Broken Camera

Our last camera died after getting sand in it.
We didn't learn our lesson - we took our newish camera to the beach in Dubai and now that doesn't work anymore either.

It generally takes us quite a while to sort out fixing and/or purchasing new items so there may be a short break in blogs. We will do our best to expedite this important matter.

Christmas in Dubai!

On the 20th Dec we boarded a train for Zurich. It became apparent that the snow was getting MUCH worse as we headed away from Basel.

Soon we arrived at Zurich airport, where they have the most incredible 'family room', complete with sleeping room, lounge for adults, toilets and kitchen.

Though we were delighted to be enjoying the comforts of the family room, we definitely wanted to get on that flight to Dubai and were becoming increasingly concerned as they started cancelling flight after flight, due to the snow. There was a convoy of snowplows working one runway and a long queue for plane 'de-icing'.

Eventually we got to the boarding gate but were still holding our breath. Finally on the plane - but we sat there for two hours while we queued for de-icing. We were really expecting to be told to get off soon, but well done to them - the flight made it in the end.

Benjy, the reluctant traveller made the flight somewhat painful. But before too long we were there. We arrived very late at night and Bec generously stayed up to pick us up from the airport.

The next day the kids were firing on all pistons, delighted to see their cousins again. It was awesome for us all to be in the sun and warm again after the driving snow!

Blake took Flynn for a haircut and he came back with white and red highlights. He was thrilled!

Cousins reunited!

A crowd of kids and a paddling pool - perfect combination!

The cuzzies warming up

Lots of fun in the sandpit playhouse

Five cheeky monkeys watching through the fence as the ice cream van comes down the road

We visited Dubai's big mall (biggest in the world) several times. It was a great mall - it included an ice-skating rink and aquarium, amongst all the shops and eateries etc.

The souk-style part of the mall

The Aquarium

Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world

Santa brought the Ellis kids a trampoline, which was predictably a huge hit

The two little fellas were more interested in the walking and singing Santa though

Stockings!

The kitchen bar was where the kids enjoyed their lunches and snacks

Ohhhh, presents!

Benjy loves his books!

Bec made an outstanding Christmas dinner (and delicious food the whole time)

Basty enjoyed the lively conversation

The kids loved their Christmas crackers

But who says 'one-size-fits-all'?

The Ellis's have a great back yard where much fun was had by all

We had a look round town at the amazingly city scape

We had Boxing Day at the local golf club. It was awesome!

Flynn loves a vodka-orange!

Mum loves a nice cold beer

What she likes even more is the kids' entertainment area in the corner!

Flynn finds out there was no vodka in that orange!

This was a common sight - five little faces in the back seats! Generally they loved travelling together though Benjy did scream hysterically on the occasional trip (for the entire trip).

We had a day at the beach which was fun, except for Benjy feeling pretty terrible with his cold

Burj Khalifa in the background

We had dinner at an Italian restaurant, outside which they had a lightshow over the water. It would have been a lovely evening except (once again) for Benjy's screaming, tantruming and throwing/spiting food.  He wasn't feeling well, but he certainly is no easy patient!

We all had a great time in Dubai! We managed to fit in several fun adult-only events (as in 'grown up' events, not the other kind), including dinner, a Culture Club concert, an Xmas party/drinks, and a fun New Year's Eve - For which Bec prepared a delicious multi-course meal and six amazing cocktails, amongst the other drinks. We also had an outside fireplace/bonfire which ended up with two old(ish) wicker chairs going on it (Thanks Blake).

The kids had a ball with their cousins and we all loved being outdoors, swimming and racing around in shorts. Flynn was quite angry when I told him it was one more sleep to Switzerland - he really didn't want to go home! Thanks to the Ellis's for hosting us for a wonderful holiday!