As working parents, my husband and I juggle too many things at the same time so once a year, we hit that point where we tell ourselves we need to get off the rat wheel. We need time to decompress. With the kids. We decided not to travel far this time - a 12 hour … Continue reading Precious time in paradise
Expat Life
That one thing to remember on Iftar
I had a major Ramadan related faux pas last night at Iftar. You would think - 8th Ramadan in the UAE, nothing could go wrong. Culture, tradition, special events, I should've covered all the bases in terms of how to behave and act and know the rules during this special time in Islamic world. Last … Continue reading That one thing to remember on Iftar
Kids and UAE summer don’t mix
I heard a very familiar scream over the phone. One of my children having that annual tantrum fest. The one that happens at this time of the year where they just snap. It has been easier on the older one compared to the previous years - she can read books, entertain herself by talking to … Continue reading Kids and UAE summer don’t mix
Perfect time for the beach!
It's the weekend again tomorrow and I remember, it's going to be a week since we went to the beach. We had a long weekend last week so my brother who lives in Abu Dhabi came over and my sister too (she lives in Dubai as well). My brother had been bugging us to go … Continue reading Perfect time for the beach!
Family photo shoot 2014
We're on our 8th year in Dubai and I have taken lots of and lots of pictures in and around town, with the kids in it, the landscape, the scenes. But we have not taken a professional family photograph. The kids are growing up fast and learning the lesson from my own family, moments are … Continue reading Family photo shoot 2014
As if passport photos are not horrible enough
At the photo studio last night. Me: Passport size ID photo, please. Lady: Which passport? * Apparently, the size, focus, position of face and background color differs from country to country. Me: Japanese passport. Lady: (puzzled looks and studied me closely) You mean, visa? Japanese visa? Me: No, PASSPORT. Lady: Madam, passport and visa are … Continue reading As if passport photos are not horrible enough
On the Up: Moving to the UAE and What to Consider
People are flocking to the United Arab Emirates these days. With the subtropical climate,flashy lifestyle and all the travel opportunities a place like Dubai offers, it's hard to blame anyone for upping sticks and grabbing a piece of this for a few days. Dubai tourism has grown significantly in recent years and although the city … Continue reading On the Up: Moving to the UAE and What to Consider
Does being an expat make you fat?
"You were a lucky bitch!" A friend snapped at me when we were talking about expat life and how it makes one fat - most of the time. But the first time I became an expat, I was not fat - and because of that, I earn the title, "lucky bitch". I was 19 when … Continue reading Does being an expat make you fat?
Outdoor life for kids in the UAE
I've been asked over and over again - "Is Dubai an ideal place to raise children?" or "We are thinking of moving to Dubai and we have 2 kids, is that a good idea?" Honestly, there's no cookie cutter answer to these questions. I wish there was but every family situation is unique. And I … Continue reading Outdoor life for kids in the UAE
Our Dubai story
When the name Mark Fonseca Rendeiro popped up in my inbox the other day, I was like, "hey, I have heard of this name somewhere!". A few Google search moments later, I found out that the guy who just sent me an email asking if he can interview me about my "Dubai life" was indeed … Continue reading Our Dubai story
Finding Backroads 