Expat family in Dubai
Expat family life can be extremely difficult. Your family network is not there to begin with. Most families rely on the extended family network back in their homelands.
It takes time to settle into a new Country. No matter which country you settle in, many things will be very different. Rules and regulations are different. Not to mention the currency, food, people, religion and anything else you can possibly think of.
In the beginning you do feel like a stranger or as Sting aptly sings “a Legal Alien” except we are in Dubai and not New York.
I do believe it is much easier to settle into a new country or suburb for that matter when you have schoolgoing children. Children integrate you into the community and this makes life a lot easier. Your children will allow you to connect with other parents who in turn will advise you of good doctors, hospitals, entertainment etc etc.
Unfortunately I never had this luxury as my children are grown and remained in Cape Town. However, I was fortunate to be invited into a book club. I met Rebecca here and have enjoyed getting to know her over wine and books.
The Haining Family
This expat family are originally from Australia. I loved meeting this young family. I found them fascinating and wished that mine had not grown up so quickly.
The girls were a bundle of energy and Alec was a caring big brother to them. The girls have got the most beautiful names, Pepper, Ginger and Anouk. They suit their names to perfection. Each child had so much character and I honestly feel that this comes across in their photoshoot.
Rebecca has a fairly demanding career with Emirates. It would be almost impossible to have this career and four children if she did not have the full support of her amazing husband, John.
John is very hands on with the children and it shows in those moments that I was able to capture. There is nothing more attractive than a “family” man and I do believe John could give David Beckham a good run for his money!
Other expat families can be viewed here!
