Camels in Deira Shopping Center

Don't worry, they are fake ones. But that's just another Ramadan display.

Abandoned Dubai

It's unreal to see Dubai's places so empty. Few days ago I went to Madinat Jumeirah (last time I visited it maybe 4 months ago) and couldn't believe that it's so abandoned. Some tourist were hanging around souq streets, but restaurant weren't as full as usually. Hmm, I think that now, during summer and Ramadan the best thing I can do is to stay home, rent some DVDs or buy bunch of books and wait for better, cooler times.

Dubai Metro

Dubai Metro is said to be open on 09th September, so it's in another 2 weeks. Well, I hope that they'll manage to prepare everything for a big day, because now I can see that the stations are in different stages of completion. Anyway, I just can't wait for my first metro trip - it will be nice to see the city from the different angle.

Kilim rug love

I just can't help, but I adore kilim rugs. Those ones are just gorgeous, colourful and with additional pompons or embroidery. Find them at the Majlis Gallery.

Small details in Bur Dubai

Hmm, no inspiration today...

Have a nice Iftar dinner.

First day of Ramadan

Hi, today's first day of Ramadan. Shopping malls are changed completly - no music in the shops, all cafes and restaurants closed, very few people hanging around. Well, not surprising - it's time of fasting and praying for Muslim which will end around 19th September. Be patient and forgiving during this time.

Kilim rug

Last Friday we went to Sharjah, to Blue Souq to get some puffs, but we ended up with buying our first kilim rug (pictured). It originates from Iranian place called Somak. I don't know if you like to haggle or not, but I can assure you that's a lot of fun. Don't rush, take your time, accept tea and browse a lot of carpets first - it's a part of the "haggling game". The sellers at Sheba Store weren't pushy which I liked, and we all had a good laugh every time when I was lowering down the price until we reached an agreement. So, at the end: if you feel that the price is right for you, buy it!

Dubai T-shirt

Cheap, definitely from Dubai and for everyone - Dubai tee. It makes a perfect holiday souvenir to bring home, doesn't it.... ;-)

Design Dubai: Majlis Gallery

Beautifuly and tastefuly decorated Majlis Gallery is another great place in Bastakiya. This well-established place is a must stop for everyone who is looking for a quality decorative objects or gifts with arabic feel.

Design Dubai: Basta Art Cafe

Design Dubai wouldn't be complete wihout mentioning Basta Art Cafe located in Bastakiya. Simple, tasty food, relaxing atmosphere at the courtyard, and mint cooler (as seen here) make this cafe a perfect spot not only for tourist, but for all Dubai'ers (?) as well.

Henna tattoo

What can be better souvenir from Dubai than a nice henna tattoo that will go off after a week, but will attract that curious look from people back in your country?

Burj Dubai's opening soon

I read in a paper that Burj Dubai (which stands for "Tower of Dubai" - very original name....) will open its doors on December 2, which is National Day in UAE.

Business Bay by night

Business Bay by night - work still on. This is a place to go if you want to see the biggest construction site in the world (?).

Another Japan mix

Please enjoy another Japanese mix of old and new.

Today we jump over to Japan

Tokyo is highly addictive. It's exotic (at least for European crowd) city/country with so many contradictions. It has great mix of old, new with handful of extravaganza. I really want to go back!

Batu Caves (Malaysia)

Batu Caves are situated 17km north from Kuala Lumpur. It's a Hindu shrine, but I think that a main highlight of Batu Caves are the monkeys! It's so much fun to observe them free-walking. We didn't try to touch them so I cannot tell if they bite. The taxi will take you for around 15-25 MYR (agree price first).

Melaka (Malaysia)

Melaka (or Malacca) - is located 2h drive south from Kuala Lumpur, but I think it's really worth going there. If your time is limited, you can go to Tourist Office in KL and purchase an organised one day trip down to Melaka (around 120MYR/pp) or catch a bus at Puduraya Bus Station in KL (buy tickets one day in advance). The historical center of Melaka was put on UNESCO Heritage Site list. Here you'll find colourful rickshaws and great Chinatown with many nice shops and cafes, and beautiful temples. I liked it very much!

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

Kuala Lumpur - friendly Asian city with plenty to do. Bukit Bintag part of the city will be a good pick to stay cos it's close to mono rail, shops, restaurants, cafes, and Petronas Towers. Malaysian people tend to stay outside till late at night, so at the evenings the streets are crowded and full of life.

Hot Dubai

Hey,

I'm back in Dubai, which is very humid, hot and hazy those days...

And it's time to go back to "real life" but it seems so difficult since my head is still full of images from Malaysia and Japan...hmm. I want to go back!! And I want another holidays!! Please:-)

I hope you don't mind if for a couple next days I'll be showing you some nice images from my trip. Starting tomorrow!