TGIF

Yes, it's that time of the week again when we in the UAE take a well earned rest from the rigours of work. It's also the name of a very famous restaurant chain and Jan & I had lunch there today.

We took the Pajero for a bit of a run to Dubai and she went very well indeed. Unfortunately it doesn't get much of a run during the week as it's not very far from home to the college. It certainly is nice to set the cruise control to 120kph, turn on the iPod and settle back. The time and the kms fly past.

I know Sean was a little bit worried when he saw the last picture of the car as it had no number plates. Well worry no more, Sean as I've been to the motor vehicles dept and after only one hour, the little man was screwing them on for me. The following photo will no doubt set your mind at rest.



Last weekend I took Mum back to the hospital for a check-up. Whilst it seems that the virus has gone she is still experiencing some pain which doesn't seem to want to go. She is therefore still taking painkillers and having a few sleepless nights. She did manage to go back to work this week and made it through to Thursday. The RAK hospital is run by a Swiss consortium and I'm sure the following couple of photos of the hospital grounds will make you chuckle (and in case you were wondering, no they are not real).



Our students will use any, and every, excuse to have a bit of a celebration and bring in some really great Arabic food for morning tea. This past week was no exception and we had special food two days in a row. One day was to celebrate one of the guys buying a new car and the second day was because somebody had been promoted recently. So we had goat baked in some kind of bread stuffed with spicy chick peas and other vegetables and eaten entirely with our hands of course. We all stand around the table and tuck in. Jan was really enjoying hers until one of the guys picked up the head and proceeded to knock out the brains and offered Jan first bite! They mean well. The photos were taken with my phone so not quite up to the usual standard but you never know when this is going to happen.

Next week we are having tests on Sunday and Monday so things will probably be a little subdued. The academic year is drawing to a close and we have quite a few things to do, but it won't be long before we are on holiday!!

I think that's all the news for now so I'll bid you farewell and look forward to seeing some of you soon. Remember that you don't have be afraid of tomorrow, for you survived yesterday and I'm sure that today was just great.