Well, it was quite a show. Her house was set up like a banquet hall. She had catered the meal, which was traditional Arabic food, and even had Egyptian dancers to entertain. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.
It's crazy, because every once in a while I think 'maybe I should stop writing this blog because I'm running out of interesting things to write about'. Then, low and behold a staff member throws a lavish party and my blog is suddenly interesting again, if only to me.
We arrived at 10:30 am and went into the house gates. There was a huge circle driveway with a fountain in the middle. There were two sofa sets, which is an understatement, sitting out on the drive, and once we got into the house I knew exactly why they were out there.
In the foyer was the catered food trays as seen in the picture below.
Once we stepped into the living area there were tables set up for about 40 people.
Yep, this is someone's house. Within about a half hour all tables were filed with people. Behind the screen to the right was where the men were allowed to be. The Egyptians don't have as much of an issue with men and women being in the same room for meals, but the Emiratis are more traditional and sometimes won't allow their wives to go to someone's house where another man might be. It is definitely a learning experience. Oh, and the men eat first! Um, excuse me?
The men's side!
Before we actually ate there was entertainment, an Egyptian dancer. He spins in a circle with this costume that lights up and twirls. He also does different things with props while he spins in a circle. He must have been spinning in a circle for 20 minutes. It was amazing.
This picture is a little blurry because he was moving so quickly.
This was when he turned on the lights.
After this part of the 'show' was over, out came a costumed horse that looked so real, it was a bit scary. The horse danced around the room as well. Can you say 'over the top'? However, it was spectacular and we enjoyed every moment, of course.
Doesn't that look like a real horse?
We finally ate just before noon. The food was traditional Arabic food with rice, falafel, Arabic bread (pita), hummus, chicken, and stuffed savory pastries. The food was wonderful and the whole experience was even more spectacular. Although we all thought by leaving school at 10 am we would be able to be doing our own thing by noon at least, we didn't leave the house until 1 pm, but it was all worth it.
When I got home from the celebration, I had stopped at the grocery store for a few bits so I put those things away. I then organized jammies and snacks for the kids. Once they were home I bathed them and then we headed to Abu Dhabi to help Gina with a few things. Out to dinner we went to Cantina Loredo. Jammies on the kids and back to Al Ain we headed.
I then drank all the water I possibly could before 10 pm because I was having surgery on Monday and had to fast 10 hours before the procedure.
Because Jack is going to have his tonsils out in a little over a week, and Stuart only has one emergency day left this school year without getting docked pay, I asked Cathy if she would take an emergency day and take me to Dubai for the surgery. She agreed. So we were up and on our way to the hospital at 5 am.
We arrived at 6:30 am and I was admitted. I was taken back to the surgical ward, which was basically a bunch of beds separated by curtains. So you could hear every conversation being had.
They gave me a gown, which wrapped around like a wrap around dress, tying inside and out. Perfect! No butt shot! Then I was instructed to put on the little cap and these disposable underpants that looked like a gauze wrap. Well they were not a 'one size fits all'. So when I put them on they were too tight around my legs. So I started to 'stretch' them, which actually caused a ripping sound. After getting dressed I asked if I could use the bathroom. I went into the bathroom and when I pulled down my lovely new knickers, I discovered that they didn't rip up the sides as I had hoped, they ripped in the crotch. So basically I had on a gauze mini skirt with a tiny thread holding the front and the back together, connecting it between my legs. I'm pretty sure the intention of this item had just been compromised.
I came back to my bed and the details of surgery began. They did an EKG and put in the needle where the drip would be administered. That was a bit unpleasant because the nurse had difficulty finding a big enough vein. Well, duh, I was dehydrated from not drinking water for the last 12 hours. In the end a little blood spurted out, but there was no bruising so it was all fine.
The anesthesiologist came in just before 8 am to let me know what he would be doing. He also let me know they would be putting a tube down my throat to improve oxygen during surgery. He told me that sometimes because of the tube I could experience a sore throat or a hoarse voice. He explained some of the other complications that could occur, had me sign a paper and the next time I saw him was in the operating room.
It seemed I had about 15 people come in and fuss over me. It was great. Finally Dr. Barry came in and went over the details of the surgery, again. I signed some more papers, got moved to the operating gurney, and headed off to surgery.
I saw the lights of the operating room, spoke to the anesthesiologist, saw him put the mask on me and I was out like a light. The next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery. It read 9:45 am on the clock and I was told I had been in there for about a half hour. I was super loopy, but felt fine.
At about 10:15 am I was moved back to my cubicle, and had to help move myself to my regular bed. Cathy was escorted in and was able to stay in the room until I was discharged. I was told I would not be able to have any water until noon, which was disappointing to me. My mouth was so dry and my throat was killing me. So I guess the anesthesiologist was right. My voice was scratchy and swallowing hurt!
After surgery selfie! Lovely!
I kind of dozed off and on until they brought me lunch. I shared it with Cathy, which must have been the drugs because I NEVER share my food.
The physiotherapist finally came in around 3 pm and taught me how to use the crutches. I was told I would have to use them four days, only bearing light weight on my left leg. Dr. Barry then came in, told me he shaved off some jagged bits off the back of my knee and removed the ground up torn meniscus. He gave me instructions for the next week before I was to come back and see him, then I was allowed to put my clothes back on and go home.
I sat in the back seat on the way home so I could elevate my leg.
Amazingly enough, I felt no pain at all. I was achy, but nothing was painful except my throat. Go figure!
While I was spending the day at the hospital, Millie was having a graduation ceremony at her preschool. Because she will go to a new building next year, they saw the need for a graduation. I'm sure everyone knows how I feel about any other graduation besides high school and college, but she did look adorable. Stuart was able to take time off and go, thank goodness. I'm sure every child had a parent there. I would have hated for her to have been alone that day.
We got home just before 6 pm. Stuart had bathed the kids, and ordered curry. Because I couldn't walk upstairs, he had to read stories and put the kids to bed. While he did that I iced my knee.
We ate and waited for some furniture to be delivered that we had bought. We got Jack a new bed. He is WAY too big for his little twin bed so we bought him a queen size bed. Finally he will not hang off his bed at night. Poor boy!
We also bought Jack a desk where he can do his homework. He was very excited about being treated like a responsible boy.
The furniture was delivered just as Stuart sat down to eat. Typical! The delivery only took about 30 minutes, then it was back to eating. Cathy stayed around for a bit and then headed home. Strange as this sounds, I had a fantastic day!
I slept in the guest bedroom downstairs. Stuart made sure I had everything I needed and set up the bed with a pillow for my knee. I slept like a baby! I woke up a couple of times to go to the bathroom, but other than that I slept well. I think maybe my knee has been in so much pain for so long that whatever pain I do have now pales in comparison.
I got up Tuesday morning and made the kids lunches. Jack was very helpful by getting out things for his lunch so I didn't have to move around so much. Since I was on crutches, moving about was a bit difficult.
Once Stuart and the kids had left for school, our cleaner, Asela, showed up. I told him to just do every other part of the house except for the living room. Then when he was ready to do the living room I would go to the guest room. He worked fast and was gone by about 10:30 am. The rest of the day I just rested. Oh, and I continued to marathon with the second season of The Real Housewives of Orange County. I'm sure I could find something better to do, but I think I will stick with the trash I've already started.
The kids got home around 1:15 pm and Jack went up to take a shower. His end of the year concert was Tuesday afternoon. He was so excited. His class was performing a circus act. One of the moms made them all circus clown costumes. They looked so cute, as you can see by the pictures.
This is not the greatest picture, but he was a true ham throughout the show.
After the concert we went to eat with the Griffiths, who are actually going back home for good this summer. It just so happened that another family met us there as well so the time we thought we would have to catch up with the Griffiths didn't happen. The whole experience was a bit disappointing. The food was good, but the seating was only upstairs so it took me about 10 minutes to get upstairs. I wasn't even really supposed to be climbing stairs. When we got up there the air conditioning didn't work. Ugh! When we left we were all a bit cranky.
Wednesday morning I was up and feeling great. My recovery seems so smooth. I made the kids lunches and sent them off to school. The marathon of the Real Housewives of Orange County was interrupted when I received a message from the Vice Principal saying she and the other Head of Faculty, the Principal, and two of the Arabic administrators were going to come visit me.
They showed up just before 1 pm. They brought me chocolates and flowers. I had snacks and coffee ready for them. The Arabic staff and the Principal left after about 10 minutes. Rania and Ronel, my buddies, stayed for another 45 minutes or so. We sat and gossiped for a bit and it made me know how much I miss hanging out with them each day. I have another week off and then will head back to work.
Once Stuart was home he started putting Jack's bed together. Since he was often found hanging off his little twin bed we decided he needed a larger bed. I think he was happy.
The Richardsons came over and brought sushi. I had made goulash for the kids, Stuart and Scott went to training, and Claire and I chatted until they came home. The kids had showers, got in their jammies, started watching a movie, and we ate the sushi. It was a great night!
Thursday we were all up a little later. Ramadan hours began in school so Stuart didn't have to be at school until 9 am and I was still off so we had a bit of a sleep in. Once the kids were off to school and Stuart was gone I started sorting out a couple of cupboards that had become over run. You know how you just start shoving stuff in a drawer or closet and before you know it things are bellowing out of said space? Well, although we have only lived in this place since February, there are some spaces that have become too stuffed.
I got a text from Jamie saying she was going to pop by for a cup of tea. Since she and Joe are leaving for good in a few weeks, she has some last minute things to do at the Zone, and quite frankly if someone is leaving there is not a lot for them to do at school. We had a good chat, and then I got back to watching my trashy television.
By Thursday, my knee seemed to have made a full recovery. It's been awesome and feels much better each day. I was officially able to ditch the crutches, although I may have ditched them earlier in the week. You know you can't hold a cup of coffee and walk on crutches at the same time. Something had to give, and it wasn't the coffee.
The kids got home a little early from school because of Ramadan. Because I had been told to keep my bandages dry, swimming was out of the question, at least until my doctor's appointment on the 24th, plus the rugby club pool is just days away from closing in order to remodel. Whatever will we do? The country really does shut down during Ramadan.
The kids ended up going to friends' houses to play for a bit. Millie fell asleep on the sofa just after 5 pm and then Jack was in bed by 6:30 pm. It was an all too boring afternoon. I'm pretty sure we need to calendar some things in so the next three weeks aren't like this.
Before Jack went to sleep on Thursday evening, we went through our normal question/answer session.
Jack: What are we doing tomorrow?
Me: Well, we're going to church.
Jack: (contemplating what I had just said) Oh, right, because it's Ramadan.
Me: Um, Jack, Ramadan has nothing to do with us. It's a Muslim holiday not a Christian holiday.
Jack: Oh, right.
Conversations like this make me so happy to know that my children's beliefs and faith will come from a well informed, educated place. They will have the knowledge of different cultures and religions and be able to work out their own salvation, as the Bible teaches. I wish the world could know more about each other's belief systems in order to not have the fear of what we don't know. Every person has to decide for themselves. I know we are doing what we are called to do by teaching our kids in the way they should go so that when they are older they will not depart from it.
We got up and went to church on Friday morning. When we got home we literally did nothing the rest of the day. With the temperatures hanging around 120 degrees each day, it's a bit disgusting to think of getting out and sweating to death. So movies and popcorn and kids playing in their rooms was our day.
Saturday morning we got up and lounged some more. Stuart made a breakfast of sausages and eggs for himself and he kids. Around 3 pm we went to the Richardsons. The kids swam in their pool while the adults visited and made a roast dinner. Stuart brought leeks and a pork loin, and Clare made chicken and other vegetables. We are just after 5 pm. Jack showered and we didn't bother with Millie. Both kids had on jammies before we left their house. Driving home Millie would not stop screaming and talking. She is a bit at that frustrating age where she does NOTHING we ask her to so. Oh help me get through until she turns 4. I'm hoping she magically turns the corner the day she turns 4. She's killing me and I have no answers.
But we are still loving life in the Middle East!
Just 19 days until we arrive in Arizona!
No comments:
Post a Comment