Astana Adventure

Cannot believe I forgot my camera! My kids would have loved this trip if only for that reason alone. Even so,  my week with Mike in Astana, Kazakhstan was just what we needed.   That being said, for visual images google...Khan Shatyr Mall,  Astana sights,  or whatever you want to actually see the places we visited.   I took a few pictures on my phone but Robert is not home to show me how to get them off my phone and put them on here.  (I'm hopeless. I know. I'm glad my kids love me anyway.) The week was filled with every kind of weather, snow, rain, fog and gorgeous blue skies.  We were thrilled to locate a place to go for Easter where we met some great folks of all nationalities and they had English translation.  We had time to talk about the craziness of life, pray together for the kids and family things going on,  eat good food(did not try the horse filets) and relax. It was a great trip.  I'd like to see some other places in KZ.  Some of the folks in the hotel told us a lot about Almaty . It's supposed to be beautiful. Maybe another time.

I am one for irony.  And living overseas sometimes the ironic jumps out at me.  The mall that is across from the Marriott..Khan Shatyr  actually has a beach on the top floor.  Basically it is three pools, two volleyball sand courts, huge waterslide, beach chairs, snack bar.  Outside it was snowing..inside warm as toast and lots of natural light.  I just couldn't help but but compare it to the Ski Dubai snow covered slopes and play areas.  Skiing in the desert, swimming in -40 degrees. Both in malls...  I told my tour guide at the Beach about the skiing in the desert and he thought that was pretty funny.   Yes, indeed.  Ironic.  For sure. :)

Although I cannot say that Astana was very pretty for this trip, I did hear that come spring time it will be beautiful.  There are trees and parks everywhere.  And once the weather turns there will be outdoor cafes set up all over the city.  That will be nice!!! (maybe i will take pictures!)

Got my laundry done.  Waiting to go to the airport to retrieve Robert who returns from his youth trip to Nepal tonight.  Then I will hear his stories and do his laundry.  We are on the home stretch. He graduates May 27th!

March On

I blinked and March is half over.  I flew to Abu Dhabi on the 3rd. Mike and I hung out for the weekend with Pattie and Barry, who came in from Riyadh. Although the time went way too quickly we all enjoyed every minute of it.  Pattie and I actually had all day Friday together as the guys weren't able to come until the evening. We went to the beach, walked around the new park, ate at fun places and caught up on all the comings and goings of the last, crazy 7 months. We had time with Abu Dhabi buddies and even time to hug on Talitha, who is now, as I write,  reunited with Russell in Austin...at least for a couple  of weeks.    When Pattie headed back to KSA, Mike, Barry and I caught a good movie.  ..We saw 13 Hours and it received 6 thumbs up from us.  

Nowadays it's back to our Doha schedule with a slight detour for illness that wouldn't go away. After  5 days at home,  Robert is finally back at school.  Not sure what bug moved into his stomach, but it sure was stubborn! 

Doha heat is around the corner so we are savouring the last of the mild weather. Even enjoying some rain showers. What? 

It's time to figure out summer flights, future plans, and get ourselves organised. Sallie will be here in May for Robert's graduation. Can't wait!