Christmas by the Shores of the Red Sea

Well my friends we are now approaching that time of year when Santa and his elves are busy preparing for the festive season. The admiral and the skipper will be spending our time here this year although many of our friends are preparing to head home for the festivities - maybe next year? But all is not lost as we busy ourselves with local activities as the snow is blowing at home. Next weekend just before the reindeer arrive we plan a short exit from the Kingdom, but more on that later.
Although the Kingdom does not officially recognize Christmas, there are cracks beginning to appear in the veneer - a Saudi owned music store in one of the malls with a Christmas CD playing with music blasting through the open door, a VIP patient on Joy's ward with a Christmas tree & decorations in her room, then "next door" in Dubai an $11 M Christmas tree erected in one of the malls (seen on U tube). So for us expats who remain here we do what we must while record snow falls are appearing at home.

 Just over a week before Christmas contemplating whether we will see snow?
It's now getting cool with the temps in the mid to high 20's C.

                            
 Much of the beach to ourselves as other expats ready themselves for the trip home - the difficulties with avoiding a white Christmas.

Looking out at the Red Sea - contemplating more scuba diving in 2011 on those offshore reefs - a New Year's wish. Unfortunately the skipper suffered some barotrauma to his ears during the first dive this year and am waiting until the healing takes place.

           One last wade before contemplating other seasonal festivities.

Although it won't be a "white" season this year with a little imagination, and with Christmas music, good food, grape juice, and good friends the festivities go on.

                             The Admiral with other holiday well wishers.

                     Much of the food devoured with the city lights behind.

      And yes Santa came early with some gag gifts - being modelled here.

So with this image of Joy's decorations here we will wish all of you, friends and family, a very Merry Christmas and a happy healthy New Year - miss you but will be seeing many of you again in 2011.