This week’s Into-yous features Australian expat Jacqueline Godinho

Tell us a little about yourself:
Married with one son. Have been in Dubai for almost all of my adult life – started working at the Dubai World Trade Centre, then Emirates, Halliburton and a couple of other companies before I decided to put my feet up…I enjoy being a lady of leisure now!

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
1988! My husbands’ job brought us here…

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
As I child I went to West Africa with my parents. My father worked in the Gold Mines. I came to Dubai when I was 23 and it’s been so  amazing…I have not left!

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai:
To expect warm/hot winters and even hotter summers…winter wear is completely un-necessary…how true!

What surprised you most about Dubai?
The fact that it was so in-expensive to live here…about 20 years ago!

What area do you live in?
Jumeira 1

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
I am very content with where I am living and would not trade it for any other place in Dubai.

Your favourite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far:
Inshallah…which means God Willing. It’s good when you cannot really commit to something…then it’s ‘inshallah’

Your least favourite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai:
Nothing that I can think of…

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Too many great experiences, to single out just one would be difficult!

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Melbourne of course 🙂

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My Mother…

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
Nobu

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
After about 20 years in Dubai…you find alternatives!

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
On a Desert Safari…