:: Dubai ::

Know how to confuse a blonde?  Try blogging from a Arabic country. Everything is backwards. Even the format on this thing. Utterly confusing! Anywho. I'm currently blogging from the normally sizzling hot Dubai, UAE. Only, it's 1 am and I'm ready to pull out the winter jacket. Desert temperatures??? 

.What I saw last year

When my sister and I flew though Dubai last year, we were able to view the palm island from out our plane window  The sights are slightly different this year. Hard green seats, a variety of suitcases, many nationalities (lots of American accents floating around...happy girl!) and the dreaded checkpoints. So far I've been able to avoid the full check stations. :) Apparently I don't look suspicious enough . 

.My view now

The main purpose for my trip is that gorgeous gal below. My childhood bestie is tying the knot and I'll be standing up with her. So excited. But between now and then, there's plenty of time to visit all those adorable nephews and nieces, oh, and the siblings of course. 

Time to board. Cheers to all.

:: Australia ::

In 2008, I traveled to Australia for a 6 week holiday for the wedding of a good friend. 2009, Mum also visited this continent. Apparently, our stories created a desire in Dad to go there. This month, his "dream" became reality when he finally stepped on Aussie soil. It was a quick trip (2 weeks), but lived up to his expectation, or so we hear. 

His first stop was Sydney for a few days, then caught a flight up to Cairns (pronounced "Cans"). 

His main purpose was to share Africa with the Aussie churches. Dad was able to preach/teach 15 times within 9 days. His messages for Cairns, Sydney a.m. & Sydney p.m. can be listened to via the links. 

Anyone up for some Kangaroo meat?

Meeting a Zimbabwean lady and fellow-shipping with new friends.

Many thanks to all those who opened their doors to Dad and made him feel right at home!

Apparently cows eat cars in Oz :)

And to leave you with some darling "cuteness"....

Adopted "grandkids" in Aussie land :)

Spring Snapshots

Spring has arrived in South Africa, bringing along with it massive thunderstorms and the tiny budding of flowers. The jacaranda trees are in full bloom all over our city. Simply gorgeous!



Our pastor's family visited us a few weeks back, creating smiles on many a face. Love these munchkins!

 

Baking with Ti-man. His expressions are priceless~

Tried my hand at Artisan bread. Definitely a keeper. 

Just before Dad's trip to Australia (next post), he treated us all to dinner out after church. Needing a bit of exercise after all that delicious food, we strolled through the mall, taking in all the Christmas decor. Most shops in our country close up at 6 (other than restaurants, of course) for security reasons. Anywho, while we waited on our meal, I graded a couple correspondence courses. I didn't realize that the waiter was watching till he asked, "What is the curse of alcohol?" (title of one course). Open door, anyone? You bet :)