Well, we're going on day 5 now, and the kids and I had one good night's sleep night before last, but Lila and I were up again last night...this time change is rough. I feel like I have a newborn again! Anyway, enough complaining!
The kids and I ventured out yesterday for several hours. We took a cab into downtown and went to a big city park, which reminded me a bit of Piedmont Park in Atlanta, in the sense that it is surrounded by tall buildings. We had lunch at a good ole American favorite, Subway. Except of course, here there is turkey ham, instead of regular ham. Oh, and Lay's potato chips come in flavors such as French Cheese and Ketchup. We tried them both and they're pretty tasty! The kids enjoyed getting out and about. I was a bit nervous heading out with the kids solo, but got over that quickly. Everyone we have encountered so far has been very pleasant. Our neighborhood seems pretty quiet so far, but Joe assures me that there are other children here.
Speaking of other children, the boys start school on Sunday. Yep, Sunday. Our weeks here go Sunday to Thurs, with church on Friday. The boys say they are not at all excited about starting school. I know they are nervous and I'm nervous for them! Getting the first week of school behind us will be good. For those who don't know, the boys will go to an American School, called ACS, American Community School http://www.acs.sch.ae/ . I think it will be pretty great, offering lots of after school activities, such as a climbing wall, pool, chess club, Lego club, etc! BTW, we sure loved our St. Joe teachers and will miss them terribly! Lila will start school at ACS as well in the Fall.
Here are just a few observations:
Kellogg's Frosted Flakes are called Frosties here. They don't use fitted sheets here, or a top sheet, just a flat sheet over the mattress with a duvet and cover. Eggs yolks are literally orange. Waking up to the call to prayer at 5:30AM and hearing it several times throughout the day (5), is a good reminder for us to say our prayers. We have daily cleaning service while we live in temp. housing...nice. All gas stations are full service, and gas costs about 70 cents/liter.
That's it for today...nothing too enlightening. Hopefully I'll have more soon! Have a wonderful day!
40th Year Celebrations!
The UAE celebrated 40 years...an amazing time to be here.
Well yes, I am crying. A good cry but sad nevertheless. I can't help but think how brave you and the kids are to jump right in. You will be so much better when you know the kids are fine with school and they will be. New friends, new assignments, new practices...that will bring them down to reality. I finally posted family pictures from Christmas - some from church - and will do some more from the kids' program. Some of the boys' friends are in them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update and your family is right in getting you to journal; always good therapy but we love it too.
Judy
Great blog. We will follow with great interest since we hope to be in that part of the world in the fall. Don't you just love when relatives are about to imvite themselves for a visit!!! Love to all
ReplyDeleteCarol & Gene
Thanks Judy! And Uncle Geno, there is nothing we'd like more than a visit from you guys and you're always invited!!! Love to all!
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