Showing posts with label Malls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malls. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

How to Spend Christmas in Abu Dhabi

For the neophytes, spending Christmas abroad is the most difficult hurdle to overcome. I am one of those few who spent it with my husband and away from the boisterous party with the rest of my ramily. Honestly, it went well, not a single tear was shed. At least not from my end. Now, how to beat the homesickness feeling, which is heightened by this season? I could list a few things to do, if you are given the day off to celebrate it. Most companies give their Christian employees day off to celebrate christmas. So here are some of the things you could do.

A. Hit some Pins:
If most of you at home are single and slightly alone, why not go to the malls and test your skills in bowling. Most of the malls have bowling alleys even for kids. Enjoy making fun of each other, bring some take outs and maybe do some exchange gifts. One game would cost AED 15 per head. Malls that have bowling alleys are Al Wahda Mall, Khalidiya Mall, Marina Mall and Al Mariah Mall.



B. Have a Picnic at the Park:
It's winter and its the perfect weather to stay outside. Set up that grill and prepare the barbeque. Do the "kamayan" party. It more fun when you dig your food using your hands. Don't forget to bring along the ice cold Coca Cola to complete the celebration. However, if you are under medication, be happy with water.

C. Go Malling
If you think Christmas is a foreign event here in the Middle East, think again. When you visit malls and even coffee shops, the halls are bedecked with green garnishes that Christmas is also here in Abu Dhabi. The tallest and biggest tree I've seen here is in Abu Dhabi Mall, right after you set off from the escalator you'd see the gigantic tree with complete christmas cottage and the sleigh.

Many shops are on sale. So malling could take up the entire day.

My first Christmas away from my faily zoomed so fast. I have no time to wallow in sadness. Good thing Skype is available - minus the hugs and kisses. It is still like we are almost together during Christmas.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Wandering Mind: Somewhere in Khalidiya

Before the month of March will commence, I need to add something to this blog. Unfortunately, I often find myself staring blankly into space and have nothing interesting to share. I was planning on posting my trip to Baguio which was eons ago. But, time seems to fly when my boss is yakking away from his phone and barking instructions to all of us. How I'd love to share everything I know.

Here's a little view of the current city I am living at, Abu Dhabi. One of the major thriving cities in the Emirates, Abu Dhabi continues to grow economically and it is obviously visible to its booming infrastructure activities. Buildings are sproutig everywhere, tunnels and roads are constantly modified and shops or brands all over the world have opened their branches here in the malls.

This city is a muslim country, however, over the years, it has loosen its belt to accommodate the increasing expats who want to live and work here. Although, one would still feel a bit wary wearing shorty shorts/skirts when going out, but from time to time, you'd see someone wearing such out in the streets. Still, for those who are planning to move here in th city, it is best to respect this country's culture. Wear decent clothes when out in the public.

Despite its being conservative when it comes to dressing up, many international clothing brand opened to do business here. Brands such as Mango, Zara, Aeropostale, Esprit, Liz Clairborne, Nautica, Massimo Dutti and etc.,

Most of these shops can be found inside few of the big malls in the city such as Abu Dhabi Mall, Marina Mall, Al Wahda Mall and Khalidiya Mall.

Sheesh. Talking about clothes makes me want to go out and have a mini-shopping spree even if its still a few days away from payday just to relieve me of my stress. However, for those who want to still spend cash but scrimping on some moolah, there are some shops scattered around the city where your can buy good stuff to wear the fashionista way, but that would have to wait till my next post. I'll make a list and how to get there.

For the meantime, salivate a bit on those clothes you see behind clear glass displays inside the mall.