Cheers!  yeah I know this is a cheesy photo, but hey look at that background.  I’m by boats and water with lots of food and bubbly, sitting outside in February.  Okay, so I’d be able to do this in Phoenix too, BUT no azure water there.

I’ve been busy working and, well, playing.  The weekends are not meant to be wasted, so I’ve been getting to know all the varieties of fun in my new land.  A few weekends ago I got to go to another Emirate wedding.  This time for one of my students sisters.  As always the women were stunning and the food was abundant.  I will miss being brought chocolate, tea and perfumes.  It’s going to be a rude awakening when I go back home — WHAT no one is bringing me anything luxurious?  I have to pay for said items?

I’ve also taken up an Arabic class (I’ll write about words I’m learning in another post) and discovered a few new fun spots here in Al Ain.  One night after Arabic class Shannan and I went to a Syrian restaurant others raved about (for anyone moving to Al Ain it’s Al Taahi near the Rotanna), and oh my goodness it exceeded our expectations. It’s a tiny place, but the owner is amazing, and he loves to take care of his guests.  Let’s just say we walked out of there round bellied with loaded goody bags and the best pomegranate juice I have ever had.

I’m glad I’m discovering more fun spots in Al Ain because every time I go to Abu Dhabi I turn a shade of green envy.  Yes my friends apartments there are so much smaller than mine, but they’re in Abu Dhabi in a high rise, and, well, hello?  I want that.  That said more events are being planned here, so Abu Dhabi buddies are coming to Al Ain for weekend fun too.  It’s all just an hour and half drive away — so humdullah we have the weekends!  Overall, I’m lucky because I get to live in three worlds here — Al Ain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  So the green side of me needs to just pack it in and remember to relish all that I have.

Last weekend was all about being a girl — even when you’re a few months shy of 50.  One night I cackled it up with some friends while we made homemade pizza and brownies, the next we spent it shopping at the new Yaz Mall, which I love (and I’m not a mall person).  OMG we had so much fun shopping (and, of course, eating), and then later two of us sipped cocktails while throwing our little fashion show in our hotel room versus going out.  Sometimes it’s just fun doing the girly girl things.  Besides, we all whooped it up the weekend prior at a lovely Al Ain event — an all you can drink wine and eat tapas party at a private pool area at the Rotanna.  It was beautiful and quite the event, which then led to a night of dancing and more fun.  Wish I could post all the pics, but I want to keep my friends, so just know we rocked it.

This weekend I joined some friends in Abu Dhabi and went to a Friday brunch at the Intercontinental, the hotel we all stayed in when we arrived in August.  Long story short a very good time was had by all.  Today begins a diet because I’ve inhaled an ungodly amount of calories.  How much you wanna bet I cave and order delivery from Jaimile, the Syrian, before the day ends…

 There’s this restaurant at Yas mall where your food is served to you from a roller coaster.  It’s a fun thing to do every now and then.  We’re easily amused.

More Yas mall pics. I’m attempting to show off a wine stain, but I picked up the wrong side.  and why I think this is hilarious is beyond me, but look no cavities!  I cropped out my friend in this pic because I didn’t ask if she’d be okay with me posting a pic that included wine, but she’s absolutely gorgeous in this shot and I need to send her this photo.

Brunch!

 So, we’re being photobombed by a Scott. Lord, I have a big head.

   Kaylene if you’re reading this.  I took the Jameson pic just for Kelly.          So yeah this brunch thing is pretty damned yummy.  The one we went to included three restaurants and different drink stations, so you mingle around, nab a little here, a little there, and then have one of the waiters roll you to your cab.

notice how small that beer is.  Um, and before that are jager bombs.  I thought I was past the days of doing anything with the word bomb in it…

And where I’ll be tonight — sipping green tea — after I’ve finished my lesson planning.

of course I’m posting it because I like my black and white and pink.  Again, I’m easily amused.  And, now, it’s back to work.  I have some worksheets to type up.  The whole work thing can be a downer on Saturdays…