The United Arab Emirates as a country was founded today, 2 December, exactly 50 years ago, when Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm-al-Quwain joined forces. Ras-al-Khaimah, the 7th emirate making up… Continue reading
“One of the fascinating things about humans is that, in contrast to stones and to water and to earth and to fields, they seem to be privileged and burdened with the ability to… Continue reading
“Adventures will change you. They’ll saturate you with a fresh view of life. They’ll take every foundation you ever stood on and shake them until they crack. Adventures will tear away layer after… Continue reading
“We have come to forget that our minds are shaped by the bodily experiences of being in the world – its spaces, textures, sounds, smells and habits . . .” – Robert Macfarlane… Continue reading
Name: Spill the Bean Description and Ambience: This family owned, quirky speciality coffee shop, with its mismatched chairs and tables, has an ambience that is funky, yet soothing. The décor choices, from a ceiling with exposed pipes,… Continue reading
Name: Comptoir 102 Description: A combination of café with a small grocery corner, and shop stocking designer jewelery, bags, shoes, clothing, and a variety of décor items and furniture pieces. Ambience: Casual chic is perhaps the best… Continue reading
It is just after 4 am. The first call to prayer for the day invades my dreams. It is the first day of Ramadan. The first day of fasting for millions of Muslims around the world.… Continue reading
Expats Blog is a great blogging community that regularly challenges bloggers to participate in some friendly competition. It is a great way to discover new blogs, and as a blogger, to step out of… Continue reading
In the north eastern corner of the Rub Al Khali, or Al Rimal as it is locally known, that covers an expanse of 650,000 square kilometres, mostly in Saudi Arabia, but also stretching into… Continue reading
The sail flaps twice before the wind catches it. There is a sudden jerk as the captain harnesses the wind. The wood groans as the dhow strains to find a symbiotic relationship with the wind. I shake my… Continue reading
It is that time of the year again when a lull falls over life in the UAE. The sweltering heat of summer urge many expats who can, to either return to their home countries for a visit,… Continue reading
The Burj Khalifa dominates the Dubai skyline, and it is a must for every visitor to the city to visit its observation deck for an aerial view. My first visit left me breathless… Continue reading
Omani Halwa is a sticky, gelatinous sweet that, although it has become a symbol of Omani hospitality, is just as popular here in the UAE. It is served at all sorts of social… Continue reading
Nestling in the Hajar mountains, just off the E102 between Kalba and Sharjah, Wadi Al Helo is rich in natural beauty. The mountains resemble rubble piles that have been dumped long ago by… Continue reading
It is only about 20°C outside and the sun is slowly sinking towards the horizon. At least I think it is as I cannot see it. The only bit of blue sky peeking… Continue reading
A new place-name entered our consciousness last week: Kalba. It is said to be one of the most beautiful places in the UAE, so naturally Michael and I were curious to explore the validity… Continue reading
