Atlantis weekend

We spent our last weekend in Atlantis with 5 other Swedish families; the big, beautiful hotel on the Palm. Since the hot weather keeps the tourists away, all the expensive hotels have big offers on in summer to attract the locals and the expats that are still round. The offer included deluxe room with sea view, free access to the waterpark, Aquaventure, the aquarium, evening meal in one of their posh restaurants and breakfast the next morning.

What an amazing hotel! Aquaventure was great for the girls but maybe not for James. A couple of hours in the sun was enough for him. I think he enjoyed the aquarium more. He loves fish, just like his dad. And I loved the meal, probably the best meat I've ever had. And probably the most expensive as well, good job it was included otherwise we would never have gone there.

In the morning, Isabelle asked for pizza when we got to the breakfast buffe´. I told her not to be silly, this is breakfast time....but then she came running 'They have pizza!" And they did....they had Italian breakfast with fresh pizzas, Arabic breakfast, Asian, European, American...you name it....that´s Dubai for you. I ended up eating a very typical Swedish breakfast, quite impressive.

James at the cinema

Just had to post these pictures of James finally out of the house at his first cinema visit, with friends Laura, Leina and Josh. It was Winnie the Pooh for under 3´s. He was so excited.His nearest neighbour, Laura is Irish-Scottish and Leina is French. who will it be? :)

From champagne brunch to stomache parasites and no maid...that was a high fall...

Feeling drained and exhausted today. No maid for two weeks and the house full of sick people. And outside it´s about 40 degrees everyday. Don't laugh. Noone survives in Dubai without maid if you have 3 kids...I´m completely serious.

First of all, isabelle and Jonathon has had stomache parasites and had to have antibiotics. Stupid as we are, we sent Isabelle to her friend's birthday party after that, not thinking that her immune system might be low. Result - another virus with high fever for a whole week. Which meant James had to stay at home and not have any of his usual fun. Well, he enjoyed having his sister home all day, but she was pretty tired, of course. James has had a cold for a few weeks, took him to the doctor but it´s just the usual virus. His bad mood and lack of apatite could be his blocked nose, the doctor said. Or the new teeth at the back of his mouth...Then we have Jonathon, poor thing, he has probably been to the doctor's more than ever in the last few weeks. First it was back pains, then the parasite in his stomache, then he had a massive root feeling in one of his teeth the other day, and today he is off to the doctor´s with a eye infection! Surely, this hot weather can´t be good for anyone...

So, you see, Dubai-life is very strange. It´s either over-the-top glamour or the complete opposite...anyway that´s how I feel at the moment. As I´m sure you have guessed, I´m looking forward to going home next week, yes, indeed. But first I will have a week of introducing a new nanny to our family. On wednesday I will have the pleasure of introducing Lynn! Can't wait for her to start. Just hope James will like her.