Diving in the Red Sea

Hi folks - above are a few pics from my diving weekend in Yanbu a few weeks ago. Had a great time - my diving improves every time - I think I am up to almost 30 dives now - I did suffer from ear problems again but have found some tablets and sprays on line which I am hoping might help in the future... Didn't see anything major this time - the usual rays and morays - some of the guys did see a hammerhead shark tho... I did 6 dives in total and a snorkel - had a really good time and the group we went with were good fun too...

In the top picture is Charlotte - it was going to happen soon enough - I took on a foster cat and ended up keeping her! She was found straying on the beach in Jubail - so she came to me to be re-homed and now she lives me me. She is around 6 months old and a Persian mix we think - very sweet but also has a mischievous nature too! Great company though!! She has a yellow and a blue eye too!

Being back at work the first few weeks after my holiday was pretty busy. I had 2 courses I did also, so wasn't really in the office much. Ramadan started (we are now over half way through thank goodness!) so it went from being mad with me playing catch up to now being completely like a ghost town everywhere! I am still feeling very unsettled so looking at other options now for sure... Classes are busy which is great - I teach stability balls and bands now on a Monday and have had 20+ students so am going to carry on with that for the rest of September.

I did a PAWS event last weekend. It was a skool disco theme - see me and the winner Butty Bacon (I don't know what his real name is!) - made a good amount of money for PAWS. The event was held at a BAe compound here and unfortunately, they are very strict regarding security getting in and out the place and there were in all 7 incidents where folk upset security and 7 guys who sponsored these folk into their compound, got into trouble. I have taken it very personally - so have told folk I am taking a bit of a back seat now with social events until next year. Such a shame - it is strict here and everyone knows that and should respect the rules.

PAWS will be fine though - we have the garage sales to see us through the rest of the year. I have asked for volunteers to help with events but had no offers really - apart from offers to help me with the next event.

I am in Bahrain tomorrow - thank goodness - my friend Chrissie is having a get together. I am shopping and getting my hair done. I need to get out for a few days for sure. And then, in 2 weeks, I am in Athens for 5 days with Tracy. Really looking forward to that!

That is all for now. I hope to be home before the year is out, but what with me possibly moving elsewhere, holidays are really up in the air right now...

WRITE TO ME SOON!

Jill

x

Dad's birthday and Cruise Ship Diaries!

Hi folks

Here I am, back after around 5 weeks away from my blog
- hope you are all doing ok. Life has been pretty busy since I got back - I think today is the first day I have felt quite normal and as though I am finally catching up with everything! Then I am only at work tomorrow and on an Excel course Tues/Weds and off to Yanbu, diving in the Red Sea, all weekend!! And next week the joyful Ramadan begins - where we all have to go an lock ourselves away for a coffee break (extended ones though!) and I am on a First Aid Course then too for two days! Work has been just ok - still no improvement in relations between me and the boss - in fact he didn't even bother to tell me he was going to China yesterday until I asked him if he was going somewhere! So, the search continues to escape, but again, with Ramadan approaching, things do grind to a hault pretty much all over the Middle East. I still have a couple of meetings in Dubai on the 25th August for jobs so hopefully something will crop up eventually and I am still looking at the yachts.... So, busy back here - I burst into my new total fitness class last night - completely full with 20 folk - my legs are rather sore today! And tomorrow I am teaching stability balls and bands class for 6 weeks... and I have lots of folk asking me for personal training classes too. Talking of which, I don't have to come to the UK now to finish my PT qualifiction off - I am able to do it in Bahrain which is saving me a stack of money on flights - so it looks like I might be home in Oct/Nov for 10 days now - but I will let you know for sure soon...

So, onto the trip to the UK. I arrived on the Weds and Dad fetched me from Brum airport. Spent the next couple of days shopping, catching up with K&K and G mainly, then off to Scarborough on the Friday. Caught up with a Saudi friend, Sue, who lived just outside York too, on route to Scarborough. We stayed at a lovely B&B - just about 20 mins from the town centre. K&K and G joined us later and as requested by Dad, we had fish and chips down the front! The next day the weather was not too bad - we did the sea front - there was a military day thing on and George took to wall climbing - went for a bus ride to the other bay and then came back on the train, via Peasholme Park - its been a while since I was last there! That evening I had booked for us to go to the Copper Horse - a lovely bistro style pub just outside Scarbs - the food was really lovely and we had such a nice evening.

Sunday the weather was glorious, so down to the beach and G had a ride on the donkeys. Myself and Dad stayed an extra night but G was at school next day.

The rest of the week was pretty mad - I had hoped to hire a car, but my licence expired I found out, so had to do with Dad the taxi and buses and trains. Had several trips to the dentist (how much!?) and caught up with as many friends as I could, although it was a bit of a flying visit! We held Dad's birthday party on Friday - the weather was glorious too - some of Dad's friends came over and also quite a few of my friends for a catch up, which was great, given the short time I was at home...

Then the next morning, Kat took me to the station and so began my journey to Southampton. Met Tracy at the station and then we boarded in the afternoon. Checked out the ship for a while, then went outside for sale away and dinner later. We were on freedom dining which meant we could go to dinner when we liked, but would sit with different folk. The first night we met Julie and Simon from Sheffield and Ems, Donna, Ben and Erin from Wales. And what a wonderful bunch of friends we made - we met up with them quite often all through the two weeks on board - we all had such a laugh together and will definitely stay in touch.

The second night was formal night - my friend and ex work colleague - David Shepherd - is now Executive Purser on board, so we were well looked after and did get a few extra perks in the cabin which was lovely! Met up with him at the cocktail party and also caught up with him and his fiance for dinner later on in the cruise and drinks. Was lovely to see him - its been about 4 years since I last saw him. Most evenings we would go to dinner and then to The Exchange for drinks and do the quiz and meet up with Simon, Jules, Donna and Ems and the kids. We also met a family from Scotland who happened to know one of our friends here in Saudi - they used to work together - tis a small world! We also went to Havana nightclub and Tracy and Julie won a cocktail for their dancing!!! LOL!

We had 3 sea days - the weather was good so we were out on deck alot catching the sun - first stop was Barcelona. We took the hopper bus around the city and got on and off at various points of interest - the church that isn't finished - La Sagrada Familia and the Gaudi stuff too and then a walk down Las Ramblas and a visit to the market. Next stop was Monte Carlo - we climbed up the hill to the Palace - saw the left overs of the Royal wedding which had taken place the week before - and then we had a wander up to the casino - went into the entrance but it was really expensive to look around - so didn't! I then went and had a look at the yachts and wished I could get a job on one of them!

Next stop was Rome - it was incredibly hot that day and humid - we started off at The Vatican and walked all the way down to the Colesseum - I have no idea how far it was but we did do some walking. Passed the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Roman Cathedral (can't remember the name of it!!?) and stopped for lunch too at a lovely restaurant and people watched briefly. Never made it into the Colesseum - we just didn't have time - I think for Rome you need 3-4 days really to see everything properly. We were absolutely wrecked by the end of the day and actually just had buffet dinner and then went to bed early for the one and only time that cruise!

Next stop - Pisa and Florence. I have been to Pisa before but it was good to see the tower again without the scaffolding around it as last time. Florence was lovely too - not been there before. Really nice place to walk around and people watch again too and the buildings are pretty amazing too.
We then had a sea day and then went on to Palma - again I have been there many times before but we went around it on a bike and I saw lots of stuff I hadn't seen previously.

We were due to then go to Gibraltar for half a day as our last pour of call but unfortunately the weather was too bad so we had to turn round and leave! Alot of folk were disappointed, but there wasn't alot the Captain could do really. Then 3 days at sea and back to Soton.

Had a wonderful time and have lots of memories too - it really was a great holiday. I have attached my gmail photo link at the end of this so you can check out all the photos as we took tons between us!

So, now back to reality - as you can tell I am still unsettled really - I hope something happens with Dubai or Abu Dhabi soon. But for now, I have my personal training stuff to get on with and need to start my Skipper course soon too and for sure PAWS and my fitness classes are keeping me busy...

Anyway, thats all from me. Take care and keep in touch...

Jill x

https://picasaweb.google.com/Jillbarrows69/DadS70thAndScarborough?authuser=0&feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/Jillbarrows69/CruiseMonteCarloAndBarcelona?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIDIz6H5-PKA_AE&feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/Jillbarrows69/RomeFlorenceAndPisa?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMmu0IS_lb73QQ&feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/Jillbarrows69/PalmaAndFriends?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCI--yevO6b7fCw&feat=directlink

One week til I am home!!!

Hi folks - here is my blog before I come home next week - can't wait. I am so ready for a break from here (although I know it sounds like I get breaks all the time). Work is very quiet - I am still trying to move jobs but it seems to be proving difficult for no particular reason at all... I have been at the gym alot - I am doing high intensity training - hard going but seems to be paying off... busy with PAWS as it is kitten season also - I have been fostering Mindy the cat - she was found on camp - her fur was all matted so she had to be shaved and also she had ear mites which I was treating. I was so tempted to keep her but with my holiday coming up wasn't fair to mess her around and move her so I have found a new home for her with a family so I hope she will be happy there. Lovely cat - so quiet and docile.

Had a weekend in Oman too diving with Louise and Tracy. The water was pretty clear - generally its not great in that area until June but we were quite lucky. We saw some Manta Rays - very unusual to see them apparently, lots of Moray Eels and many other fish. The weather was around 120 degrees though - mighty hot - we chilled out on the beach (well for 10 minute bursts!) and also had a night out in Muscat and I met someone from Bulwell in Nottingham! It is a small world! The following weekend I was in Dubai - I met up with an old Saudi friend and his mates on the Wednesday, met up with my sailing teacher to discuss future courses on Thursday, saw a recruitment agency and then met up with Liss and some other friends from Abu Dhabi. We all did brunch on Friday which was good fun. I met someone from Pleasley (Mansfield!) and Liss banged into Frank Lampard and his girlfriend!!! Pics are Liss and Clodagh, the view from my hotel window (that is the ski slope and mall you can see!) and the see through bathroom!

I had a bit of a happy hour the other week - here are Neil and Liam busy making up drinks!! And my friend Wayne bought me these lovely flowers!!! And we did another come dine with me too last weekend which was really nice. It is my turn tomorrow - I was busy prepping last night - a friend's prawn starter recipe, thai green curry and banooffee pie!

Anyway thats about all from me. I fly the morning of the 22nd June. I am home for that day and the 23rd, then in Scarborough 24-27 June and home then 28 June til 1 July. We are having a party for Dad on the 1 July for his 70th birthday. And then 2 July I cruise the Med for 2 weeks then straight back here...

Hope to see some of you in a couple of weeks anyway.

Jill

x

Housewarmings, band night at JJs and PAWS 20th anniversary

Hi folks - its been a few weeks again since I last wrote. Above are some photos from those weeks - top one with the girls at Nicola's houswarming, then me at Lou's b/d and the band night at JJ's and then the PAWS 20th anniversary ball. I did look more glam for the ball but it was a hot night and I was running around alot!

Nicola's housewarming was good - up at Ras Tanura - our camp about an hour from here - she has been here about the same time as me but as there are less secretaries working up there, they have a better chance of a larger house. So she has a lovely 2 bed place and massive yard. And the following weekend we went over to Bahrain - things are picking up slowly there - there are still tanks around and I am not sure when then will be removing them. We went to Monsoon for Lou's b/d - lovely place - where I had my leaving do the 2nd time I was here - we sat outside in the Japanese garden - lovely, and then went to JJ's afterwards. Three bands from Saudi were playing so I knew most of the folk in there! It was good to catch up with some folk I hadn't seen in a while. And then last weekend was the PAWS 20th anniversary ball. I was up at the US Consulate decorating for several hours with my helpers then the ball started at 7.30pm. All went well - the food was amazing and the Chef, Phillip, turned up on Friday with a massive cheese cake for me and some nibbles! The band went down well and we raffled off some great prizes and made some good money for the charity. But massive job so I think I need a rest from events for a few months now! We are going to donate the money to Dr Zamora at the vets in town so he can buy some new machinery.

So, the PAWS thing has been keeping me busy. Work hasn't been busy - I am not very happy to be honest, so looking for something else at the moment - I really want to get more into sailing and the best place really is the UAE. I love the money in Saudi, but am growing a bit frustrated with being unable to jump in a car and go places and the restrictions now. Its ok for so many years for sure and to be able to save, but life is too short and I want to pursue my interest in sailing now...

Been to the gym, been out walking - although its getting warm out there - 102 degrees today! Oh the joys of the summer!

I am off to Oman tomorrow on a diving trip with Lou and Tracy (and a bit of R&R!) and then next weekend I am going to Dubai to meet up with some friends...

And then its only 5 weeks or so til I am back in the UK and going on my cruise! Can't wait for that!!!

Anyway, over and out from me. Hope you are all ok...

Jill

x

Abu Dhabi and Competent Crew Course in Dubai

Hi folks

Long time, no hear - hope you are all doing ok. Well, here is my blog from the past few weeks. Life has been as busy as ever really. I spent the weekend of the 30th March busy - had a happy hour on camp at Mary's - she is renowned for them - makes all her own booze and just asks folk to turn up with food! She usually has 50 or so folk turn up at her house!!! Some of my friends from Jubail came down too and Glynn - I have been seeing him now for about 6 weeks - he works for BAe in Jubail on the ships and once worked on the Oriana - small world! He is from Lowestoft originally...

Went to see my friend Chrissie in Bahrain too and caught up with her - things are just getting back to normal for her now as she moved to work there the day before the protests kicked off! It was good to see her anyway and catch up with her - we had a few drinks and ate at Brazil - you get loads of meat on skewers! Great protein diet!

Was in Abu Dhabi 2 weekends ago - myself and Tracy flew over and we stayed with my friend Liss who lives there. Had a great time - shopping and out and about - went to the Palace also. Then came back to Dubai and I had an overnight there and then off on the competent crew course. The pics are at the top here (that is myself and Glynn too). There were 4 of us on the course - Lev - a 16 year old from Russia, Dave who flew for Emirates and Carol who worked at DOSC (Dubai Offshore Sailing Club). Colin was our tutor - from Manchester - dryest sense of humor too and a great laugh. We sailed every day - the other guys were doing their Skipper course so it was good to learn from them too (thats what I will do next anyway!). We sailed all around the World land (its just been left now - no money to invest to build on it) and the Palms (2 out of the 3 also just been left) - we did a race one night but couldnt finish it as the wind dropped! And also sailed up the Creek and docked at the Burj Al Arab Marina - amazing backdrop of the 2 hotels. Loved it. Really want to do more sailing....

Anyway, things at work are changing - I have lost Basil my really nice boss in a re-shuffle - he is due to come back in 6 months but we will see. I have Jon back now who just doesn't give me anything really to do - so I am not happy really - we are moving 1st June too as our office is becoming open plan - so everything is going to be a mess for the next few months til December!!!

Had Anzac Day last weekend - great day - bands playing and it was all very Aussie of course. Lovely day too - its warming up here! I also had the garage sale on Thursday so up at 6am for that - good turnout and we raised quite a bit for PAWS. The next event is the 20th anniversary in a few months - meeting the Chef tonight to discuss the menu - I am looking forward to it but it taking up alot of my time - fortunately I have lots at work it seems!

The new equipment also arrived for my classes (and the other instructors!!) it was ordered in February 2010! At least it got here eventually! I am having a break from classes tho for a few months and PAWS too - its about time really I think! So a few months off organising stuff and I am then away on my cruise in July with Tracy. Got Oman and Dubai though before then....

Take care guys and hopefully I will see some of you in June/July...

Jill x

Housewarming celebrations

Hi folks - here I am again - thank goodness I have a break this weekend - off to Abu Dhabi for a few days to stay with a friend and then on to Dubai to do my competent crew course which will allow me to sail on yachts!

The past few weeks have been busy - as usual - although work has been quiet. It seems to go mad at the start of the year then quieten down - I have been busy sorting out karaoke nights for PAWS though and also we have our 20th anniversary celebrations coming up in May - which has taken over my life somewhat...

I had a housewarming the other week - we managed to cram around 18 folk in my yard - it is great having an outside area and the weather is perfect at the moment...

The karaoke night at Jzala was great too the other week - in fact it was quite an easy night for me - I just took the money for entry which went to PAWS and gave out a few prizes to the singers - I believe it went on until the early hours!!!

Things in Bahrain have calmed down now - in fact I was over there last weekend visiting my friend Chrissie. There were still quite a lot of army around - especially around the Pearl round-a-bout (which has now been knocked down) but apart from that it was ok. I hear the army have been withdrawn now and things are slowly getting back to normal... Had a great time with Chrissie - she worked here at Aramco and moved to her new job the day before the protests kicked off! Her apartment is on Amwaj island - its lovely up there plus has a Waitrose (I spent a small fortune in there!!) - we went to Brazil for dinner - basically its good if you like meat - they come round with skewers of meat and you have a bit of each!! Lovely, though...

Been at the usual gym, not been teaching so much - getting a bit fed up with it really so having a break from classes for a few months and then starting again in July. Will be teaching on and off at the gym still though...

Got a great year to look forward to - its all holidays for me - Oman and Dubai for weekends in May, home in June and on my cruise with Tracy in July, August is Cyprus, September home again to do my personal training course and November is still up in the air yet!!!

Hope you are all ok,

Jill

xxx