Hot and humid week

Hi Folks

Another week gone by already - and the humidity finally arrived. The temp gauge has been reaching 45 degrees, but according to the weather forecast it actually felt like 59 degrees one day! It really is not pleasant, but we cannot complain as this is the first humidity we have had all year and normally is starts earlier than this. Should last another few weeks on and off, then it starts cooling down for winter - thank goodness! Phew!

As usual, I have been busy. I managed spin last week and then caught up with a friend for tea. Taught Tuesday at the gym and also found a car to buy finally - Mercury Sable. Everyone cannot believe how good it looks to say its 18 years old! So, finally I have wheels. I got the keys today and there is just some paperwork to do now - although, as normal in Saudi, no-one seems to be telling me exactly what paperwork needs to be done!

I taught Jason's abs on Weds, then me and Tracy braved town - my goodness - it was melting point down there. Plus poor Tracy's building's a/c had blown up from over use - it took all weekend to mend it too - awful. Thank goodness it wasn't my building! The weekend was really nice - went up to Ras Tanora on Thursday to see my friend Jo, who is leaving in a few weeks to work in Bermuda - RT is nice - its our camp by the beach - I did take some photos but the camera just kept steaming up with the humidity! Came back and went to spin - but the a/c wasnt working well in the room and I was melting with no air circulating, so left half way through!

Thursday night I ended up at the consulate - it was ok - too hot of course as it was outside, but good to catch up with a few folk I'd not seen for a while...

Friday was my brunch at Lee's house - he has a gorgeous house on camp and it does irritate me how the bidding system is here when we are stuck in our apartments.. anyway - had a good mix of mates over and served cocktails and ordered too much food - a lovely afternoon though...

Here is Lee serving mimosas...

And the pool and myself and Gay!!

This week Ramadan started also - I actually like Ramadan - its deadly quiet at work (as the locals are either never here even when they are supposed to be from 7am - 1pm) but at least we get proper breaks as we have to go and hide in a room to eat and drink. Our sin room is great - we have all the latest Heat and UK trash magazines in there from my travels to the UK and you actually get to meet people who you work with who you rarely see as they are stuck in their cubicles!!!!

Again, been teaching and spinning on and off all week. Sorting out my car is taking time and I also only keep thinking about revising for my personal training course, which now has an added sports conditioning course for 2 days stuck on the end of it - so I will be in Dubai for 6 days now at the end of October...

My birthday party is coming together at home, but I need to sort out one here too!!!

Flights are booked for the UK - flying home 18th Nov and coming back 14th Dec - so a nice long break this time!!!

And sorting stuff out for the PAWS quiz night next weekend - oh my goodness - you should see what they are making me wear - I will certainly post pics on here for you!!

I had to go to the vets too last night - Ozzy, my hamster, is going bald! The vet says he is allergic to his food - and I have changed his food recently - problem is that they don't sell hamster food on Aramco so I have to go into town and as its Ramadan all the flippin shops don't open til 9pm at night!!!! So, until I can get to the pet shop, he is on a diet of fresh veggies and sunflower seeds!!

Then my computer broke so a guy has taken that away to fix... one thing after another this week...

Anyway, thats all. Busy weekend - teaching tomorrow, then friend's house for a drink, then up to the airport to meet my friend Liss from Riyadh (who is staying with me this weekend), then either a happy hour or up to a bar on Azziz, Thurs - pampering at the beauty shop, lunch, then a meal out and a party on camp that night and Friday - haven't got that far yet! Its too hot to sit out at the pool or in the pool for that matter - so not sure what to do with Liss but I will figure out something! I cant take her to Bahrain either as she doesnt have a visa to get back into Saudi!!

Must dash - I need to leave early to go and see what else I need to sort out with my car....

See you soon....

JB

xxxxx

Back in the land of the Magic Kingdom and the humidity is upon us!

Hi folks

Here I am back in Saudi. Had a wonderful time at home, although it was short - only 8 days.

Started off with the causeway headache - took 3 hours from my door to the door of the restaurant - The Meat Company. Ayon's porche was within inches of some cars in the bottle neck on the bridge and I was worried it would get scratched, but it didnt. Was exhausted just from that journey though by the time we got to the Meat Co. Had some food and drink with Ayon, then went over to the airport. Flight and everything fine - in fact I was sat next to a really

nice couple from the UK who had been working at an orphanage in Qatar so spent quite a bit of time chatting to them - managed to get a kip in too! Picked the car up and then drove up to Mansfield - first place I went - Asda of course - how I wish we had an Asda in Saudi!! I just miss the choice you get and the freshness of everything... bought a few bits and then went home to see Dad... Met up with my sisters in the pub for a few drinks and then went to the chippy for fish and chips - as you do!! Friday I went shopping - couldnt find much really - very annoying - but managed to spend most of the day in town! Then later we went to this new bistro restaurant in Mansfield and ate there - it was nice but expensive!!

Saturday I went over to Nottingham to have my hair and nails done and then met up with Sue and Eileen for lunch and caught up with them which was nice - weather was glorious too as you can see and we sat outside in Saltwater. Popped in to see my sisters who were staying at the caravan near to Sue and then went back to Sue's later and had some tea and a few drinks and then I stayed there.

Up for Dimple and Navdeep's wedding on Sunday - again the weather was glorious - we sat outside for most of the morning in the garden!! Unfortunately Kat was sick, so Kelly came to the wedding with me for a bit - here I am in my Indian ghagra - it looks nice but wasn't very comfy to wear! Headed over to The Belfry in Nottingham - knew no-one at all but sat next to a couple who were Dimple's neighbours and were teachers in Notts. Kelly joined me later and we then waited 2 hours for the bride and groom to arrive. They did with a band leading them along and then they were dancing to this Indian band, surrounded by some of the 570 folk who were at the wedding. I managed to see Dimple briefly for a chat then she was whisked off again!

Left around 5.30pm as I knew George was at home - he had been in Jersey visiting his other Aunty - so I went over to see him. He has grown loads and school seems to be doing him good too!!

Monday was pretty manic - up early to go to Nottingham again. Went to visit my house and see the tennants - it was spotless really and the garden looks great - I was very pleased. Jakub did say he wants to stay another 2 years and then asked me if I would sell the house to him - which I dont want to do really! They will sign up for another 2 years though so I will see how things are after then - anything can happen in the next few years - who knows!? After I had been to see my house, I went to see my friend Emma and her little boy Adam for a catch up, then into town to meet Caroline, Debbie and Tracy - friends for work and pilates, for lunch and catch up, then I met my friend David for catch up and more coffee!! So, very busy. Went over to my friend's Caroline and Graham on the way home for tea and to see their new house...

Tuesday I went to aerobics - I really miss classes like that out here - we dont really have aerobics here - then I actually sat down for an hour and then went over to see my friend Jayne, who I used to go to Rock City with - I hadnt seen her for about 15 years!!!! It was great to catch up with her!!

Wednesday morning I took George out to Conkers for the day - its an adventure playground place - he enjoyed it - we went on the park, train and also did some fishing!! Had a great day together. In the evening I met up with some more old mates who I used to go to Rock City with - Pete, Mick and Cath - again lovely to see them and to reminise about the "good old days!!!".

Thursday Dad and I took George to Matlock to Gullivers Kingdom - it has loads of rides there - George loved it again - although there was an issue with wasps - they were everywhere and I managed to get stung on my backside - when I went to the loo - of all the places - its still flippin well itching now - no wonder I keep getting strange looks!!!

I didnt really see much of Kat whilst I was home - unfortunately she came down with swine flu, so we were keeping our distance. She is better now though and was back at work yesterday...

Anyway, Dad, Kel and George are all fine and it was great to see them and the rest of my friends....

The journey back was not nice - 3 hour drive to Heathrow, 3 hour wait at the airport, over one hour sitting on the tarmac waiting for take-off - the cabin must have been about 100 degrees too - then the flight, then stuck on that damn causeway for 3 hours on the way home. I am still tired today - next time I will drive to LHR the night before I fly and make sure I dont arrive home on a Friday night - the end of our weekend - when I should know better that the causeway will be rammed...

So, this week has been pretty manic - Saturday was a none eventful day really - I just bumbled around in somewhat of a daze!! Sunday I managed to teach pilates and yesterday I did and I went to spin too last night - we have a new spin hut - Spin City - its great!! Tonight Im teaching at the gym! Got some cat stuff to sort out too... Also, Jason has asked me to cover his abs classes for the next few Weds too - it never stops!!

I walked out my apartment this morning and the humidity has finally kicked in - its horrid - I needed a shower by the time I had got to work - I hope it doesnt last too long....

Here is the link to my other photos from my trip too: - http://picasaweb.google.com/Jillbarrows69/MansfieldAugust2009?feat=directlink

Busy the next few weekends too - my friend from Riyadh is visiting next weekend, then its the PAWS quiz night, then I am off diving 9th September, Cyprus 18th Sept, Dubai 22nd Oct and home again 18th Nov!!!

And the lovely month of Ramadan is upon us - it starts either Friday or Saturday - so I have to go and set up the sin room tomorrow so those of us who don't fast can eat and drink!!! There is one consolation - at least the causeway will be empty, but thats only cos there is no booze for sale over in Bahrain for a month now!!!

Anyway, over and out from me,

PLEASE WRITE SOON,

Jill

xxxx

Wednesday is nearly here!

Hey guys - well here I am on the countdown to coming home. Two more sleeps left - I am very excited to be seeing my family and friends again, although it was only April I was last home, so not that long ago..

The photos above are of myself and Jose - he is a dive club member - and myself, Adel and Sheryl. Sheryl was my dive master and Adel my dive guru - without him, I would not have passed my PADI diving qualification.. unfortunately, he is leaving - going to Reading of all places on a 2 year assignment! So, I am sad to see him leave...

I had an ok week last week. Exercise has taken a back burner as there has been that much going on in the evenings and I must say I havent been my motivated self. I went to a DDA meeting on Monday - there was a presentation about diving in Bulgaria and Yanbu - it spurred me on to sign up for the next dive trip in September to Yanbu - so I am off again then for a long weekend!

Tuesday night was a bit of a disaster as I went to pick up my ghagra for my friend's wedding (Indian outfit) and they had done the skirt all wrong, so now having to go back into town again tonight. I hope it is ok now, although I have ran out of time if it isnt...

Two happy hours on Weds night - me flitting between one and the other!! Didnt stay out too late due to early Bahrain start on Thursday.

It was a good week for cats - up to now I have re-homed about 6 - which is pretty amazing really and I think I have found a lost one someone was looking for... so busy organising the PAWS quiz night now 2nd Sept - myself and Val are quiz master hosts and she has talked me into dressing up in the this leopard skin dress so we look the part!!!!

Thursday in Bahrain was good - the causeway was a nightmare, 1. cos it was pay weekend and is always busier on a pay weekend. 2. Ramadan is approaching so all the good Muslims are getting their fill of booze and ladies of the night... It took just under 2 hours to get there and we set off at 7.30am! I hate that causeway...

Had coffee and toast at the Ritz and pretended I was posh, then went for my hair do - as you can see I had quite a drastic change of style (its cut short at the back) and colour - as my friend Kylie put it a "break up hair-do"!!! Everyone likes it and I have got used to it now. All I need now is a new body...

Had me nails done and then met the girls for a quick glass of wine in the Gulf Hotel and then to the apartment. Nice place and cheap too so that was good. Onto the Novotel for drinks and food - really nice and

then to JJs which has recently re-opened after the powers that be closed all the one and two star bars over in Bahrain - it was rammed - my "I am going home after one" ended at 3am in the morning!!!???

Didnt do much Friday - bit of a wipe out day and all plans to go and see Harry Potter at the flics went to pot. Oh well - will get it on black market DVD now I guess

This week has been busy - only managed 2 pilates classes and a walk around the golf course

- its all I have had time for. Now tonight I have

to go into town again which I could do without, then tea at Gay's and tomorrow I am getting my spray tan done and I guess I should pack!!!

Right, thats about it I think.

Looking forward to seeing some of you next week. Those who I don't my phone number is 07903 497122 - please call me as I will be running around like a mad woman so might forget to call you.

Back 6th August and fly back to Saudi 14th August.

Write soon,

Love

Jill

xxxx

Over in Bahrain alot this weekend....

Hello - wondering where some of you have got to as I havent heard from you in a while - please stay in touch - its great to hear your news still....

I had another busy week last week - but whats new there!!

I havent been going to boot camp much lately - there has only been me going from Aramco and it gets costly in taxis, so I have taken up spin again which I am enjoying.. work was pretty quiet again last week with most folk out and about.

It seems that things are going to happen this week with housing - I found out there are 13 houses up for bidding on - which is truely amazing! I would like to think that my meeting with Mr Jama has done something as its the most houses there have been to bid on in one go all year! I doubt I will get one but I will bid all the same. Alot of folk are out on leave, so its possible I might get one.

I had quite a mad weekend.

across the causeway with Sheryl, Ian, Tracy and Ayon - it was still busy even at 7am but only took an hour or so to cross... went to the Seef Mall for some breakfast and then on to NStyle for nails and a thai massage - very nice too. Then off to Trader Vics for afternoon drinking and lunch. Met up with mate Andrew from Mansfield (who lives in Bahrain) and caught up with him. Sheryl left at 2pm and it took her 2 hours to cross the causeway - we left at 6pm and it only took 55 mins door to door. You can never tell what it will be like that causeway - its the bane of our life...

So, straight to bed and then up again the next day to do it all again. We went to the Diplomat Hotel for brunch as Paula was leaving (top photo in the middle of me and Sheryl) - she is going back to the UK to live after 9 years here... Ended up in Trader Vics again afterwards and then a 1.5 hour crossing back across the causeway!!

This week has been busy at work - one of the secretary's has been away so I have been working for my old boss - Jamal - he gave me this really complicated travel order to do - he can't just go on business to one country - he has to go to 5 different countries! Nightmare. Managed to get it done tho...

Then we have decided to do a PAWS quiz night in September so I have been putting stuff together for that.

I have taught 3 pilates classes this week now and only done one gym session - am struggling for time really at the moment, so gym instruction has gone on a back burner. I have a dive meeting tonight too and then a PAWS meeting next week and am trying to get stuff together for coming home soon... its all rather mad. I have also decided to go diving in September as it will be last time I get chance this year and as I have now found my confidence, once to go before next year for sure.

No car yet - there hasnt been anything decent advertised this week. Fortunately I am borrowing a friend's still while she is out on leave.

Off to Bahrain yet again this weekend. In fact on Weds I have 2 happy hours to go to, then a meal Thursday night in Bahrain and hopefully on Friday I want to go and see the new Harry Potter film! And then next weekend - I AM HOME!!!!

I am planning to get some stuff sorted out for my 40th in November too - we have the DJ man, some of the music has been selected or is being sorted, I need to sort out decorations, invites and extra booze yet. The date is 21st November so make a note in your diaries!!!

I had my 6 month work review today - my boss, Brian, just shouted through the door - "you are doing a good job Jill" - and that was it!!! Easy life or what here!!!

Anyway, thats all from me for now.

Keep in touch,

Love Jill

xxxx

Hello - hope you are doing ok. Here is a photo of myself and my friends - Carol, Gay and Anthea at the comedy night on Thursday... It was great fun. Talk about take the mickey out the locals - the guys sang songs (changed the words to the songs) to the tunes of "Welcome to the Hotel California" - "Welcome to the jail in downtown Khobar" instead and the Monkeys - Here we come, walking down the street.... hey hey we're the Saudis, people say we monkey around, but we're too busy sleeping, to put anybody down" and then another one "Im a believer" and instead of "then I saw her face" -'"then I saw my cheque, now I'm a believer" - there were lots of short sketches too - wish I could have filmed it - so funny...

The rest of my week was and has been so far, manic... I had the usual round of classes - also trying to find a car still - I looked at 2 last week - one of which was sold and the other a rip off. Then looked at one last night, only to be pipped to the post by a guy who offered the seller half the cash as he walked home from work and the rest later - without even seeing the car! It was perfect - a VW Polo - only done 44k km - I was so disappointed - however, all is not lost - it might still be available - all to do with paperwork for the guy to take it off camp - if he cannot get that - its mine! I have 3 others to look at tho this week, but I really liked this VW....

I went to Jasmine's compound on Weds - it was ok there but very smokey - nice to drink real stuff though instead of homemade!!! Shopping Thursday to town to find an Indian outfit for an Indian wedding - I found something, although it has to be made - I just hope it turns out ok! Did a gym lesson in the afternoon then chilled out for a bit (I do occasionally you know!) and then got ready for the comedy night.

After the comedy night I went to an after party - it was on the old compound of Las Dunas - Al Go - which used to be my old haunt when I was here before and Wayne used to run his bar there. It was ok - I managed to stay out til 1.30am - very late for someone of my age now!!!

Friday just went to lunch with Darron and Ayon - myself and Darron are still friends for now so thats ok. Then I didnt really do much else for the rest of the day too for a change!

This week has been manic - at work and outside of work... I have been at the gym lots, looking at cars, teaching pilates, delivering cat traps and re-homing cats (managed 2 this week!) and the other night my hamster, Sharon, decided to escape from her exercise ball so I had to run around my apartment and catch her - she doesnt like to be handled and bit me several times when I caught her - ouch! Work has been busy for some strange reason and I find myself organising a brunch for one of my colleagues - I suppose he thinks I am a good organiser! And I am trying to start revising for my personal training qualification which hasnt happened yet too!!!

Anyway, thats about all really... I have a manic weekend ahead of me - I am in Bahrain most of Thursday - getting nails done, lunch and then back at 6pm (being sensible and staying in!!) and then to Bahrain again on Friday for a farewell brunch...

Its just all too mad.

Right, must go - I am still in my pilates clothes so need to get changed back to my work clothes!!

See you soon (home now in 18 days and counting!!).

Jill

xxxx

Another weekend in Dubai...

Hello - hope you are all doing ok. I had a great weekend in Dubai. The picture here is of myself and Gay in the Mall of the Emirates in front of the ski slope. You forget where you are in Dubai - there are that many places that make you feel like you could be anywhere in the world!! Bit like Vegas, but without the casinos!!

Anyway, another week has gone by - work was pretty unremarkable for a change! I went to boot camp last Monday and then Tuesday evening went to look at a car - Ford Focus -for sale. Nice, but a bit out my price range, so still in negotiations! Going to look at a VW Polo shortly - will update you later about that...

So, flew to Dubai on Weds night - journey was pretty straight forward from Dammam to Sharjah and then taxi to Dubai. We were staying at the Merdien next to Dubai airport. I travelled with Gay, Jason and Rebecca and their 18 month old William - who was such a good boy all trip!

Hotel was fine - apart from noisy air con (which we had fixed) and no decent hairdryer - but they bought us a better one! Rooms were a bit dated but the pool area and restaurants were great and it was such a bargin price for 3 nights (150 quid between 2 of us!) so was fine for the money.

Spent the first morning by the pool, then went to meet everyone at the mall - did a bit of shopping, went to see The Proposal - you must see that film if you havent done so - it was so funny. We laughed all the way through it. Then we went to Apres - a bar and restaurant overlooking the ski slope - William loved watching the people ski-ing! We had a nice meal and a few drinks and then went back to the hotel.


Friday, I went for a massage at the Dubai Mall.

As you can see by the photos - there is a huge waterfall with these metal men diving down it and then this huge aquarium with sharks, rays and a diver feeding the fish! Madness in the middle of a mall. Went to my massage which was 90 mins long - really nice - although the massage rooms were just off a chemist shop, which was a bit odd!

Then I had to taxi it up to the Meadows - where I met Jade and paid some of the money towards my personal trainer course in October and had a catch up with her. Taxi back to the hotel and chilled out for a few hours. Then, went to Raffles where my friend Neil was staying with his girlfriend - had a few drinks in there and met up with Hettie and Scott - I know Hettie from Saudi as he worked here and now works in Dubai - so good to catch up too with him. Some other friends tried to get up to Neil's room but security wouldnt let them for some bizarre reason so we then left and went to Vintage wine bar. Noticed that Keane has stayed in the hotel too the night before - we saw their signature in the guest book! They had done a gig there!

This is Hettie and Scott...

Had a quick look around the Wafi Mall too - very traditional middle eastern look to it and also very expensive shops in there too!!

Went to Vintage wine bar then and met up with a load of friends from Aramco and to celebrate Lindsey's birthday too. Had a few drinks in there and then went on to my hotel and to the Dubliner's Irish bar for a few more and then to this place called the Ware House and had a few more! It did end up being a bit of a messy night, but I had a good laugh - although my head regretted it the following day!

Saturday I just lazed around and we had lunch then went to the airport...

So, I looked at the car - it was nice, although has a bit of body work that would need knocking out - not a bad dent and it needs the windscreen wiper arm replacing cos it fell off! So I have made an offer and will see what he says and Paula has accepted my offer of 14k on her Focus, if this person looking at it later, isn't interested. So, now I have to wait til tomorrow!

We also went to see Mr Jama - Director of housing last week too - myself and Lorraine went along - it did get a bit heated at times and we got slightly irate, however, he has promised more houses for the females, so all we can do is wait and see. I seem to be becoming well known as a ring leader on Aramco at the moment! As long as I am diplomatic, all we be fine!!

Anyway, mad weekend - Jasmine's tomorrow night for a party, town Thursday saree shopping for a friend's wedding, comedy night Thursday night and possibly squash on Friday!

And only 3 WEEKS TIL I AM HOME! Not that I am excited at all!

Be seeing you soon,

Love

Jill
xxx

Bit of a fuzzy week

Hey folks

How is it going? Hope you are all keeping well. Last week was fine - bit slow at work, but as usual, I seem to find stuff to do!!

Im all signed up for my personal training course anyway in October in Dubai. Its a 4 day course and makes up one part of the qualification, so I will be there again next year by the looks of it, to complete it.

Had a pretty busy last few days of the week. I attended a smoking cessation lunch on Monday last week - not that I smoke of course - but I had sponsored some friends to give up and got 565SAR as a thank you - not bad going really! Tuesday I was back in the gym and then Wednesday was cat catching night. There are loads of strays on camp - most of them still with kittens, it seems - anyhow - managed to catch one female I have seen who has had 3 kittens. It took 3 attempts. The guy who is feeding her and the kittens was completely useless and not helpful at all, so I had to sort it out myself. He is happy to feed them, but thats it. I had to rig up the cage so I could stand above it, on his verander, and shut the trap shut myself with a stick, when the female went in it as she was too light to set it off herself! Managed it eventually. Then I couldnt get a taxi to take me to the vets, so had to call on Ayon to drive me there - I had a car (I am borrowing Herb's truck) and it makes it so frustrating when you want to just go somewhere and cant!!! Anyway, after going the wrong way to the vets, we finally got there, dumped the cat and I am fetching her to release tonight - next stop is the kittens who just run off when you go near them - that could be interesting!

Ayon also managed to cut this Saudi guy up on the road and he was yelling out his window at us, so I told him to calm down and stop shouting, which made him more angry! Then he pointed out that we were driving dangerously and could have injured his daughter who was sat on her mothers knee in the front seat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When I pointed out that he should have his daughter strapped in a seat on the back and he could kill her if he wasnt careful, he shut up! Moron!!!


Lou came by for dinner later and then Thurs we went at 7.30am to Bahrain - pay weekend, kids off school - we had to set off early... had my nails done, did a bit of shopping and then went to TVs for lunch...















Met up with the girls and Andrew (in the photo) - he is actually my financial advisor and is also from my home town of Mansfield - he lives in Bahrain - so had to catch up with him to talk money and about Mansfield too! He went to the same school as me (few years below me) and lived around the corner from me too! Small world!

Anyway, came home at 3pm and straight out to a masalama (leaving do), then to Jzala compound - its a bloke's compound in Dammam - it was ok - caught up with a few folk but not really in the mood to be out, so left at 12.30 and eventually, an hour later, the taxi turned up!

Friday I had a very busy day - delivering garage sale stuff for PAWS and I played squash - really enjoyed that so might take up lessons - if I can fit them in! And easy, nice night in, just chilling out!

The inquest for my brother-in-law's death finally happened on Monday and a verdict of Death by Misadventure was given on Tuesday. That means that it was a mixture of Paul's fault (as he never hooked himself up to the safety cable) and his company for not training him properly also. Kelly was ok with the decision - she said it was the best result they could get. So now, she has to see if the company pay out or if they have to sue the company - she should know something further this week.

Anyway, thats about it - here is a photo of the kitten we found, with the different coloured eyes - it was so sweet. My friend Kelly was looking after her, but let her out the other night and she has disappeared - I hope we find her again - she was so sweet and friendly...


Anyway, thats all from me folks - blog will probably be late next week as I am away in Dubai for the weekend as we have Saturday off work...

See you soon,

Jill
xxxxx