Busy Month

Matt: It's been a very busy month, I've had visitors for the past three weeks and work has been a little crazy!! Lesley and Sandra came out to visit - and we had a great time swanning around! The above pic was taken at 360, a 360 picture at 360 - I like it!! :) Spot the usual suspects!

Then for the last fortnight, my Sister, Claire and her family, Brian and Kalani, have been out visiting! It was really great to see them and show them around. Ok I was a little busy with work and couldn't spend as much time as I'd like with them, but they seemed to enjoy themselves, what with Snowboarding, Scuba Diving, Wild Wadi, Dune Bashing, Camping, Tethered Balloon ride, Dhow Trip and more.. I think I showed them a few things! Although there was still more to do - next time hey? :)

Thank to Alessia for these great pics:
Claire and Kalani: On the Dhow
Brian and Kalani: In the deep blue

Of course I managed to teach my nephew a few new tricks to entertain the ladies, bless him, he's such a cute kid and a babe magnet, I could use him as a wingman any day - just look at that cute cheeky grin in the above photo! It was great to have you all come to stay: Love you and Miss you already.

Other news: For the first time I lead a trip into the desert for a dune bashing session, a 4 car convoy, it was great fun, a few peeps got stuck but I managed to rescue them all. Well done to Becs for being the only one not to get stuck.

Location Mos Eisley, UAE

Matt: A long time ago in a galaxy far far away...

well, yesterday and about 20 minutes drive actually!....Having heard about a recluse outside of Dubai that is fast becoming a popular hang out for those wishing to escape the 7 stars of average Dubai, Cris and I decided to go check out the Jahzir Resort and Spa this weekend.

Having been given directions, by a fan and now member, Fiona, we arrived at the front gates of this haven some 30k outside of Dubai along the coast towards Abu Dhabi. After a rather confusing conversation with the female security guard whose English wasn't the best, but then our Sinhalease is worse, we managed to convince her we were guests of a Member and only had to pay 50aed (£7) for our 75aed entry ticket, we were met with a facade of strange 70's SciFi looking chalets, all facing the beach. If it wasn't for the palm trees and golf carts around the facilities it would have been akin to walking into Mos Eisley from Lucas' 77 Film Star wars: A new hope - minus a few moisture vaporators..

Once we were parked, we hit the beach, a half a kilometre stretch of white sand with a still bay of water defended by large sea breaks at either end. A barasti stands at one end of the beach serving drinks and snack and provisioning for the array of water sports on offer. There's a volley ball court, a small beach football area, a floating iceberg to climb (yes I got to the top), a collection of power boats and jet skis bobbing in the wake and a handful of people spread along the sand - it was very peaceful. We picked our spot and enjoyed the sun and sea. There is even a chilled pool and pool bar for when the water of the sea just won't refresh you in the summer.

We ate lunch at the pool bar, where there was the expected selection of bar meals, the food was decidedly average, but edible and not too expensive. Apparently you are free to take your own food and even a Bar-b-Que and you do feel like you are far from the bubble of Dubai and her traffic. A nice little retreat.