Ma'assalama, al Humd'al'allah

In other words, Goodbye, Thanks to God (in Arabic)! Might not be able to write it but I can still speak some after four years!

Well we're packed and ready to step out the door first thing in the morning.

I'm really looking forward to getting on the plane and relaxing! Once your on, you know you have all the important documents, and there is nothing you can do about anything else forgotten!!!

I'm also looking forward to that look on the plane... those of you who have traveled with infants and small children know what I'm talking about! The look in your fellow traveller's eyes that says "Oh please don't let me be sitting near that child", and then of course there's the extreme look of disappointment as they seat themselves near you! God, I really hated being near small children on long-haul flights!

There was a minor panic attack last night when I remembered I was supposed to get an international driver's licence (IDL)... was thinking I might need to check in at the airport and then do a quick trip out to get one! Though I knew I had hired cars previously in the Emirates with an Australian licence only, so a quick call to the Rental Company, and they prefer you have an IDL but will be no problem with my current one. Phew!

Thursday night, revealed Boo was not on the hotel booking for Monday night! At least I double checked though it probably wouldn't have been a problem. Sssshh don't tell her but I think there will be a cot in the room. If we weren't arriving in the middle of the night I would be tempted to tease her and tell her that's where she's sleeping!

Oops and today I remembered I hadn't got my mobile phone 'unlocked' or put on global roam! It should be roaming tomorrow, because unlocking would take 2 weeks!

Boo's hand luggage is growing. We went to Spotlight on Thursday so she could get some 'crafts' for on the plane. This is her word for it! She is going to make bracelets, cards and beautiful collages on the plane for everyone!

Over the weekend she received birthday gifts as she won't be here on Friday. Thankfully most can stay at home, but the growing puppy and the Dora the Explorer Laptop also have to come with us. Hidden in the suitcase are some more presents, and in my cupboard is a bigger one that will have to wait until we get home!

I probably won't be blogging until we get home, though have the final part of My Intertwined Children scheduled for Friday (for those of you waiting to find out how Boo got here)!

Will miss you all, and am sure NaBloPoMo will keep me busy catching up on my return!