Arrival Report, by: Angie Brady (i.e. Grandma Brady, Christina's Mom)

We arrived last night on time at 10:00 U.A.E. time. Getting through customs with the customs assistant was easy. The limo service that was canceled by Christina showed up to pick us up. Good thing. The two limos were loaded with luggage before we were in contact with Christina. She was waiting at another location for us. After all the confusion we were on our way...two limos loaded with luggage and Me. Christina's newly rented car loaded with the most precious cargo...Brady & Liam. It took a very long time to get home because the limo drivers did not know how to get to Christina's house in Sharjha. They kept pulling off the road and stopping to make a cell phone call to Christina. When they did that, she had to pull off and talk to them and then she became confused about the correct roads to take home also. Street signs are just starting to be used in the U.A.E. so most streets are not identified with signs. Finally, we made it home after midnight. We all enjoyed dates off the date palm in the front yard, took a tour of the house and went to bed. I noticed that I had a room mate before I went to sleep. There was a little lizard at the top of the wall next to the ceiling...too high to do anything about. Lizards are good for catching insects so I guess he's a good room mate to have.
I woke Brady & Liam at noon today.... a little tired. Christina had set an alarm for me to get up at 9:45 because the internet company was coming at 10 and the cable guys were coming at 10:30. The alarm clock malfunctioned and I woke to the door bell (gate) ringing. I let the internet guys in in my pajamas. They said that they would come back. Of course I said that they could stay...One can hardly live without the internet these days.
My first impression is very favorable. The house is beautiful, the limo drivers, cable & internet guys all very nice people. The men workers at the airport look very handsome with their white gowns and head pieces. The women at the airport all had their heads covered but were obviously well manicured with make-up, bracelets, waxed eyebrows, polished nails, and glitter at the edges of their head coverings.
I glanced through the Dubai traveler book and could see that there is much to do and see here. Parks, Museums, Beaches.....And oh my gosh.....the shopping! Don't get nervous Bernie.
It is very hot here today. An hour before we landed at 9 pm. it was still 110 degrees in Dubai. It was 102 when we landed. There were water misters at the airport that you pass through while walking to the exit. I'm not sure that they do any good.We are staying in the house today doing a slow recovery after the long journey. The boys did great! Eating was the biggest challenge on the plane. Every time I tried to help Brady with his food some spilled on him. Fluids were spilled at every meal.The tight quarters on the plane are very difficult for kids for eating as well as their grandmas. That's it for now.