David Gray Concert

David Gray played a great concert at the Media City amphitheatre. It was a fun night with out with the whole gang: Venitta, Deborah (Brad's Mom), Heather, Brad, Mom, Jeff and I.

Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships 2008

I managed to get tickets for Mom and I to the first 3 days of both the women's and men's event. Unfortunately, the quarters, semis and finals were sold out within an hour and I was not on the ball. ;)

In the end, it was a blessing in disguise. As 6 days of watching tennis was enough and with S. Williams and Sharapova dropping out last minute, Henin and Federer losing in the first round, we were able to take the savings and splurge with a relaxing morning at the Madinat with manicures and pedicures.

We enjoyed the tennis we saw.


There were still lots of big names - Amelie Mauresmo.

Justine Henin's only match at this years tournament.

Sania Mirza from India drew big crowds - with the large Indian community, she was a local favorite.


Jelena Jankovic beat Mirza in the first round.

This years winner - Elena Dementieva.

The stadium wasn't very big, so we got great seats every day.

Nadal played doubles with Feliciano Lopez, who made it to the finals in the singles.

Toni Nadal, Nadal's coach, was sitting right in front of us.

Roger Federer in his one and only match this year in Dubai.

Federer lost to Andy Murray.

Mom's favorite, Rafael Nadal.

Mom being the groupy - getting up close for a photo of Nadal.

Roddick in his first match. He went on to win the tournament.

Mom showing off her manicure and pedicure on our last day.

We were at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships 2008.

Mom's Visit to Dubai

Mom arrived in Dubai after spending a few days visiting Cind, Lee, Aisha & Gayle in Tokyo.
We made sure that her trip coincided with the Dubai Tennis Tournament with enough time to see everything that this crazy place has to offer.

Here are a few of the highlights from her visit. More photos to come from her camera.


On Palm Jumeriah with the Burj Al Arb in the distance.

Palm Jumeirah beach with construction in background.

Palm Jumeriah main strip. (on the trunk)

Mom at her favorite spot - Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

Visit to Bur Dubai, the older part of town.

Old textile souk.

Taking an abra across Dubai Creek.

Gold souk.

Day at the Jebel Ali Beach Club.

Enjoying the pool.

Charlie took Mom for quick beach walk.

No visit is complete without breakfast at Shakespeare Cafe.

New BBQ

The much anticipated day has come! We finally got our AWESOME Weber BBQ here. While we think it was so worth the hassle, I am sure Lisa might think otherwise.

For our first meal, we cooked steaks with grilled peppers and mushrooms. So good!

Thank you - Mom, Dad, Lisa, Rob & Ken!


Unpacking and setting it up.

Warming it up.

So beautiful!

Our first meal with the new BBQ - Yum!

Dubai Desert Classic 2008

This is the event, we have been waiting for. Not only does it draw all the big names from the European Tour, it also brings Tiger Woods! And it is at the Emirates Hills Golf Club, which is within walking distance from our home!



A few weeks prior to the tournament, we heard they were still looking for volunteers. Since Jeff was going to be on the road and I seem to have a lot of spare time on my hands, I decided to sign up. We had already purchased tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so I offered to help on Wednesday and Thursday.

I ended up being a course marshal, so had to walk the course each day with a designated group. On Wednesday, it was the ProAm (charity event) and I got assigned to John Bickerton and clients from one of the sponsors. It was very casual, so much so that I was involved in a conversation with John Bickerton and Ernie Els. On Thursday, Round 1, I got the good fortune of going out with Sergio Garcia, Thomas Bjorn (2004 DDC Winner) and Nick Dougherty. They were very nice but serious. Sergio had a great round and was tied in 3rd at the end of the day. He gave me his ball from the 18th hole and signed my hat - I found myself cheering for him for the rest of the tournament.

The next 3 days were great. We experienced our first stand storm, which made watching golf more exciting and grity. Going into the final day, Ernie Els had a big lead but in true Tiger Woods fashion, he came out to win and did just that.


Micheal Campbell from New Zealand. Didn't ahve a very good tournament but was cool to see him.

Tiger Woods warming up on Day 1. A little Dubai construction in the background.

Henrik Stenson with a big golf fan in the background.

Sandstorm on Day 2.

Sergio Garcia from Spain.

Tiger watching his ball sink for a birdie on Hole #7 - Par 3.

Heather Berry joined us on Saturday, Round 3.

Ernie Els from South Africa - leader going into the final round.
Sunday, last round, we made it to the 18th hole to watched the leaders finish.

Tiger Woods in his lucky red shirt.

He had a chance for an eagle to put him in the lead by 2.

Was almost in the bunker but not quite. He birdied the 18th, which put him ahead of Els by 1 - enough to win!