We decided it was high time to visit a country in the region as we have been here 18 months already and have not ventured out, not that we had many options due to the Middle East unrest. Owen was excused from school for 3 days as we decided to go 1 week before the Easter holidays. Less busy at our destination. We spent 4 nights and 5 days at the Chelsea Towers Hotel Apartments. There were 2 separate bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a kitchen, diner/lounge area and windows that did not open. I was quite happy about the windows not opening as we were on the 27th floor. We hired a car which gave us the freedom to do all that we wanted to when we wanted to do it. Best of all there was valet parking!

We swam in the hotel pool, went up Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), went to the Dubai Fountain and Dubai Mall Aquarium. Spent 2 days on the beach, one near the Burj Al Arab hotel which is said to have 7 stars. One of the afternoons we spent with friends of my parents who took a 2 year contract there. Owen and I strolled around the Souk Mahinat while Erin slept in the car. I did take my camera to practice and now both Owen and Erin are conditioned to saying "cheese". We got to spend some time in a local park with swings, slides and climbing structures.

Breakfasts were eaten at the apartment but for the rest we dined out. It was nice not to cook.

We had a great time and it was so quick to get to by plane.

A morning at the beach

Today we went to a beach area near the Pearl. We took Owen and Erin's bikes and buckets and spades. I had the opportunity of taking lots of photos of the fun, surroundings and locals. It is still winter and quite cool this year but lovely to be outdoors.

On our way to the playground...........

We came across the National Day official camels and horses. The camel keepers were very friendly and let Owen & Erin (who was having none of that)stroke and sit on the camel. Owen was rather nervous but was fascinated by their scratchy fur and licking their "lollies". After a while of watching the activities we headed off to the shaded park area to let off a little energy.

Fun at the Park

Today was the first day of Eid Al-Adha (a week long holiday in Qatar). We decided to go to a park that had a covered play area for a couple of hours. The temperature is significantly lower than in August and September and being outdoors is really pleasant.

The divas out at Diva Lounge

Mirella, Liz, Alice, Jo and I decided that it was time for the girls to go for a relaxing pedicure at Jo and my local beauty spot, Diva Lounge. There was a lot of chit chat, laughing and tea drinking followed by a photo shoot to record our memories with each other in Doha. All in all a lovely evening and pretty toes. Thanks ladies!

Brendons Birthday

The birthday celebrations started the weekend before Brendons birthday. On Thursday morning I baked the cake and after the cherubs went to bed that night I started on the fondant icing. I underestimated the time and skill required to make one of these cakes and had to call in my reinforcement a.k.a Mirella to give me a hand. So after 4hours and an extra set of hands my cake was created and ready for the party.

Friday morning I got out the bunting, balloons, tablecloth, matching napkins etc. and when Brendon came down he had the task of putting them up. It was just after 7am but the cherubs were so excited so I had to cut the cake and they had an early morning snack.

On Saturday Brendon went to play golf with the usual group of guys and when he got back Owen, Erin and I made him birthday cards during our creative time.

On Tuesday morning, the day of Brendons birthday, I finally gave him his present - a nine-hole golf voucher for when he is next inspired to go and hit some balls.