Around the world

The last few weeks have flown by. We've now got satellite TV and furniture to sit on, our shopping is all done, and we've been spending more time just relaxing at home. Sadly, I was sick on the day of Anna's field trip, so I wasn't able to go to Ski Dubai. She said they went sledding and had fun playing in the snow. Teresa's class went to a place called Children's City, a kids museum and educational center. Last week I attended the Emirates spouse orientation and learned more about Dubai and the Muslim culture.

Yesterday we went to Mushrif Park, one of Dubai's large family parks. It was a Friday (the Muslim holy day,) and packed with families out on a picnic. There are playgrounds, camping areas, kiddie rides, and the most fun (or at least Carrie thought so) were the mini-houses in International Village. There were at least a dozen, all made to resemble traditional houses from different parts of the world.

Only in the Middle East, the "flying camel" ride.

Teresa on the trampolines. You can see all the picnickers in the background, too.

Anna waving from the Thai house.

In the pic below, Carrie took no note of the family photo being set up and barged right in . The mother smiled and told me to let her stay. We all got a good laugh and I snapped a picture too. In this part of the world little children are showered with attention. Strangers have picked Carrie up, ran fingers through her hair, kissed her, and given her treats. Older children at the park grab her hand and walk off with her. She loves all the attention, but it's a little unsettling for me!

One day after school we took the kids to the WAFI, an Egyptian-themed mall with attached pyramid-shaped hotel. Brian is a member of the Emirates Pilot Club, which allows us access or discounts to several area hotel beaches and facilities. The Cleopatra Spa at the WAFI is just a 15-minute drive for us, has a heated pool with a lazy river, and slides that are the perfect size for the girls. We had a lovely afternoon and I felt like I was on a tropical vacation. This will definitely be one of our regular family outings!

The entrance to the Cleopatra Spa.