Another new start.

 It is October... how is it October?!  I am sat in my bed typing this and feeling good that I am finally picking up my blog again.  The last few months have been a little bit manic to say the least. 

We have now entered our third year of our adventure in the land of sand.  Posey is in year one and Lochlann is in FS2 (reception).  My husband and I had settled well into teaching out here and spent last year leading our year groups; responsible for the curriculum and progress of eight classes each.  Fast forward to now and we are in another new apartment, in a different area of Abu Dhabi and have changed schools too! Like I said the last few months have been somewhat challenging!

Although it had many ups and downs we did enjoy our time at our last school and we learned a lot but we felt it was time for a new challenge and hoped that this new school would be the school we stick at.  We have moved homes 5 times in the past 4 years - I would like to stay put for a while now (I have a serious distaste for packing).  I want our children to continue to grow their friendships and have a chance to feel settled.

We now live on Al Reem island which is much closer to the city than we previously were. A delayed apartment meant we spent a few weeks living in a hotel in the city which was far from ideal but these things tend to happen as an expat teacher (everyone seems to have a similar story).  Although I am not in love with the new apartment, we finally have a home again, we have three bedrooms now and we do have amazing views over the water.  It is taking time for us to get used to being in a new part of Abu Dhabi however now the weather is finally cooling down we are getting the chance to explore a little more.  Al Reem has a great communal park with a skate park which my husband and our two littles were very excited about when we decided to move.  We brought two skateboards back home from the UK with us so the children are eager to get out on those.


Changing schools has brought with it lots of positives but I am not going to sit here and say it was easy. I really dislike being the 'new girl' and have struggled to relinquish control.  My confidence was definitely hit as year group leader last year but in many ways I did really enjoy it and I believed in what we were trying to achieve.  It was always going to be a challenge to come to a new school and learn their approaches.
Posey and Lochlann however continue to astound me.  Yes we had tears and talks about missing their old school but overall they have coped amazingly well with the change. They are making friends, they talk to us about their day and their teachers are pleased with their progress.  For a while I was worried that we had made the wrong decision and that they needed the security of staying put in one school but our littles are tough and they've proven me wrong! :) I am honestly so proud of them both.

We are now coming to the end of October half term but it has been amazing to slow down and not think about school for a while.  To just be mama and daddy.  I won't say I am excited to return to work (who ever is?!) but I am feeling more ready to tackle this new half term.  I am not new anymore, I know my little class and I know my own children are thriving.

Look at how grown up they are now ... Holly and the not so littles should perhaps be the new name for my blog! :) 

If you're still here, thank you for reading my waffly post... I am definitely a little out of practice but it is good to be back!

48 hours in Kobenhavn with Kids

When we stepped off the plane at Copenhagen airport early on cold December morning, with the littles in tow, we weren't sure what to expect.  We were excited and hoping for a charming, festive 48 hours but knew that it might be a stretch with the children.  Perhaps Copenhagen would be beautiful and fun; maybe it would simply be freezing and the children would be miserable - we would soon find out.

As soon as we landed we headed to the train station and people were more than willing to help us figure out which ticket would be best for us to use.  We were pleasantly surprised to find out that children travel for free on the train!  We bought a single use ticket as we wanted to soak up the atmosphere and take in as much as possible whilst walking along the Copenhagen streets.

The train ride from the airport was relatively quick and easy and our hotel was just a few minutes walk from the station, which was brilliant.  We stayed in the Axel Guldsmeden Hotel Colbjørnsensgade 14, Vesterbro, 1653 Copenhagen, Denmark 
which was absolutely stunning and we literally only scratched the surface of the hotel due to our short stay.  I urge you to check it out and look at staying there, the location was great and the hotel was just beautiful.  If and when we return to Copehagen we will certainly be staying there! We had an adjoining room and the children were overjoyed to find their room had bunkbeds!
We ditched our trolley case and headed straight out.

// soaking up all that is festive

Of course we wanted to find anything and everything festive and handily found a map in the hotel which contained directions to some of the lovely markets that were on during our visit.  We walked everywhere which Lochlann struggled with at times but overall it wasn't an issue.  The markets were everything you wanted them to be.  The stalls were so sweet and so christmassy we bought some traditional tree decorations that are made with glass using.a kiln.  If you go you must warm up with a traditional mug of hot Glogg: sweet mulled Danish wine with raisins and almonds.  If you fancy a stronger tipple of Glogg, you can add some rum.  A great thing about the markets in Copenhagen is that they are quite small and easy to move around with small children.  When we visited they really weren't overcrowded at all.  It isn't like visiting the markets in say, Manchester UK.  The overall feeling was much more traditional and relaxed and Posey and Lochlann were really excited by how festive it all was.  

// strolling down Nyhavn

If you have ever google Copenhagen you'll have seen the Nyhavn.  Copenhagen is famous for its colourful port.  I think you could visit this place at any time of the year and think it beautiful but in December, wow.  It was just glorious.  The buildings are of course beautiful alongside the harbour but in the winter the boats and the streets are decorated with Christmas decorations and the street is littered with little wooden huts also selling a steaming mug of Glogg and festive treats such as waffles on a stick, which P and L enjoyed immensely.  

My only regret about this part of our trip is that we didn't stop and take a rest at one of the many bars and cafés that line this gorgeous part of the city.  Each place had little tea lights burning, blankets lining the chairs and fires burning to get warm by.  I really wish we had taken the time to soak this place in just a little longer.  It was simply beautiful. 

// a whistle stop trip to Christiana 

Before heading back to the hotel for a rest, as we planned to head out in the evening, we pushed on and headed a little further out to visit Christiana.  Christiana is known as Copehagen's, 'hippie free town.' We literally just strolled through it to experience it. It was great to show them the graffiti art work that was on display as P is really into her art at the moment.  

// Christmas magic at Tivoli Gardens 
address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1960 Kobenhavn V, Denmark | Entrance 110dk per person (this does not include cost of rides). 

One of the highlights of our trip has to be Tivoli gardens... It was most certainly the highlight for the children.  They absolutely loved it.  I can't express to you how beautiful this place is; it honestly is magical and most definitely a winter wonderland. 
Tivoli is the world's second oldest amusement park and can be found smack bang in the midst of Copenhagen.  It was so close to our hotel and is literally across the road from the central train station. During the winter this amusement park is transformed into destination Christmas with a wonderful Christmas market and the chance to meet Father Christmas is a location that honestly rivals Lapland for its magic. 

We headed over to Tivoli in the evening but had we been in Copenhagen for longer we definitely would have spent a whole day there and gone back in the evening after a rest in the hotel.  I won't lie to you the rides aren't exactly cheap but with one of a kind old fashioned car rides and majestic, ornate carousels you really don't mind so much.  
I would love to spend more time there just wandering around.  We took some photos but honestly they don't do the place any justice.  It is simply stunning.  

After lots of fun at Tivoli gardens we decided to just grab some dinner quickly and head back to the hotel to thaw out.  

The next morning we enjoyed a little lie in followed by a delicious breakfast in the hotel.  It had a great selection and we filled up before heading out to soak up as much of Copenhagen as possible before our evening flight home.  

// ice skating at Frederiksberg Runddel | skate hire 50dk 

Frederiksberg Garden was around a 25 minute walk from our hotel.  We didn't have the time to explore the gardens but at we knew the entrance to the garden is transformed into a wonderful ice rink each winter season so after breakfast we headed there.  We enjoyed strolling round the Danish streets and taking in the sights although I have to say if I had my time again I may have rented a bicycle with seats for the children as they were ever so slightly grumpy about walking for a second day.  Admission to the ice rink is free and everyone is welcome.  It is a lovely little rink and you can hire a pair of skates as well as penguins for the children to skate round with. 

Despite some apprehension both the children throughly enjoyed this experience. Neither of them have skated before but the atmosphere was lovely and the penguins really helped them.  It was really cold so once we had finished skating we had warmed up with hot chocolates and Sam and the children enjoyed a Danish hot dog from a traditional stand.  
It was such a simple activity but in such a lovely place, with a great family atmosphere. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip!

// a taste of hyyge 

After a ice skating we headed back towards the hotel as we only had a couples of hours left before we needed to get to the airport.  On route back we decided we would visit a Danish bar/ café off the beaten track as it were, so that we could really experience hyyge.  
I don't know about you but I have always loved the idea of hyyge and love the Danish for educating the world about it.  In case you don't know, hyyge is a huge part of Danish culture and it is all about getting in touch with the calm, peaceful and cosy side of you.  
So on our wander back we stopped off at this little place that had benches with tables outside.  There were a trio of danish women sat snuggled up with blankets and warm drinks happily chatting away beside us and it was just lovely.  Sam opted for a festive danish beer and the children and I cozied up with yummy hot chocolates and blankets. 

If I was to visit the city again I would really like to check out the Hygge and Happiness Culture tour which is a child friendly tour and includes a complimentary hot drink and a Danish pastry.. yum! 

// in love with Denmark 

So in case you hadn't realized from this post I am basically in love with Copenhagen and desperate to explore some more.  48 hours with children in many ways was just not enough time.  Having said that we did a lot of memorable and extremely festive things that we all really enjoyed and all four of us (including the 4 year old) would really love to head back there some day soon. 

It is my master plan to head back there during a different season so that we can experience a different side to the city and also tick off more things in my travel must see list such as the fairy tale castles such as Kronberg Castle and the world's oldest amusement park Dyrehavsbakken, which is only open in the warmer months and is about a 30 minute train ride away from the city. 

This place is definitely somewhere to visit with your children, don't be put off by the walking just make sure you plan in some stops to relax and enjoy some hyyge in one of the many wonderful places along each street. 

For more information on visiting Copenhagen visit: 
Visit Copenhagen

Thanks or tak (as they say in Denmark) for stopping by, 

England awaits; our top 5 - can't - wait - for - list

It is pretty much mid-May and my mind is already on our trip home this summer. We are still loving the roller coaster that is this expat life but I can't deny that our trip home is coming up in conversation more and more.

We were sat around at lunch over the weekend discussing what we love most about living in Abu Dhabi and what we are excited about for our summer holidays.  It is clear that we all still really love the lifestyle of hitting the pool or beach each weekend and being able to spend more quality time together out here... the sunshine definitely appeals too (even though I am a total winter baby).

Having said all that, we are all very much ready for a trip home and here is what we are looking forward to most.

Me:

1. Seeing friends and family's faces, especially when they see how much P and L have grown and have learnt over the past year.
2.  Catch ups with some of my most favourite people.
3.  The greenery!  My goodness I miss the trees... get me on a forest walk pronto!
4.  The rain - I know, I shouldn't wish for rain especially in England but I'm hoping for a shower or two just for nostalgia's sake!
5.  Witnessing the marriages of some of our closest and oldest friends.

Sam:

1. Seeing friends and family.
2.  Heading down to the local pub for a beer and a Sunday roast (on an actual Sunday without it costing about £11 per beer).
3.  The stag do for one of his best friends
4.  Hopefully some child free date time... with me obviously! 😂
5.  Asda pizza!

Posey & Lochlann:

1. Seeing their grandparents' new homes
2. Seeing all their aunties
3. Playing with their cousin Jude
4. Going to the caravan on holiday
5. Playing with Findley and Inca.

Posey also told me she's quite looking forward to going to Asda 😂 and is hoping to hit the toy isle!

I may also be looking forward to a trip to Primark or two!

There we have it. 8 weeks and counting...

Thank you for reading,

Design & Dine

So it is has been a while since I blogged ( I think that is how every post of mine begins LOL) but I tried something a little different last night and fancied writing about it.

Design and Dine was something my friend told me about a while ago but we've never got round to going.  When they announced this month's one had a travel theme I was really excited to go.  Once a month a lovely lady called Gemma hosts a brunch with a difference in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi -  the difference being that not only to you get to eat and drink to your heart's content you also get to create a piece of art work.

Last night, as I said earlier, the art work was travel inspired.  We were given a canvas, a world map and a quote.  We had to draw or trace the outline of the map and quote onto our canvasses, all the while sipping a cosmo or two!  The setting was just beautiful as it was in the Venetian Village at the Ritz Carlton.  We were lucky as we got a table right on the water's edge which created a lovely, calm and relaxing atmosphere despite it still being around 38 degrees! 



Once we had drawn out the outline we were seated for dinner.  We enjoyed 4 courses from the Olive restaurant which included: gazpacho, mozzarella flat bread, patatas bravas, olives, ricotta ravioli and then a trio of desserts to finish.  After devouring the delicious treats it was time to head back to our canvasses and get painting! We were given all the equipment we needed and shown a few design ideas.



I decided to go for a more pastel style with mine and as I hoped to hang it in our apartment, I painted the background a subtle grey rather than painting a blue for the ocean.  I certainly won't be giving up my day job anytime soon but it was fun and I like my finished product.

Now I plan to hang it in our apartment and buy some cute pins to place on it to show where Sam has been, where I have been, where we have been together and where we hope to travel to as a family.

If you live in the UAE or are on a holiday and fancy doing something a little different, I would defiantly give the Design and Dine brunch a go!

I love how many new little opportunities I have been lucky enough to have since we moved out here!
There is another brunch coming up during Ramadan so if you fancy going just search Design and Dine over on Facebook for more details.

Thats all for now :)

Thanks for reading,

7 months in...

The wall of dreams at Yas Beach.

7 months in doesn't quite have the same ring to it as 6 months in but I have been one busy lady recently so, alas, it's now mid March and we are 7 months in!

7 months into living a 7 hour flight away from the UK. 7 months into working in a new school.  7 months into the littles settling into their new home.  7 months into apartment living and 7 months into living in the desert heat!

How do I feel about it now?

In the interest of being honest, it hasn't always been an easy move but then we never expected it to be.  We moved two small children away from their home comforts and we have all had to adapt to a very different culture.  There have been many ups and downs along the way.  They say it takes at least 12 months to feel settled and to think of this place as 'home'.
Having said that, there are so many positives here that sometimes I wonder how we will ever go back to England.

Highlights of the past 7 months include;

• our marriage has survived!! Wahoooo!! 😂
• settling into and beginning to enjoy a new workplace
• watching P and L settle and thrive in their classes 
• copious days enjoying the swimming pool
• a yearly membership to the local waterpark (Yas water world which is 10 minutes away and fantastic for children). 
• Trips to Dubai 
• Our desert safari for Sam's 28th birthday
• making new friends
• watching Sam enjoy playing for the Saracens Rugby team (not going to lie I think it is rather hot watching him run around the pitch in his shorts!)
• visits from Sam's sister Kate and my sister Sophie 
• I got to see one of my best friends and her beautiful baby girl on a trip to the UAE for her 30th
• trips to the beach for birthday parties 
• watching Beauty in the Beast in the park, all sat together on a blanket munching treats whilst the sun set 
• Sam cutting off all his hair (I am pretty much his no.1 fan at this point)
• playing in fake snow at the Galleria Mall at Christmas time
• Christmas Brunch at the Westin Abu Dhabi 

... the list goes on.   I could go on about the negatives that we have experienced (like me crying every time it bloody snows in England and we aren't there to enjoy it) but then, nobody really wants to hear me moan.  Those aren't the things I want my children and I to look back on either. 

In short, yes we get homesick quite often but the move out here was absolutely worth it.  Work is going well, the children are happy and my husband looks great with a tan! What more could I ask for?! 

We are very much looking forward to our holiday back to England in the summer.  There are lots of people that we miss terribly and I can't wait for everybody to see how much our two littles have grown.  I am so proud of my little family and despite everything, I am really proud of us for moving out here. 

I am now going to share some of my most favourite photos from our time here so far - most of which are just iPhone snaps...

Our first date night in Abu Dhabi

P and I at the Crowne Plaza on Yas Island

P and L enjoying an ice-lolly at Dubai Mall

Our first trip to Dubai

On the boat ride to watch the amazing fountain show at Dubai Mall

Our first ever time trick or treating.

When Sam plays the name game at Starbucks! 

When Posey won star of the week and got to take Popsy home.

My handsome husband on his birthday trip to the desert. 

Me feeling awkward around a camel... 

At the F1watching Mumford & Sons ... what a great night! 

P and L all ready for National Day celebrations

Christmas 2017 at the Westin Abu Dhabi 

Posey just generally being her usual self :) 

Our boy at Yas Gateway Park 

After our winter picnic at Yas Gateway Park 

and then she turned four. 

And he turned three...

When my beautiful friend and her family visited during their stay in the UAE for her 30th.

Mother's Day celebrations at Lochlann's nursery.

A special moment with my boy and I whilst waiting for Daddy to bring the coffees. 

When Auntie Katey came to visit.

When Auntie Sophie popped in for 3 hours on route to Nepal. 

One of my most favourite things about Abu Dhabi... the sunsets. 

Our littles on a recent visit to Jumeriah.

If you have reached this point you are an absolute legend because I included FAR too many photos! Thank you for reading, I am sorry my posts never follow a pattern or schedule, I'll get there one day... maybe! 😊