The last time I went to Dubai was about 15 years ago with Tim. I can't say I loved it, I seem to remember Tim being on business there and me going round boring shopping malls.

I also remember meeting up with an ex boyfriend who lived out there and was full of the ex pat life. I went out with him, his wife and some of his pals and was subjected to an evening of people who thought they were far better than me. When they asked me at midnight if I wanted to go dancing and I said yes, they then guffawed with laughter in their horsey way, said it was a joke and that they were off to bed. It was like being in some horrible nightmare with people I can't stand and it traumatised me for a while. What made it worse was that I was expecting a night on the tiles and was safely tucked up in bed even before Tim got back from his business dinner.

Of course it will be completely different this time as the sole reason I'm going is to see the gorgeous Jacque. I would've preferred it if she had relocated to Ouagadougou but you can't have everything I suppose. After us considering teaming up, from me staying in the UK writing policies and procedures, and Jacque doing all the hard work out there, to me going out for a year, we have now settled on a week's play in the sun.

This has been put back and put back due to sick dogs, new dogs, Grand Prix stuff, weather too hot (not here, HA!) but has worked out brilliantly as we are now having two Christmases! My bag is straining with presents, Christmas crackers, Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, pretty serviettes with reindeer and Christmas hedgehogs on and in one little corner my swimming cozzie and Christmas pudding swimming hat.

Ween has been left behind to look after 7 girls which is really his own fault for refusing to let me take in Ollie, a little boy rescue greyhound. Shame on you Weenie. Maybe as an early birthday present, he'll be there when I get back?