Dubai Summer of 2011

Summer in Dubai is almost over. Shops in the malls are already on back-to-school promotions and kids are gearing up for the term 2011-2012 starting September 14. My daughter will be in Grade III this year and can't wait to see her classmates, teachers, and friends again. But before that let's first enjoy the upcoming Eid holiday as it marks the end of Ramadan. Where will you be this Eid al Fitr oh don't forget your Henna, OK, I mean for ladies only?

Summer 2011 was a not-so-boring-summer after all. Summer here was actually the time when a lot of ex-pat families go for vacation in their home country while those that remain to spend their summer here benefited from less traffic, not so crowded parks and malls, not much queueing at the supermarket, easy to find a parking spot and most especially I don't need to wake up very early to prepare Mica for school.

We had loads of fun indeed but we also had our share of bad times like when Mica had an accident before the school closes. She hurt her ankle while taking the bus to school and my mom was recently hospitalized. I really hope and pray that her health will improve fast. 

A visit to the Dubai Dolphinarium to watch the Dolphin and Seal Show was the first thing we did this summer. The well-trained seal and dolphins are awesome and the almost one-hour show was amazing. Ferald and I enjoyed it as much as our kids.

We also enjoyed our annual summer getaway in Abu Dhabi while checking in at Rotana Yas Island with its two free adult tickets to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi-home to the world's fastest roller coaster. Mica learned traffic signals at junior GT and drove a Formula 1 mini. 

The all-for-free dining experience at Mazina The Address Dubai Marina, Essence Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, and an iftar dinner at Al Ameera Ballroom-Grand Hyatt Dubai all courtesy of 104.4 Virgin Radio Dubai was enjoyed by the whole family and shared a bonding moment.

More often, Mica and my son stay home during weekdays while Ferald and I go to work. She spends her time playing, drawing, reading, watching television, playing games on the PC or chatting with her classmates on Facebook, etc. During our bonding moments after I arrive from work, we squeeze our creative juices to make some Popsicle fairies, painted wooden dolls, and origami, sew bead jewelry, do storytelling, and sometimes do a puppet show. Growing some flowering plants was another idea she had and the zinnia and sunflower seeds are now seedlings. She sometimes gets bored waiting for it to grow and have its bloom and so am I. I told her to keep watering the plant and we will soon see its flowers. Here are some of Mica's crafty ideas. The real scrapbook project is still waiting for us, we have 3-4 days' holiday so we might finish it this time.

We also went around Dubai to our favorite spots such as Dubai Zoo, Al Nasr Skating, and Fruit Park.

The Flea4Charity event which I featured here was also a success once again the people of UAE, locals, and ex-pats alike prove how generous they are in helping the needy by raising some funds to help the famine-stricken Horn of Africa. Also, MYB supports Illustrado and the Filipino community in its campaign Pinays Take Charge - uplifting the image of Pinays in the UAE and the world.

I am happy that this summer was fruitful, not just for family bonding but a learning experience for Mica and Prince. Education is not only obtained from the school. Another form of learning is outsourced out of the four corners of the classroom, education starts from home and then from the community. Mica will soon start her catechism class and religion is another important thing she should learn, her school does not provide catechism lessons and the community church here in Dubai is where I see that my daughter can obtain knowledge and wisdom about religion and God apart from the things I already taught her and we are looking forward to that.

Today maybe is the last day of Ramadan and we get to spend the rest of the week on holiday so stay safe and share the blessings, let us be thankful for a wonderful month that passes. Happy Eid everyone.