Bits & Pieces II

As the title says: bits and pieces from the family, in no particular order. 

The first story is from March but that's only because Tony is slack and he didn't produce the photos until now.  He went on a business trip to the Rub' al Khali, otherwise known as the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia.  There really is nothing there other than one of the largest sand deserts in the world.  The hardy Bedouin know not to venture there in comparison to the otherwise tough summer climes of the remainder of the Arabian peninsula.  Fortunately for Tony he was able to fly in and out (and not in the summer months).

As desolate as it is, the vista of rolling 2000 feet high sand dunes interspersed with salt pans is spectacular to say the least.  He was there on business visiting a remote oil field at Shaybah, but as the sun set he was able to climb to the top of nearby dune to watch the vivid sunset.  A true life experience.

In April Alexander bought himself a bike after saving his pocket money since the previous year and adding to it his birthday money.  Good for him!  A red and black Giant and he has been off re-learning to ride since it's been four years since our bikes in Midland.  He took a long ride with Melissa yesterday however it's best we don't show you the sweaty photos!

April also saw Alexander's school perform in the "Granny Awards".  A musical stage play that is loosely based on the Academy Awards but involves Granny of the many fairytales handing out awards to her friends and foes.  A fun evening in a grand auditorium with wonderful performances from all involved, including our own Alexander.  Unfortunately the photos were not in a format that will work with this blog (curses -- foiled again!).

Sarah and her Theatreworks drama team were asked to perform at Hamleys of London (the self confessed "Finest Toy Shop in the World") at the Dubai Mall and delivered showtunes from popular musicals to an enthusiastic audience.  An interesting experience with customers wandering about and toys flying overhead, but all for a good cause of sharing acting and music with a broader audience and encouraging them to get involved.

Well that's all for now.  For those concerned about the impact of the "Arab Spring", it is impacting those countries with poor governance, which we are pleased to report does not include the United Arab Emirates.  Nonetheless a fascinating time in this part of the world, and perhaps the subject of a future blog.