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

BEACH!

We had two swimming pools (and a jacuzzi) at our "Al Hamra Fort Beach Hotel" but nothing beats a combination of a hot, sunny day, a warm, clear, blue sea, a sandy beach and a soft breeze.

Golden sunset

The service at the hotel and even on the beach was fantastic. Every parasol had a special button. Press it and a waiter would come running to take our orders...hmmm, cold Chardonnay and a plate of Gamba's please.

Many different birds would join us at the end of the day, looking for scraps of food. Some even thought a special serenade, might do the trick. Sorry mate, not even a crumb left.

Bird on my chair

Guess where I am?

I thought it a good idea to have a little break and go somewhere warm, for a week. My friend Ploni decided to come with me, so here we are, In Ras Al Khaimah, in a fantastic hotel by the sea. Good weather guaranteed!
We're spending a lot of time relaxing, eating and swimming in the warm sea but have also done a sight seeing tour of the city (with body guard) and this evening Ploni and I will go on a desert safari (incl. Bar-b-q, belly dancing etc.)

Would love to have stayed at this amazing hotel (below), but lunch alone (excl. drinks) costs € 120,- p.p.

Above, Ploni drinking coffee, in the hotel lobby.