Going to the Globals

Our regular followers will remember that Sarah and her two classmates participated in The World Scholar's Cup on behalf of her High School (see May 2010 blog).  This year her school is participating again and the competition theme is A World Transformed.  The competition is conducted in eight regional centres around the world, and fortunately for us Dubai is the centre for the Middle East and Africa.  The subject areas are Science, History, Literature, The Arts, Economics, and a special topic: The Modern Metropolis.  They compete in four events over two days (on a weekend -- bummer): Debate; Writing; Challenge; and the Bowl (like multi-choice).

Well, the news is that Sarah and her friends finished in the top five teams at the Middle East Regionals in the Junior section (14 years and younger) and so they are going to the Globals in Kuala Lumpur in June!  Yay for Sarah and what a great experience to come.

Bits and Pieces

No real theme this time around - just a collection of recent events here in Dubai and a visit to nearby Abu Dhabi.

First off, a couple of photos from the school sports day for Sarah and Alexander. The one of Sarah winning her sprint race is a classic with the Dubai city skyline in teh background and the iconic Burj Khalifa seeming to rise from her head!

It was then Alexanders turn to head out on camp, and again to the same Dibba location that those FrenchamFamily blog fans would have noted that Sarah has attended previously.  By all reports a great time of living in dormitory huts and fun stuff like rock-climbing walls and abseiling (at right), archery, soccer, etc.  He came home suitably happy and tired.

Melissa's mother Margaret has joined us for a few weeks here in Dubai and since Ferrari World is not here thing (go figure?), we decided to try a few tourist sights we have not yet visited.  One of these is the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, which you can read more about using this link.  It is not only a magnificent structure, but it is also massive and can hold up to 40,000 worshippers which it does during the Eid celebrations.  Since it is an active mosque all men are required to dress respectfully and women are provided with Abayas to wear -- as you can see from this picture of Melissa and Margaret.  The free quided tour provided a fascinating background both to the mosque itself but also to Islamic beliefs.

Just this week it was time for us to celebrate Sarah becoming a teenager -- how time flies!  She received lot's of cool birthday presents from friends and family from all over.  And the picture is of her new bike which her brother is kindly explaining to her how to ride.  Then a sumptious family dinner of her Mum's famous lasagne followed by chocolate cake from Nan and Alexander.  Life is good.

So that is all from us for now.  Love to all.