Our 2nd week here!

So I assume most (hopefully all) of you got Mark's email with an update about his job and what he is doing at work.

Last Thursday, as I mentioned before, we went to Barasti.  It is a huge place right on the beach with about 5 different bars.  We met quite a few people from Mark's work there and there were about 8 others that he used to work with at HBG there as well.  We went with Steve & Laura and Dan & Gemma, who are are new friends who live at Discovery Gardens as well.  They have both been here about a month longer than us, and Steve works at DBB as well.  The night was very fun and just a nice atmosphere.  We only had a few beers/ciders because the alcohol is quite pricy and we are trying to be reasonable.

The BBQ, which I also mentioned before, was a lot of fun.  It was mainly people who have worked at DBB for a long time that were there, but everyone was very friendly and we got to ask lots of questions to experienced world travelers/workers.

Last week, I spent my time job searching and applying.  I had 1 interview so far, and got the job as the head receptionist at a new spa that is opening, but the hours are ridiculous and it is 6 days a week, and the pay wasn't very well. I decided to decline this offer, and am hoping more interview and offers are on their way.  Last week I also went to the beach one morning.  Salam (Aubrey's friend from New York & now my good friend here) picked me up at 7:00 am and we went to a public beach until about 11.  The sun is less strong at that time of the day and the beach was our own!  The water is soo clear and light and the sand is so white :)  

I haven't really  mentioned the weather in the past emails/blogs.....it was pretty hot when we arrived, but has substantially cooled down over the past few weeks.  Nov-Feb are the best months weather wise here, so we picked the right time to come so we can get used to the heat.  It has been high 80's to low 90's during mid day and then cools down to the 70's at night.  It is a humid heat as well, so doesn't work so well with my hair! hehe  But the heat is completely bearable at the moment and we are enjoying no rain or snow or frost, and enjoying getting a sun tan!

I made it to the new mall on Wednesday, the Dubai Mall.  (www.albawaba.com/en/countries/UAE/237570) It is where Mark's office is as well.  It just opened this week, but only 1/3 of the shops are opened.  I just walked around the 4 levels, watched the fish and sharks in the massive aquarium, watched people ice skate on at the ice rink, and checked out all the shops that are going to be opening..........including Bloomingdales, Sephora, forever 21, and lots of others.  I think that is going to be my favorite mall, once all the shops are opened :)  Mark met me after work and I was able to see his office and his job site and understand more so what he is working on :) It is just so spectacular!

This past weekend, Mark only had Friday off, so we made the most of it!  On Thursday evening we went out with Steve & Laura to the Emirates Tower Hotel, and went to a very nice Chinese dinner and then out to a few different bars which were also in the hotel.  We thoroughly enjoyed our evening, and woke up Friday and had a big English Breakfast....pork sausages, bacon, eggs, beans.!  So we thought we couldn't have pork here, but really they sell it at all the grocery stores, it is just in a different section...it is called the Non-Muslim section.   We then were off to the beach with Steve & Laura & Dan & Gemma.  We went to a Beach Park, it is open to anyone, you just pay a small fee to park and enter and then can rent chairs, umbrellas, towels, and there is food and drinks there as well.  The 6 of us were there for a good 4 hours and enjoyed the water and sun.  Neither Mark, nor I got burnt! :) We were very good and put on lots of sun cream! :)

We now have internet, TV, and a phone at the apartment :)  It was just installed today, so have to find the channels that we'll actually watch (lots are in other languages), but we got the sport channels so Mark can watch his football!  And now that we have the internet it will be easier to chat with everyone and webcam :)  We do have a phone, which is probably cheaper to call in to and out from, especially compared to a mobile.  The number for that is +971 04 4315334.

Also, I sent our temporary PO Box address out, but just in case you didn't receive it and would like to send us anything it is:

Dutco Balfour Beatty

Attn: Mark Foden Vst:2587

PO Box 8944

Dubai, UAE

Make sure to write somewhere 'Private & Confidential' or the company may open it.  Also, we have been told that it would be a good idea to send everything recorded delivery, for it can then be tracked (things tend to get lost or misplaced apparently)

This week we have a few plans.......

Monday night we have invited Steve, Laura, Dan & Gemma over for dinner.  I'm going to make tacos, for they all said they haven't had much mexican food, so I thought it would be good.  And then Friday we are going to go to a Friday Brunch, which is basically where you go to a hotel and there is all you can eat and drink for 5 hours!  It is a traditional thing that expats do here on their day off.  We are going with about 15 people from Mark's company, so should be lots of fun!

Hope this finds you all very well!  We are missing you all & send our love!

xxxxxx