I’ve always said that, given half a chance, opportunity knocks in Dubai – especially for those who, having given up a career and life in their home country, are forced to reinvent themselves. I’ve known so many friends who have … Continue reading
At breakfast on the first day of school, the smell of toast and sight of shiny shoes and packed bags reminded me of that bittersweet feeling from childhood, when you’re excited to see your friends but don’t want the holiday to … Continue reading
I recently read on one of my favourite websites – Expat Telegraph – that serious part-time jobs in Dubai (which pay pro-rata) are rarer than a lion in a Landcruiser – that is, you do see them from time to … Continue reading
It happens almost overnight. One day, he’s licking pureed food off a plastic spoon; the next he’s wolfing down the contents of the fridge, and gnawing at the fridge door if you momentarily take your … Continue reading
Shaped like a teardrop in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a spell-binding island jewel offering wild beauty, elephants and white-sand beaches The sun was shining as the snake charmer showed my boys the contents of his wicker baskets. He … Continue reading
It’s a divisive issue that newcomers to the Middle East soon encounter: ‘Should we or shouldn’t we hire a helper?’ ‘Won’t it feel weird having someone living in our house?’ And, after a prolonged search for someone reliable, ‘Have I … Continue reading
There’s something I’ve learnt about work in Dubai – it’s quite different from being gainfully employed back in the UK or US. You can ‘get away’ with things here – so you hear stories such as my friend’s tale about … Continue reading