Football... but not yet the Facts of Life

Last night, for a treat, I took Jack with me to watch England attempt to salvage their World Cup campaign against Slovenia. We went to a bar called Nezasaussi (I think that's right) at the Al Manzil Hotel in Dubai. A bar that could claim to be both a sports bar, and at the same time a family bar (entirely smoke free which, despite the smoking ban in the UK, is still somewhat of a novelty in Dubai).

And they had a limited entry policy so that it was comfortably busy, without being '4 deep at the bar' busy. Which of itself would not have been a problem anyway, what with the waitress service that is common in all bars here!

Anyway, the occasion was one long question-fest for Jack, whose eyes were as big as saucers for most of the evening as he soaked it all up (the atmosphere, not the beer - even though he did ask for one!). And it didn't take long for my 5 year old to develop the intricate art of football punditry, albeit tinged with an element of grand-standing: "Daddy, when I'm a professional footballer, I'll pass it more and score all the goals."

When you take Jack out by himself for such a male-bonding type event, I always know that he will be on his best behaviour. He was happy to watch the game, with his arm slung round my shoulders at times (like the definitive late night drunkard being propped up by his mates). One of those moments I will remember forever I think. The result of the game was almost an irrelevance.

This weekend: Emma's 3rd birthday party. Life does seem all about the kids these days!