A traveller's reflection: September 2006

My Travel Journal

"There isn't much I haven't shared with you along the road and through it all there'd always be tomorrow's episode" - Elton John

I started traveling around the world since early 80s when I had the opportunity to combine business trips with vacations. Then later when my rezeki is in abundance, there were numerous other trips along the way for vacations, most of the time with hubby and the kids when the timing is right. I have also started to compile the journal and photo-pages covering almost more than 45 years of world wide travel. Some destinations I visited just once, others many times. Many of those places are the obvious famous places people would like to visit but some, the casual traveler doesn't even think to try. I have placed links to my travel at the side bar of my personal page, My Life Reflections, and will be updating them from time to time.

My wish is to continue my travel and complete circumnavigate the globe, insyaAllah…

Saturday, 16 September 2006

UAE 2006: Abu Dhabi/Dubai - Emirates family holiday...

"Perseverence is not a long race; it is many short races one after another..." - Walter Elliot

(A family photo shot at Ski Dubai)

After our Umrah trip, we decided to stop-over Dubai and rent a van to Abu Dhabi to visit my nephew. We stayed 3 nights there and had time to visit interesting places in Dubai as well as in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai we visited Ski Dubai, a first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing snow setting for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, or just playing in the snow. Young or old, there is something for everyone. Ski Dubai is a unique mountain-themed attraction that offers you the opportunity to enjoy real snow in Dubai all year round.

(A painting on the wall)

We have a peek at Burj Al Arab from Dubai's big shopping complex. This luxury hotel was built in 1999 on Jumeirah Beach Road next to the Wild Wadi Water Park. The 27 story hotel is positioned 280 meters offshore on a man-made island and is designed in the shape of a blowing Arabian dhow sail, symbolizing Dubai's ancient traditions. The hotel is 25km from Dubai Airport, and a limousine service is available for those staying at the hotel. The hotel's luxury has given it the approval of being a seven star hotel.

(Burj Dubai in the background)

Dubai's central business district is divided into two parts: Diera on the north side of the Creek and Burj Dubai to the south. They are connected by a tunnel and two bridges. A stroll along its banks will remind you of the city's centuries-old trading traditions. And each side has everything from great hotels and stores to mosques and souks.

(At Ski-Dubai)

Some of Dubai's prettiest beaches are located along the Jumeirah strip. This long stretch of beach is lined with palm trees and has plenty of lifeguards on duty. Jumeirah Beach is especially appealing to women, as they have their own days to bask in the hot sun without the unwanted male attention. Next to the beach is the Jumierah Park, which provides a nice break from the sun and sand to eat lunch or gather with friends.