Life in Dubai

Today is the 6th day of my stay at Dubai. The weather has been kinder than I thought. It's very sunny here. Was amused when I saw the sunburnt index in the local papers weather forecast session ;) Except for my face, I have not thought of applying sunblock on my hands and legs. However, if I am gonna walk out consecutively, I will start applying sunblock, for I have seen someone who have tanned considerably after walking out in the sun for a hour on a 3 days-a-week frequency!

Most may ask what I have been doing since arriving. Well, been very relaxed. Except for doing some laundry and minor chores, I have been either surfing the net, reading, watching TV or ha... spending time with the lady housemates (partners of 2 other staff here).

Here, I stay at a villa with hubby's colleagues. There are about 13 bedrooms here! Though the name 'villa' sounds luxurious, the accommodation here had been compared to a labour or even concentration camp by some! Why? Because apart from the individuals' bedrooms and toilets (am thankful our room has one and we don't have to share with others!), no one cleans the common area. The space outside the villa is also wasted, as greenery or at least cactus, could be planted outside... Well, I am not complaining, since there are endless supply of food here. I can help myself with bread and spread, milk, fruit juice and fruits anytime. All meals are taken care of my the inhouse chef. Am glad that I have Asian fare for meals and don't have to eat any spicy local stuff! Although the kitchen is not tidy up to my personal standards, ingredients and most food are available for personal cooking. Have brought a Singapore Heritage Food book. Will try out the recipes out this week with my 2 lady housemates :)

Have been blessed to have 2 friendly lady housemates. We have gone out for marketing and shopping on some days, well, maybe 3 out of 5 days since my arrival? :p In case you are thinking that I am turning into a tai-tai (aka. Lady of Leisure), throw that thought out, cos' I don't buy dresses or diamonds when I go shopping with them. Have in fact bought the least items, if I made any purchases at all. Bought mainly food items and domestic essentials. Not used to spending hubby's money lavishingly cos' have been quite independent. Well, perhaps things are indeed turning out as I have earlier wanted: to spend 1 or 2 months getting to know Dubai before I start work. Hmm.... hubby is not stingy for me to spend on myself anyway; he knows that I am discreet, especially if spending his money ;p Just last night during a group shopping trip, he bought 2 blouses for me :) Well, he has been good to himself too: the 1 item (shoes)he had bought for himself - the value had exceeded my 2 items!

Anyway, in time to come, I hope to do that gives better 'yield'. After trying out more cooking recipes and shopping (and even playing mahjong with my housemates!), it can get quite boring if this carry on too long, isn't it? Am contemplating whether to take up driving lessons here. Either that or find a job within the next month.

As for now, time will be spent being around to provide moral support for hubby, reading the books I have brought, watching movies and E! Entertainment TV, surfing for suitable jobs, etc.

Leaving for Dubai at last

Am blogging this while waiting to board the plane. At last, I can finally leave for Dubai to join hubby. Friends were surprised that I was still in Singapore when they received sms or calls from me. It came to a point that I even feel embarrassed each time they asked when I was leaving! For I have delayed my flight for 3 times. I have stayed on to attend to lend support to hubby's family. The outcome of my mom-in-law's operation turned out to be worse than earlier thought. After 2 weeks, the situation is still not perfect. Nevertheless, more support has came in. Hope things will turn out fine eventually.

Mom and my younger brother sent me to the airport. Really appreciate my younger brother (hey lad! i'm appreciating you in public domain!), who has been a faithful 'Ahmad' who transported my stuff from my home to store it temporarily at my mom's place. There were also those evenings when he drove me back home after I had dinner at my mom's place. And, well, my parents and I stay in the same town...

Didn't want to hug mom goodbye, for I know that would prompt tears. My mom surprised me by hugging me. (It is never our family tradition to hug). As I saw her crying, I can't help myself too...

Nevertheless, i thank God that my mom is in good health, and is enjoying her grandchildren. Just today, my niece whom mom was carrying, stretched out for me to hug her (which was unusual). After carrying my niece for less than 1 minute, mom wanted to take her back into her arms!

Guess that's a mother's heart? :)