Back to Dubai

Man....I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. The beach, sun, the most beautiful malls in the world plus memories of my son's first days and an amazing year. Returning to Dubai was a very special experience for me, I think the pictures explain it all. I cannot begin to thank our amazing friends, Aneta and Jenko for taking such good care of us and being absolutely wonderful with Dane. They will make amazing parents someday!

happy hour mom international

(Last year in Budapest)

In the past 7 years we have lived or visited the following international destinations:

• Linz, Salzburg & Vienna, Austria
• Nicosia, Cyprus
• Beirut & Jounieh, Lebanon
• Dubai, UAE
• Sofia, Bulgaria
• Thessaloniki, Greece
• Budapest & Kecskemet, Hungary
• Milan & Bergamo, Italy

Each place holds a special place in heart. These aren't just cities that we spend our time joyriding and visiting all of the amazing tourist attractions. They are destinations where I gave birth to my son, dealt with the Mafia (not by choice) and made life-long friends. If you are close to me that you know as much as I appreciate the international lifestyle we were blessed with, at times I most certainly LOATHE. Every place we go, until this year, has been a complete fresh start. Getting your barrings with directions, becoming accustomed to the differences in traffic laws, finding comfort in foods you know and discovering someone to call a friend. In some places, the mere fact that you meet another American is a blessing (even though you may have never spoke had you met in the states.) Other times, I have learned to truly appreciate the freedoms and possibilites it really means to be an American. Too many times, we have witnessed them taking being taken advantage of, and even, thrown in the faces of those who have no idea.

The nice thing about being affiliated with a sports team is that the majority of athletes respect and admire American traditions. I can't even being to imagine how many times people have conversated about their love for our movies, music, celebrities- as if we walk around chanting 50 Cent rhymes, with Brad Pitt on our way to see the box office's most famous film together-as if all Americans knew celebs like that.

Here's the deal. I went to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa where I met my mate! I had to choose a career or love, so Greg I chose. It has been a magical ride up and down, yet one I wouldn't change for the world. We're happy, healthy and have an amazing support system comprised of amazing contacts all over the world! Join me on my commemorative ride through our past. I will be featuring all of the great aspects that can help American expats, especially women, abroad. If you have the knowledge of a far away land, please send it my way and I will post it with pride. I know how hard it can be to start over in a new place. Its my goal to help those in a similar situation. Enjoy!

precious moments

You know those out-of-body experiences you witness, where you can truly take yourself out of a situation and just sit back and enjoy? Well yesterday I had the pleasure of watching my son's eyes light up like it was Christmas morning all over again, but better. After another great win by Champville my hubby wanted our son to be a part of all of the after game cheers. Let me preface by saying Baby D "cried" for the entire fourth quarter to let him go and shoot his mini Nerf ball on the real court. Somehow he thought that the game should stop for him. Although he had to wait he was able to have his 15 seconds of Lebanese fame. Greg hoisted him up to shoot the ball, when he scored the whole gym went crazy with cheers and chants, "USA, USA, USA!" It was quite special. Of course, he wanted to do it a thousand more times!

Mioara’s Christmas Rice and Chicken Recipe

Mioara’s Christmas Rice and Chicken

Makes for four servings

2-3 chicken legs

½ kilo mince meat (burger)

2 onions

2L of Basmati Long Grain

4L of Water (boiling)

2-3 tablespoons oil

7 Spices (cinnamon, clove, allspice, black pepper, coriander, ginger, nutmeg)

Black Pepper

Pinenuts, almonds and pitaschios

Golden Raisins if desired

Boil the chicken in large pot cut onions in halves and add to water. Add enough water to completely submerge the chicken. Boil for about a half an hour, until chicken is fully cooked. In a cake like pan pour in dry rice and oil and brown. Take out chicken and de-skin and bone. Shake a generous amount of the 7 Spices over the rice, as well as, the black pepper. Use the broth (chicken stalk) to add the 4L of water to the rice. Use for if there isn’t enough to replace the 4L. Mix gently for a little bit over the heat of the stove. In separate pan brown mince meat. Add chicken and burger. Then place dish into the oven (covered) for 20-25minutes at 220 degrees Celsius. Take dish out and toss rice like salad. Roast nuts in oil until browned and throw them in right before serving.

Delcious and nutritious! شكرا لك Mioara!