Christmas holiday on ice!

So, finally it was time to take the girls skating. Emma had been going on about it a long time, how she missed playing in the snow, skate on the ice, etc. On Sunday, she went to Winter camp at school, where they played indoor hockeyand Emma scored two goals! The coach said she was very strong and should consider playing it more seriously. She was so pleased with herself. The only thing was that the other goalie started crying when Emma scored the second goal and she didn't quite know how to deal with that. Apart from that, she loved the winter camp. They played basketball, hockey, dodgeball and did swimming, all in the same day.

So, anyway, on Wednesday I decided to take them skating. Isabelle was nervous and said she didn't remember anything from last year, but on the ice, she was great. No problems at all. She was so happy and incredably cute skating (skitting) down the ice. Emma was super and I loved it myself. Could almost imagine I was on Kottlasjön back home. The good thing was I didn't even have to wear gloves. The temperature was so nice. And I could buy a superb latte at the café next door.

So far, it looks like Emma is going to have an ice-skating party for her birthday in January. We'll see...At least she can invite the whole class then. Last week she wanted a 'makeup-nailpolish-haircolour and glamour party'...for girls only. Oh yes, here you can find anything you are willing to pay for. You can even have your own 'exotic animals-party' with a real zoo coming to your house. Maybe that will be next year...

The day ended with pizza in Vapiano together with daddy.

Anna

Happy Christmas!

It's been a wonderful two days of joyfull social events, family fun and lots of food and presents. Yesterday morning the kids woke early as always and quickly checked their stockings for

presents. Santa had brought the girls pink MP3players and they were so happy. James got a car. Isabelle also checked that Santa had drunk his whisky and ate his cake, which he had of course. Oh, yes, she is a believer, no doubt. She even asked the Indian guy delivering our fish and chips the evening before, if he had seen Santa on his way. The guy said no, so Isabelle said: If you see him, can you tell him where we live? After breakfast we listened to Christmas carols and opened presents. Soooo many presents! Santa brought them both from Sweden and England. James was very happy with his garage and his ball table. Kept him entertained for ages.

After a quick swim in the pool it was time to cook the big turkey dinner. A swedish family came to share out Christmas eve and we had a great time. After dinner, it was finally dark, and Santa came. Emma is kind of still a beliver, bit is asking more and more questions about Santa. Like how can he really fly with his raindeers? And why does he come both at night and the next day? So, we had to be clever. I messed up anyway, when he came in the evening, he brought Isabelle a wallet, that Emma had helped me buy... What an idiot I was. Emma obviously noticed, but I kind of got myself out of it, by saying that Santa must have bought the same...she didn't look like she completely believed it, but at least she didn't ask anymore questions. It's as if she really wants to believe that he is real, but sort of knows that he isn't.

Today has been a relaxing day. We have downloaded music on their MP3s and played cricket in the park. Then it was time for turkey dinner number 2 at the neighbours. Mould wine, turkey, ham, stuffing, veg, homemade yulelog and lots of pink champagne. We were spoilt!

So,thank you Santa for making it a wonderful family christmas, without the bigger family and the snow. And thank you my gorgeous husband for buying me a danish Skagen watch in steel and a food processor with the works!

Merry christmas to you all!

Anna

More christmas spirit (food)

We are getting closer and closer to christmas and I still feel very relaxed about the whole thing. It doesn't feel like real christmas anyway. But yesterday me and Jon went christmas shopping for the kids and started to discuss what was really important about it, about christmas I mean. And of course I said food. And of course Jon said to be able to go running everyday...no seriously we agreed that I definitely find traditions more important than him, but the most important thing is that we are together as a family and that we can create our own traditions, with or without snow or daddy Lindström's herring.

So, this morning I decided to have a very realxing day with my oldest daughter. I realised that I hadn't spent much quality time with her lately, on a day when neither of us is stressed, grumpy or tired. So what did we do? We went to IKEA to have Swedish meatballs :) Or actually Emma had meatballs and I had a christmas plate with herring, salmon, prawns etc. Not a patch on pappa's food, but still ok. We had a great chat about all kinds of things and I realised that she is very good company when she is happy...she also admitted that she likes Dubai more and more but she still misses her friends and family very much. At the moment she is mostly concerned with the fact that there is no snow, so we agreed that we would go to Dubai mall next week for a session of ice-skating!

By the way, here is Emma's christmas list for this year:

1. seven 100 bills

2. An i-pod

3. a powerwing scooter

4. a dress without arms.

5. a mobile

Either it's going to be an expensive christmas or a very upset daughter on Christmas day. Which is the worst I wonder?

When we talked about why we celebrate christmas, Emmas said: because we should get presents....because Jesus got presents...because he was born, right?. I love the way she came to that conclusion, bless her!

Good night and don't let the scorpions bite, as we say here.

No, that's a joke.

Getting into that christmas spirit...

The last 2 weeks we have been buisy trying to get into the christmas spirit. Or at least I have. When I read all your messages about snow and glögg and lussebullar I get depressed. Or no, I try to make the best of it. We have made ginger biscuits and decorated them, toffee, and christmas decorations for the tree. Yes, we have a tree and it is already dressed. It's plastic of course. And I have made a candle holder for advent candles, it's quite beautiful actually. And we have been to the Swedish church, where I had glögg (mould wine) and Emma had christmas porridge with cinnamon. Then we went to the girls' winter concert at school. So sweet and lovely. Emma looked quite shy and worried, Isabelle was giving it all she had. Quite a performer (what else is new). Then I have been wrapping christmas presents and obviously buying christmas presents. Big garage for James, an activity ball for Isabelle....

But where is the snow and where is the cold? It's just impossible to get that special feeling. I don't even go near the pool at the moment. It just doesnt agree with me.

Eid holiday

Yes, ok I know, it's been a while since I wrote... It has been a week, or two actually, of holiday. Finally I say, couldn't wait to have some time away from school runs, packed lunches, activities, homework and other must-do's. And of course it was time for the big family reunion! The Lindströms have been here and a lot of things have been happening. I don't have many pictures from their visit, I am waiting for them to send me some good ones. But I have a picture from our visit to Burj Al Arab, the world's only seven-star hotel. It was quite an experience to see it all, the incredable luxury and extravaganza. Some architect must be very happy to have fulfilled his dream. We had cocktails in the sky bar, on the 27th floor, to celebrate mum and dad's 60th birthday. Mum got roses from the waiter, so yes, it was classy.



This week, we are missing them very much, but still had holiday time and Jon has been off work a few days beacuse of Eid, kind of like the Muslim Christmas or something. We took 2 day trips away from Dubai to see something else of the emirates, like...sand. I do have some great pictures from the dessert safari we did yesterday, driving our own car throught the sand dunes. What an experience! So cool!! We were six Swedish families, some more experienced than others, luckily, since we were not one of them...but Jon did really well, we only got stuck twice.

Happy Halloween!

Today was the big Halloween night. We didn't quite understand how big it was until this weekend. It all started at school. Being an American school they had planned a big Halloween parade around the school on Thursday, costumes and everything, then class parties and sweets etc. However, on Wednesday Ras al Khaimah's sheik died at the age of 92, and we all got a text message in the afternoon saying that the school had cancelled the Halloween party to show him respect. They still had a party though, but without the costumes. On Friday we decorated the pumpkin I had bought and roasted the seeds in the oven. Very nice actually! In the afternoon the girls went to Emma's school friends Halloween party. She lives in the same street so that's great. It was a combined pool/halloween party.

We also went to the garden centre to buy some nice plants, now that the weather finally permits the planting of flowers and sitting outside. Jon has actually bought some watermelon seeds, so that will be fun to see! Anyway, between all the flower pots and fertilizers, there was of course also...christmas trees! It was kind of a shock at first, but now I think it's pretty nice. So we went home and decorated the entrance with a nice big flowery bush and a pumpkin. No christmas tree yet....

Today we have had 20 groups of kids here trick or treating. I couldn't believe it, luckily I had a lot of sweets left from isabelle's birthday party. We ran out completely of sweets, crisps, raisins, etc...they just wouldn't stop coming. And they all had great costumes. Isabelle was so excited. They both went out with Emma's friend Rosa and I came back with full bags! Isabelle ran home first, someone's dad had scared her completely, dressed in a scream costume, making horrible screams she said...poor thing.

Happy Halloween!

Anna

Birthday girl

It's been a few buisy weeks and the blog has not been a priority, sorry about that. Jon has been travelling alot, James and I have had bad colds and I had a history essay to hand in last week. I have also started my job as a teacher assistant in the Swedish school. So a bit chaotic. The worst part I think, it that James didn't sleep well when he was sick, which means we don't sleep well, which means I have no patience and even less energy. But anyway, I managed to hand in my essay only one day late, which was ok by my teacher so I'm very happy about that. Everything culminated with Isabelle's birthday yesterday. Luckily everyone is well now, the fairy cakes were made in time, and she had a great party at school.

Bless her, she asked me last night, if turning 5 means no more bottles of milk at night, so I said, she could have milk before she goes to bed, but never during the night. She is far to big for that. 'Yes, she said, you are right. And I can also wipe my bottom now without help. But how can my body change just because I am 5, does it now it was my birthday today?' 'Well, I said, you change a little every day, but when it's your birthday, you grow a little extra.' I just love how children think.

At school, they have parties when it's someone's birthday, so of course, Anna Kiely has to be as good as all the other housewives, and make homemade cupcakes with icing and the whole lot. They all have to have a goodie bag each as well. So, Emma and Isabelle helped me to make the most beautiful cakes. It was almost a shame to eat them. They also had a short disco afterwards to burn the calories. James joined in and was so cute dancing away with the five year olds. Then we went to the Swedish church for junior-fun and we all had a very nice time. We were not home until 6.30 and then it was time to try out the new High school musical dance Wii game that Isabelle got. They only had a short try, we didn't quite understand what to do. So after putting the kids to bed, the very tired, exhausted mummy (seems to be the story of my life), decided to have her own try, educational purposes of course, had to leanr so that I can teach the girls. One hour later (or maybe two...) I was a superstar dancing to highschool musical and I really had a good work-out as well. Felt so good! Jon was working away on his laptop as I was dancing, his only comment: Are you sure you bought this game for Isabelle?....Of couse, but it's so nice when you can do thinks together as a family, right?!....:)

Morning, James is sleeping, time to do some blogging, and studying. James normally sleeps between 10.30 and 12.30, that's when I have my studdytime, mostly. I am doing an open university course in History, to eventually finish my degree as A-level teacher of English and History. It's really fun and interesting, but al lot of reading, as always...I have been trying to teach Emma about Egypt, Cleopatra and the pyramids and she finds it really interesting. It all started when they were on their Summer camp week, after returing from Sweden. The camp was at the Cleopatra Spa, in Wafi City. You really have to see it to believe it. The Wafi center is built as a pyramid, with Swinxes, big ornaments, and gold statues of the Pharaos and Egyptian Queens. Since I was reading the pyramids at the time, O started telling them all about it in the car from the summer camp. The every day, after passing the golden statues, Emma would say, 'can you tell me about Cleopatra again'. Talk about fantastic learning experience. Isabelle, however, said that I shouldn't have told them that Cleopatra was killed by a snake, because now she will have nightmares...oops. The next day Emma and I read (ok, I did the reading) in the paper, that a dog had been eaten by a python in somebody's home. There was a big picture of the snake with half a dog hanging out of it's mouth. Emma was shocked, but found it so interesting that she had to go on the internet and search info on snakes, bless her. She mad he mummy very proud!

However, not all days are golden days, far from it, we have also had some sad days in the last week, like when the girls decided to play doctors and used one of mummy's lipsticks as blood and painted Isabelle's favourite doll all red....I cried more than the girls, I was that upset. Not because of the lipstick, but becasue I put a lot of effort into buying her that doll for Christmas last year. I have to confess that I did a lot of yelling, and said they were spolit brats who didn't understand the value of their possessions or money for that matter (God, did I really say that...). But anyway, they were very sad and accepted the punishment without discussion - no cinema that day, as we had planned.

Ok, so I had to do something to feel a bit better, I planned a new ladies night of course. I have included some pictures of the lovely Media One hotel. top floor. Great night, but terribly strong coctails, had the worst headache the next day...

Thank God for Chaturi, who could take care of James the next morning.

Talking about Chaturi, it was her birthday yesterday, we celebrated with chocolate cake and presents. Her own celebration in the evening was to go to KFC with her friends and have fried chicken, her favourite food, apart from Sri lankan healthy food. James enjoyed his first real chocolate cake. He ate it all on his own and clearly had a great time!

Time to studdy the Greeks! and Alexander the Great!

Ramadan Kareem and Eid Mubarak!

Merry christmas and a Happy new year..sort of...We are back in Dubai! And we came back just in time for Ramadan, yiha...not. But we have survived, and it is all for a good cause obviously. The muslims don't eat or drink during the sun hours to be solidaric with the poor, they eat after sunset, iftar it's called, and before sunrise. They also give away lots of money and things to charity during Ramadan. Of course it has also been made into a great tourist thing, where all the restaurants who have to be closed during the day, offer big Iftar meals to a good price in the evening. We tried it one night, Mezze starters, lentil soup, bbq meat and rice. Very nice actually.
During daytime, it has been hard though. As an adult you are not even aloud to drink water in your car, even if it's 40 degrees outside. I must confess that I did though, many times. For one week I had to drive the girls to summer camp everyday and it was very hot. Of course I drank water, but you have to be discreet. One of the first days back, we all went to IKEA, thinking we could have lunch in IKEA. But of course, they didn't even sell the tradional hot dogs. After a long time in IKEA, we eventually came to the check out, where the queue was long...Both the girls and me were about to die from starvation (everything is relative), so we left Jon with all the packing and went to the IKEA shop to buy Swedish bread and biscuits. Since only children and preganant women are aloud to eat during the day, we had to go to the toilet, where we had our own ramadan buffee...On the way back we saw 2 big car accidents, the last car was actually on fire! We had also been told not to drive in the afternoons when the muslims are very hungry and weak. A scary experience.
Now, we have finally celebrated Eid weekend, when Ramadan is over and all the muslims celebrate with food, parties, holidays and presents. No alcohol of course. All the schools and government offices are closed for 3 days. Most private companies are also closed. So we have enjoyed a nice long family weekend, with lots of time at the pool, some bowling indoors, and lots of socialising. We went to a fantastic seafood party on Thursday, without children, and had a great time, with great Swedish friends, a Kiwi from New Zealand and Jon from England. Chaturi put all the kids to bed, she is a true blessing to have.
So, Friday we were very tired, and didn't do a great deal. Jon, however managed to invite a new English family for homemade pizza in the evening. So, we ended up making our own pizzas with a family from New Castle. A very nice evening, and a bit too much wine...Saturday was a nice poolday, and then the next door neighbours from Ireland/Scotland came to dinner with their 3 kids. I made lasange and she made cheese cake, great combination. Complete chaos for a few hours, but very nice indeed.
That's it for now I think. I just have to say that the temp is finally going down, slowely, day by day. Especially the evenings are fantastic. I can see that it's only going to get better.

Lots of love, miss you all!

Anna

Home sweet home

So now we're back from Dubai. And what a place to get back to. Swedish summer. Is there anything as beautiful? I can't explain how it feels to be able to walk outside, breath the fresh air, watch the kids play in the woods, getting all dirty and messy and having a great time. The temperature is perfect, not too hot, not too cold. The look on Emma's face when she saw all her friends at a class party on Friday...she looked like she didn't know wether to laugh or cry. She was completely overwhelmed and so happy. Isabelle also had a birthday party on Saturday and she was just as happy. She didn't quite know how to behave though, she kept acting like the cool girl who couldn't speka Swedish anymore. I just speak English now, she said to her best friend Lina, who just stared as her. After a while they played like they had never been away from eachother and when I picked her up she was wearing one of Lina's dresses, like always. So, She feels at home again...
I feel like this is going to be a great summer, I intend to make the most of it. We have the perfect plans, Lidingö, England, Gotland...love it. And when it all ends, we will go back to sunny Dubai and enjoy the life there. I'm especially looking forward to winter in Dubai, when we can really explore and enjoy the cooler weather, and all there is to see and do outside.
Jon is currently in South Africa, so don't feel sorry for him. He is watching football, going on safari and eating full english breakfast...but of course he misses us a lot and we miss him. He is the best.

Sweden's national Day - 6th of June

Yesterday it was Sweden's national day. Jonathon and some colleagues had been invited to the celebrations at the Swedish Business council's reception at Sas Radisson Blu in Abu Dhabi. I was also invited and really looking forward to it, hoping to get some Swedish food that I miss so much.

We left the children in the safe hands of Chaturi and went on a coach along with 30 other Swedes, which took about an hour. At the reception there were 500 people, who were greated by blonde Swedish children handing us blue and yellow flowers to wear. They looked so pretty! In the main hall there was a band playing Swedish music, one girl and two boys playing the guitar. It reminded me very much of me and my brothers signing, kind of the same songs as well. I did get a lump in my throat actually.

Then there were tons of people to say hello to and be introduced to. This was a mingle party, the idea being that buisnessmen (like Jon) could meet other businessmen, exchange businesscards and have a drink together and eat Swedish food. I of course intended to just enjoy myself and eat lots of food.

There was a speech by the Swedish embassador, thanking a lot of people and introducing the emirate businessmen who were also invited, like the trade minister of Dubai or something. They looked very stylish in their white dishdashas.

We got talking to a very nice emirate man who was there with his brother who seemed to be a very important man. He said he had met the Swedish king when he was in Dubai recently. And that he loves Volvo cars. He has them specially made, quicker than Ferraris...not very legal but he imports them in some roundabout way. Said he would love to go to Sweden, the only reason not to go is that he probably wouldn't want to leave.

Then there was a Swedish buffe' with lots of food, like Jansson's temptation, princess cake, salmon, herring, caviar, roast beef, meat balls. Nice, but not at all like dad's.

I talked to a lot of interesting people, a russian couple who works for Fagerhults designing lamps, a Pakistani couple who'd lived in Dubai since the 70s, Sony Ericsson expat Swedes, a couple from Sudan invited by ITT. Talk about multicultural evening. And everyone connected to Sweden in some way or other.

I truly enjoyed myself.

Now it's time to concentrate on packing. 10 days and counting and I'm really, really looking forward to going home to dear Sweden. After all, Dubai and all its glory, what can be better than a Swedish summer day? And to be honest, I don't care if it's raining this year....

Enjoying Dubai

After weeks of making an effort to find friends for me and the kids, getting used to school routines and driving, taking care of sick children, and finding ways to entertaining the kids inside, I have finally had a week of (almost) pure pleasure.

On Sunday I was invited to a another Swedish Anna's house for breakfast. We were 4 mums (from Team Sweden - golf, remember), enjoying latte, homemade bread and smoothie in Penthouse 1, Tiara Residence on the palm. James was playing with Anna's Julius who is one week older than James. The view from the enormous windows was incredible. After breakfast, Ulrika and Malin was going for their first workout with a personal trainer at Lakes Club (as you do...) and I went to Satwa to pick up Emma's curtains. Satwa is the complete opposite of Tiara residence. Indian/Arabic market place, dirty, crowded, but great fun. It cost £10 (140 skr) to have two long curtains made. What a bargain! The only thing was, I forgot which exit to take, which meant I ended up driving round Dubai Mall 3 times in heavy traffic. Strangely enough, I didn't get stressed about it....somehow I must be used to it by now.

On Monday, I went for coffee with one of the mums in Emma's class. She took me to Aspen, the posh restaurant in Mall of the Emirates, next to Ski Dubai. It's supposed to be like a ski resort cafe'. Very nice but expensive. It was my turn to pay unfortunatelly.... :-) We had a great conversation about life in Dubai, I realised that we live very different lives, considering she only has one 7-year old son, and has lots more time for herself and spend lots of time in nice restaurants with her family. She does charity work and read books by the pool. Sounds pretty nice. After coffee I spent a few hours shopping in the mall. Found 2 lovely skirts in Monsoon. Since they were quite expensive, I asked when the sale starts. She whispered - tomorrow! So, obviously, I didn't buy them. Decided to come back the next day. Then I picked up Isabelle and her friend Maya at 12 o'clock since they had a play date that day and Maya has no kidcare, like Isabelle. I was amazed at how much English Isabelle could talk with Maya. She even had to interrupt me at one time, when I was asking Maya about something in Swedish. She just stared at me and Isabelle said - Mum, Maya does not understand Swedish!

On Tuesday I couldn't go back to Monsoon as early as I wanted since I had an important breakfast meeting with Fiona, the wife of Jonathon's boss, at Shakespeare Cafe'. What a supurb breakfast that was, fresh fruit salad, yougurt, asparagous omelette, latte of course, etc. and James was entertained by the staff. One of the waiters even came to wipe his fingers with a wet wipe when he thought James had made a mess of his sandwich...

After breakfast and food shopping, I left James with Chaturi and went back to Mall of the Emirates. One of the skirts was still there, less than half price, yippi! So I had to buy another one, similar. And an extra dress for the beach...When Jon came home I explained to him how much money I saved him by going to the sale....I learnt that from his dear mother, thanks Diana, it kind of worked...

In the evening, it was time for Ladies night! Dressed in one of my new skirts, I went to Hotel Media one with 3 other Swedish mums, to enjoy no less than 6 free coctails. Standing at the bar with a cosmopolitan, I felt at least a little bit like carrie in Sex in the city. A film which is not available in Dubai, since it includes things that are not ok here, like women having sex when they are not married (at least I think that is why...). Oh dear! At the bar, however, I saw at least two prostitutes, oh yes, everything that happens in other cities, aslo happens here, even though Sheik whatever, probably wouldn't admit it. Anyway, a fantastic night all in all! Although I spilt Chicken Tikka all over my new skirt at the end of the night.

Anyway, today I'm taking the girls to see the new Shrek film with a bunch of other kids. Looking forward to it. After all, a mum is what I am foremost, the rest is only icing on the cake, Dubai icing...oh I like.

See ya!

Hot and cold

Sorry for not writing, but I have been very tired this week. Jon has been away all week, Egypt and Lybia, and the heat is definitely getting worse. It's hot and humid. The windows are wet in the morning. The first day I thought it had been raining in the night, but I soon realised that it was the humidity. Today the temperature showed 42 degrees as I was driving the girls home from English class att 11am.

Last Sunday, the girls were off school, so we decided to do something crazy, we went to Ski Dubai to escape the heat. We went with another Swedish family, whose kids go to the same school as Emma and Isabelle. They all went skiing, but Isabelle was to unexperienced, so we had to stay in the snow park. But that was great, we had a lot of fun, until forty crazy Indians decided to take over the slopes. The had obviously never seen snow before and were acting like children, throwing snow and chasing each other. Isabelle and Emma were quite astounded by the whole thing. Until one man stole Emma's sledge and she started crying. But we still had fun and never enjoyed the cold so much.

On Tuesday I had my last golf lesson in the sweltering heat. Luckily, the course was quite breezy, so it wasn't too bad. We played about 5 holes, great fun. It's coming back to me more and more.

Isabelle has also been to a friend's house this week, an American girl named Maya G. She had a great time and obviously had to speak and understand English all afternoon. When I picked her up, Maya's dad said 'what a well-behaved girl, so charming and good manners, and she ate all her food'....I thought - are we talking about the same girl here, Isabelle Kiely, stubborn, naughty 4-year old who never eats her food....So I came home a proud mum. At least she knows how to behave, that's the important thing :-) Actually, Isabelle has been really happy all week, and she is talking a lot of English now, even with me.

On Friday Jon was home and we all went to The Lakes club to go swimming. We were 6 Swedish families together and the kids had a great time. In the evening Jon's boss, Brian, came for a meal with his family. Very nice and the girls were entertained by his 15-year old daughter Carly.

Today we're taking it easy, I've been running (in the gym), Jon's been working, the girls have been to English class and Emma's now playing with a school friend. Right now they are giving all the Barbie dolls a bath. Jon has gone to the fish shop with Isabelle to buy 3 more fish. Another one died this week...and James just locked himself into Emma's room...have to go.

Bye!

Dubai Dolphinarium

Today, we had a great family outing to Creek Park, where there is also a Dolphinarium. Isabelle has been going on about swimming with dolphines for a long time, but it's mega expensive, so we thought this would do for now. The show was really nice, seals dancing the tango and dolphines painting master pieces with brushes in there mouths...maybe not so natural, but quite entertaining. James was mostly interested in all the popcorn people were eating. It seems to be his favourite food at the moment. Anyway, we all really enjoyed it.

I have realised that we still have a lot to discover in Dubai, which is good. When we return in August it will be too hot to be outside, so all the indoor activities will be popular of course. More than anything, I am looking forward to winter, october and onwards when we will be able to do more outdoor stuff, which have been somewhat hard so far. Even the beach is too hot now. The pool still works though.

It's been a great weekend all in all, me and Jon went out on Thursday night to a great restaurant called Left Bank, we sat by the sea and had a great meal and lots of wine. We celebrated 15 years together. Chaturi was babysitting and for the first time she had to put them all to bed. It went well, but she looked tired when we came back, James had been awake the whole time. On Friday we had Swedish dinner guests for the second time, lovely family and the kids had great fun. I think Isabelle has found a new friend, no doubt.

Finally the kids are well...touch wood!

Well, so maybe Karate wasn't Emma's thing, but at least we tried. Emma has been my biggest worry this week, not Isabelle or James for a change. She is not as active and full of life as she normally is. I think she needs more friends or more to do when she is not in school. I do regret not signing her up to any after school activities when they started or the Swedish school. I thought they needed more time to get used to school first. But anyway, no use looking back. We did what we thought was right at the time. Luckily, Emma has some nice friends at school so we just have to get used to arranging play-dates every week. None of them live here, so it' s a matter of coordinating, driving, etc. And the teacher has to know at least a day in advance who is picking up your kids, etc..not like in Sweden when all her friends were round the corner. Anyway, she now has a playdate tomorrow and Friday, so that feels great. The way we mum's worry...

I managed to play golf yesterday, great fun. Did I mention that the instructor apparently taught Tigerwoods sometime years ago...After golf we had coffee, croisant and ceasar salad, suddenly I felt very much like someone in Desperate housewives....byt only for a short moment...after picking the girls up from school, James had fever again, so no play group at the Swedish church as we normally do on Tuesday afternoon. The girls were not happy. And James was crying. So, back to reality once again.

Today, Wednesday morning, started with Body Pump. Only the second time I go, but it's good. Last time I could hardly walk for two days. James was also much better, so we went to TFI for lunch with a friend. James kept flirting with her 2-year old daughter, by making noises and spitting out his food, so I thought he must be ALOT better.

It has been a good day, but unfortunatelly, Emma had to be a real pain when I was putting them to bed. All beacuse I found a BIG pile of hair hidden in the bathroom under a towel. Emma had decided to cut her own fringe...leading to a somewhat strange haircut. After that she was not happy with me...or herself I think. Poor thing.

Time for bed!

Monday morning - temp is rising...

Morning,

Isabelle is back at school for a few hours today. She is pale and has lost weight. She still goes on about how I promised her a present if she took the horrible medicine everyday, though. She has decided she wants a Nintendo DS. Hm...not what I expected, I though she would say a pink nailvarnish or something. But, no she wants a PINK Nintendo DS. Great...

James is sleeping soundly, good, because he is not so well at the moment. He is teething, has a cold and upset stomache as a result. Many nappy changes everyday. I have also been told by other mums that it takes a few months for small children to get used to the bacteria and weather in Dubai. And the weather is definitelly getting hotter and humid.

Today I am defying the sun, I went out for a run this morning (yes, really), sun hat on of course, the temp showing 29 degrees at 7am. And now I am sitting outside in the garden, determined to get my body and mind use to the heat. I think it is working...I'm swetting a bit, but I can take it. It's now 34 in the shade. Very glad I bought a real pair of Rayban sunglasses yesterday. First time ever, that I spend more than £5 on a pair of sunglasses...it's true. But if there is one place where you need good sunglasses, it's Dubai. No doubt.

I have also applied for a job today, at the Swedish school of Dubai, 2h a week from Sept. Emma will also start there after summer, to keep up her reading and writing in Swedish.

Today we are getting a new fridge. That will be interesting. Last time the landlord fixed the fridge, three men came with no tools and asked me to look for a screwdriver, I said we didn't have one. I suggested they could use their car key (seen it on TV). They did. And it worked. Now the thing is falling apart, so he will give us a new one.

Since we feel that we need to activate the girls a bit more, now that we can't go outside as much (and Emma is putting a bit of weight on) we have decided that they are going to Karate this afternoon, a trial session at Lakes club where we live. I'll tell you about it tomorrow.

Have a good one!

Party, party

Last week was as I said a great week. I managed to play golf for the first time on Tuesday morning and it was great! I can't remember it being that good. It could also be because we were actually out on the course, practicing different holes, driving a golf car between each hole, chatting a lot and enjoying some really nice cool weather. Even a few rain drops! So refreshing! And my swing was still there, after seven years. Couldn't believe it. The coach even said I was a natural...never heard that one before, but it made me feel so good. It made me forget all about the car drive to the golf course, I got lost about five times and almost gave up in the end. But, skam den som ger sig, as we say in Swedish. So, all in all a perfect morning.

On the Thursday, Isabelle was invited to a birthday party to one of her Arabic school friends at The Royal Meridian Beach Resort & Spa hotel. But I'll get back to that one later, since I haven't got the pictures yet. It is not one to forget though. You've never seen anything like it.

On Friday we all went to a Swedish birthday party when Linnea turned 5. A great family party, Swedish style with a Dubai twist, I would call it... Strawberry cake, pool and treasure hunt in the garden for the kids, lots of wine and smoked salmon for the parents. And lots of non-Swedes as well. Couldn't have done it better myself. Right up my street. Need I say we had a great time.

3 members from Team Sweden enjoy the rose'.

Jon enjoys himself with 2 drinks, or no he was actually driving. They must have been mine...

No Dubai party without the waterpipe of course!

Scarlet fever

The house is quiet. I'll try writing something before James wakes up or Isabelle's film has finished. I realise it has been over a week since I said I would write more often....but things don't always go as planned. Last week was actually a very good week. This week is not so good. James has a bad cold and Isabelle is home with Scarlet fever, believe it or not. And Jon is in Saudi. So, there you go, no golf, no shopping, no coffee morning. But you have to look on the bright side of things, no Isabelle tantrums, no late school mornings and no stress. And I have managed to clear a wardrobe, find all our missing Cds, and not spend any money. That's always a plus, especially according to Jon :-)

So, poor Isabelle, she really has been very ill, high temperatures, very sore throat, not been eating, hardly drinking and now she is red and blotchy all over her face, neck and chest. However, this morning I said that she would get anything in the world (!) if she took her medication. She said she wanted me to do everything she wants for a whole week....God, she scares me...Then I said I would buy anything she wants to eat. She is now enjoying her second bag of popcorn in front of Bratz Babies, great educational film...So, her glands must be better.

I also promied Emma to spend time only with her on Friday. She has chosen to go to Ibn Bettuta mall to do some shopping and see a film, Alice in Wonderland. Good choice, me thinks. :-)

A week in our lives - Sundays

Sunday

I think it's time I write shorter entries and include more pictures. I also want to explain what a week in our new lives looks like.

That means I'll start with yesterday, Sunday. It's still confusing for us, but yes, the week starts with Sunday.

6am - We all wake up, me (or Jon) drives the kids to school at 7. So, early mornings. Sometimes breakfast in the car... James stays with Chaturi.

10 am - James and I go to Ibn Bettuta mall for Expat woman coffee morning. James plays with lots of other babies and have lots of fun. We have lunch together, mummy has latte and cheese croisant. James goes to sleep, mummy has an hour of shopping.

2pm - I leave James with Chaturi and go off to school again. Hopefully, Isabelle is in a good mood, hopefully she has eaten her lunch. If not, she can be, shall we say, difficult. On the way home in the car, Emma and Isabelle have whatever is left of their lunchbags and argue about who got the most stickers that day. Sometimes they watch a film on the portable DVD, that makes things nice and quiet, so that mummy doesn't crash the car.

When we get home they play outside or inside, depending on how hot it is. Sometimes we go to the pool.

How can I ever be angry with this little angel...?

On a good day they all play together.

James prefers to be naked :-)

Maids and gardeners

Today I'm going to tell you about the new experience we have encountered the last 2 weeks, with a gardener and a live-in maid. Something completely new to a Swedish person with a normal income. In Sweden I was happy and felt very fortunate to have a cleaner once every two weeks, sponsored partly by Jon's company. Otherwise it would have been very expensive. The fact that I'm home all day and have a need for a maid and gardener may seem slightly snobbish, depending on how you see it, but really I can explain...

When we first moved into our house, people came knocking on the door every day, asking if we needed a maid or gardener. With very few trees and flowers, I really couldn't see the need and a maid seemed very strange to me. Could I really have a maid in the house all day? And what would she do all day? After everything I had heard about these poor maids from the Philipines, leaving children and husband to come here to work, I didn't really want to encourage this kind of society.
Then one day Chaturi showed up, she lived on our street but needed a new family to live in. She was from Sri Lanka, only 20 and didn't know much English. Her auntie came with her to explain the situation but I said no, we don't need a maid.
Another week went by, and I found myself mopping the floors everyday, because of the sand and dust that seems to be a constant bother. And the girls running in and out barefoot, from the pool or the park. And all the floors are white tiles, so every little foot mark shows. And if you don't clean the floors, you get other inhabitants....ants.
After another week, I met Chaturi again, and then I said ok, we do need someone to clean the house a few hours a week. She was happy to do it, so I tried to make up a time-table for her. After another few days, the weather got hotter and I had to bring James out in the heat to go to school twice a day. And Isabelle was having a fit now and then as I picked her up or took her there. I was breaking out in sweats too often...and poor James. Then we'd come home and I had to help Emma with homework. And Isabelle wanted to go to the park, but I didn't really want her going there by herself. Even though it's close. It's not like they have friends everywhere, as in Lidingö, and I don't know alla the parents. And actually, the park is just full of maids and kids. No parents...So, I gave up...I do need a maid or I'm going to go crazy.
I like to think of Chaturi as an aupair, not a maid. She is kind of doing the same thing as I did in London, when I was 19. So I kind of now what she is thinking. Although, of course, we come from completely different backgrounds. And she is a much better cleaner than I was. And cook! She has cooked us Indian meals twice. Amazing! We could get spoilt. So now she comes in every morning to take care of James and help us with breakfast. Then she comes back in the afternoons when I go to school again, and the she helps me until Jon comes home. It's great and the girls really like her. She has her own room, with her own door, it's called a maidsroom. She has a fridge and cooker and she seems very happy, so I'm glad. This summer she is going home to Sri lanka, cause her auntie is getting married, and her mother is having an operation...her father cut off two of her mother's fingers when he was drunk...what do you say to that...
And about the gardener, she we have one now, it's so cheap I couldn't resist. But he only comes twice a week, the rest I have to do. Maybe I'll do it all myself eventually. The thing is, the hotter it gets, the more watering and looking after it takes. And what will we do in summer when we are not here? Everything will die.
Right, It's time to head of to coffee morning with expat mums and babies, for James sake
of course. They do have nice scones though...
Here is a link I found on the web, showing the exact street we live in!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgd02K2ce2k
I'll try to put some more pictures in this afternoon.

Anna

School

Easter holidays is over, we had a great time, and the girls were very upset when grandad and grandma had to go home to Sweden. Isabelle especially, she ran down the road after the taxi, crying, naked. When I finally got her in the house, she was hysterical and kept hitting me, saying that it was all my fault that we were in Dubai and that she wanted to go back to Sweden, to her nursery and her friends. Did I feel rotten or not... After a long time she calmed down and we could talk about it together. She finds school hard and doesn't know how to talk to the other children. So, now it's time to talk about school. A subject that has been taking over my life the last few weeks, leaving me no peace and rest. Also the reason why we are now getting a live-in maid, but that's another story.

After months of looking for schools, and applying to them online in Sweden, the girls got a place each after only 2 weeks in Dubai, in Dubai American Academy. A very well-recommended school with great reputation. We couldn't believe out luck! 2 siblings were going back to the states, in exactly the right classes. Great for us and obviously great for the school, who would get more money so late in the year. Because everything costs money, the schools especially. Dubai American Academy, A GEMS language school, is private like every other school in Dubai, and more expensive than many. They are renowned for their great ability to teach international kids English, so we accepted straight away.

Emma liked her class from day one, they were all being nice to her, giving her stickers and saying how beautiful she was (it doesn't take more when you are 7). They get stickers for everything here, some educational idea that actually works, I must admit. They get a sticker in their book or on their t-shirt if they have done something good, as a reward, and with my girls it works. I have said that we can do the same thing at home if they want, so everytime they finish a homework or their meal, they get a sticker. Sometimes it's enough to draw a happy face in their book, bless them.

Because yes, they get homework, both of them, Emma lots, Isabelle a little. I feel sorry for Emma sometimes, because she has just learnt to read properly in Swedish and now she has to start all over again in English. And English isn't easy to write and read. Talking and listening is no problem, she is doing more than fantastic, but reading is hard...She gets a big homework package every week, as well as extra English words and reading. They also have extra English classes on Saturday morning 9-11! There wasn't any places left on weekdays, so they have to go Saturdays. Luckily there has been no classes for 3 weeks because of Easter, beacuse they don't really like that...who can blame them...

I had a talk with Emma's teacher the other day, saying that we can't manage all the stuff she has to do, and she was fine actually. She said some of the homework is optional (!) If I had known that I would have been less stressed...She said to focus on Emma's reading and writing, not maths or science. And she also said that Emmas was an angel in class...just had to mention that. The thing is Emma really likes school, and I would hate for her to change her attitude to learning because of too much homework. And her teacher agrees.

Isabelle gets a few things to do at home, like practicing to write numbers and letters. And we have to read to her every week, books that she takes home from the school library in easy English. It's really good actually. She only has school between 8-12, then it's day care (dagis) until 2.30. But it is still very much controlled play, even if they play. Like they have a certain craft or project that they do at day care as well. No as much 'free play' as she is used to, not so many toys to play with. When I asked her what she misses about her day care in Sweden, she said, my friends and 'geggamoja' - mud. Well, she won't get much mud to play in here....hopefully we'll get some rain and mud in Sweden in summer.

So, apart from all the homework, there are always things going on in school, God forbid if I forgot to read a newsletter! There is always short notice, like next Wednesday, bring green T-shirt, next Monday, bring money for pizza day, next week, beachday, bring suncream, towels...etc. You see what I mean. I have no freetime. And then they have to have clean and ironed uniforms every day, and a snckpack and a lunchbag and a waterbottle. I spend a fortune on trying to get healthy food that they will eat in school. Emma can heat leftovers in a microwave, Isabelle has to have a cold lunch. I don't like it, but you have to adapt to it. They also get a lot of sweets in school, which I don't like, it also seems to be part of the reward system here. I try not to think about it too much, but I know that other parents have been forcing the question, so that things will change. On sports day this year, the kids got a sandwich and an orange, last year they got a sugery doughnut and sweets. So definitely an improvement.

Apart from that, they seem to have great teachers and so many facilities and material and extra help-teachers. It's what you pay for, I guess. It sure has kept me busy the last few weeks, though. Today, Isabelle was shing with pride when she took her spring project to school, a big drawing of a life cycle of a butterfly, with paint and paper tissue and glue and all sorts. And no tears. That makes it all worth it.

Mormor and Morfar in Dubai

Finally it was time for Swedish grandma and grandad to visit Dubai. Bliss! Some help at last!! And finally some real holiday for me and Jon as well. No more visits to IKEA, car garages or early school mornings. Easter holidays basically.

It was wonderful to see mum and dad again and the girls were thrilled to show them everything. I had been reading up on some typical tourist things that I wanted to experience and now was the time to have some fun. I decided to book us all a dessert tour with driving in the dessert, camel riding, beduin tents and belly dancing. A typical tourist trap, but it was fantastic! I wont write too much this time, I'll let the pictures talk for themselves. We all thought we would die after five minutes of dessert driving, but we got use to it after a while, or I'm not sure mum did, but we all enjoyed it.

We also had time for a lot of swimming and playing in the pool and the sea. The Jumeirah Beach is great for big waves and a lot of sun, not a palm tree in sight. A bit too much sun actually. But the girls found lots of sea shells and were very happy. Whilst swimming in the sea, someone washed my car for the bargain price of 28 swedish kr. And driving home from the sea takes about 15 minutes. Not a bad life.

In the background of the pool you can see our house, so you could say that we live pretty close to the pool area.

Have a great Easter !!

The Kielys