Beirut

Jeff and Venitta had some meetings to attend in Beirut this week, so I tagged along. What a beautiful country!

On Saturday, we rented a taxi for the day with the hopes of seeing as much of Lebanon as we could in a day. We started our morning out with coffee and lunch in the heart of Beirut, Solidere. This pedestrian only area of the city had been demolished in the last civil war and was recently reconstructed to house retail and residential - when the crowds return, it will be a great place to be.

We had several people suggest that we visit Jeita Grotto. Not knowing exactly what we were in for, we were somewhat surprised that one of Lebanon's "must see" attractions were hidden in large underground caves. Coming from Dubai, we were quite happy to enjoy the cool outdoor temperatures and soak up the lush, mountainous landscape. However, we walked around and learnt that we were visiting the World's Most Beautiful Cave and saw the World's Largest Stalagmite (Guinness Book of World Records).

We continued up the coast another 30-40 minutes to the quaint, fishing village of Byblos. Rumor has it that Byblos is the longest inhabited city in the world and is believed to be the founding town of the alphabet. We strolled the cobblestone roads and stumbled upon a small cafe, where we enjoyed a snack before heading back to Beirut.

The following days, Jeff and Venitta worked, while enjoyed the resort amenities. We left Beirut on Tuesday evening, which proved to be just in the nick of time.


Venitta and I in Solidere.

Very quiet streets in Solidere.

We weren't allowed to take photos in Jeita Grotto, so this is the outside.

Glad to be out of the caves.

The train to take us back to the bottom.

Almost the bottom...we had to walk the rest of the way.

The quaint fishing village of Byblos.

Jeff and Venitta checking out the catch of the day.

Trying to suck in my tummy.

Local fishermen.

What else but shopping!

A much needed break in Byblos.

Cute cobblestone road that lead to the wharf at Byblos.

The Movenpick Beirut with an Olympic size pool.

View from our room.

Jeff and I in Solidere.

Jeff's Birthday

Another year. We celebrated Jeff's birthday with a leisurely breakfast at home followed by 23 holes of golf at the Four Seasons Golf Club, Dubai and dinner with Brad & Heather at Quattro's.

Sorry, not too many photos.


Package from the Sault.

Thanks Mom & Dad.

Four Seasons Golf Club Dubai.

Rounding out 23 holes - I was spent, Jeff could have gone on.

One Year in Dubai

It is hard to believe but it has been one year since we moved to Dubai. Time flies.

Today, we did many of the things we have come to enjoy in our new city. We had coffee, breakfast and a stroll at the Marina, followed by 18 holes at the Par 3 course in our neighbourhood. Then dinner at the Madinat.

Meet Peanut!

While we would have liked to have shared this news with you in person, living half way around the world often makes it difficult. So here it is…

Jeff and I are expecting!

We are now at 12 weeks of the 40 week journey (what you learn) and ‘Peanut’ (as we affectionately started to call it, after the first scan) is doing well.

We will aim to document progress on our blog, so stay posted.

Take care,
Angela, Jeff and Peanut

Squinting makes it a little easier to decipher.

Al Hamra Fort

Just an hour up the coast from Dubai is a reasonably priced and maintained golf course at Al Hamra Fort. Brad tested his new cars limits, as well as his father in-laws stomache on the drive there.

While there are no photos to prove it, I was there and played fairly well.


Gerry (Heather's Dad), Brad & Jeff.

Jeff ready to go.

Tough shot for Gerry.

Spot 3 things wrong with this photo.

Jeff on the 18th hole.

Brad's New Car

Brad and Heather (mostly Brad) are the proud owners of a new Audi A6 - I will let Brad tell you about the details.

Thailand with Mom

Mom had arranged for a stop in Thailand, on her way back from Dubai, so I decided to join her and introduce her to my second home, Phuket.

We had just under a week, so we spent 5 days in Phuket with a day trip to Koh Phi Phi and the last day, was a whirlwind tour of Bangkok before Mom jetted home to Vancouver.


My second home - Movenpick Karon Beach Resort in Phuket.

Our lovely room in Phuket.

Fueling up for a big day of snorkeling at Koh Phi Phi.

Our snorkeling boat at Koh Phi Phi.

Entering a lagoon to snorkel in.

Mom heading out to sea.

At Maya Bay, where the Beach was filmed.

Back at the hotel, enjoying some cocktails and live entertainment.

A favorite past time, soaking up the sun by the pool.

Last day, breakfast of champions in Bangkok.

Grand Palace.

A new friend for Kuro & Molly.

Mom's new boyfriend.

The largest reclining Buddha in Thailand.

The body is covered in gold leaf and the bottom of her feet are mother of pearl.

Good luck coins.

Chatachuck Market - over 3000 stalls!

We were pleasantly surprised with our room at the Holiday Inn Bangkok.

Saying Goodbye.

Mom's crazy taxi ride to the airport.

Abu Dhabi with Mom

We did a quick day trip to Abu Dhabi, so Mom could say she's been there and done that. We visited the Corniche, Emirates Palace and the Sidiyat Exhibit.


Entrance to Emirates Palace.

A guided tour from my perspective.

Jeff and I next to a hand woven carpet of Emirates Palace during the day.

Mom with the hand woven carpet of Emirates Palace at night.

Jeff looking for a way out.

The beach side of Emirates Palace.