BIG cars and Honking horns!

Well it's 8 weeks ago that we flew into Abu Dhabi! Wow where has that time gone? I do feel like we have settled very quickly in that time. The children started a new school and apart from a few tears from Daisy as she's missing her UK buddies desperately, they have integrated into their new school life incredibly well.

I suppose it was a novelty to start with but as the weeks have gone on they have embraced their new school and always have something to look forward to. Their school is very different to the one they left behind. Obviously there is a huge multi cultural influence which they have taken to really well. They have made friends with local children as well as expats from other countries such as Canada, Australia & USA. They have been learning Arabic with the "non native" children which has been certainly a new experience for them. The school also has a huge emphasis on extra curricular activities and it is expected that the children do at least 2 after school clubs. Mine are doing 3-4 including the swim team, football team and hopefully netball team ( waiting to hear!) They also reward the children regularly for things they have done well and have a point system which if and when they collect enough points they can buy something in the school shop. Daisy 's competitive streak is coming out of her!

Reward cards for both Daisy & Franklyn over this past week


Driving to school has been a bit of a bind but I am really starting to get to grips with the UAE way of driving! I do believe that they have their own set of driving rules out here which is.... try and cut up as many people as you can whilst driving! It really is outrageously dangerous and you really need to have eyes all around you to avoid an accident. Drivers will quite literally pull out in front of you without hesitating. It very normal to hear honking horns throughout your journey. When I first started driving I got a bit upset when I was honked at for pulling out onto a busy motorway but I have 'manned up' pretty quickly and I am now starting to honk my way around Abu Dhabi! Haha There is also an abundance of BIG cars. Very much like the US for driving huge 4x4's. After driving a medium sized rental car for the past 8 weeks we finally bought our own car this week. And guess what....it's a BIG car! I feel like we really fit in now as we drive around in our 7 seater Ford Explorer! It's 6 years old but seems OK so far. We decided on a 7 seater as we can help out with school runs with other families but also when we have visitors it will make life so much easier!

Our new BIG car!

During the week Paul & I took advantage of a 2 for 1 voucher and spent 4 hours at Sadiyaat Beach Club chilling out. Its only a 10 minute drive from the bustling city but once there we felt like we were in paradise. It's the first time I have experienced the sea so far here ( as it's too hot!) and it was amazing! Crystal clear and turquoise blue! The sand was white and even pretty seashells on the seashore LOL!  Here are some pictures just to make you all jealous back home!

A lazy Saturday around the complex pool.

So I start my new job as a primary school nurse on Sunday which will be a new experience for me. No longer a lady of leisure....too short lived for my liking! No doubt you will hear all about it in my next blog! Bye for now.

Back to reality......

So the kids have started their second week in their new Abu Dhabi school.......

The first week was a mixture of excitement, dread and nervousness as they dipped their toes into their new school life. Their school, Al Muna Primary, is right in the city of Abu Dhabi. I am up at 6am, which if anyone knows me well, will know I hate early mornings! Daisy is an early bird so setting her alarm and getting up at this time is a piece of cake for her. Franklyn on the other hand is like me and needs nudging 2 or 3 times before he is awake properly.

The drive to Al Muna is about 30 minutes so we leave at 7am in order to be there well in time for the 7.45am bell. Having spent a few of my early school years in the US, it brought memories flooding back as I watched them all do the national anthem straight after the bell. This is a daily ritual which looks like it is mainly sung by the native kids but you can see that the non natives are trying their best to join in. I think Daisy & Franklyn might master it by the end of this school year!

Their uniform is very smart and they have hats that they must wear at break time otherwise they are not allowed out. Excellent... but of course Franklyn was not too bemused by this as he hates wearing hats. However he has conformed, as football is a priority at school for him so he has quickly learned that he must wear it!

Al Muna school uniform

The children at Al Muna have swimming as part of their school timetable and it is not unusual to have an outdoor swimming pool. The schools in Abu Dhabi all have a swimming team and it is with no question that Daisy wants to try out for this. Her trials are next Sunday and if Franklyn decides to do it too his will be a few days later. Although he is a good little swimmer, football is his first love and the thought of having to attend swimming training after school does not entice him!

As I have already mentioned before, Daisy is already training with Hamilton Aquatics and Franklyn was desperate for us to find a football team for him. So last week Paul took him to the U8's Abu Dhabi Thistle FC trials. He thoroughly enjoyed it so we are waiting to hear if he has made the team. Fingers crossed.

So life without working......very strange. I am so used to flying around and going at 100mph that I'm enjoying this slower pace of life. I could definitely get used to this lifestyle!! I have joined a local exercise group and have met some really lovely ladies. Circuits on a Sunday and Boxerfit on a Tuesday! I've already lunched at one of the girls houses which was lovely! It's amazing how fast 6hrs can pass before it's time to pick the kids up again. I do intend to work at some point but I am just enjoying it while I can. Unfortunately the complex pool is closed and being upgraded so lounging by the pool is not an option this week. Damn!!

Finally, Daisy had a wonderful birthday even if she did have to go to school. Thank you to everyone for all the lovely birthday wishes. She was even given a present by one of the girls she has made friends with which she was over the moon about. She wanted a fish tank for her birthday so since we are all feeling really sad and missing our dog Misty back home, we thought it would be a nice idea to let them both concentrate on something else!

11 years old!!

I hope this finds you all well.....feel free to drop me a line. Missing friends and family very much xx