I just noticed that we have already lived here about 7 weeks. It has been a while since the last blog post, my brain has been kind of blocked after all the stress about the official matters cooled off. So a little break from writing. But here I am again, sharing bites of our daily life in Dubai.
Kids started the school and now I am at the point where it would be nice to do something of my own. Maybe get a job? Maybe start to work as a freelancer? Many, many options…
School started – yay!
On Wednesday 30.8. our kids had their first school day. First day to them to be somewhere where no one talks their mother language, Finnish.
Kids were super excited when I woke them up (and yes, the woke up was early, 6am). They have never ever woke up so nicely at that early so that tells me that they were really excited.
I was of course also excited for them to get to start in that wonderful school, but on the other hand also a bit nervous. They were about to spend a whole day in a place where no one understands Finnish, how are they going to make it through the whole day!
Getting used to the new everyday rhythm for our daily life
Kids have been going to the school for over a week now. First days went with excitement, but now it has been quite difficult at this week with our son. He has been quite upset at mornings when I take them to school, although his teacher is telling me that the sadness stops as soon as I have left. Hmm, it feels like kindergarten all over again. When our son started at the kindergarten few years ago, it was just like this, didn’t want to let go of me and when I left he was all good and happy.
I know that it is a big change in little boys life. Going to a school where nobody speaks Finnish must feel really frustrating. And also the days are quite long: school starts at 7.40 am and ends at 3 pm.
I know that he likes the school, he is always happy when I pick him up and telling me all the things they did during the day. And throwing high fives with his friend when leaving. It gets easier everyday, everyday he learns more and more English and it is easier for him to understand everything.
Our daughter on the other hand is enjoying herself at the school. She thinks that she is having the best teacher ever and already has many friends. She is really excited about learning Arabic and French, so she is learning three languages at the moment – English, Arabic and French. And she loves it! Although she did study English already at first grade in Finland, so she knows that language already a little.
Lunch boxes and school rides
In Finland kids get a free lunch at school. But in here we need to pack them lunches and a morning snack. So that adds a little work to the morning routine 😅 I try to prepare the lunches and snacks as much as possible at the evening, but there are still a lot to remember to at mornings: is everyone having their lunch bags, what about the water bottle and who is having PE in which day (PE is physical education and on those days they should wear different, suitable for sports, outfit).
And yes, our daughter and son are having PE days on different days, both have PE two days a week. I am pretty sure that at some point I am going to send them to school in wrong uniforms 🤣
At the moment I am taking the kids to school, but school bus is also an option. Right now I like to take the drive every morning and afternoon to take the kids to school and back home, because this is all new to them. But at some point they might be going with the bus, having fun with their friends. But not before their English skills have improved.
Lot’s and lot’s of swimming
We have been going to the Malibu Beach here at Damac Hills 2 every Saturday. It is just so wonderful place. I especially love the Lazy River – just to lay on your pool float and let the stream take you. Perfect way to relax.
Can’t wait for the next Saturday that we can get there again, the whole family, floating to the Lazy River, kids laughing and everybody just having the time of our lives.
Exploring the beautiful Dubai
Dubai has so much amazing and beautiful places to explore. One of the most known sight seeings is the Burj Khalifa and no wonder. I visited the Dubai Mall and Soukh al Bahar (right next to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa) with the kids and we also saw the Burj Khalifa. The trip to the top of the Burj Khalifa is quite expensive, so we didn’t go there, at least not yet. But the building is quite beautiful to just look at outside 🤩
I have been seeing the Burj Khalifa in pictures and seeing in with your own eyes – it is just amazing! Our 6-year old son loves the building so much that now he wants one of those little statues of Burj Khalifa that are sold in every tourist shops.
And the Dubai Mall, the worlds largest mall, is lovely! You can just spend time in there and walk around, the mall has been made so beautiful. We just walked there, had a little lunch and then went outside to see the Burj Khalifa.
When you go out from the Dubai Mall to the promenade, where you can see the Burj Khalifa, there is a small bridge that takes you to the Soukh al Bahar. It is a shopping place with restaurants and shops. Definitely a worth to visit, beautiful place that has been made to look like a traditional Middle Eastern marketplace.
Where to work?
Now that the school has started for the kids it is time for me to think about what to do? I am exploring job possibilities here in Dubai and also an option to work as a freelancer. Would be really nice to do something of my own and that is why the option of selling my knowledge as a freelancer does sound tempting.
But on the other hand it would be a lot easier to just find a job. No stress about getting customers. Well, I guess I’m going to have again just give my mind a little time and explore all the options carefully.
Getting used to the service culture in Dubai
And not just getting used to, starting to enjoy it ❤ At first it was kind of hard for me to go to places and be served. You know, the Finnish attitude, I can do it by myself, no need to help. For example at the gas station, you don’t have to get out of the car, there is someone that asks you do you want the tank full and then you just wait and the tank is filled. Then they come to you with the card paying machine and you pay and continue your trip.
Now I kind of enjoy it! At one day I bought a little plant to our house from a store and then they changed it to the pot I also bought, with no extra charge! I just got to take the plant home, ready to be placed. Quite wonderful!
So that’s whats going on here in Dubai right now 😊 This is our home now and we really like it here. Kids are starting to get used to the new school and new language and I am exploring my work options. While enjoying the sunny weather and service🌞
Read about the start of our Dubai adventure here!
Also remember to follow Family life in Dubai on Instagram.
