resurrection. Our parents are a true rags-to-riches story –
a couple who started family life on the streets of London,
working day and night at a market stall to give us a good
life. Honest, humble and hard-working to this day, they are
well-equipped to ride financial rollercoasters, and I was
proud to acknowledge those same traits in my brother that
night. Not interested in adult conversation, my dishevelled
daughters counted cranes along the way, which I discovered
has the same effect as counting sheep. Ten minutes and 18
cranes later, they were sound asleep.
Sun, sand and sea life
Early the next morning, I tiptoed out the back door and
took a leisurely stroll along the idyllic beach. I admired the
rows of Arabian-themed villas, each boasting a private pool
and manicured lawn. I watched as the sun rose and filled
the sky with a soft purple hue, and I revelled in the stillness
all around me. Minutes later, the silence was broken by
squeals of delight as Piya and Nishika tumbled out onto the
sand, with my husband and parents in tow.
After a lazy morning spent swimming and snoozing
in the shade, we all headed out to the Atlantis – the largest
hotel in Dubai – located on the Palm Island. The views of
the sparkling Arabian Sea as we drove towards the resort
were sublime. Once inside, we spotted Bateel – the place
to go for the most delicious selection of dates ever. Having
devoured one date too many and purchased box-loads
more, we headed over to the Lost Chambers Aquarium to
see 65,000 marine animals. As we oohed and aahed over
the beautiful creatures swimming around us, our daughters
yawned and asked when they could get their swimsuits
back on. Ten minutes later, they were speeding down slides
and dodging buckets of water at Atlantis’ Aquaventure –
the largest water park in Dubai.
After a couple of hours, we returned home and finally
managed to settle our girls for the night by promising them
a trip to Ski Dubai – a cool alternative to the harsh summer
heat. Later that evening, we visited The Walk on Jumeirah
Beach Residence – a promenade along one of Dubai’s most
famous coastlines, boasting a myriad of restaurants, bars
and shops: think Stanley Parade at night, but with bling!
We soaked in the vibrant atmosphere and gazed at the
tranquil, shimmering sea, while relishing our much-needed
fix of halloumi, hummus, shawarmas and shish kebabs.
January 2013
43