Sunday, May 25, 2008

Swimming

Another visit to Wadi Wurrayah before the hot weather really hits.
It was a pleasant 36C on Friday.
Thanks to Big Mike for treading water to make the video.


Saturday, May 10, 2008

Happy Birthday Lisa

Our darling Lisa decided to celebrate her birthday this year is great style. She booked the Lejaine, the diving boat run by Adel, for all of us to enjoy a cruise up the coast. We arrived at dockside to a beautiful day, hot and sunny but low humidity.



The Lejaine is completely outfitted for diving and leisure cruises. Complete with a galley, rooms, showers, and a very professional crew.



First to visit and relax with friends joining us on board.



Maria and Lisa enjoying the front deck.



The captain puts us underway and we are off.



Catch a few rays.



Unfurl the mainsail.



Unfurl the jib and we are gliding soundlessly thru the water. Just the sound of the waves slapping against the hull.



Up the coast we agree on a location and drop anchor.



Open the diving room door (safety boat in tow).



And in for a swim.



Lunch is served and we ravenously dive into a delicious buffet prepared by the chef. Puff pastry cheese wedges, chicken, pasta salad, baked potatoes gratin, salmon and avocado sandwiches, fresh mini pizzas, and more.



Then the birthday cakes: opera cake, chocolate log and apple crumble cheesecake.



Afterwards we relax, some chat.



Luc gives Berit a special camera lesson.



Mikey and Kim have a trans-gender moment



The obligatory group photo with our host Adel
(4th from the right).



Hoist anchor.



And sail back thru the sunset to our harbour.



A perfect day. Thanks Lisa

Monday, May 05, 2008

Visitors from The Rock, and others

The last couple of weeks have been pretty hectic, mainly around the Canadian Trade Delegation from Newfoundland. Our group in Abu Dhabi hosted 12 companies that were visiting the UAE for investment and trade opportunities.

We had the obligatory stay in a nice hotel with a view.

Dinner at Sheikh Nayahan's house.

And a visit to the Palace Hotel for the visitors.

In the midst of all that we managed to attend the wedding of Gary and Michelle.

Say goodbye (for now) to Sebastian.
(L to R: Sjoerd, Alex, Sebastian, David)
Honest, no inbreeding but "brothers" still the same.


Visit Martin and Salam to see their new daughter.

And a quick run thru Wadi Sidr (more on that later).

Bust a wheel rim and shred a tire.


Now a brief R&R and back to work.