floating and flying
Since moving to Dubai almost 5 years ago (wow gulp) I have become more and more involved with helping the stray cats of Dubai and the UAE. Unbelievably its a big problem here, I can’t comment on what the root causes are but unchecked breeding of the local Arabian Mau cat population coupled with lost and abandoned pet animals has resulted in a neverending supply of cats needing sterilisation, vet care and eventual re-homing (for those that are tame enough). Its frustrating, upsetting, thankless work but happily it is also extremely rewarding, which makes up for the rest. Seeing that once stray animal reclining like a king (or queen) in its new home is one of the best sights in my opinion. As part of this effort Stu and I support the Feline Friends ball every year. Its a fun evening out combined with good food, dancing and some great prizes (the raffle is our firm favourite). All whilst raising money for a very good cause**.
Kayaks in the Abu Dhabi mangroves
41 today
Happy National Day! Today is the UAE’s 41st “birthday” and we are relaxing with a day off after a very wet weekend of rugby at the Dubai Rugby Sevens. Most probably the first time its rained at the Dubai games I would think. Anyone know for sure?
Enjoy your day UAE!
Happy 41st Birthday to the UAE 🙂
the flip side
If you travel much on business then you probably also suffer with the over-plastic syndrome. That is, one loyalty card for each airline you may ever have flown with, one for each hotel you may ever have stayed in and perhaps even one for each car hire company you have ever hired from. If you are very careful and extremely organised you may manage to always stay at the same hotel chain when you go somewhere, or even use the same airline, but for most of us we end up collecting dribs and drabs of points here and there. And then you move countries and lo-and-behold all the miles you collected on your previous national carrier become null and void as they expire into uselessness before you know it.
[a working dhow on Dubai Creek]
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Happy National Day
The 2nd of December marks the 40th National Day in the UAE. Every year around this time people decorate their cars and homes with the national flag and images of the leaders (past and present). But this year it’s more extreme than ever – 40 is quite a big deal as you know.
People have been encouraged to upload images of the number 40, and other images that portray the spirit of the day. So I have tried to capture the same for you, but sadly the good stuff I saw either a) whilst driving b) when I didn’t have my camera or c) both. So apologies but this is the best I have.
[in Dubai Sports City]
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