Sorry it's been a while...again!

At last, the end of term has finally arrived!

We have been rather busy over the last few weeks entertaining and generally working.  We had a fantastic few days over Islamic new year, visiting Turtle beach, Dubai and the mountains. 

The drive to Dubai was not so long and arduous once the holidays were finally announced.  We had to wait until the moon was sighted to mark the new year...!  We made it to the Burj Khalifah  (the world's tallest building) and managed to see the incredible sprawl that is Dubai.  Unfortunately, it was rather murky because the wind had whipped up the sand causing poor visibility, but the views were still amazing.  We wondered through the biggest shopping mall I have ever seen (and quite clearly the most expensive by far!), saw an amazing fountain display set to music, drove up the Palm Jumeirah to the Atlantis hotel and visited the aquarium.  All was incredible, and totally different to Oman.  One of the highlights had to be my first sighting of a camel in the desert on the way.



The turtles were absolutely fantastic - we saw two laying eggs before returning to the sea and several babies on their first foray out into the open seas. The little ones are so sweet! It turned out that it was worth getting up for 4am when we managed to get some pictures once day broke.  Cameras are not permitted in the dark because the babies head for the light and get confused if they see flashes. Aah!

After an interesting mosey round Niswah (Oman's original capital city), we headed up Jabal Shams, the highest point in Oman at roughly 3000m.  We weren't allowed to the very top by car, but still saw absolutely stunning views.  Our rooms for the night were rather high quality tents with fabulous views over the valley.  I'm not sure I have ever stayed in an en suite tent which had walls made of more than canvas!  We were the only people staying at the resort, so had individual attention - rather nice!

We said goodbye to Ron and Penny after a busy visit, and headed into the final stretch to the end of term.  2 parents' evenings on Sunday and Monday left us rather tired, but we have made it here at last.

We're spending Christmas with the people left here (most have gone home to the snow) before departing for Damascus on the 27th.  Can't wait!  Not sure 'Christmas' has really sunk in yet.  It's a little odd when it's still in the mid 20s...!