As I am sat writing this, we are once again preparing to emigrate. To jump off into the unknown. To go experience a new country, city, culture. To go in knowing no one. To come out? Who knows. As I write this we are preparing for our new life in Qatar.
Our bags are nearly packed, the debris that I have scattered around my mums house over the past three months is slowly starting to make it’s way off her floors and into bags. The crazy chaos we have imparted on her life is coming to an end, until next summer at least.
This is it, the final hurdle in our nomadic lifestyle. I can see the finish line, the end of 5 months without a home. 5 months living out of suitcases. 5 months which saw us leave Dubai, head back to the UK and now sees us heading for our new life in Qatar, more precisely Doha.
Our new home.
I know that the next weeks and months will bring their own challenges. That it isn’t just a case of stepping off a plane and slotting into a new life in Qatar. That the reality is stepping off a plane, to a hotel, before starting the house hunt.
Turning that house into a home, reunited with all of our stuff after 5 months. The bed. The books. The toys. The pictures. The little things that don’t matter to other people but matter to us. Filling our new home with our old things.
More importantly filling our new home with memories. With the sounds of children’s laughter. With cuddles and kisses. With late nights talking of hopes and dreams.
The making of friends for us and for the boys. Meeting others in the same boat as us, understanding that your friends become your family. That expat living isn’t for everyone but if you get bitten by the bug there is always an itch needing to be scratched.
Exploring new surroundings, finding new things to do, new soft plays, parks, beaches, golf courses, running clubs….
The adventures that await.
The next chapter begins.
Life in Qatar, here we come.
Best wishes for this new chapter sweetie, I hope you find a wonderful house in which to create lasting memories. Safe journey over and we’ll hopefully catch up whenever you’re next over!xx
Oh this is so exciting lovely. Although part of me is sad that I won’t get to bump into you at a blogging event anytime soon. Good luck with the rest of the packing and have a safe journey. Hugs Lucy xxxx
I am so excited for all of you – what an adventure! Hope the journey over and settling in goes smoothly. Xxx
Good luck Chic! How exciting. I’ve lived in the same house for 11 years so I ant begin to imagine what it’s like for you.
Ah Laura just can’t believe you are going off again! But totally get that it is addictive- one of my friend left the UK five years ago and has just moved to Vietnam for another 2. Even when he comes home he goes on random weekends away to Barcelona or wherever- just has itchy feet. Cannot wait to see pics of your new life!! xx
Good luck. What a fantastic new chapter!
WTAF Laura! Going to need to glue them feet down next time you are back in the UK so we can actually catch up!
Good luck, I’m sure you’ll be fine though as you’ll talk to anyone… if conspicuous ones (cough cough) trying to distance themselves from people in general but you somehow have the knack of being able to draw others from out of their comfort zone into another without making them feel like they are.
Look forward to reading more memories you all make as a family and “hopefully” pinning you down to a catch up when you are back.
Take care
Jim x
I do hope everything goes well for you Laura, I know how daunting it is moving abroad but it will soon be home and I know you’ll love it just as much as you loved Dubai. Take care.
Nat.x