Well, slowly but surely we're adjusting...just taking it day by day! The kids seem to be getting into the swing of things. Everett commented that he was ready to travel to a different country. We often hear the boys telling each other different Arabic words. They can all sing "Happy Birthday" in Arabic and Lila has learned a few words as well! Lila and her friend were playing "travel" the other day and they visited Dubai, neighboring Oman, and other places. It's great that they are excited about visiting other places. Both boys have started "money from other countries" collections. So far, they have coins from UAE, of course, Germany, and Singapore. They are anxious to add to those collections!
A couple of months back, I told you about overpaying a cabbie and getting the money back. Well Joe had a similar situation after he left his iphone in a cab. He wasn't sure where he lost it, and didn't have the cab ID number. He locked the phone via the internet and hoped for the best. Two days later, I received a text saying that the cab driver had found Joe's phone and that he would bring it to us. He was apologetic that he had looked at the contact info and was hesitant to take the tip that I offered for the return. Considering the popularity of iphones, especially here, we were shocked to get it back!
Women Only! That's a sign you see here quite frequently. Because of religious and cultural beliefs here, many women are not comfortable associating with men who are not in their family. Therefore, grocery stores, banks, public services, etc all have lines and designated areas for women only. Parks, beaches, etc also have hours in which only women and children to a certain age are allowed. There are also Taxi's which have female drivers and are marked with a pink light on on top that says "Women". I thought that was pretty interesting.
I learned how to make Korean Sushi rolls last night thanks to my friend Jessica. Now let's see if I'm brave enough to try it on my own! Actually, they weren't that difficult and were very tasty. The kids devoured them, which was great. And no one tried to pick out the carrots or spinach! When I attempt them again, I'll post a picture and share the recipe! Oh, speaking of food...we found a good Mexican food restaraunt last weekend, Cantina Laredo. The food was very tasty and very much like Tex-Mex. I have a feeling we'll be back there soon. We've also found a very good Lebanese restaraunt by our house. Our friend Mac introduced us to Lebanese food. The kids love it, especially the chicken shwarma sandwiches. It's shaved chicken, with french fries, garlic paste, and veggies all wrapped in Arabic bread. Yummy! Their hummous with meat is one of Joe's and my favorites. Funny, french fries are served with everything here...even Chinese food. Oh, and Arabid bread is pita bread.
The kids are on Spring break this week, so we're trying to stay busy. So far, we've added to our family in the form of fish. We have Lazy Larry, Boring Bob, Speedy, Samaka (fish in Arabic), Izzy, and Morris. Lizzy only lasted a day...Anyway, the kids are having fun with them. We'll see how they feel when it's time to clean the tank! We visited a park nearby which is having a festival. The kids jumped in the bounce houses and loved getting in the plastic "hampster balls" that float on water. I know, some of you are chuckling! We stayed around the compound yesterday and went swimming. We're trying to enjoy the nice weather while we have it. I fear that in the next few weeks we won't be able to spend too much time outside! The heat is coming... We'll head to Dubai tomorrow to see our friends Danny and Trisha. The kids and I will probably head over early and visit the Wild Wadi Waterpark. I'm afraid I won't hear the end of it if we don't. I've also promised more ice skating. The kids all seem to enjoy it. I however, will not be trying it!
I went out with some ladies from the compound last week and had a really nice time. We went to the top of the Aloft hotel, which has amazing views of the city. I wish I had a photo to share. There is an outdoor restaraunt/bar that is open air and has glass walls. It feels as if you are standing on the edge of the building. Our nationalities were Australian, British, South African, and American. It makes for some lively and interesting conversations! We feel blessed to be living among such nice people.
Well, as I mentioned, it's Spring break! The kids are yelling to go to the pool. Have a wonderful day and bloom where you're planted! What's possible today???
A couple of months back, I told you about overpaying a cabbie and getting the money back. Well Joe had a similar situation after he left his iphone in a cab. He wasn't sure where he lost it, and didn't have the cab ID number. He locked the phone via the internet and hoped for the best. Two days later, I received a text saying that the cab driver had found Joe's phone and that he would bring it to us. He was apologetic that he had looked at the contact info and was hesitant to take the tip that I offered for the return. Considering the popularity of iphones, especially here, we were shocked to get it back!
Women Only! That's a sign you see here quite frequently. Because of religious and cultural beliefs here, many women are not comfortable associating with men who are not in their family. Therefore, grocery stores, banks, public services, etc all have lines and designated areas for women only. Parks, beaches, etc also have hours in which only women and children to a certain age are allowed. There are also Taxi's which have female drivers and are marked with a pink light on on top that says "Women". I thought that was pretty interesting.
I learned how to make Korean Sushi rolls last night thanks to my friend Jessica. Now let's see if I'm brave enough to try it on my own! Actually, they weren't that difficult and were very tasty. The kids devoured them, which was great. And no one tried to pick out the carrots or spinach! When I attempt them again, I'll post a picture and share the recipe! Oh, speaking of food...we found a good Mexican food restaraunt last weekend, Cantina Laredo. The food was very tasty and very much like Tex-Mex. I have a feeling we'll be back there soon. We've also found a very good Lebanese restaraunt by our house. Our friend Mac introduced us to Lebanese food. The kids love it, especially the chicken shwarma sandwiches. It's shaved chicken, with french fries, garlic paste, and veggies all wrapped in Arabic bread. Yummy! Their hummous with meat is one of Joe's and my favorites. Funny, french fries are served with everything here...even Chinese food. Oh, and Arabid bread is pita bread.
I went out with some ladies from the compound last week and had a really nice time. We went to the top of the Aloft hotel, which has amazing views of the city. I wish I had a photo to share. There is an outdoor restaraunt/bar that is open air and has glass walls. It feels as if you are standing on the edge of the building. Our nationalities were Australian, British, South African, and American. It makes for some lively and interesting conversations! We feel blessed to be living among such nice people.
Well, as I mentioned, it's Spring break! The kids are yelling to go to the pool. Have a wonderful day and bloom where you're planted! What's possible today???
