Kite Jazz, Dubai Festival City

{click image to display in full size}

Sunset at Jumeirah Beach Park

{click image to display in full size}

Turkish Lamp at Madinat Jumeirah

{click image to display full size}

Sundown at Dubai Desert Safari

{click image to display full size}

Al Ain, literally means The Eye or The Spring is the fourth largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With a population of 421,948 (2005 estimate), Al Ain is dubbed the Garden City of the UAE. It is located in Abu Dhabi (emirate), directly adjacent to the border with Oman. The freeways connecting Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai form a geographic triangle in the center of the country, each city roughly 150 kilometers from the other two. Ref: wikipedia

Me and my two friends with a new acquaintance, Farhan braved the summer heat off to the outskirts of Dubai. We had a long holiday and what better way to spend the weekend than to plan a getaway.

At 8 AM on March 2008, we gather ourselves for a  much needed break. Our new acquaintance will drive for us.

As we passed by Sheikh Zayed Road, our eyes were caught by these beautiful creatures. Fabulous Peacocks showcasing their gorgeous feathers. Around 50 of them roaming freely around Sheikh Mohammad Palace.

Visitors are only allowed to make a U-turn at the Palace ground so I have those snapshots taken inside our car. These eye-candies are amazing, I wanted to take one home.

We were back on the road in no time, and traveled for about 2 hours going to Al Ain. There were hardly any vehicles on the highway connecting Dubai to Al Ain, that made our trip a breeze.

Al Ain is famous for its roundabouts. The roundabout intersections are distinct to almost every corner.

Our first stop was Al Ain Oasis. Located between Main souq area downtown and Al Ain Street. This is home to the thousands of date palms and known for its largest underground irrigation system. There are also old building ruins along the way which they plan to restore.

We decided to visit Al Ain Zoo. It was all our first time to be there and I did enjoy our animal encounters. Moreover, Farhan, was like a kid craving for more to see. I was in awe to see rhinoceros and storks, among others.

We left Al Ain Zoo around 11 am and seek our way to Jebel Hafeet. It is located between a desert and its magnificent sand dunes to the west and the jagged and impressive Hajar Mountains. Jebel Hafeet is the second tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates (1350 m).

The road going up is steep zigzag slope. We passed by Green Mubazzarah Park, which has a stretch of hilly mountains covered by grasses. The three view decks of Jebel Hafeet offers equally beautiful, spectacular views. Each has a parking area. There is an isolated hotel halfway, the Mercure Hafeet, with its panoramic view, I still find it an odd location. Who prefers to stay there?

There is a construction at the top of Jebel Hafeet. Farhan said it was a palace of the crowned prince. Hmmm, impressive but quite dangerous. Ever heard of landslides?

Basking in the sun’s glory at noon is not a good idea. The best time to go for viewing  pleasure is just before sunset or hit the road before dawn. Looking down, dark and hazy clouds were covering most of the great views of the mountains and sand dunes.

After the short visit, we headed to Al Ain Mall to for a late lunch. The newly opened Dubai Outlet Mall is on the way, so we dropped by to take a peek of what’s in store before heading home. We were done at 5 pm.

Tips: Its best to go during winter, naturally not on a summer’s scorching heat. Not much to see from up there, except for a visual treat of sand dunes and patches of greens.

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas & A Prosperous New Year!

♥valerie {your haven hunter}

There’s no thrill in easy sailing when the skies are clear and blue, there’s no joy in merely doing things which any one can do. But there is some satisfaction that is mighty sweet to take, when you reach a destination that you never thought you’d make.

Best things in life are free and as you stumble on some, grab and savor the moment like you’ll never have it again. An experience  I’ll never forget happened on the eve of Christmas in 2007.

I had my best Christmas present when our friend invited me for a tour at the fancy cruise ship.

Buon Giorno!

I know Caribbean Cruises can cost fortune but I got the best cruise deal of my life… or somewhat a cruise deal.

Lorena, a dear friend to my then boyfriend that time, asked for my help in getting her a Dubai Visit Visa. She wanted to spend Christmas with her husband and a perfect time to cruise together around United Arab Emirates.

She inquired about the process of applying a Visit Visa from UAE Embassy in Manila but it will take longer and she might missed the ship’s docking schedule in Dubai. Her husband is on board a cruise liner and has the privilege to have his family join him. During that month, Costa Europa will tour around the Arab Gulf which include a pit stop at Dubai, Fujairah and Oman, among the rest. Her worries faded when she learned I can assist her with her visa application and it will only take less than 2 weeks.

Making the story short, she arrived in Dubai in Dec. 23. She and her Italian husband invited me to visit them on the 24th.

Early morning, I took a cab going to Port Rashid in Bur Dubai. At the gate, the guard asked me where I’m headed and I just told them who I’m visiting and the ship name. Lorena’s husband already enlisted me as guest prior to my arrival.

I was really ecstatic to tour around and when I made my way on board Costa Europa it suddenly became a different world. Her husband welcomed and ushered me to his room where a very pregnant Lorena was just getting ready for breakfast. Her husband was recently promoted to an officer position. Lorena used to work in the same cruise line but decided to quit after their wedding.

Costa Europa was built in 1986 and was refurbished and transferred to the fleet of Costa Cruises in 2002. The interior is decorated in a classic Greek Mythology theme combined with the use of vivid colors which is evident all throughout the 12 decks ship.

We then headed to the buffet restaurant for a sumptuous breakfast. Oooh, I want to stay there for the rest of my life. Cruising with good food sounds perfect for an exquisite vacation or retirement perhaps.

I noticed too that most of the staff speaks Italian. Great, my Italian is limited only to Ti Amo.

After the luxurious feast, Lorena accompanied me to explore the rest of the grand ship. Her husband has to attend to his duty and just joined us every now and then.

Costa Europa reflects an air of Continental Europe and has 12 decks, 9 of which are accessible to passengers.

1. Orion deck – main dining room
2. Pegasus deck – staterooms and cabins.
3. Perseus deck – excursion office, staterooms and cabins.
4. Auriga deck – staterooms and cabins.
5. Hercules deck – Atlante Theatre (lower level), Medusa Ball Room, Library & Internet Cafe, Delo & Ocean Bars, Argo Lounge, chapel, Shops, Card room, Games Arcade, Lerna Casino, Beauty Salon, Clubs & Disco, & Customer Service.
6. Andromeda deck – Theatre (upper level), Buffet restaurant, Cabins, Sun Deck & Swimming Pool.
7. Cassiopea deck – Bridge, Fitness Center, Cabins & Sun Deck.
8. Sirens deck – A la carte and buffet restaurants, Sun deck, Swimming pool, Suites.
9. Centaurus deck – Tennis Courts & Sun Deck.

We went to almost every corner of the ship. Lorena didn’t forget to introduce me to her former colleagues. There were some guests roaming around, some are headed to the restaurant while others prefer to bask in the sun’s glory at the pool area. Most guests are Asian.

We went to the theatre and played around at the stage. The light technicians were nice and even pointed the spotlight on us during our picture taking. The ship also boast a large collection of art pieces including a large painting at the hallway dating back to 17th century, old canon and Bronze Incense Burner from Ming Dynasty.

We also dropped by at the souvenir shop where I found those cute teddy bears. I wanted to adopt one but I was not prepared for the Euro currency. Promise to get them next time.

The Sun Deck and Swimming Pool Area is the place to be to meet gorgeous vacationers. People watching while getting a tan on those bikinis are so much fun. I bet those boys get the best of good life during a nude cruise. Yes, Costa Cruises have one, better check it out.

As much as I wanted to extend my stay and be on board for more than 3 hours, I need to go to work.

Funny yet annoying thing happened when I took a cab going to work and the driver mistaken me for being a rich guest at the cozy ship, and asked me to tip him big time. Whaaat???

I wish to be on board again on a real cruise soon.

Ciao!

An exciting holiday getaway with friends during the Eid Celebration in December 2007. A stay in Dubai is not complete without a thrilling ride in a 4-wheel-drive off to Dubai Desert Safari.

Our haggling skill and charms worked with different local travel agencies to succeed in getting the best deal for the group. Finally, when everyone confirmed and settled, we arranged the trip with Jaas Tourism. They charged us with the lowest fee of AED 110 per person. The package included a pick-up from our meeting point with two  Toyota Land Cruiser, dune bashing, camel ride, buffet dinner at the camp, belly dancing, henna tattoo and a promise of fun and adventure of a lifetime.

December is a good time to go since Dubai weather is at coolest. The temperature drops in time for winter.

Our group consisted of 10 people and my colleague had 10 in her group too, as well as hundred more going on a sundown safari that day.

Our desert adventure started at 3 PM going to the desert of Al Awir. Thirty minutes of rough road dune bashing fun is not for the weak of heart. At sunset we were taken at a nice spot to take photos. Camels await for those brave enough to ride.

Screaming our lungs out with every twist and turns and heights.

At night, we had authentic arabic dishes (kebab, vegetarian, etc.) and BBQ for buffet dinner. For smokers, a puff on shisha is a must try. We were also entertained by an impressive show of belly dancing. Of course, we wouldn’t pass the night without getting our own henna painting and  try the traditional costumes, abaya for women and thawb for men.

The belly dancer, no its not me. =)

We enjoyed the show until it ended at around 9 PM. Time to go and we were happy to be home safe.  

Missing my camel friend,