We all, Kattie, Gary, Aillie and girlfriend (?), Jack, Grace, Carol and me pile into two 4x4 off road vehicles and head for the desert. Ida is off to see some pals. Drove up and down the dunes, the scary bit is when the car is travelling sideways down very steep slopes. Very hot and having to constantly squint even with sun glasses on because the sun is so glaringly bright against the bleached sand. Stopped for lunch at an inland lake which looks out upon Saudi Arabia. Swim for awhile in the lake, clear blue water. Great fun in the water with Gary and the kids playing ball and splashing, Grace is fearless in the water! Take shelter from the sun in a large Bedouin tent and have lunch – more Kebabs but no beers even here! Real Lawrence of Arabia scenery but no camels, which is a good thing! Returned home and we all went to the Club House (literally a stone throw away from the house) for a swim; great facility. Went to Thai fast food place, shared a whole fish with Gary, really good. Aily and pal head off to airport (Scotland via Heathrow) – Jack and Grace really upset to see Aily leave.   more »

Ramadan is still being held which means the Muslims fast during the day but go crackers at night and absolutely no alcohol is served in public. The religious council announce when Ramadan ends according to sighting of the moon and then Ede celebrations start – this is similar to Christmas, big family affair, people give presents and allegedly resolve differences. Ede is a national holiday so everyone is off which makes it a great time to visit.   more »