Memoirs of a Geisha

They have finally translated this fantastic book into a movie. Judging from the trailers the movie will be visiually spectacular and includes a star cast, Zhang Ziyi as the geisha girl, Michelle Yeoh, Ken Watanabe and Gong Li the arch rival to name a few.

For those who haven't read the book. The movie is based on the internationally acclaimed novel by Arthur Golden. Memoirs of a Geisha is a sweeping romantic epic set in a mysterious and exotic world that still casts a potent spell today.

The story begins in the years before WWII when a penniless Japanese child named Chiyo is torn from her family to work as a maid in a geisha house. There she is subjected to cruel treatment from the owners and the head geisha Hatsumomo. Her stunning beauty attracts the vindictive jealousy of others, until Chiyo is rescued by and taken under the wings of her tormentor's bitter rival, Mameha. Under Mameha's mentorship, Chiyo becomes the geisha named Syuri, trained in all the artistic and social skills a geisha must master in order to survive and be the best in her society. As a renowned geisha she enters a society of wealth, privilage and political intrigue. As World War II looms, Japan and the geisha's world are forever changed by the onslaught of history, and throughout all this Syuri's never ending quest for her one true love.

The official US release of the Memoirs of a Geisha move trailer has been launched online. Click the below image to view the offical website. Can't wait for the December release date.

See You Both Soon.

Steve's mum and dad returned to the UK today. The 2 weeks they'd been here has flown by so quickly that before we knew it, it was time for goodbyes. But to celebrate Steve's mum and dad's last day in Dubai, we had the must do BBQ, a trip to the Dubai Ski Slope and the pre-requisite fire works. As we were driving back from the ski slope the fire works started raining down over the buildings at the Marina. It was a gorgeous sight.

We hope Steve's mum and dad had a great trip and that they didn't miss us here in Dubai too much when they get back to the cold winter in the UK, heard it's about 2 degrees..... brrrrrrrhhhhhhh!!!!

Dubai....Where dreams do come true!

Dubai is growing at such a rapid rate. It's not surprising to hear the officials come up with new and amazing ideas. A few of them are already being built on reclaimed land just off the shore of Dubai. These massive developments had seemed too crazy to come to reality, but true to Dubai style here are a sneak look at them. These are all aerial views captured from a helicopter.

The Palm Islands are three artificial islands in the shape of palm trees. They will shelter nearly 500 apartments, 2 000 villas, 25 hotels and 200 shops of luxury. Palm Jumeirah, the most advanced, will be completed as of the end of 2005. Hundred twenty-five kilometers of additional coast will be thus created.













Also under construction is The World, made up of nearly 300 artifical islands The World can be seen from the sky and will form a planisphere. To acquire one of these islands, it would cost between 6.2 to 36.7 million dollars. If you have a few spare cash hanging about you'll need to hurry as Australia and a couple of other islands have already been sold!!!! To think could be neighbours with Rod Stewart, apparently he's bought Scotland.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POPS!!!!

Once again Steve's dad is able to relive his dream in spending his birthdays on crystal clear beaches with soft sand in lovely warm climents. Like we did 3 years ago in Phuket, we're so happy to be able to celebrate the special occasion with Steve's parents again. This time however instead of Asia, we are in the Middle East. Dad .... We introduce you to all the best places!!!


This is the life.... Dad soaking up the warm weather, relaxing and looking like he does this everyday.



Steve's mum.... a natural born mermaid !!! The sea here is so salty, so you tend to float instead of swim.




Here's dad again, this time with a pint of beer!!!!






Then it's back home to open up presents and glasses of champagne for all before we head off to dinner.


We celebrated the birthday dinner at Prime Rib at the Le Royal Meridien, the food was fantastic, service was exceptional and the ambiance was perfect. All the staff were so friendly and professional. As special thanks to Mathew (Head Chef) for cooking our perfect meals, and to Leanne for recommending the restaurant. At the end of the evening, all satisfied with good food and fine wine, we headed home. Happy 63rd Birthday Pops!

High Tea @ The Burj Al Arab

As a special treat, we booked to have afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab. But also, to find out what all the hype about this 7 star hotel was about.

Arriving at the hotel, we were welcomed by a sea of colours and amazing structures. There's so much to absorb when you first enter and in regards to the design of the interior .... hmmm...we would describe as "very different".












We then took a glass elevator to take us up to the 47th Floor to get to the Skyview Bar. It was an amazing experience just seeing land disappear below us as we were shot up the tall tower. The view when we finally got to the top was spectacular. As far as your eyes could see there was clear blue waters, on one side The Palm being constructed, on the other glimpses of some islands on The World being constructed and then round the back the massive develpment of Dubai land.



The sun setting over The Palm

Then we headed off to the Rooftop Bar at the One and Only for cocktails. Steve's mum tried her very first Mojito (a refreshing minty cocktail) and Steve and his dad did a bit of father and son bonding....

Peanutbutter Jam

In the evening we took Steve's mum and dad to have dinner at Tai Chi, a great Thai/Chinese restaurant at Wafi Mall. The Mall has a very egyptian theme, including pyramids and large stone pharoahs.










With full bellies and satisfied tastebuds, we headed for a real treat. We were all going along to Peanut Butter Jam and to listen to Frankie sing.

Peanut Butter Jam runs every Friday during the cooler months in Dubai. It's a really relaxed atmosphere where everyone sits on bean bags under the starlight to listen to local bands jam the night away.

Frankie was FANTASTIC as usual. She really impressed Steve's mum and dad AND almost brought Steve's dad to tears with her rendition of one of his favourite songs ..... "Fields of Gold". I think Frankie has a new fan club. Frankie - "We are all on the priority list for your first album"!!!!!

Desert Safari

Steve and Dad decided that they wanted to retrace the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia and explore the desert, basically they wanted to be big kids and go off roading. So the boys headed out at 7am to Hatta and back. It took them about 4 hours with a couple of stops including a big lunch along the way. Here's a couple of different terrains they saw along the way.



















On route the boys encountered some friendly camels freely roaming the roads. It just shows you that even though the country has modernized, some things just don't change.

Kite flying

One of the birthday presents I bought for Steve this year was a kite, not your usual kites. But a super duper large kite, with 2 handles and about 2 metres in length. The kite does swoops and dips.... and all the other fun things. So yesterday while Steve's mum and dad were here, they had a go and showed us young ones how the pros do it.

Then it was drinks by the beach, relaxing and enjoying the sunset. Here's Ma and Pa Palfrey at the Jebi Ali Beach Resort Hotel, miles away from the stresses of the city and the cold UK weather.

Here's Steve looking dashing as ever.

Watching the sun set.... a very romantic end to the evening.