Our lovely friend Omar. Father of 9 who believes he is the luckiest man on earth.

For those at dinner last night.

This was taken a few years ago in Germany when Bert was hospitalised, his nephew brought in this poster for Bert and the Franz, the guy he was sharing a room with.

Visitors

I just noticed I have now had 4,000 unique visitors to my blog from Feb 2010 to today.  Most I can see who they are Anne in Norway, Marianne in Denmark, Renee in Sacramento, but I have had visits from
Guernsey,Iceland, Gullbringusysla, (where on earth is that?) Dublin, Morocco, Barbados, Saint Michael (how cool is that!)Honduras,Nigeria,Lagos, Singapore,Reunion,Rwanda,Laos,Bangladesh, lots of visitors from Germany and parts of Canada we have family (waves to you all)

However two jumped out at me as very regular visitors. Croydon Vic Au and Peterborough On. Canada.   Really are you STILL that obsessed with following my every move?  I have the ability to block your isp, but frankly who cares, I shall consider myself flattered that ten years later you are still searching for information when ever possible.

The big birthday surprise!

On Saturday Bert and I were at the Shangrila souk and he saw this picture in Gallery One. I was picking up some gold jewellery I had ordered and he came to where I was and said Ive seen this picture I really like, lets buy it.  I glanced at it and said no I really dont like it (I lied, I do) lets get going, Im hot and tired.  I did think I will come back and buy that in a few days as a gift for him.  The next morning I got a message from his PA who said we have collected money to buy a gift for sir (hehe, everyone calls him sir) can you give us some suggestions?  I suggested a few things but much cheaper than this picture as it was quite pricey.  She called back and said no we have lots more money, so I told her about this picture.  Her and the secretary, a young Emirati woman went to the souk, phoned me and I told them exactly where the photo was, but they couldnt find it.  Then the shop keeper told them they were a special display for the 40th National day celebrations and all those frames were on a truck on their way back to Dubai.  Maha, the Emirati woman told them to turn the truck around, they wanted that photo.  So several hours later they phoned me excited with the success that they had the picture.  I was really excited for Bert, I knew he would be floored by the gift.  He said it was the first time his staff had rendered him speechless!

Birthday dinner

We regularly eat here as its only a few minutes from home, and the buffet is always good and we love their salads.  We often go with friends,Caroline and Neil

This afternoon I phoned the restaurant manager Sameer as I had his mobile phone number and I knew he would recognise who I was.   I asked him to set up a table for six in the smoking section *cough cough* and told him it was Berts birthday so could they also organise a small birthday cake.  His reply, certainly M'am, will Mrs Roberts (Caroline) be joining you for dinner?  Yes, she will be.  Oh good he replied, I will make sure the chef makes her favorite beetroot salad on the buffet. 

Where on earth do you get such good service?  This is a very large hotel with four large restaurants in a very busy tourist area of Abu Dhabi.

The best part? As I was finishing off the conversation, I said see you tonight Sameer.  He replied oh no, its my day off, Im in Dubai shopping!  I said Sameer, why didnt you just say, I will ring the restaurant myself and make the booking.  No no no, he wanted to do the booking for me.

He also phoned Bert to wish him a happy birthday.

It's fabulous service and lovely people like Sameer that make living here such a nice experience.

Berts birthday

Today is Berts birthday, his PA marked the occasion by making this photograph of him.  I bet the boss is not as amused as I am

She also added these words, which are lovely
It's nice to work for someone who knows the secret to being a good manager... being a good person. May God continue to bless you life and give you the desires of your heart. It is clear that God created you for a great purpose. Happy Birthday



40th birthday of the Nation of UAE

December 2nd marks the 40th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates.  Its been a nice time to be here in Abu Dhabi, the buildings are decorated, the weather is perfect and every just seems happier and friendlier. 

This logo has appeared everywhere, even on the back of our car!  I love it. Whoever the graphic artist responsible was they deserve praise.  Lots more photos to follow