Dubai....land of frustrations

Homelessness now coupled with sleepless nights about losing the flat. The problem is the deposit - it's not much, but nothing seems to work here like it should do. HSBC Fraud Squad even went so far as to shut down my account because someone (me, you fruitloops!) attempted to withdraw two vaguely big transactions in a row! Good to see they're on the case....but not exactly convenient in the circumstances. Putting to one side the idea of a bank raid and other money-generating schemes, I'm getting a cheque through work, which is very helpful of them considering I don't start officially til next week. But if only there was some sense of urgency from the letting agent in getting this done...

Fingers, toes and everything remain crossed in the meantime that the flat is still mine when I have the money in hand.

Frustrations aside, it feels like I'm on holiday rather than trying to set up a new life here! James - by some alcohol-assisted miracle - hauled me to kareoke with promise of tequlia. That explains how I managed to lose yesterday! Today there seems to be nothing for it, but to lie by the pool, soak up the sunshine and wait for my shoes to arrive.

Life is so much simpler with three pairs of shoes

(Gasp!) ...and 101 other things I never thought I'd say.

But it's true, trust me. I've lasted a whole four days without 'the other bag' and I conclude that all a girl really needs is a pair of kitten heels, flip flops and pumps to cover all occasions and eventualities*. When TOB decides to catch a flight out and join me in the sunshine, I might just ditch the rest of my shoe collection and live in new found simplicity. Oh, apart from my favourite wedge heels......and the pink pumps.....and the silver heels.....oh, and the purple mary janes.....and my flowery wellies.....

The contents of TOB are slowly coming to light. Nothing urgent so far I'm pleased to report, but it has started something of a catchphrase in the Bennett household for all things lost, missing or generally not where they should be.

So, day 4 in Dubai. The sun is still shining, the sky is still blue and I've got a tan. No of course I haven't, don't be silly.

I have, however, found an apartment and will tell you all about it (maybe even post some pics) when I have signed the contract tomorrow. I don't want to tempt fate. Suffice to say it is smack bang opposite a posh hotel...so ready access to cocktails!...and has the most breathtaking view over the city.

Yesterday was spent in a training session with my new colleagues. PR people generally aren't backward at being forwards in training - and yesterday was no exception! It's a great way to see your colleagues' true colours. They're going to be great fun to work with, except if we ever crash a light aircraft in the middle of the desert. Yes, I did think vodka was more important for survival than a compass!! I figured we'd only be there for a couple of days one way or another, so might as well have a good time.

On that note...wish me luck with the apartment, and chat soon. x

*I reserve the right to change this opinion at any time, without notice or any form of prior warning!

A bit distracted...in Dubai

Hurrah indeed!

After months of packing, planning and teary goodbye's, I've landed in Dubai. The final moments on British soil were not without termoil. My trusty driver and I got lost in the backwaters of Hounslow (thanks Loz), finally taking the scenic route to Heathrow via the Feltham Correctional Facility. Nice final memories from the UK!

On arrival at the airport, it hadn't occurred to me that my entire wardrobe (minus a few winter jumpers) would be over the baggage limit. Shipping them a week behind was the only answer, providing a convenient distraction from the trauma of leaving my Twickenham life behind.

I had a cosy seat on the airplane (eventually) next to a man that smelt like a brewery and drank Stella all the way. So thank goodness for Dr Troy on Premonition and my ability to sleep the rest of the way to Dubai.

Since then, it's all been sunny and lovely. A very warm welcome from the Bennetts, and a few drinks with new colleagues on my first day in the new city. Oh and a mad dash to the Mall of the Emirates when I realised what was in that second bag...my entire shoe collection!

...so what's new with you?