Pampered lifestyle in Dubai

Some say that people in Dubai have a pampered lifestyle. Proof is in the picture above - those spoiled farmers in rural UAE with their satellite TV.

Wadi Asimah – Eid Al Adha

Now that we had another day of supplies, we looked at the map and decided to head to Wadi Asimah. We had to traverse through a wadi so extreme that I was so concentrated on direction, rocks, gaps and holes and tree parts that I didn’t even take pictures. I wonder whatever happened to that CRV? We found a very nice place to set up camp just before the sun went down and enjoyed another night by the fire. Our site was surrounded by mountains and below us was the wadi. We will defiantly be coming back to this place to camp again; only next time we will enter the wadi from the other end!

Eid Al Adha - Wadi Sana

It appeared that many people ignored the warning and everyone was out enjoying the winter weather. After checking out the many beaches in Fujariah we decided that we wanted something a little more secluded. We took a look at the sky and decided we would chance a night in a wadi (infamous for flash-floods). We drove through the wadis and in perfect time we found a very high spot to camp for the night.

Eid Long Weekend - Nakhur Gorge Campsite

The first photo is one of my favourites! We set up camp not far from the sheer edge of Nakhur Gorge (The Grand Canyon of Oman). Similar to every road we took to get here, there were no guide rails keeping us from the edge of the cliff and for that reason, this is an adult only campsite. It was very dark at night and I asked that Barry not walk too far from the fire for reasons which are obvious after seeing the first picture above. In the morning I dangled my feet from the edge for my compulsory feet photo. The pictures don’t do the surroundings justice, it was much higher than you imagine.

Eid Long Weekend - Stone Village

On the road again to our final destination, Jebal Shams. The views of the mountains and blue sky never got old. We spotted this stone village that was almost invisible on the side of a mountain overlooking a wadi – it was amazing to see. We decided to set up for lunch here so we could enjoy it longer. In addition to the view of this village, the resident goats kept us entertained.

Eid Long Weekend - On Top Of The World

Our altimeter was showing 1100, 1500, 1900, we were at 2000 meters above sea level when we found a nice place to set up camp. We were higher than everything we could see. We started our usual routine, tent, air mattress, Barry prepares the BBQ for dinner and I set up the fire. Afterwards we dined on homemade kabobs and enjoyed the sunset from the top of the word.

Desert driving in the UAE

First stop, Falaj Al Moalla for some driving in the desert. We haven’t taken our desert driving course yet but the track seemed fairly easy so we gave it a go. As the desert is always changing and the different tracks can be difficult to decipher, we ended up heading straight towards a farm – a farm that wasn’t on the map! Almost getting stuck, we contempled our situation and another SUV pulled up behind us. Together we caravanned through the desert, each armed with our “UAE off-road” guide and walkie-talkies. After running into a couple more farms and unsafe passages we almost gave up to head back the way we came but decided to give it one more try. Success – we will not be eaten by desert goats after all. The last picture is my favourite - an oasis. Mental note: come back to this spot to camp.

Whirling Dervish

This is one thing we had our our to-see-list and these pictures are my favourites from the trip. I really enjoyed watching them and did not clap at the end as instructed. I also did not use flash photography which is why the pictures turned out this way - I personally love the look of them! The whirling dance that is proverbially associated with dervishes, is just one of the physical methods used to try to reach religious ecstasy (majdhb, fana). As this practice is not intended as entertainment, the people that have been invited to watch them, should not speak or clap throughout the whole ceremony. Dervishes were known as a source of wisdom, medicine, poetry, enlightenment, and witticisms. Many dervishes are mendicant ascetics who have taken the vow of poverty. The main reason why they beg is to learn humility, but dervishes are prohibited to beg for their own good. They have to give the collected money to other poor people.

Camel Crosswalk

This picture was taken near the camel race track. This is an official camel crosswalk.

Bastakia Area ~ Bur Dubai Souk Etc

Here are some pictures of the Bur Dubai Souk and area. This area was very interesting, full of little alleyways and so far the best place I have seen for purchasing textiles! This is where you would take an Abra across the creek to get to the Deira side of Dubai (where the Gold Souk and Spice Souk are located). There are two routes simply called Route 1 and Route 2. We were also approached about chartering our own Abra and driver for a trip down the creek but we will wait to do that when we have company. For those of you who comment that a lot of the pictures I take are void of people, these are different. Click the Photo Album on the sidebar to see the rest of the photos.

Super Weather

We are entering into winter now and the weather is perfect for hanging out at the beach. The breeze is wonderful and the water is an absolutely glorious temperature. The above picture was taken at the beach by our apartment.

Jumeirah Madinat

We visited the very popular Madinat Souk area. This area consists of restaurants, bars, clubs and shopping areas. The views of the Burj Al Arab are spectacular from here. Since its Ramadan the restaurants were closed for the afternoon but as soon as the sunsets this place will be bustling with people for Iftar. It was difficult to decide which pictures to post – click on the picture to see a larger version. Click this link to see the rest:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=8viudhy.8jjfb072&x=1&y=5h97pb

Settled In Yet?

A friend recently asked if we had settled in yet and it got me to thinking what that really meant. Barry and I know which grocery store has the best produce, which grocery store has the best meat selection; we are en-route to knowing which mangos to buy (Pakistani, Kenyan, Egyptian) and what exactly IS that curious looking fruit and when is it ripe? We know which brand of dish soap is sudsier than the next and that water is .25fils cheaper at Carrefour than at Geant. We know which food court has KFC, which one has Hardey’s and I know if I’m craving a crepe I should go to Mercato! We have learnt what time to leave in the morning to avoid gridlock on Sheikh Zayed Road and have now accepted the fact that you have to pass your destination, turn around and head back to actually get there. We now understand “road surprises” are the norm and that not everyone knows about the art of shoulder checking. Although there is certainly more to discover, like where to get my hair cut and where will they not double dip that applicator, after reviewing all these little things in our daily routine, I think we can consider ourselves settled in.

2 Days & 1 Night

We were so charmed by the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort during our last visit to Fujairah that we took advantage of a summer promotion and went back for 1 night and two days.

When you visit Le Meridien remember to pack:
a hair brush;
a snug fitting swimsuit; and
beach sandals – the sand is surprisingly and dangerously hot.

Things you don’t have to pack:
individual one-use sized ketchup and mayo;
beach towel;
toothbrush & paste; or
slippers with matching robe.

P.S. don’t leave the hotel without your sunglasses.

MOTOSLVR Woman

Have you seen the ad for the new MOTOSLVR?

Day Trip To Fujairah

Fujairah ~ Above is an aerial view of the Fujairah area and a collage of pictures from our most recent day trip. Barry and I packed up the car once again and this time headed to the only Eastern Coast Emirate of Fujairah where we found the Hajar Mountains (popular sport – 4x4ing/wadi bashing). The drive took about 1.5 hours and along the way we passed many trucks and the Friday market, which although is dubbed the “Friday Market” it happens everyday. From the main town of Fujairah we visited Khor Fakkan (which is spelt differently everywhere – even within the town). Khor Fakkan is well known for its diving and snorkeling – this is where we toured the local hotels.
Le Meridian Al Aqah Beach Resort: Day pass dhs120 ($36.70 CAD)
Friday day pass 150 (includes lunch) ($45.88 CAD) and the spa is AMAZING.
The Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort: Day pass dhs40 ($12.24 CAD)
The bonus to this hotel is that Snoopy Island is located just of its shore.
Oceanic Hotel: Day pass dhs45 ($13.77 CAD) Not recommended
Conclusion: The Meridian is amazing and is WELL worth a visit but for the budget traveler Sandy Beach Hotel is a deal and Snoopy Island has great snorkeling. At the end of the trip and you've run out of money? We recommend the beach beside Sandy Beach. From there, given you have your own gear, you can swim to Snoopy Island BUT you would have to pack some fresh water to wash the salt off you for the ride home and be flexible and agile enough to change into and out of your suit in the car conspicuously enough as not to get caught with your pants down.
Other highlights:
- Managed to get a picture of a camel on the side of the road;
- They serve up some good chicken in the town of Khor Fakkan;
- The Arabian Sea was warm;
- Loved the palm umbrellas on the beach
- Being on the coast we enjoyed the breezes and the temp was quite comfortable;
- I was surprisingly allowed into the Al Bidyah mosque (apx 1400 years old). Though I was helped into an abaya before entering;
- Stopped at the market on the way home and bought some popcorn at the market; and
- We didn’t get to see it all and we will definitely make another day trip to Fujairah.

Goodbye Cape Town

Goodbye Cape Town ~ We took the Garden Route on our way back to Cape Town and as we hit the coast the sun set. These pictures wont do the moment justice but if you can imagine the smell of the sea and the wind in your face it may come close. Oh, so dramatic I can be. . .

The evening was spent at a B&B in Gordons's Bay that had an amazing view of the water and then the sun came up . . .

Karoo

Karoo ~ We travelled to the Karoo on the N1, stopped at a bizarre little town that looked like it belonged in a scary novel and continued on to stop at Prince Albert for the night. The B&B host packed us some tasty biltong, cheese etc. and we headed towards the sunset with our picnic and our wine that we bought from the special cellar in Franschhoek. The sunset was beautiful and will have to be remembered in my mind because I ran out of both batteries and film. We stopped in at the local dairy, for what we thought was going to be a quick cheese tasting and because it was close to closing time he was a little hesitant at serving us at first but soon I was surrounded by good wine, walls of cheese and laughter. In the morning we head out by way of Swartberg Pass in the Swartberg Mountains (Swart = 'black', berg = 'mountain' in Afrikaans). South Africa's terrain changes around every corner. There were so many moments during this trip that I was awe struck. Many moments were unforgettable. This Pass is hard to explain and I won’t even try.

Wine Country, SA

Wine Country ~ A well deserved trip out the city of Cape Town brought us to wine country. The drive alone was amazing never mind stopping to enjoy the tastes of the country as well. Anyone interested in buying a SA winery with me? I stayed in a town called Franschoek (the gourmet capital of the Cape). This small town located in a valley has only one main street, lined with a few antique shops, cafés and restaurants. There is no shortage of thatched roofs, French-style country guest houses and restored manor houses. After the chance meeting of a real-estate agent who was more than helpful with the next leg of our trip, we were off to the Karoo.