June 2015 - Nicola Ann Art

Dubai Diary: The Old Dubai

Dubai Diary: The Old Dubai, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, the place for bargain hunting. Discovering the charm of Old Dubai, a clear geographical and cultural divide from New Dubai, had me enthralled. The city first began to grow around Dubai Creek, where it is still used today for importing and exporting goods to and from different areas. Also, the creek’s waterways are still used as commuter lanes where passengers cheaply cross to and from Bur Dubai to Deira on the brightly decorated wooden dhows. Dubai Museum, in the Bastkiya area, is located within the city’s oldest building, Al Fahidi Fort, which was erected in 1787. The house of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who ruled Dubai from 1912-1958, is considered to be one of the most important buildings in Dubai as it once housed a ruler. This is definitely the place for bargain hunting within the souks: the spice souk (be prepared for a surrender of all senses), textile souk (best pashminas ever seen, but the thought of buying one in such heat completely deluded me) and the gold souk. Abundant food stalls selling tasty finger foods are worth sampling […]

Jun 23

by Nicola in Architecture, Cities, Dubai 0 comments tags: Architecture, BeanOn Photography, Dubai, Emirates Towers, Exploring, Middle East, Sheikh Zayed Road, Sky-rises, The New Dubai

Dubai Diary: The New Dubai

Dubai Diary: The New Dubai, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, the most expensive area in the Middle East. Once the emirate became rich from the discovery of oil in 1966, grand developments began to spring up along Sheikh Zayed Road. By 1980 the annual oil income dropped to an all-time low, and forced the city to come up with other ways to make money. Its reinvention as a tourist destination began in the mid-1980s, and the Emirates airline was established. Based at the Emirates Towers on the 41st floor with stunning views of New Dubai, I enjoyed an early morning stroll along the Sheikh Zayed Road, both north and south sides, and marvelled at the diverse architecture. Again, by 8:30am the temperature was stifling at 37 degrees Celsius with 47% humidity; however, it felt like 100% humidity. A respite from the heat, I discovered an air-conditioned bus shelter where I sat for a few minutes, people-watching. Yes, an enclosed bus shelter that’s perfectly air-conditioned. I bet the buses are air-conditioned too? The photographs simply don’t do the scale of the buildings any justice. You absolutely have to see it to believe it. I […]

Jun 19

by Nicola in Beach, Dubai, Nature, Swimming 0 comments tags: beach, BeanOn Photography, Dubai, Dubai Sailing Club, Early morning, Exploring, free beach, Jumeirah open beach, nature, running track, Umm Suqeim

Dubai Diary: A Free Beach

My Dubai Diary: A Free Beach, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, that’s too hot to handle. We explored Jumeirah open beach, the free stretch of sand running the length of Umm Suqeim (known as Kite Beach due to its popularity with the city’s kite-surfers) to Dubai Sailing Club. At 8am, with the temperature a mere 35 degrees Celsius and stifling humidity, we walked for about 9kms along the wooden walk way and soft, spongy running track, awash with joggers. If I were even to attempt a run along the track I’d definitely start before the sun rises at 5:30am. As the searing heat drained the last drop of moisture from my body, we caught an air-conditioned taxi back to where we’d started. I’ve never in all my life appreciated air-conditioning. Even during Durban’s summers I’d refrain from sleeping in air-conditioning and settle for a fan. But not here… Not even if one paid me. Should I ever visit again it shall be during their winter, which is around 25 degrees Celsius, a more comfortable temperature indeed! The rules of the beach included no wearing of swimming gear beyond the sand; male and female changing huts […]

Jun 16

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Dubai, Nature, Off-Road, Safari, Sunset 4 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, bbq, BeanOn Photography, camel riding, Desert Safari, Dubai Desert, Dubai Diary, dune bashing, Exploring, Marsh Fun Travel & Tours, nature, Off-road, quad-biking, Sunset

Dubai Diary: Dubai-Desert-Safari

My Dubai Diary, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, a thrill-seeking 4×4 dune bashing during a Dubai-Desert-Safari. Just after 3:30pm a driver from Marsh Fun Travel & Tours picked us up and drove us, just over an hour to the desert. As they offer tailor-made itineraries, we opted to hire a 4×4 vehicle and driver for just the two of us (ooh there’s a song in that somewhere…) to avoid sharing with other tourists. Just before the 4-wheel-drive safari started, we were able to freshen up, drink tea or water while the tyres on the vehicle were deflated. A hot wind didn’t provide any relief from the 40 degree Celsius heat and 69% humidity. Durban’s mild, cool even, in comparison to Dubai. Almost 20 minutes of already dune bashing, the driver asked if we wanted to experience speed. “Yes,” I shouted excitedly. Oh how I wished I had my Suzuki Jimny – it made me ache with nostalgia, and especially crave off-roading in KwaZulu-Natal. The driver sped up to a high ridge of a dune and the vehicle had to be counter steered so as not to flip and roll down the other side. Oh so […]

Jun 13

by Nicola in Cities, Dubai, Fashion 0 comments tags: Burji Khalifa, Creek Harbour, Dubai, Dubai Festival City Mall, Fly Emirates, Middle East, Shopping, Ski Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, The Dubai Aquarium, The Dubai Mall, The Mall Of The Emirates

Dubai Diary: Travel & Shopping

My Dubai Diary, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, begins with travel and shopping. Travel A mild panic set in when the first leg of the train journey to Gatwick airport was delayed. It always pays to give oneself plenty of extra time when relying on rail services even from a first world country… With England’s sky more grey than blue and the wind inflicting heavy breaths of chill, I most looked forward to real heat again; a constant heat that reaches my bones. My first experience on Emirates and I’d definitely repeat it anytime, especially when the food served on board was concerned. Appetiser: Tuna salad with new potatoes and olives; Main course: Pan-fried salmon with sundried tomatoes and herb butter, saffron risotto and seasonal vegetables; Dessert: Chocolate mousse with cherry compote. And then afternoon tea: assorted reception sandwiches, scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Tea or coffee and unlimited complimentary alcohol for those that need it… Sounded too divine to be true but believe me when I state: This was the best food I’ve ever eaten on a Boeing. And I’ve flown on many Boeings in my lifetime. When I arrived at […]

Jun 07

St Ives in Cornwall

End of April (for my birthday), I ventured down to St Ives in Cornwall and explored the seaside town, on the coast of the Celtic Sea, and its surrounding areas (St Just, Lands End, Mousehole – don’t get me started on the pronunciation of such place – and St Michael’s Mount) for a few days. The moment the sea filled my vision when arriving at St Ives I felt my jaw drop – the stunning colours of the water caused awe to wash over me. “Is this really England?” I’d asked my friend. I’d never known England to present such exquisite beauty before. About 12 years ago I first visited Cornwall and I did not recall it to be as vividly pleasing. Unless it’s taken my eyes and mind thus long to be fully open and aware and appreciative… Another delight took place while dining at the Porthmeor Beach Café, less than a 5 minute walk from St Ives’ harbour. The heated booths outside on the balcony overlooked the beach without any interruption, and the tapas of fresh fish couldn’t have been cooked better elsewhere. The dramatic sky added to the ambiance of the place, to the […]

Dubai Diary: The Old Dubai

Dubai Diary: The New Dubai

Dubai Diary: A Free Beach

Dubai Diary: Dubai-Desert-Safari

Dubai Diary: Travel & Shopping

St Ives in Cornwall

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