Cool down...

Tea break

Ray of light...

...but not in Dubai. Today is 21 degrees and it's raining... I bet that tourists here didn't expect that weather to happen in Dubai (nor did I!).So it seems, you'll have to wait until Wednesday (according to weather forecast) to hit the beaches again. 

Abu Dhabi desert challenge

After a tough week of getting through the desert the drivers can finally relax. The closing ceremony took place yesterday in Abu Dhabi.

Nice little rain yesterday

It was lushing yesterday evening, and it was great! Strong and purifing rain, and I just love the smell of it when rain drops fall onto hot ground. Back in Ireland we were fed up of that constant rain, and now - I'm looking forward to it (which of course doesn't happen too often:-))

Our best friend...

Could it be something else that every UAE resident considers it as a must-have home accessory?

 (A/C - in case of any doubts..)

Quiet Bur Dubai - is it possible?

Surprisingly streets of Bur Dubai are quiet at around 11pm.

Dubai's Bolywood

Taste of Bolywood in Bur Dubai.

Demolition in Marina

Little demolition work at the Walk in Dubai Marina.

Drying rack

Necessity is the mother of invention, even if you just need to ...dry out your clothes:-)

Smiley weekend

Smile, it's weekend!!

more art...

I must say that the most I enjoyed paintings presented by Guy Flichy Gallery and photos by Tashkeel Gallery.

Bastakiya Art Fair

Cuadro Gallery, where you can buy photos taken by Palestinian kids in Gaza.

Hey, did you manage to catch up with Bastakiya Art Fair? If not, you've still got few days to go there and browse some exibitions. And when you gets tired, you can relax in some cool places on the spot.

Slainte to all my Irish friends!

Today's St.Partick's Day in Ireland - national holiday and just another reason to meet up with friends and have a good craic (and forget about the crisis)! Hopefully this year won't be raining, so people can enjoy a traditional parades across the country without getting wet!

The photo shows Cliffs of Moher - the biggest attraction in Ireland.

Art in Dubai

Dubai Art Week has finally begun with yesterday's opening vernissage at Bastakiya. Picture this - old buildings, art, candlelights and great music - but Bastakiya quarter opens its doors only once a year, so remember to book this date in you diary for the next year venue!

Snow in Marina

Red Bull's snow in Marina.

Taste of Dubai

Taste of Dubai - a great venue for all foodies! Dubai renowned restaurants and their chefs joined together to bring you some of their signature dishes. So no wonder that under one roof you can sample both sushi and tiramisu, shisha (that's not food obviously) and Italian coffee. Taste of Dubai finishes today, but you can still get the tickets for evening session. Bon appetit!

Oman week (7)

Yeap, today we say goodbye to Oman, but not without last update - snorkeling kit is included in price of dhow trip. The most popular spot for snorkeling is around the Telegraphic Island. Your captain will definitely anchor there and you can enjoy a little coral reef beneath you. And if you feel like you can even explore that tiny island.

Well, I hope you all enjoyed my Oman week, and tomorrow I'm back with Dubai!!

Oman week (6)

Now, highlight of Khasab - a dhow cruise and dolphins spotting. This is an amazing must-do experience while in Khasab. You can book your trip directly in the harbour or through one of the agents (www.dolphintour.net - office located at the first petrol station coming from the Golden Tulip direction; www.khasabtours.com). The cost is around 150Dhs pp/half day or 200Dhs pp/full day (lunch included).

Oman week (5)

Although in Khasab you can find few accomodation options (Golden Tulip Khasab Hotel - their shisha terrace is disappointing with plastic chairs and no atmosphere; Khasab Hotel, Esra Hotel Accomodation, Qada Tourist Hotel) I think that camping is the best of all! You can camp wherever you want, but if you want to stay close to the town pitch your tent on a big beach just after Golden Tulip Hotel (there are toilets and some kids fun park), have a grill and enjoy your views. If you want even more spectacular views, take your 4x4 and drive into mountains to reach Jebel As Sayh - the highest point in Mussandam (pass Khasab Hotel on your right and Shell station on left, at the end of the road take your left and follow the track).

Oman week (4)

Khasab is a quite small town, but you'll find here 3 hotels, some turists' accomodation and Khasab castle (pictured). In town you won't find any fancy restaurant (unless you go to the hotel), but if you order fish you will be happy enough - both fish and receipt make you smile:-)

Oman week (3)

The 45km road leading to Khasab town is full of scenic views and beautiful, empty beaches. So slow down, pick up some strech of sand for yourself and have a BBQ! Dolphins can wait until tomorrow:-)

Oman week (2)

It's only 180km from Dubai, but it feels like thousand miles away. But first you have to cross two borders which can be confusinig a little bit, especially at Oman side, when you don't know what to do (you have to get a form to fill in, then wait in the line to present it together with your passport and 10 Dhr each - actually, they accepted only credit cards, no cash!). At UAE side don't forget to do similarly and queue for exit stamp (and pay 25Dhr each), you'll have to also show your car registration card. 

After that - welcome in Oman! Prepare your camera now!!

Oman week (1)

Hi! I had a wonderful time in Oman this weekend. We went to Khasab (north tip of Arab Penisula) to do some camping. Oman is great - beautiful views, high mountains and unspoilt landscape..., but I'll tell some more in coming week, because I decided to do Omani week on Dubai Photo Journal:-) Keep checking out!

Back in Bur Dubai...

Not everything is so trimmed in Dubai

Coffee with a view...

Today something more "polished" - famous Burj Dubai tower. The photo looks like CAD generated, but it's real. Grab some coffee from Starbucks in Downtown Burj Dubai and get a view for free.

Cafeteria

Dubai curiosities (3)

Spiderman outfit anyone? The head mask is especially recommended for Dubai temperatures...

Art on the street

Well, not exactly on the street , but in Majlis Gallery where you can often meet different artists and chat with them. The painting is by Paul Wadsworth.