Three months in. The holiday feeling has worn off. The kids are in school. We're getting into a rhythm. And honestly? The vlogs were getting a bit boring.
Here's what life actually looks like when you stop being a tourist in your new home.
The Routine Has Started
When we first arrived, every day was an adventure. New place to explore, new thing to figure out, new content to capture.
Now? We've got a standard week-to-week rhythm. Which is exactly what you want when you relocate – but it makes for less exciting vlogs.
That's actually a good sign. It means we're settling in.
The Weather Is Changing
Something interesting happened this week. In the mornings, it looks foggy – but it's not fog, it's humidity.
Friends at the rugby club told us: when the windows look like they're "crying" in the morning (covered in condensation), it's a signal that the temperature is about to drop.
We tried to play paddle tennis in this weather. All I'm going to say: it was wet.
"That is sweat just dripping. It's really humid. That is ridiculous. That's not me – it's just humidity."
The humidity phase means cooler weather is coming. Something to look forward to.
Kite Beach: Our New Regular
The first morning back from a UK trip, we went for a beautiful walk at Kite Beach. It's becoming one of our regulars.
- Distance from us: 15-17 minute drive
- Great coffee spot
- Incredible morning walks
One thing I'm conscious of: it's easy to take this for granted.
In the UK, if we wanted to go to a beach, it was 2 hours minimum – and not even a decent beach. St Ives and Cornwall? 6-hour drive. Now we're 15 minutes from stunning coastline.
That's the kind of quality of life shift that's easy to forget once you're used to it.
The Neighbour Who Brought Cake
Small moment, but it meant a lot.
Our next-door neighbour – we'd only met them once, just a quick hello in passing – knocked on the door. It was his daughter's 4th birthday, and they wanted to give cake to the boys.
In a city that's often described as transient and lacking community, this gesture was lovely. It's making Dubai feel more like home.
AppleCare Lesson (Learn From My Mistake)
I broke my phone again. Had to go to the Apple Store again. Had to get it replaced again.
I'm clumsy. I hate phone cases. Naked iPhone is the best feeling. But it comes with consequences.
The Tip
If you're relocating: get your AppleCare in the UK before you move.
Why? When you relocate, there's no additional charge for repairs. Normally I'd pay 100-150 AED for replacements – with UK AppleCare, it's completely free.
One of those expat lessons you learn the hard way.
Rugby: UK vs Dubai
Just came back from a week in the UK where I watched my nephew Noah play his first junior rugby game. Absolute rockstar – "the tenacity of a lion when he tackles."
Then back to Dubai, watching Riley train at the Sevens Stadium.
Very different settings. The UK junior rugby has a unique charm that's hard to replicate. But there's something special about the international mix here too.
I love Ashby Rugby Club, but these facilities are something else.
Cinema Experience
Took the boys to watch Transformers One. Quick review of Dubai cinemas:
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | ~80 AED per person |
| Comfort | Electric recliner chairs |
| Food | Table service, looks fantastic |
| Overall | Awesome, but punchy pricing |
Dying to try the food service properly – it's one of those places where they bring food to your seat. Will do a full cinema review once we've done that.
New Community Basketball Court
Pretty cool discovery: there's a new basketball court being built in Sobha Hartland.
We scooted over (2-minute scoot from our apartment), tested it out even though it's not fully ready yet. Just got a new Jordan ball after much deliberation.
Having amenities like this within scooting distance is exactly why we chose this community. Recreation and social opportunities right on your doorstep.
Flight Upgrade Math
Quick story from the airport. Night flight back to Dubai, I entertained upgrading – £1,600. Nonstarter.
Get to check-in: cases are overweight. Extra case I thought I could take on, plus my 25kg bag being over. Looking at £190+ in overage fees.
The guy says: "Or you can upgrade for £687."
The delta made it worth it. Got sleep on the plane, arrived human instead of destroyed. Sometimes the math works out.
What's Coming Up
Moving forward, we're shifting to bi-weekly vlogs. Why? Because a normal week isn't that interesting to watch. But in a two-week period, there's always something worth sharing.
This frees up time to make more specific, dedicated content:
- Dental work in Dubai – Costs, quality, recommendations (people keep DMing about this)
- Community tours – In-depth looks at different areas for people choosing where to live
- Q&A sessions – Answering your specific relocation questions
- NBA game in Abu Dhabi – Coming up next week!
3-Month Insights Summary
| Insight | What We Learned |
|---|---|
| Weather shift | "Crying windows" = humidity, cooler temps coming |
| Community warmth | Neighbours bringing cake – it exists here |
| Beach access | 15-17 min to Kite Beach – don't take it for granted |
| Tech prep | Get AppleCare in UK before moving |
| Sports | World-class facilities, but UK junior rugby has unique charm |
| Luxury living | Premium experiences available (cinemas, etc.) – pricey but worth it for special occasions |
| Community amenities | Basketball court 2 min away – research this when choosing where to live |
The Real Test
The first few months of relocation are exciting but exhausting. Everything's new, you're figuring stuff out, adrenaline carries you through.
Month three is when real life starts. The routine kicks in. The novelty wears off. And you find out whether this place actually works for you day-to-day.
So far? It's working.
Questions?
Consider us friends in Dubai. If you're thinking about relocating and have specific questions – what's this area like? What do you do about this situation? – let us know.
- Take the neighbourhood quiz – Find the right area for your family
- Sobha Hartland Guide – Where we live
- Relocation Package – Get hands-on help with your move
Stay well, speak soon! 🇦🇪