Al Hadeel at Al Raha Beach

We recently bought an apartment at the new Al Hadeel building in Al Raha Beach. It's just a small studio, but it's in a cool building, has sea views, and is located on the corner of two canals. Aldar launched the off plan sales of the units on Saturday, May 17 and by the end of the day, all 239 units were sold. The doors opened at 8 AM and sales began at 9 AM. At 11 PM the night before, people started waiting in line and by morning, over 400 people were in line.

Brian got in line at 3 AM and was the sixth person in line. It was a long 6 hours of waiting, but at 9 AM, we were the first sale of the day and we got the unit we wanted. Now all we have to do is wait 3 years for it to get built. As for now, it's just a hole in the ground, but we'll post construction updates and photos once construction begins later this year.

Our Housekeepers

We had to say goodbye to our housekeepers this week. They've been with us for the past two years, but we made a tough decision to let them go and to hire someone full time. Danushka and Nishantha have taken such good care of our home and cared for our animals while we were on holiday. It was an emotional day for all of us. 

We came home to a lovely note from two of the sweetest and kindest people we have ever had the pleasure of meeting.  

Hi Sir and Madam :>(

Sorey for we have to leev. But we can undustanding you need more help for housh and the yaad. We love you both and the pets. I will send you to SMS asked about the pets. We miss them and your. if you wont eny help or pet siting enytime let us know we happy to help and do. these working time your home we reyaley enjoy with your pets and the wark. if we did eny mistack acsidantley sorey for it. Hope your new house boy will be good to you and the pets. We are said to out of your housh. Still we like you we know your good pepall. Both of you good sir and madam for us foo ever!!! We miss you...anyway we keep toch with your have are nice day for you both...Ples tell new mad to tacke ceyar the pets like be his on. We miss them :>( See you some time. :>( :>)

 

Big Bob's Visit to Abu Dhabi

Brian's Dad just spent a week in Abu Dhabi and during his adventures around town, he snapped some photos. We're not sure why some of these caught his eye or what he found interesting enough to warrant a photo. See for yourself and enlighten us if you have a clue. 

 

The Wolf of Wall Street

On May 19, Brian met Jordan Belfort while he was in Dubai giving a lecture. He seemed nice, so we gave him all our money to invest. 

Leo vouched for him, so that's good enough for us. 

New AC Installation

Meanwhile half way around the world, we had a new air conditioner installed in our SoHo property. Yeah, that's a big ass crane we had to hire to get the unit up to the roof.

Paris (with the Walkers)

The Walkers have just landed in Paris! And the first word out of their mouths was Bonjourno. Umm, wrong country guys, but close enough.

All joking aside, Jessica's Dad, Step Mom, Aunt, and Uncle spent a week with us in Paris. We played the part of the dutiful children and well seasoned tour guide. It was great to show them the Paris that we've come to love. And in some cases, we got to see some new parts of Paris to add to the "When We Return List." It was a great week and great to reconnect with the family. 

Next year, they think they may want to meet up with us in Italy. At least they already know how to say hello in Italian.