Luxury!

Christmas Day, together in Amsterdam. Lovely!
Bollinger, blinis, caviar and super-smoked-salmon.

Jewellery by 'Sluis juwelen'.

This weekend there will be another opportunity to enjoy, admiring/buying, some of the fabulous and original Sluis Jewellery by sisters Wilna, Ine and Mary click here for website.
Together with Henriëtte, I'll be there to lend a helping hand. Below, a beautiful blue/grey Mabe Pearl, set in a unique ring-design (one of Mary's trade marks).

 

Different Dinners

These are busy times for most people and I have to say that the last few weekends have been fully booked.
The Sunday before last, we had my parents and sister (from England) over for dinner. It was lovely to have them here.

Joking with my sis Marlies.

On top of that, the neighbours had asked me to act as 'Zwarte Piet" (Sinterklaas' helpers). This meant I had to sneak into their home, while the innocent little children were singing. Then scare the living daylights out of them by suddenly throwing candy, full force, across the floor, after which I would have to run away and slammmmmm the door behind me (having left a sack, filled with presents, at the front door).....Mission accomplished with help from Eric!

In disguise with candy + sack

Last Sunday we had our 2nd mini-reunion with our boarding school friends,  this time with partners.
Christien and Jan-Gerrit had invited us to their home in Epe and it was an extremely successful evening. They had cooked a beautiful 3 course dinner for us, with some 'silky' wine and grappa from Italy.
A great time with great friends.

Tree's up!

6th of December and I've already decorated the Christmas tree. (Sometimes it seems as if there are 4 trees, because of the many reflections in the windows (even the neighbours')).

MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone 

Dubai Grandeur in Mall

An amazing waterfall in the Dubai Mall and a video of a fountain show, outside, with music and lights.

Close up of 'divers' from waterfall

Butterflies everywhere

and a huge aquarium

Glitz 'n Glamour

We did two tours into Dubai and saw the old as well as the new, opulent lifestyle.
I have taken so many pictures, but here are just a few.
OLD

NEW
Ploni and I, in front of the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, millions of silk                                                                butterflies













Al Qasr.

Dubai skyline on 'the Creek'

Our Hotel

Our hotel was an hour's drive away from Dubai City, 'coastal-desert-way'. We were both impressed by the quality of service, food, cleanliness and the spacious, comfortable set-up.

evening-view from balcony

Sushi-dinner

rest. at back of hotel

view towards the sea