For the second year in a row some of our dear friends hosted a Chinese New Year Party. We were more prepared this year! Had lots of red and even did some research to know it was the year of the horse!
We have lots of get togethers that I've posted about in the past, but recently we've been super busy with parties, visits, play dates and just general errands. The women's group here is getting back together after the holidays, so I'll be posting about that again soon. We've had one meeting already, but are also starting to plan some new events as there are lots of new faces here in Yanbu since the holidays.
Abby's doing good in school. They've been learning their colors and she's learning more and more Arabic. This week she asked us to go to the bathroom in Arabic, which took me a bit to realize what she was saying! I'm so proud of her every day, and we have her first report card. She did great, well except the listening part. That was the only section she received a "Meeting Expectations" rather than an "Exceeding Expectations" - although she is my daughter and I suppose that comes with the territory! I seemed to have a hard time listening and following directions in school…well still do to a point!
I have to put this in too. A Fudrucker's finally opened in Yanbu! We've been several times already and it's so good! It's a bit different than the Fudrucker's in the states. They have steaks and a larger menu selection, including breakfast here. Also, you can buy meat from them, just like a butcher. Yes, Chuck and I have already tried this and the beef is better than any we've found locally. However, the family section is very small, and due to regulations, the restaurant won't serve or even allow you to stay in side during prayer times, so everyone must leave during the prayer. This makes it a challenge to eat in the restaurant as they stop serving about an hour before prayer time, and with limited space, I've heard some people say they've waited up to 2 hours already for a table. Yes, here in Yanbu we get excited about the new things! Actually, I believe this restaurant has been under construction for 4 years, so the anticipation was high!
Things are changing here, and it takes me by surprise how quickly things change here. When I arrived just over a year ago, women were hard pressed to find salons with mani and pedi services. In just the last week, I've learned of 2 (and tried one out). I have to say it was the best mani and pedi I've ever had! Who would have thought that of Yanbu? One even does threading of eyebrows, which was unheard of last year here.
Things certainly change quickly, but it certainly keeps you on your toes in this adventure!