Wednesday 19 February 2014

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

 
 


Well folks, I have certainly been missing in action as they say, for quite a few months. We have had a couple of illnesses in the family which threatened to be very serious, but time has revealved brighter news on both fronts.
In late September, hubby and I managed to get away for a week to Dubai for some relaxation of sorts. I have a yearning to visit as many countries and places as I possibly can and whilst neither of us are beach people or indeed sun worshipers, Dubai was a place that intrigued me on several counts.
There is so much wealth on show, with cars, jewellery etc but it is a very comfortable feeling place despite having to cover up so as not to offend locals. Boy, it was HOT and very humid! I had read about the etiquette of dressing suitably and was surprised to see so many westerners adhering to this code of dress. In fact those who wore strappy tops and shorts/short skirts really stood out from the crowd. We drove to Abu Dhabi and into the desert for a few days, which was fantastic. Some of my favourite memories are ....

** DUBAI FOUNTAINS -
Choreographed to music, the Dubai Fountain shoots water as high as 500 feet –that’s as high as a 50-story building. Designed by creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Vegas, Dubai Fountain Performances occur daily on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake. ( per own site )

** HERITAGE VILLAGE -
 Located in the Shindagha near the creek’s mouth, the Dubai Heritage Village (Hatta Village) provides a glimpse into Dubai’s traditional culture and lifestyle, including Emirate’s maritime history, pearl diving traditions and architecture. Displays include a tented Bedouin village, ancient armory, wooden chests and cooking utensils. ( per own site )

** CALL TO PRAYER -
Hearing this sound especially in the old quarters which very spiritual. I did find it very odd though when walking around Dubai Mall and witnessing the spending on luxury items and no apparent call to prayer.

** SHANG PALACE RESTAURANT, SHANGRI-LA HOTEL -
Named Dubai's "Best Chinese Restaurant", What's On Awards, 2013-2014

** SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE, ABU DHABI -
Truly beautiful and awe inspiring.

** QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY ANANTARA -
The setting and ambience of this hotel is stunning and everyone should be able to stay here at least once!





Dubai Fountains