10 Tips for Downsizing

[Julie-Ann]

Wow you have done so well downsizing Beverley.
How are you enjoying the move to Dubai? How are the kids adjusting to Mum moving? Is it easy to meet people so you can make some new friends?

[Beverley]

Thanks Julie-Ann. It is going really well I love living in Ras al Khaimah much better than Dubai and it is only just over an hours drive away from Dubai. Our villa complex is right on the beach and Tilly, our border collie, is here with us so I take her for a run on the beach everyday which is great. It is a nice lifestyle, we eat out a lot, play whatever music we like and ... its not so bad being empty nester...don't tell the kids that though

I have joined an expat group who meet for lunch every week. They are very welcoming and it is like the united nations (Greek, English, Malaysian, Indian, Phillipino, South African, American etc! I am the token Aussie

I am also going to volunteer at the local dog refuge after Christmas.

I speak to the kids regularly on skype. Kate says she misses me more than she thought she would but she is coping well and will be here on holiday soon. Tom will follow shortly afterwards and I will go home for a months holiday in May to catch up with them and family and friends.

It's lovely being back with my husband and he has spoilt me and bought me a brand new apple computer and the new iphone 4. He said to buy anything I want for the house. I would have jumped at that offer a few years ago but i have just bought a few things...mostly for storage as I don't want to clutter the villa up as it has such a nice open feel.

I will post some photos once my crate arrives and I have the art work up.

I think you will find downsizing is actually fun. As a-m said, "When there is less clutter, life is less cluttered, your mind is less cluttered, your days are less cluttered. Life is simpler."

Ps: Photos are from down town Ras Al Khaimah on the corniche which is a lovely area by the water where you can walk and there are lots of restaurants/cafes. We are only an hour or so away from the border into Oman.

[clp]

Wow it looks divine - how lovely that you have settled so well. Nice for you 2 to have some quality time together and really close to have short breaks away in Europe or in Africa.

[Beverley]

Thanks Clp...it has been a long time coming! I moved to Dubai with my hubby and daughter four years ago and HATED it and lasted eighteen months! I came back to Oz and we have had a long distance marriage with me visiting him in Dubai in Aussie school holidays and he flying home to Oz for his annual leave...far from ideal... So this is my second go

i am in a better space this time, know what to expect and have found a nicer place to live...I am just not a city person! The feel in RAK is much better...there is a frantic energy about Dubai.

[Beverley]

I drove to Dubai a few days ago and didn't get lost To celebrate I had lunch in Jamie Olivers new restaurant and thought I would post the photos for those of us that love the industrial/chic look. The chandelabras were actually made of clear plastic rings but really effective. At either side of the room they were reflected in huge mirrors that were somehow dulled (not bright shiny mirrors...looked like they had been very lightly sprayed with a charcoal colour!

The food was great, service excellent and as a bonus the coffee was very good!

Another bonus I made it back home after only one wrong turn (and I back tracked easily) I have always been a nervous wreck on the roads up here but I am getting better and braver and learning to be a pushy driver...courtesy is almost non-existent on the roads and indicating...well no-one bothers... so makes for interesting driving! I still indicate and will continue to

[Julie-Ann]

The chandeliers look wonderful Beverley. I understand the challenge of driving around a strange place. The first time I drove anywhere in Antwerp I got lost for 2 hours. Coming from little old Perth I had never got lost at all. Thank goodness I had an apple with to survive. So you deserved that lunch.
I am so pleased you are settling in this time. I think joining expat groups is a great idea. After all you are all in the same boat. We made some wonderful friends when we were expats. I hope you have just as positive an experience.
How cute that the kids miss you.

[Sooty]

I live in a cottage sized house, the hardest thing for me has always been lack of storage as there are no cupboards in the main part of the house & a lot of modern furniture is just too big, less is definitely more when living in a small space.

[SarahSingsTheBlues]

Great article! I need to downsize, not because I'm moving but I'd really like to get rid of some clutter and it's hard to do.