Dubai Christmas Festival 2012

This will be the second Christmas that I will be spending away from home.  So I decided to make it as memorable as possible as if I am actually spending it with my family.  Good to know that this country have been open to accommodate the difference cultures of the expatriates living here.

First on the list is the Dubai Christmas Festival.  Sponsored by Philips, the festival was held at the ampitheater of the Dubai Media City.  The venue was not difficult to locate.  Once you entered the Dubai area passing Ibn Batuta Train station, you just need to be within the area of  Marina Mall.  Once you found that exit, the sign for Dubai Media City is seen.  Just follow street directions, plus the festival is noticeable with all decors and loud music.  The only problem was the parking.  There's not much space, we have to go around the area for some time till we were able to hit a jackpot.

The entrance is hard to miss, a huge signage for the festival and a booth for the tickets welcomes the visitors. Entrance rate for Adults cost AED 40 and AED 25 for kids.  Another ticket for Santa's Grotto is also sold for AED 20.00  Once we gave them our voucher, we were given two entrance tickets with raffle ticket plus a mini map of the festival.  The Christmas tree lined pathway was an encouraging sight for the arriving visitors.

And so our adventure started.  Three were plenty of booths for food and restaurant.  Further from the main Christmas tree area is the market which sells bric-a-brac that could be a funky Christmas gift.  What I love the most was the booth with carnival games. ho ho ho!  It was located at the end of the night market area.  though its not hard to miss as it is next to a ice cream truck.  I did a beeline there, I'm a sucker for this games and I rarely win but still the trill of trying to win something is just plain enticing.  Good to know there's no shooting games, I'd need my sister for that to win a prize.  A huge donut caught my eye and decided to try my luck there.  the game was hook a gift bag.  If the back you hooked has a Christmas ball inside you get to take home the huge donut displayed.  The game cost AED 15.00, first bag we got a stuffed shark. Boohoo.  Before I spend more, my husband drag me back to the center of the festival.

We got a a bench and watched the Christmas tree lighting and listen kid's choir sing.   While the Christmas concert was going, I had to scour every booth and scored myself some freebies. I love fairs like this! The festival serves draft beers at AED 35.00 per cup.  We bought from fish and chips and some sushi and dinner underneath the stars is served.

The night was almost perfect after another round of window shopping and more sample tasting I forced my husband to have another go with the donut game before we leave for Abu Dhabi.  When I got there, I was handed the hook and I was just there looking at all those  glittering gift bags, where could those balls be hiding.  Only two donuts were left for the taking for that night, After so much deliberation I hook the bag that was staring right in front of me.  And ta-dah! I won a donut! I shrieked horribly and it was unlady-like but I really don't care.  That made my night.

We left around 8:00 pm while the rest of the drinking crowd were just starting to heat up the beer station. The festival ran from Dec. 06-08, 2012.  I hope I get to catch this same festival next year and win another gift to add another stuff in our living room.


 

Three Countries in One Day

So the long weekend for Eid al Fitr has finally passed, and we spent it glued to the tube.  Seriously, while everyone else we know frolicked under the sun, we jumped from one channel to another just because its free!  No, I will not be talking about the free cable channels. 

I was berating my husband for not making any plans for the long weekend - sad to say because we were both so wrapped up with the door thing.  We currently don't have a doorknob.  Don't ask, I might end up complaining about our real estate agent. hmp!

Anyway, since we didn't have any reservations for the first and second day of Eid, hubby woke me up early and promised to take me around the globe in one day.  I jumped into the shower and some coffee.  He took out our emergency bag and filled it out with chips and then we're off.  Road trip!

First stop. IKEA! Imagine my glee when I noticed the road we are heading.  So we had Swedish breakfast.  We had their breakfast meal plus waffles and refillable coffee.  We didn't linger inside the store because we need to take a longer trip from Abu Dhabi.

Second stop, yes, its in Dubai.  We decided to do some early Christmas shopping.  Make the most of what ever is on sale.  For lunch, we had an American meal.  Nope its not the big yellow M logo with it.  We opted to eat healthy and go for Subway.  Healthy subs plus cookies is the perfect lunch while shopping.

For our last stop we decided to try out the newly opened Filipino restaurant in Abu Dhabi. Max's Friedn Chicken.  The restaurant is located in Khalifa St. in Abu Dhabi.  It is at Corcniche Apartment building at "R" floor.  We were excited to try it since, it has been a while since we ate something Filipino.

Once you the elevator doors opened at level "R" we were warmly greeted by the hostess.  There is a queue for the table.  So she got our name and we sat at the waiting area.  The restaurant was buzzing.  Every Filipino was excited to try out Max's.  Good thing the waiting didn't take that long.  We were seated and our orders were taken.  After 15 minutes our order came and we dive in.  We had Max's platter and Max's basic and Chicken sisig.  I'm not a sisig eater but husband told me to try it, and amazingly it was good.  Everything was good.  It tastes like being back at home. *sigh*  downside though, the plates were oily.  It felt like it was not properly washed?  I'll let is pass, being it newly opened and too busy with customers.  Total wallet damage was AED 84.00 not bad.  Not bad at all.

All in all we had a taste of three countries in one day.  Maybe next holiday we'll do this again and maybe this time we will have a plan.

North East Bound

With the summer activities geared up for launching, Dubai initiated it with surprises for the whole family.  One big event lined up is their Dubai Summer Surprises 2012.  So how does an expatriate like me celebrate this occasion?  what else? Head to Dubai and shop ...or not.

Like DSF, the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is a month long celebration of activities for the family.  For most families who will be staying in the country for the entire duration of summer vacation, most malls offer great great discounts on most of its stores and plenty of activities for the kids.  At least that's what the news says.  To prove if it does offer great discounts, we head north east and visit engaging Dubai.

Hubby have always wanted to visit Mall of Emirates since the last time we went there, unfortunately, when we entered the parking area he made a wrong turn and we ended up going out of the mall again, since the streets of Dubai is always confusing for the bother of us we ended up in Dubai Mall.  However, this time he came prepared, no, not with a mall map, he was just careful on the turns.  Officially our first stop is Mall of Emirates.

We had no particular item to be purchased our purpose to enter the mall is just the window shop.  Anyway, it didn't end up that way.  When we saw the huge sign of the word sale up to 70% at Home Center no second thoughts, we breeze in.  My husband plan was not to take a basket or cart while doing window shop inside the store so we don't have to buy beyond what we can carry.  Again, that didn't work either.  We went out of the store using the cart. *wink*wink*

The discount sale was not yet in full blast, but the discount were already good.  The sale would run until July 14, 2012.  We have a few more days to save up and shop before this festival closes.  

All Aboard!!

A few days before Valentine's day and on a Friday (good bye rest day!), my husband and I packed our bathing stuff and put on our beach outfit. On a winter season, walking towards the parking lot at 5:00 am is sheer torture but for the promise of adventure, we brave the coldness. We left Abu Dhabi 5:15 am and reached Dubai around 6:30 am to embark on the our yacht trip adventure aboard Ekaterina.

This adventure was two months in the making. I mean, I think I made the reservation on December 2011, and it was difficult to check which dates public holidays will fall. But since, winter is still at its peak around December and January, might as well pick February in time for our wedding anniversary and Valentine's celebration. To make the long story short, I made the reservation and was informed to be there by 7:00 am for the pickup since the yacht is located in Fujairah a good two-hours drive from Dubai. So this package includes the following:

- A full day 7-hour of water adventure alongside astonishing landscapes of Fujairah on board one and only sailing yacht in UAE.

 - Transfer from Dubai to Fujairah and back
 - French breakfast with hot croissants and fresh fruits 
- Unlimited juices, soft drinks and water - Special Chef's lunch with grilled fish and meat 
- Swimming in a secluded bay and snorkeling in abundant underwater life 
- Fresh towels provided 
- Fishing dorade, tuna, hamour, etc 
- Speed boat riding

That was what the brochure say, unfortunately there are some downside on the trip. But first the good points. Finding Dubai Marina Yacht Club was pretty difficult. Luckily, we reached the venue 3 minutes before 7:00 am. Parking space was difficult so we opted with valet parking which costs AED 50.00. So we went inside the yacht club waiting area and waited for the rest of the passengers. Unfortunately, we will be going with (I'm sorry to mention) Indians. And they are uber late. We left Dubai 8:00 am an hour after we are supposed to leave because of them. There were 20 of them I guess.

The ride to Fujairah took 2 hours. We passed by beautiful landscapes of limestones. It was breathtaking, I can't believe I'd appreciate a mountain full of rocks. We reached Fujairah, a small city, kindly of sleepy one. Only a few buildings decorated the city. We reached the berthing area and immediately boarded the yacht. It was a huge yacht, a pretty one. There are 6 rooms with ensuite toilet. As promised on the brochure, there were hot croissants and other bread with fresh fruits. Endless flow of coffee, juice, soft drinks and water.

when the yacht left the port, we were already eating. We chose to dine inside instead of outside, simply because the seats outside were already taken. After a healthy breakfast, we stayed outside and enjoyed the view, the cold air and did a lot of picture taking. The trip going to the swimming site was almost 2 hours. When we reached there, I was dismayed. It was exactly not what I have imagine and what their website promised.

The secluded bay, was exactly secluded. Lots of rocks and no trees. The water was not even good to swim at. If you want to scratch your body the whole day, you can jump right into the water with jelly fish everywhere. Plus the water is filled with algae and oil spill. We didn't dare to take a dive. Then we boarded back to the yacht for lunch. Around, 2:00 pm lunch was served. I must admit, the healthy lunch was very sumptuous. Around 3:00 pm we left the area to go back to Fujairah. sun bathing was the best way to while the time. I end up sleeping.

After a few zzzz's we have docked. And its time to go back to Dubai. We arrvied in Dubai around 7:00 pm. As much as we like Dubai, we can't visit the malls anymore because we have work the following day. Sadness. All in all, despite the downside of the whole trip, we enjoyed riding the yacht. It was a luxurious experience. Maybe next time they will change the venue so more tourists and expats will try to avail of their services.

Celebrate Vday Like a Sheik

It has been two days since the big heart's day but still, it is never too late to extend it till the weekend. What with Valentine's falling on a workday, naturally you'd end up calling in sick the following day so you could celebrate this big day with a bang. But what if there are options where you don't have to lie to your boss about the headache-stomache-pain-all-over excuse? And yes, there are options. Luckily I found informations from Abu Dhabi Life where you can celebrate Valentine's over the weekend:

The Monarch, Dubai
Mandara Spa Valentine’s package includes couple traditional body polish, Balinese massage and refresher facial for two hours.
Price: AED 950 per couple
Contact: 04 501 8888 for more information and reservation.

Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman

 Activities includes a rejuvenating couple’s journey at the award-winning spa, a fun and engaging Arabic cooking class with Zighy’s chef. Dining experience atop the resort’s tower or Sense on the Edge, 293 metres above sea level.
Price: $ 875 per person per night.
Contact: +968 2673 5555

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Romantic dunes of the Liwa Desert with complimentatary Valentine’s chocolates on arrival. Unwind together and soothe your sense in the Anantara spa with a 90-minute Desert Romance Massage and toast to the occasion with a glass of bubbles post –massage. The decadent experience continues into the evening with a private three-course candlight dinner in the dunes, served by your own private chef and buter
Price: AED 4760
Contact 02 886 2088

Desert islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

Unwind with a 90-minute massage at the Anantara spa. As you head into the evening, meander down to the idyllic beach for your private three-course candlelight dinner and devour gastronomic delights accompanied by a bottle of bubbly.
Price: AED 3620
Contact: 02 801 5400

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the comfort of your own room as the Ritz-Carlton Dubai transforms your balcony into a private dining haven. Enjoy a customized four-course menu and a bottle of exclusive bubbles served by your personal butler. A bouquet of roses is included Price:
AED 2000 per couple
Contact: 04 318 6150

Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach

Flowers and chocolates are a good start , but what could be a better way to impress that special someone on Valentine’s Day than with an unforgettable meal in a romantic restaurant? Experience a special six-course Venetian menu while listening to a live violinist. AED 675 per couple, inclusive of a glass of Italian bubbly or welcome mocktail or AED 975 per couple, inclusive of a glass of Italian bubbly and beverage pairing from Veneto region.
Contact: 04 448 4860

Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah

Only an hour’s drive from Dubai, this hidden getaway is nestled between the Hajaar Mountains and the Indian Ocean, making for some breath taking views. For your special romantic getaway enjoy a two night stay complete with breakfast, a therapeutic massage and plently of chocolates, flowers and bubbly to keep you refreshed. On Valentine’s Day enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal, complete with bubbles, to truly treat your partner.
Price: AEd 3300
Contact: 09 244 9700

Atlantis, The Palm

If you are planning a little rest and relaxation with your loved one this Valentine’s Day, ShuiQi Spa & Fitness at Atlantis is offering The Couples Indulgence Signature Treatment comprising of three hours of pure luxury in the Royal Spa Suite. A gift to the senses, which incorporates a cleansing ceremony, a combination of different massage techniques and the healing of Hawaiian Lomi Lomi is sure to suit your needs.
Price: AED 3360
Contact: 04 426 1000

Al Hamra Fort and Beach Resort

 Located on the stunning white beaches of Ras al Khaimah, head over to this resort to escape from the big city stresses and reconnect with your partner. To truly make your Valentine’s Day experience sparkle, how about dining under the stars? Celebrate your love with a deluxe four-course set menu, complete with caviar and bubbles. Sitting in the secluded garden gazebo at the Le Chalet Garden area for a private way to enjoy the inky black sky as you linger over your meal.
Price: AED 1499
Contact: 07 244 6666

Banyan Tree Al Wadi Banyan Tree

Al Wadi offers city dwellers a unique retreat this Valentine’s, imagine; whisking your loved one to a sanctuary for the senses, a luxurious villa with all the amenities and more. With the dramatic allure of Al Wadi nature reserve as a backdrop, dine beneath a starlit sky with a private butler on hand serving your chosen BBQ. Or for the most intimate of tete-a-tetes, ascend to the dramatic Saffron Tower where a personal butler will orchestrate your dinners amidst soft sand dunes and the resort’s Bedouin tented villas Price: AED 1499
Contact: 07 206 7604

Oh, if the price is too stiff on your wallet, why not watch a Philippine Azkals kick balls at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai on 16 February 2012 (shameless plugging - I'm not even watching but an officemate is!) Have a good weekend.

Get High by Shopping in Dubai

Just when the Christmas and New Year fever subsided and the pockets are already empty, Dubai announced their annual DSF 2012.  I remember, last year, I just started my job when the DSF started, Imagine how sad I was when every store and malls in Dubai must be screaming with huge discounts.  Oh, and DSF simply means – Dubai Shopping Festival.

Like in Singapore, they have the Great Singapore Sale annually celebrated on the last week of May until the third week of June, Dubai has the DSF.  This year it started on January 5, 2012 and will be ending on February 5, 2012.  This one month super sale is for all malls and shopping stores in Dubai.  Since, I was not able to grab hold of anything cheap last year, this year I came prepared to conquer Dubai.  

We left Abu Dhabi a bit early on a Friday.  Unfortunately we got stuck on one of our purpose in going to Dubai, we were looking for the Dubai Marina Yacht Club.  The Interchange in Dubai is very confusing.  Anyway, our first stop was supposed to be Emirates Mall.  Unfortunately again, we were not able to go inside the mall.  We didn’t have trouble finding the mall, we got inside the parking area and my husband made a wrong move we ended up going out of the mall again.  Basically we just sniffed the parking area of Emirates Mall.  For outsiders like us, the road map is too complicated to check again and again.  So we decided to go straight to my favorite mall, Dubai Mall.  

Once inside the busy mall, I was so overwhelmed.  Every store hung red posters with the word emblazoned in white color word SALE.  The mall was discount heaven.  We went from one shop to another.  And we have to control ourselves from spending too much.  Everything was bottom price.  Giddy!  If you are a slippers addict, Havaianas are selling their basic slippers AED 30.00 only.  Even Billabong sells men’s slippers AED 30.00 also.  Home Center in Dubai are also on sale up to 70% discount.  Most beach apparels and winter clothes are priced at the lowest.  I’ll attach some of our purchases which I must admit are pretty good buys.

We didn’t spend the entire day at Dubai Mall, we have to leave early again for some other commitments.  With a sad face I have to bid the mall and all stores on sale goodbye.  Till the next year I guess.    

Dubai Day Trip

The good thing about Middle East is that countries are separated only by mountains that serve as boundaries. And these so called boundaries do nothing to hinder travelers to jump into exploring one border to another. With this in mind, a day trip in Middle East’s hippest city is likely to happen. Dubai is a two hour drive from Abu Dhabi city. Known to be the favorite city among expats and even locals, Dubai rose to fame around 2006. Construction of high rise buildings and luxurious hotels were booming until the world was hit by the great recession. Most of the ongoing constructions in Dubai stopped, buildings no longer have occupants and foreign-invested companies began to close down, but despite all the downside of the recession, Dubai continues to glitter like the jewel of Middle East.



The trip started around 7:00 am, but the waiting took almost an hour, we left Abu Dhabi around 8:00 am already. The convenient part of this road trip is that we have our own car and driver who knows the road both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. For those who would like to take a day trip to Dubai, you can take the bus. The bus terminal is located at Muroor Road – Taxi Stand. Bus fare is AED 25.00 per person. Unlike private drive, the bus will take 2- 3 hours drive. Also, note to the driving public, when going to Dubai from Abu Dhabi, make sure you have your Salik ready. Usually found on windshields, this stickies are prepaid stickers that automatically deducts when it passes through the tolling gate.

The first part of the road trip is to visit the Dubai Outlet Mall. This semi-warehouse mall houses many brands for apparels and shoes that are factory priced. If you are into sports visit the Addidas, Nike and Puma Outlet shops. If you are into designer clothes, outlet shops are everywhere. Bags and shoes for Nine West and Naturalizer also have their place in the mall. Make-up and perfumes range from 10 AED and up. I bought this Wet n Wild diamond glitter lip sheener which only costs AED 10. Good buys. A day in this mall is not enough. The top level also has a food court wing where you can eat and rest while taking a break from shopping. The Mall opens at 10:30 am.

Next stop, is the Palm Jumeirah beach. We took our lunch there, too bad though because we got there around 1 pm already so the beach was packed. Good spots were already taken. But then, any spot is perfect for the hungry travelers, we settled for on bench near the walkway with no grass to sit on. Boohoo.





Our driver was enjoying taking us around so he took us to Atlantis the Palm. The hotel has this big arc in the middle that truly shoes the culture where the hotel is located. It was a masterpiece. Plenty of people visit the hotel just to have the hotel as a backdrop for picture taking. Facing a serene beach, the hotel is one of a kind.

The last stop was, Dubai Mall. After a long day being under the sun and bombarded with the summer heat, the cool interior of the mall is a welcome relief. Packed with weekend shoppers, the mall was a buzzing mix of cultures. Expats and locals come in and out the mall with one purpose only – to be entertained. In this mall, a splendid aquarium attracts adults and children alike. If you want to take a closer look with the fish, packages are available at the counter. If going under the tunnel it costs AED 50 per person. If you want to be inside the aquarium it will cost AED 150.



Outside this mall, the perfect view of the world’s tallest building can be viewed – Burj Khalifa. Coffee Shops are open where you can bask in the beauty of the structural masterpiece. And when dusk comes in, the dancing fountain will light up the night.


A day in Dubai is not enough to visit every good spots. Save the rest of if for another visit like during the Summer Festival Sale.