Last Saturday, I attended the graduation ceremony at the Japanese circle where Pristine had been attending once-a-week classes for Japanese lessons because she's losing her native language skills. The Japanese language circle not only teaches language but they also hold cultural events to allow the children to touch base with their native culture. I remember … Continue reading Expat Life: Why the need to retain your native language?
Pristine
Expat Life: Losing the native language skills
Do you think it is possible for someone to forget their own native language? As an expat family, our 9 year old daughter, Pristine's Japanese language skills has become a challenge for us - it has moved from the active part of her brain to the passive side, resulting in a pronounced loss of verbal … Continue reading Expat Life: Losing the native language skills
Dubai Street Catwalk Fashion Show
Last Saturday was Dubai Street Catwalk fashion show at the Dubai Mall Promenade, just by the fountain. This event is part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Pristine was in high spirits that she is able to take part in the big fashion event Dubai Street Catwalk where 120 models (adults and about 20 children) sashayed … Continue reading Dubai Street Catwalk Fashion Show
Pristine is nine!
Nine years ago today, I got the most beautiful gift. Two days before Christmas, God gave me her. Christmas 2003 was one of the busiest Christmas in my life but one I will cherish forever: being a mom for the first time. Gone are the days when our daughter Pristine Akari was a small baby … Continue reading Pristine is nine!
Arabic Day at school in the UAE
Pristine has Arabic day at school today where they'll have Arabic reading (for non-Arabs), singing and she get to wear the abaya, the black robe for Arab/Muslim woman with matching headscarf. She loves Arabic and has been working really hard on her lessons. She reads, writes and speaks it. She's wearing this abaya, like once … Continue reading Arabic Day at school in the UAE
Bikini in Dubai
I was looking at my friend's album in Facebook titled: Cancun, Mexico. Of course the photos were oozing with golden beaches and perfect weather and not to dismiss: bikini clad ladies - including my friend. My 8 year old daughter was beside me and when she saw my friend clad in skimpy bikini she gasped: … Continue reading Bikini in Dubai
Pristine introduces herself in Arabic
On the second day of school, in their Arabic class, Pristine said they were asked to introduce themselves in Arabic. I told her I wanna hear it and this is what she said: And this is what her mother said: "I don't understand any of that!"
School time can’t get any sooner!
Today was school orientation day. Pristine was so glad to finally see the light at the end of the (summer) tunnel. Most of all, she's so happy to see her best friend, Laila. They have been apart all ten long summer weeks but looking at this photo and seeing how they can't stop hugging each … Continue reading School time can’t get any sooner!
We are happy school is starting again. You?
She said she was bored so I tossed something to keep her busy. And entertained. The little one joined in the fun. The first day of school is in three days and Pristine is so looking forward to it like Christmas. Like the past three summers (excluding this one), we 'just stayed at home' while … Continue reading We are happy school is starting again. You?
2012 school year ends
I know I've been posting photos of baby Ben like he's the only child. Fact is, I have another child, my precocious Pristine. She just finished Year 3 in school with flying colors. She received all excellent marks on all subjects! Well done, Pristine! I don't know how that happened though, since I've not been … Continue reading 2012 school year ends
Finding Backroads 