Ju poo and Timmy too

Matt: Julia and Tim have come to visit. They arrived safely on Saturday morning at Abu Dhabi airport. They were a little tired after the long journey but that didn't stop us from keeping them up all day and running around everywhere. We managed to show them the Mall of the Emirates, The Madinat Jumeirah, The Creek, An Abra ride, A Shawma meal, The Souks and then finally we let them sleep.. Pheeeww! And that was just day 1.

The Earth quake in Iran was felt here in the UAE, in fact we were evacuated from our building when the tremors were felt. It was a very odd sensation, being 9 floors up probably accentuated things considerably, the whole building swayed at first I thought I was having a funny turn and feeling motion sick.. then when we realised the building was the one in motion, everyone headed for the emergency exit.. 9 flights of stairs later we were out in the sun!!!

Hard work

Matt: Well it's not quite a pay raise...but!!!! Work have just given me a new 4GB iPod Nano as a thank you gift for my hard work!!!



It's pretty cool and very small, nice sleek design like the other iPods too. That's the Important news out of the way. Now onto less interesting things - I've been offered the Position of Network and Security Specialist. Could be a great move, but there is lots to learn. I'll keep ya posted, but I happy to have been offered it!!!

anyway - back to listening to my iPod Nano..

Turning Japanese

Matt: The Crane has returned from her Japanese adventure, she was sent to Tokyo on business and had a fascinating time. I'm sure I'll have some pictures to post very soon!! So keep checking back - you never know Kelly might even post them herself and say hello!!

I do have a couple of pics for you all though - Mum and Dad took a trip to the capital, London. It sounds like they have a great day out.

Yep - They went on the Eye!



















They loved it! and eachother!! Awwww!!

Fasting

Matt: We are now about half way through Ramadan, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is during this month that Muslims observe the Fast of Ramadan. Lasting for the entire month, Muslims fast during the daylight hours and in the evening eat small meals and visit with friends and family. It is a time of worship and contemplation. A time to strengthen family and community ties.

Being in a Muslim country we have to respect their beliefs and holidays, so there is very little going on in the way of entertainment, most commercial restaurants and cafe's stop serving during the day and it is very poor taste to be out in public eating and drinking. In fact a short term behind bars may give you time to reflect your actions if caught or reported.

That being said there are things to do and the whole place doesn't shutdown, I went to an Iftar at the Royal Meridian last night, which was very nice, relaxing on cushions eating Arabic dishes and smoking Shisha. All very chilled. An Iftar is when Muslims gather to break their fast in the evenings.

Catch...

Matt: On my never ending quest to up my fitness I have finally discovered a more interesting way of keeping in shape without laboriously trudging on a treadmill, which by the way I can do for a maximum of 10 minutes before the boredom almost kills me, Ultimate!!

That sentence does make sense when I explain what Ultimate is a sport!! I know it's not exactly descriptive and gives you absolutely no idea what the sport involves, but I am here to explain. Ultimate is a team game played with a Frisbee. I know sounds weird, but it's fun and it's exhausting. It's played a little like a cross between American Football and Netball and believe me, there is a LOT of running involved. The disc has to be passed between your team without it being dropped and then has to be caught in the endzone to score. If it's dropped or falls out of play possession is passed to the other team. The disc can be intercepted of knocked to the ground by the opposing team which gives them possession. It's a really fast paced game and you often have to switch directions and run the full length of the field at a moments notice.

don't believe me?? Check out this site for the rule and more info. Click Here

We play twice a week for 1 1/2 hours, on a full sized football pitch. It's great. I've been twice so far and I'm really enjoying it. Beat the hell out of treadmills.

Look out for it in your area if you fancy something different.

Dinner at the Burj

Matt: Well no prizes for guessing what this post is going to be about!! Yes Kelly and I went to the Burj Al Arab, as depicted on the right there!! It's an amazing 7 Star hotel on a man-made island in Dubai. It's a really over the top place, where you can tell you pay for what you get. The decoration is so over the top it's almost tasteful (almost), Water fountains dance a merry dance throughout the foyer and the atrium stretches out of site above you!

We ate in the Ballroom on the top floor which provided us a great view of Dubai by night, It was a really clear evening, so you could see the lights of Dubai dwindling into the distance.

So I guess you want proof huh? A few pictures might help.

Honest!! We're in the Burj


Kelly by one of the fountains


Matt in the foyer, in front of one of the huge aquariums

Just the Biz.

Matt: A little news for you all, Ju and Tim have booked to come out and visit us, which is great news! We are both really looking forward to their visit. So now the rest of you have to follow suit!!! It's a great holiday and the added bonus of getting to see us!

Secondly, I've been putting together another website - just a little portal where I can show a few bits of work etc. Go take a look at www.mattwilson.biz and come back here to tell me what you think. It's very much a work in progress at the moment.

till next time.

Well that's a write-off

Matt: Hello All, Today is a good day! Why? beause I'm here typing to you all!! Kelly and I were involved in an accident yesterday - our car was written off as were 3 others. We are both fine, thankfully!!! It happen just around the corner from home, some guy ploughed into the back of us at one hell of a speed, buckling the rear of our car to the back passenger side door, I pulled the car left to narrowly avoid smashing into the car in front, but The guy that hit us did so at such a speed, he continued on down the side of our car to rearend the 2 cars in front of us. It was a mess!! We were both a bit shaken but other than that were ok!! We were on the side of the road for hours, waiting for police and recovery vehicles. I'm greatful to be hiring a car, because they were great, the came and took the wreck away and gace us a new car, we just had to hand over our copy of the police report and that should be the last we hear of it.
We both have a few aches this morning. But nothing to worry about!!

To top all the Kelly is feeling a bit run down and is suffering a cold... poor poppet!! Don't worry I've got my nurse outfit on as we speak!!

Hope everyone is well!!

The Crane

Matt: That what it was that I left behind!! Kelly!! Damn I can be so stooopid sometimes!! Actually she got the chance to enter a big karaoke competition and we all know how much she loves to sing! She won a local competition and they invited her down to Portsmouth to enter the big Final!! And guess what?? She came joint first, Well Done that girl!
I'm so proud...

I went to see the Black Eyed Pes in concert earlier in the week, which was good fun! They were entertaining and played a pretty good show, The venue wasn't brilliant and it took 1 hour 20 minutes to get out of the damn car park at the end!! Ho hum!!! No Fun!!

I very pleased to have Kelly home again now, back to Dubai safe and sound. Even if she is a little tired! She stayed in bed till nearly midday! Jo, watch out, she's after your sleeping queen title!! x

Home from Home

Matt: I've returned home to Dubai after our little trip home.. ? Can you have 2 homes?? anyway!! We had a good break, if not a little busy, I don't think I stopped long the whole time I was home!

It was really good to see everyone, and it was especially nice to meet my new nephew, Kalani Jack. He was a real cutey. Clearly he takes after his Uncle! Ok ok - he looks nothing like me!!
Claire and Brian are really stoked, you can see it in them. Ok so it could be sleep deprivation that give them that look, but they seem really chuffed!!

What's the collective term for nieces and nephews?? cause here are mine :)














Well it's good to be home, but I'm sure I left something in England!! hmmmm what was it!! *looks around and scratches his head*.... I'm sure it will come to me!!

One working day left

Matt: Yep, only a day at work and then we are flying home for 10 days. Yey!! Can't wait to see you all.
Sadly some people are going to extreme lengths to avoid me (GARRY).. Holiday?? Huh? I believe you!!

We've been pretty busy over the last 2 weeks but not really doing a great deal if you know what I mean?? We have had visitors and been to Wild Wadi again. Took Ryan (Kelly and Jo's Cousin) and Jo with us this time, had a great day once more. Ryan had a fab time out here, he even had his own Chocolate factory experience at the Patchi factory in Dubai and somehow a big feature appear in the Gulf news Tabloid supplement!!! String being pulled somewhere me thinks!!
Was good to see Wendy and Steve too, they seemed to have yet another fabulous holiday with Ann and Mick, the ever patient hosts!!

Anyhow, some interesting news; Kelly and I are working on a design project, A friend of ours is starting up a tourism company and we are designing and producing the corporate identity and the promotional brochure etc. Will be good experience and could lead to a few other jobs if we play things right. Will kick start a deign portfolio quite nicely!! Fingers Crossed.

Right - I'm outta here - see you all soon in Sunny England!!

Welcome Kalani

Matt: Finally, 6 days late, but at least he's healthy, Kalani Jack Ramsay came into the world at 11:12pm last night, 14th August.
Weighing in at 7lbs 5 1/2 ounces. Congratulations to Claire and Brian on making me an Uncle again. They are both over the moon as are we.

Everyone is well and good and we look forward to seeing the little family unit soon.

In case you are wondering, Kalani is a Hawaiian name meaning 'The Heavens'
and here's a pic of the little tyke.

Not long to go

Matt: We are not that far off our journey home now, Tickets are booked and we're gearing ourselves up for the break. So you better get ready cause we is coming home Ayyyee!!!

What have we been up to? We went to Abu Dhabi last weekend to celebrate Ann & Micks wedding anniversary. We went to Al Fanar for Friday brunch, A nice buffet in one of Abu Dhabi's taller sky scrapers and as it's a rotating restaurant, a good view can be had..



















Of course all Ann wanted was big glass of Champagne...




















After that we chilled, shopped and generally had a lovely weekend.

Then this weekend just gone, we reversed everything, Mick and Ann came to see us for the weekend. Michael and I finally got to see War of the Worlds. Hmmm it was ok, enjoyed it, no oooohhlaaaa's but no bad all the same, you know we do sometime forget Cruise can actually act!! The main concentration of the film was really about family and relationships not martians and invasions. I liked the conteporary play on peoples real life fears of terroism, interesting touch. but where was Thunder Child???
Saturday: A game of Squash limbered us all up for a session in the gym, one and all, then we relaxed by the pool for the rest of the afternoon. Lovely!! You should really come out and join us sometime soon.

Weeks fly

Matt: I can hardly believe it's been so long since I posted last. Now the reasons for that are two-fold, 1. The weeks fly by so fast out here it's unbelievable and 2. we actually haven't been up to much of interest.

So on to the news: We had a quiet week last week, which was nice. We tidied around the villa and did a few chores. Then took it easy most nights. I was on a training course from work (Cisco), which was pretty intense, so chilling out in the evenings suited me.

This past weekend we went off to Abu Dhabi. Ann and Mick were celebrating their 5 wedding anniversary (Wood, in case you were wondering) We had a lovely weekend, out for Bubbly Brunch on the Friday, then a day at the Khalidia Palace in the sun on the Saturday.

Also went to the cinema to see War of the Worlds, Adam Sandler was very amusing and Burt Reynolds made a cameo appearance, quite entertaining all round. What? I'm confused you say?? No, I know what I'm saying... We Went to See War of the Worlds, but.. We couldn't see it!! So we saw the Longest Yard instead. I didn't realise it was a remake of the Mean Machine - I just thought it was a similar story!!
good none the less.

Hope you are all well.. oh and get Skype then you can call us on the phone anytime really cheaply. I may be calling you soon!!!

Al Aqah break

Matt: Wow!! What an amazing weekend! We took a trip to Fujarah on the east coast of the UAE. It was a fascinating drive through the country, vast expanse of nothing but desert that gives way to a rugged and desolate mountain range called the Hatta Mountains.



We were frequently surprised by the things we saw, from miles of cables and pylons snaking through the mountains, to massive billboard adverts seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Deep ravines cut across our path and sporadic plantations sprung up in the least expected of places.


The above photo was taken looking down 80 feet from the roads side.

Towns were few and far between, but even so signs of civilisation were present in the harshest of places. Roadside traders and shops appeared almost out of nowhere and as we rounded one corner, high in the mountains, we were greeted by a mile long stretch of road which was flanked on either side by open market stalls hawking all kinds of wares. Mainly fruit and veg, but also ceramics, rugs, beach balls, kitchen ware.


We were treated to a taste of the sweetest magoes and the smallest banana's by the sellers all eager to garner our trade.


Eating in a local cafe was an experience, fast food indigenous style was good. They sliced open a young coconut so we could find refreshment from it's milk. Once we'd drunk that, they took it away and scrape the coconut out from the shell and serve it back to you.


As for the hotel, it was simply lovely. A real treat. We relaxed by the pool, ate in the lovely restaurants and bathed in the sea. Well actually we were thrown around like drift wood in the sea, the waves were immense and a little frightening at times. But we had a lot of fun and laughed a lot as one or the other of us were wiped off our feet.


Kelly faces off to another 10 foot wall of water

All in all we had a fabulous time and I highly recommend a trip there if you are ever out this way.
Sadly - it's back to work now!!

Good and Bad

Matt: Bad news first: 'The Beast' has let us down again, so we've decided to call it quits and sell it. We've had the fault fixed obviously but we just don't have any faith in it anymore, so it's got to go. I made some posters up this morning and Kelly is also going to put it in the classifieds. Shame - but we tried.

Good news: We're popping home!! Yep at the end of August we have decided to come home for a break, primarily due to the imminent arrival of Baa Baa Bump. We'll be home over the August bank holiday weekend, so keep some time free so we can come say hi!! Can't wait.

We're going away this weekend to a little place a few hours away, a mini break which we are both really looking forward to.
Click Here for more details.


See ya when we get back.

Picture Postcard

Matt: Here are some pics of Alison's visit, Enjoy:

An Evening painting at Café Ceramique


Lunch at the Emirates Golf Clubs


Bubbly Brunch at the Glass House


Ali flowriding at Wild Wadi (sultry)

A lovely time was had by all

Matt: Well today see's Alison's departure from the sun. She said she had a lovely time. Kelly and her haven't stopped for the whole time. They've been everwhere doing everything. Now that we can actually take a breath I'll get some of the photo's uploaded.

Thanks for coming Ali, it was great to see you and we both had a lovely time.

Wee Ali

Matt: Hello all, Hope you're all doing well wherever you are! Well Alison has arrived safely in the U.A.E. and has been having an eventful time. We picked her up from Abu Dhabi airport on Friday morning and haven't stopped since.

We spent Saturday at Wild Wadi - and when I say Saturday, it was most of the day. The place opens at 11am - we were inside at 10:50. It closes at 9pm - we left at a respectful 8:45pm.. A fun day was had and there wasn't a slide or ride we didn't try.
Most of the day was spent trying to master the Flowriders which we started getting pretty good at till it got dark. It's kinda fun riding the master blasters in the dark, under the stars though!!

In an Artistic mood, the girls went to café Ceramique last night after chilling out at the beach park all day. They turnedtheirr hands to painting ceramics in the hope to produce something usable and also pleasing to the eye. I took the opportunity to wallow in a bit of piece and quiet. Arhhhhh lovely!

Code breaking intrigue

Matt: With the imminent arrival of our beloved friend Alison, I thought I'd get a good book to read, she's really dull and it will make the long silences less awkward if I'm reading. So I picked up "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown! So far an excellent read - gets you wondering from the word go. Andy? You'd like it!!
Also reading "The Magicians' Guild" by Trudi Canavan upon Garry and Michelle's recommendation - again good so far on a fantasy theme. Will Sonea go to the thieves? or will the Magicians' Guild find her???

I trust you are all well and happy? What are you reading?

Film stuff

new beginings

Matt: Forgot to say I went to see Batman Begins the other day, it was actually pretty good. It was nice and gritty and had a dark more realistic feel to it, along the lines of The Crow in it's gritty edge. I would say it was better than the original and also ties in nicely to it. Christopher Nolan has done the series the justice it deserved.

Next movie I'm looking to see is War of the Worlds can't wait to hear the Ooouuula's!!!

Car Trouble

Matt: Well the most essential part of the car failed us, no not the engine, not the axle or steering - but the air conditioning, damn it gets hot without it. We temporarily fixed it by having the gas refilled, but that was due to run down pretty quick. We were heading to Abu Dhabi for the weekend so we decided to book the car in down there as we wouldn't really need it whilst there and Taxi's are so cheap down in the capital.
All was good, we had the call saying it was ready for collection and after being convinced that it should leak that much water when the air-con is being efficient we drove her away. Only to have the thing stall at every set of lights or junction. Hmmm not impressed. So we took her straight back and have had to leave her there for the time being. Fortunately we were able to use Ann and Mick's car to get home and they will use ours when it's fixed. I hate cars!!!

But other than that we had a noce weekend. Relaxing by the pool and shopping.

Kelly's doing a feature in the paper about peoples favourite film quotes? What's your favourite and what film is it from??? Comments please!!

Relaxing at the club

Matt: The rest of the weekend was spent shopping and relaxing. We went to the beach, the Mecarto Mall, Al Karama, The Ibm Battuta Mall and generally had a nice time. I took Chris and James to the Emirate Golf Club to relax by the pool on Sunday and Kelly joined us after work - Here are some pics of the boys relaxing in the posh club.


James - The running bomb


Chris - Spinning Mayhem

The Ibm Battuta Mall never fails to impress us, proof?? here are some pics...

Junk Boat - Ibm Battuta


Tunisia - Ibm Battuta

Yes these are inside the shopping Mall.

Water works

Matt: A few guests visited this weekend and so a day out to Wild Wadi was the order of the day. If you haven't been there then please take a look at the site and you'll want to come visit us even more. It's an amazing water park in Dubai - not only is it great fun but you also get amazing views of the Burj al Arab from the park too.

Kelly took the crew there for the day - which included Ann, Mick, Jo, Chris, James, Haley, Merv and little Harvey. They all had a great day while I was at the office working hard. Booo!! That being said we all did spend the evening together and the first class restaurant Spectrum on One - with 6 cuisine choices from around the world, all under 1 roof, there is something to please everyone's tastes.

Enjoy some pics.

Wild Wadi


The Titanic's Aftermath

Come see us, come hear us

Matt: We have setup the computer now so that you can all see and hear us on MSN Messenger. If you have messenger we can chat for free and with the webcam too you can have the added joy of seeing us.

If you don't have MSN Messenger head on over and pick up version 7 from here. It's free... Click Here

See you soon...Virtually.

Visitors from a Strange land

We've just spent a lovely weekend entertaining, Ann and Mick came to visit with Haley, Merve and little Harvey. We had a lovely bar-b prepared by Michael on Thursday night, Shrimps, Steak, Chicken Skewers and Salad - very nice indeed. Then Friday we went to Brunch at the Dubai Creek Yatch and Golf Club, to a lovely restaurant called Aquarium - and yes it's central attraction is a huge aquarium in the very heart of the dining area.

After a little shopping and haggling in Al Karama, we headed to the Madinat an amazing hotel complex with shopping boulevards and walkways all themed in a ancient Arabic style. Enjoy the photo's:


The Madinat


One of the Madinat boulevards


Burj Al Arab, view from the Madinat

Biffday Wishes

Kelly Ann Crane: Just want to say a huge big fat yummy HAPPY BIFFDAY to my bestest buddy Ali Wee Methven! Have a great day turning 26 oldie McGoldie!!!! (at least you’re not 31 like someone we know).

I wish I could be there but we’ll do some celebrating of our own when you get that skinny (cos of all the weight loss) butt out here.

Have a beaker of red for your buddy at Yarton Tandoori this evely…and enjoy your pressie popalartachocalartamelonmarta!

Love ya

Bestest Buddies

Join the club

Kelly Ann Crane: Ok, ok….enough with the pressure people. I know I never write on this thing – that’s mainly because I’m really computer stupid and forget what to do!!!

But a little update from KAC.

Matt and I have finally joined a swanky gym. After losing 2 stone by walking around 50 thousand (slight exaggeration) gyms….we have decided on the Emirates Golf Club darling!

There is a gym, pool, squash courts, tennis courts, lots of nice restaurants and really posh changing rooms with a giant screen TV.

It’s really nice and visitors can come with us for a day by the pool and use of the facilities for just 30 dhs – that’s like 4.50squid!!!

It’s yummy.

Here’s to getting fit in style.

Enjoy the piccies!!



Emirates Golf Club

One of the restaurants

Arial view of the pool

I name this Villa....

Matt: Ok people, I'm getting sick of calling the villa 'The Villa' - so naming suggestions on a postcard please (or as a comment even). Something fitting and the sarcastic names will be ignored Michael!!!!

I'm quite partial to 'Wilson Royal Plaza' but getting that past the KCC (Kelly Crane committee) might be a problem..

Wired

Matt: The Internet has finally landed at our Villa, yes this is the first post that I am coming to you directly from home, Home? yeah this does feel like our little home away from home now, especially as more and more we are getting things sorted. With our internet connection came the TV subscription (with hundreds of strange and foriegn channels) and a phone.

There is no excuse not to get in touch now, we can even browse the web and pick up mail on the TV. We got a wireless keyboard with it. Modern!!

Friends

Matt: Kelly and I had some friends over last night for a social evening. It was really nice, there were eight of us in all for an impromptu gathering, a few drinks and pizza.

And Yes! The Villa is suitable for guests. Although the sand pit needs work still. We sat out in the garden (sand pit) till late chatting and it was still too hot out there really. But walking into the beautifully air conditioned villa was a lovely relief!!

On that subject; The air-con upstairs was feeling a bit weak. So we had some gadgies round to fix it. Which seemed to work initially, by morning DAMN we knew it was working - I was freezing and the curtains were blowing all night.. Icy!!!

Desert Hash

Matt: And I'm not talking about Bedouin Drug camps.. It's a running club. Basically each week they meet at a selected location, where one of the members has planned a run. You have to run though a series of check point to the end. Sounds pretty straight forward?? Wrong.. you don't know which direction the next check point is, they leave trails marked with orange paint splats or straws or something.. but, some of these trails are false trails and you end up having to run back to the previous check point and hoping someone has found the right trail.. confused yet? Yeah me too. add this to the fact that you are running on sand in the Dubai evening heat and it's pretty tough. But that's not where it ends - that's where it starts. Then there is a ceremony to punish people who cheated and who haven't turned up for a while - etc etc. This generally involves insults, stories, sitting on an ice block and drinking whilst everyone else sings a random song at you. This is all done round a blazing camp fire and then there is food and socializing. A nice bunch of people.

Birthday Bomb

Matt: Back from a great weekend in Abu Dhabi, we decided to celebrate my birthday over several days. I had a lovely meal cooked for me by Kelly on my actually birthday and we spent the evening relaxing. The following day we took a trip to Abu Dhabi where we went with Ann, Mick and Jo to a Scottish Society Ball. It was a fun time, we got dressed up and did the Gay Gordon's all night. The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing and shopping, a day at the pool in the sun. I had Happy Birthday sung to be in Arabic when we went to Chilli's Restaurant, the waiting staff bought out a hugh Chocolate Bomb (grossly oversized chocolate, ice-cream and cake thing) and then proceeded their Arabic rendition of happy birthday. It was funny. Luckily 5 spoons were provided and the bomb was devoured by us all in seconds.

oh by the way - I got me a PSP... result!!

It's curtains for you

Matt: Well I went to see Episode III on Thursday and although it was good see things tied together, I couldn't help but feel it was a little rushed and could have been better. The special effects and action was good though.
We also went to Abu Dhabi this weekend, to do a spot of curtain shopping. Well we hunted around for hours trying to find material we liked that could be made into curtain by number 1 seamstress, Ann Pearce. On her all new singing and dancing Singer Sewing machine. Good luck with that, don't envy you!! But really appreciate it.

Congrats

Matt: Congratulations to my cousin Heather and her husband Mark on the birth of their new baby boy, Harrison. He was born on Friday 13th May.

Our best wishes to you all.


Welcome to Harrison

Deepest Sympathy

Matt: Well some sad news I'm afraid, Kelly and Jo's step mother Judy, who has been bravely battling cancer for the past 4 years has sadly passed away. All my love and sympathies go out to Tony, Kelly, Jo and the family.

xx

A quick dip

Matt: After a hard day at work, it's nice to know that it's only a 2 minute walk to relax in the pool at Springs 14. This is literally just round the corner from our villa and is well maintained, cleaned everyday and as you can see is a nice place to chill out.


The pool at Springs 14

Stylish Interiors

Matt: Here's a arty promotional style photo I took of the living room, It only shows half the room but it gives you an idea of what style we have chosen to go for.


The living room

I hope these picture look ok, only I can't actually see them once published as the UAE ISP blocks them, for some reason.

Our place in the sun

Matt: Here are a couple of pictures for you. This is the outside of the Villa. As you can see the garden needs a little work but we'll get to that soon.

It's the weekend.

Matt: The weekend is upon us out here and we are planning to relax and take it easy in the most part. Sunning ourselves by the pool and the like. Also we need to sort out the Beast.

I plan on taking some photos so look out for them here soon..

By Kurumba, Al Karama

Matt: We went late night shopping last night. We need a few bits of furniture for the villa. So a visit to Home Centre provided us with a nice desk that we are going to by. Then a trip to Ikea and we've decided on another bookshelf and a TV unit a long with some sundries. Then to Al Karama, a area of town in which you haggle, we had fun haggling on the streets at 11 o'clock at night trying to get an nice office chair. We managed to get what we wanted at a good price too. Most entertaining.

Other news, Destiny's Child is sold out, so I guess we won't be going to that (unless we win tickets), I'm hoping to see Starwars Episode III before all of you.. the race is on.

Keep coming back and keep emailing us and posting comment here, we love to hear from you.

We're on the move..

Matt: No, No, The Villa is fine and we are staying there. I mean we are on the move as in we are a little more mobile now, as we have hired a car for a few days. Ok, so it's the smallest car in the world, but it gets us around. I have my own personal driver too which is nice, provided by Crane Transport Inc. Well she fits in the drivers seat a lot easier than I do.

The Villa is a getting a little crowded, we now have two additions to the house hold. Oscar and Elmo. But they are neatly confined to the ENOURMOUS fish bowl that Kelly bought. They seem to like it - yet to see if they like each other though. Still I now have someone to talk to when Kelly is having another lie in.

The Beast

Matt: Oh I didn't realise you wanted to know what car we found!! Sorry.. Well it's a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L V8.. pics will follow when we have it

Let it Roar...

"The Beast"

none stop weekend

Matt: Kelly arrived on Friday morning along with Mick, It was great to see some familiar faces even after just a few days. From that moment on we had a very eventful weekend and a massive thank you to Mick for driving us around and helping us with everything.

Kelly managed to get her UAE driving license sorted, I opened my bank account, we hunted for cars and saw a few we liked. All that, along with food shopping, trying to find places and people and changing money. So it was a pretty successful weekend.

Oh and a Bar-be-cue prepared by Chef Mikaél

Car??...... Roarrr..

We have lift off

Matt: I'm here!! Landed safely in Abu Dhabi and was met as soon as I got off the plane and whisked through customs etc. Then a Bus ride and a little while in a Taxi I stroled up to the villa in the Springs. Home sweet home.

Just started work, it's all very professional and exciting. I'll update you all soon.

So long and thanks for all the fish

Matt: Hi All, well tomorrow is the day. I'm flying out tomorrow night. Would just like to pre thank my good friends Ben, Maria and Beckie for going with me to the airport, it does mean a lot that you guys will be there, so thank you.

Also I'm gonna need to hear from the rest of you when I get there, it's gonna be a little odd and lonely so make sure you ALL email me. matt@mattwilson.biz
Wish me luck and thanks for all your support, oh and come out and visit soon

x

Not long

Matt: Even now with only 5 days to go I still have a few things to do. Have sold the car yet, which is a bit of a pain. But then I still need it to get around.. can't win.

Most things are pretty much sorted. Sorted clothes into taking and sending to the charity shop, it's hard to be ruthless sometimes. I'm lucky to be able to leave things at Mum and Dad's and for that and everything else my love and thanks go to them. I'll miss you so much, but you'll never be far from my thoughts.

So long Spandex

Matt: There it is, another chapter of my life sealed. I just want to say a massive thank you to all my friends at Spandex. I had a great time working there over the last 6 years and will miss you all loads.
I also made some good friends in the US and throughout Europe too. Please all do keep in touch and keep coming back to find out how I'm doing.

You'll be in my thoughts always people. Thanks for making me feel part of a great team.

A sad day comes to a close.

The Crane flies

Matt: Thanks for your kind comments on my last post people! I'll pay the agreed amount shortly. Well it's my penultimate day at work today, all feels a bit weird, after nearly 6 years my desk is actually looking tidy. almost.

Kelly is hopping on a plane today to come home for a well deserved break (when I say hopping, I don't actually mean she's jumping around like a one-legged woman) She's had a month of worries and stresses out there on her own, but thankfully Ann, Mick and Jo have been there to support her and I've yelled words of encouragement over the phone.

It won't be long now till we are both there and we can start having some fun..I just want to say a massive thank you to my sweet Kelly Ann, as you've done so much to make this work. I love you Baby.

Beginning of the end

Matt: As my last week here at work begins, I'm feeling a little sad. Gonna miss lots of people here and they say they will miss me too, little fibbers. But I do know I'm moving on to do something positive and exciting, so it's not all bad.

Slight stall, I've been asked to send over another 15 photo's as the previous ones weren't good enough, obviously they detected they were fakes and that I don't really look like Brad Pitt.. damn it!

Leaving bash

Matt: I'm having a farewell party on April 29th. You are all welcome to come along and kick me out of the country. Please do make the effort, I'd love to see you all.

Bring a bottle and yourselves. At my place (If you don't know where that is, ask someone who does) or email me

Fly my bird men..

Matt: I came to book my flight today, planning to fly out on the 1st May. But they were fully booked!!! I'm ask you, Who flies on a bank holiday?? Anyway so I was left having to book for the 2nd and there was only one flight available that day. So I'm on it. yep it's official - the flight is booked.

Run Forest, run..

Matt: I'd like to take this opportunity to wish Mick and Ian all the best for the London Marathon. They are admirably running the 26 mile big one on 17th April 2005 in aid of Age Concern and in memory of Mick's beloved Sister and Ian's Aunt, Gloria who died in December 2003.

Please support the boys in this great endeavor by donating HERE

All the best guys, you're doing a wonderful thing and it'll be a great personal achievement too. Good luck.

Visa time

Matt: I have received the first part of my visa application. A little paperwork to fill out and a copy of my passport to send off, oh and all that along with 12 passport photos... 12? 12??? What the? Why in the world do they need 12 photo's of me? I know I'm a stunner and all but that's just plain crazy..

Kelly is settling into the villa rather nicely. Starting to feel like our little home apparently. I'll confirm this in a few weeks. There were a few moving in issues, like no electricity, but with the, much appreciated, help once again of Ann and Mick things are straightened out.

Word is the master bedroom is pink... apparently this happened before Kelly moved in...? Yeah!! you thinking the same as me??? I'll be hunting for the paintbrush you used girl, so you better hide it well... x

Home from Home

Matt: Thought that may be you'd be interested to see where we will be living. So I posted these pictures for you. Enjoy!!

Kelly is moving into "The Springs" today. I hope it all goes ok baby. Thinking of you xx


Our villa in "The Spring"


The floor plans

Come visit us soon.

Jo has gone

Matt: Saturday saw the departure of Jojo. Ali and my self took her to Heathrow airport for her to fly to Abu Dhabi to start her new life as cabin crew. But.. not without a hitch, turns out that even though she is going to work for the airline that she has flying out with, they couldn't manage to get her ticket right. They told her the flight was 21:15, but when she collected the ticket she'd been book on the 13:30 flight... ok so we're 8 hours late then? Luckily after a long tense hour they managed to get her on the 21:15 as standby.

I'm still waiting on news of my start date. I officially finish at Spandex ltd. towards the end of April and should start a new in Dubai very early May. Some concrete dates would be nice.

A whole slew of news

Matt: Welcome back, Sorry I've been away for a few days but things have been a bit busy. To the news:

Kelly, with the aid of the lovely Ann, has managed to secure another villa in 'The Springs'. Excellent news well done girls and thank you! This one has been lived in and Kelly has managed to strike a deal where we get to keep some of the furnishings.
So that's a really positive step. I think Kelly can move in after the 5th of April.

Secondly, you know that little issue of a job for me?? Well I got one!!! COME ON!!
Yep, they finally called me and offered me the job after much doubt on my part due to the time factor. So I have handed in my notice and should be out there by the end of the month. Exciting stuff. Now *unfurrowing the ream* my list of things to do before I go...

She may have finished work yesterday but today has been an all action day. Jojo has been very very busy trying to prepare the house for renting. What a job!! 25 years worth of stuff to sort through. She's done an excellent job and the front drive is currently reminiscent of a breakers yard. We've managed to stow most of the important stuff in the attic and there is a whole lot of stuff that needs dumping, the van arrives tomorrow so, more fun to be had.

So I'm taking Jojo out for a well deserved lunch and I think we'll relax for the evening.

A set back..

Matt: Kelly was due to sign the papers for our liitle place in "The Springs" but sadly the landlord pulled out, got a better offer. That's no fun. So Kelly is having to start viewing places again in the hope to find somewhere to live. I'm giving her all the help and support I can, but being thousands of miles away is frustrating.

Still we have to stay positive and something will come up very soon. She's working really hard and I appreciate everything she's doing for us.

Might have further news later today. I'll keep you posted.

"You treat this place like a Hotel"

Matt: Not much news to tell on the UK side of things. Still no Job News. So frustrating being over here looking for a job out there.

Kelly starts work tomorrow and is just settling into her new 2 week home. It's a hotel apartment, which means she has a little cooker and a microwave etc. Painfully, she has to move out in 2 days and then move back in a few days later.. booking issues with some function, how inconsiderate. She's sounding very positive though and feels a lot better after a productive day house hunting with Ann. Thanks Ann we love you.

keep coming back.. soon well be posting exciting pictures too, haven't done any so far as pictures of me on the phone and sending email are considered dull in some peoples mind... can't understand that myself.. :)

Happy Happy, out!!

Hunting continues

Matt: Morning all, today Kelly and Ann have gone to Dubai, they are hiring a car and driving from Abu Dhabi. Kelly has made lots of appointments to meet with villa owners and agency people for viewings. Of course their priority was breakfast at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, who can blame them.

Good luck girls, I wish I was there to help you out.

Home Alone

Matt: Well it's a very sad day today, I've had to come away from the U.A.E. without one of my favourite things... Kelly. She delivered me to the aitport and we said goodbye for atleast a month. I miss her dearly.

But the good news is that we went looking for somewhere to live and may have succeeded. "The Springs" is a nice pretty Arabian suburbia just outside the main city. Unfortunately I've had to leave Kelly to deal with the details of it, but it looks positive and we both very excited about living there.

Now about that Job.....

Safe and Sound

Matt: You'll be pleased to know that Kelly arrived safe and sound in Abu Dhabi with 47kgs of luggage in tow. Too many shoes I'd say.
It's great to see her.

as the Crane flies

Matt: I thought I would quickly update the site. Kelly is on a plane as I type, winging her way to Abu Dhabi. We pick her up later tonight.

JoJo has sold her car today, they collect it on the 31st. Well done you. It's all happening so fast now, it's freightening.

good news, Gulf news

Matt: Well as the modern age allows me to, I thought I would sit in Startbuck in Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall and update you all.
Kelly is flying out to Abu Dhabi tomorrow (Thursday 10th) just in time for Anns birthday. They have got Kelly's visa sorted and she has a week of fun trying to find somewhere to live before she starts work on the 19th March.
So it's all go now.

Luckily we'll share a few days together before I return home. Hopefully I will have good news on the job front also very soon, so I won't be too far behind. Keep it all crosses people, luv you all.

we made contact...

Matt: Well I've been here for a couple of days and have made some good contacts. I hired a car and joined the destruction derby of UAE traffic heading for Dubai. Not for the faint hearted.

I went to an interview on Monday, which went pretty well and they called me back for a second interview. That was today, which I also feel pretty positive about. They should let me know within a week.
Not wanting to sit around and wait, I headed to Dubai Internet City and handed out a few CVs, doubtful anything will come of these but you never know. While there I hooked up with a great guy, Bill, he runs a contracting agency in Dubai mainly dealing with Microsoft. Was good to meet him and he's set me up to meet a friend of his tomorrow.

In other news: I have just spoken to the lovely Kelly Ann, and she is flying out here on Thursday. Excellent news. Can't wait to see her.

Safe arrival

Matt: After 2 hours in the car, 2 hours at the airport, 7.5 on the plane and 40 minutes in a crazy taxi I'm here, I've arrived safely in Abu Dhabi. Then temperature was a mild 17 degrees C upon arrival at 07:15 this morning and has been getting warmer since. AirCon rules OK!!!

Having setup my temporary office on the coffee table, I got to work making contact. Things are going pretty well so all I need now is a bit of luck. Hope you are all crossing those fingers!!

A massive thank you to my Gorgeous Kelly for dropping me at the airport (even after a late night,too much to drink, an early morning and 2 games of hockey, you're a rock Baby xx)

This has been Matt Wilson, reporting for Matt & Kelly's Big Adventure, in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Ahead.

Matt: I have booked my flight with Etihad and will be flying out of London Heathrow on Saturday the 5th March for a week. I have had the generous offer from Ann and Mick to stay with them in Abu Dhabi while in the UAE. This helps loads so thank you ever so much guys, it's really appreciated. I'll hirer a car and travel up to Dubai where I'll hit the deck running...

Watch out Dubai - I'm on my way!!

Todays delay

Matt: Well Kelly's VISA is being held up by a large backlog in the UAE. So sadly things have been delayed for a short time (9 days) I am still planning of going out for a week on the 5th March to get my feet on the ground and hopefully find a job. I'm quite excited about the prospect, once there I'm sure things will feel a lot better and more positive.

Hispanic trip

Matt: Whilst some of us slave over hot stoves, well luke warm computer systems then, Others, Namely Kelly, are off relaxing in warmer climates. Kelly's gone to visit Tony and Judy in Spain. Apparently the temperature aren't much warmer than the UK at the moment. We had snow in Weston last night, not a lot but a little so yes it's really cold.

Things are progressing here. I'm arranging meetings with agencies for when I visit Dubai early march. But it's proving pretty difficult to pin people down. Only this morning I tried to send an email to a recruitment agency and must have got the address wrong 5 times. Trial and Error!

To me, to me..

Matt: Kelly and Jo had a marvelous time trying to get 'The Box' into Kelly's car. Sadly I was at work and unable to help *titter* But with some neighbourly assistance they finally managed to squeeze it in.

Kelly met with the Lady from the BBC who is filming a documentary on Dubai, which will involve the Gulf News. They got on well and both parties are interested, so hopefully when Kelly starts work they will visit her to do some filming. Although, personally I suspect Beadle is involved and I'm gonna be a laughing stock.

Pack up your troubles..

Matt: After a busy weekend where not a great deal got down we are getting ever closer to travel dates. So with thanks to Mick for arranging it, we have the chance to ship one box of stuff, the space allotted was 2'x 2'x 2' and do you think we could find a box that size??? Well let me tell you we couldn't, So we made one, it turned out a little bigger but not by much.

With box in hand we packed up some of the bigger stuff that we need, my PC went *sob* but it makes sense as rebuying that out there would be expensive. The other essentials were: Karaoke Machine *sigh*, Xbox *grin* Towels and a few of Kelly's clothes. Now as my PC is involved I'm counting on this not being an air drop (There will be trouble Mr. Pearce)

Return of the Crane

Matt: Jojo is traveling back to the UK today from her very successful and extended trip to Abu Dhabi. It will be good to see her, after all it's been over three weeks.

Things are quite on the movement front at the moment. It's all rolling along in the background. Still no word from the agencies in Dubai, although I am keeping onto them on a regular basis.
Everything tends to have a slower pace in the U.A.E. and we're just not used to it. Still we will persist and achieve.

A big fat well done you

Matt: Congratulations go out to JoJo Crane, She's done it!!! She's been offered a job working from Abu Dhabi with Etihad! Yep Cabin Crew Crane, is taking to the sky!! Really well done Jo and good luck! xxx

Is that Jo at the back there?

Today: The Gulf News, tomorrow: The BBC.

Kelly Ann Crane: hehehehe.....
Oh Darling, sweetie, gorgeous......just got off the phone with the BBC.
Got a meeting with Ann, director of a six-part series about Dubai.
It seems they may want to film me sweetie!!!!!
But......oh sorry, must dash.....it's Elton on the other line....chow.

Fancy a date...

Kelly Ann Crane: Well it looks like it's finally happening!
Nilanjana, the HR lady from the Gulf News, has emailed this morning to say that it is looking likely I will be able to fly on Sunday, February 27 from Bristol.

Now it all feels really really really real......arrghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
I then plan to stay with Mummy and Mick (ESD) until Friday, when hopefully they will take me to Dubai.
I have asked for the hotel in Dubai to be booked from Friday, March 4 and I start work as a reporter for the Gulf News on Saturday, March 5.

How strange that will be!
Well onward and upwards.......i think......i hope........i'm sure!
xxx

Car boot love

Matt: A knackering but successful weekend. Kelly and I went to cheddar car boot sale with 2 cars full of gathered belongings on Sunday morning. 7am start on a Sunday? I'm sure there are laws against that. Anyway after fighting off the traders we finally managed to get 2 tables up and gradually put most of our merchandise out.
We seemed to have a very popular stall for most of the early hours, people buy the weirdest things yah know. Some low-life decided it would be great idea to steal Kelly's Friends DVD's, we were not impressed! Anyway after several hours of hawking in the cold and wanting to punish a small child on the stall next to us ("everything on my table 3 for a pound, C'mon") I must have heard that at least 627 times, we decided that our sale was a success and we packed up stall and moseyed home, with only one car semi-full of stuff.

We'll be back again I feel.

Planning a trip?

Matt: As we have just about invited everyone that we have spoken to, to come out and visit us, I thought it might be prudent to give you a few web sites where you can find out a little more about Dubai and the U.A.E as a holiday destination.

Go Dubai
Dubai Tourism
Dubai Holidays


And so you have an idea of where you are going, here's a map.



Come on in - the water's lovely!

and again.

Matt: Thanks to a friend at work here in the UK, I have made contact with another agency, word of mouth always seems to ride a little better on the winds of employment. I must have more CV's out there in the world now than I care to think about, too many people know who I am.... Perhaps I should relocate to another country, How exciting would that be?

Incidentally, we are both on the mend health wise, stupid colds are just damn right inconvenient! I mean to say, who came up with the idea of colds anyhow? Ridiculous

Move along

Matt: Things are moving along, Kelly has had confirmation that the U.A.E. Embassy in London have received the certificates and will be sending them back to us shortly. Once we have them, Kelly will be sending a bundle off to Dubai for the final stages of the VISA application. It's all coming on.. These aren't the droids were looking for, Move along..

Sickly but positive

Matt: Plans were scuppered this weekend. We were set to do a car-boot sale in Cheddar to clear out lots of things that we no longer need and have no plans to take with us, the less we have to store here the better. But, alas, Kelly fell very poorly sick, she's caught a nasty cold and been suffering. But she wasn't selfish with it, No! she gave it to me too. So getting up at 7am on Sunday morning wasn't a good plan. There's always next week.

On a positive note one of the recruitment agencies I am in contact with in Dubai called me on Sunday and are putting me forward for a vacancy they have. It sounds like it might be ideal. So lets hope.

Us... you see

Our first visit to Abu Dhabi together.

Location, location, location

Matt: In the grand scheme of things I would like to end up working here.



This is Dubai Internet City, the epicentre of IT in the UAE. Many of the big IT based companies have offices here. It looks like a great location to work, so please keep your fingers crossed for me.

Ice-cream head.....

Miss Kelly Ann Crane: I feel like I have about a million things going around in my head all the time at the moment! I'm trying to sort out my Visa application, get a new driving license, pack up around 26 years of my life into three giant boxes and remember to breathe in the mean time......

I know it doesn't sound much fun, but I am really excited about the move - a little scared too, but we'll be cool. I'm going to sort out my driving license today so let's hope there's some progress to report tomorrow......

bon voyage

You are all invited to our farewell evening. This will take place on Saturday 19th of February the place has yet to be determined.

Please email or call me to let me know you would like to join us, we'd be really happy to see you.
The evenings events will depend on numbers. It could be a House Gathering, A meal out or some other activity. We'll confirm this a little closer to the time, but please keep the evening free.

Contact

Matt: I made contact today with Resource.NET and spoke to Bill Renaud. Seems like a good company to get in touch with for IT recruitment. I had positive vibes from him so I guess its a case of keeping my fingers crossed now.

Kelly told the girls on her Field Hockey team last nights practice that she will be leaving. They were suitably shocked, surprised, excited and disappointed. It's interesting the reaction you get from people, the majority are really happy and excited for you, some are gutted to be loosing you. All are good reactions really.

Hunting the elusive...

Meanwhile, the UAE Working VISA process is well underway. Kelly has been a marvel at getting things rolling and I feel firm in the knowledge she's leading this.
Well I am still in the throws of job seeking, yes I'm a Job Seeker! The agencies in UAE seem to work differently to those in the UK. There isn't really the urgency you find here and they tend not to field out C.V. to prospective employers unless they are asking.Interestingly, although the I.T. industry is growing rapidly in Dubai, the openings tend to be for lesser skilled or experienced people. But I'll keep pushing and when I'm in the country I'll be able to push a whole lot harder.

Incidentally, If you have stumbled across this page and would like the chance to employ me - please check here

Meanwhile, the UAE Working VISA process is well underway. Kelly has been a marvel at getting things rolling and I feel firm in the knowledge she's leading this.

Shipping is Rrrrrubbish

We have been looking into shipping cost and well quite frankly, it ain't cheap. These are slow boat shipping costs we are looking at and it's no fun thinking you aren't going to receive the stuff for months and you have to pay soo much for it. So we've decided to drive in an old transit van all the way to Dubai. Ok we haven't really but it did cross my mind, fleetingly.

"The Move" progresses

Well the lovely Kelly Ann Crane and I are moving. Yep, moving. But no, this isn't just a house move to another part of town, in fact we won't be gracing Weston-super-Mare with our presence in a inhabitancy manner for a little while, for we are moving to the United Arab Emirate, Dubai to be precise.

Kelly has been offered a great opportunity with a National News paper in Dubai and so we are taking the opportunity and making the most of it.

Dubai is a wonderous, up and coming city, plenty to see and do and a climate that is on the warmer side.

I'll post update and news as and when it comes in. So keep coming back for the further Adventures of Matt and Kelly in Dubai.....