Listening to the wind: January 2008

The One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel in Dubai

For Jamil's last day in Dubai, we went for lunch at the One&Only Royal Mirage Resort Hotel restaurant, at the foot of the Jumeirah palm....
Ah!! the Arabian beauty ...

What else to say... Enjoy!
http://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/flash.html

Walking in the One&Only is like opening a treasure chest!
This carpet beauty belongs in a museum...

Every courtyard, every wall is a feast for the eyes!

Tapestry, chandelier,... Even the washroom was spectacular!

The dining eperience was fabulous. Nothing like having an arab 'connaisseur' as a dinner companion!

The courtyards are soooo cool in the mid afternoon sun!

Treasures and beauty everywhere...

Now, back to reality!

Visit to YAS Island

Al Hasan, Aldar waterpark project Manager, noted:
"Your name is on the billboard, isn't it?
There simply couldn't be a waterpark without Whitewater!"

First, let's get past security...

These trailers are going to be the on-site offices for the duration of the project.
Pretty decent, I'd say!
I am standing in front of building A, Aldar headquarters
Whitewater offices will be housed in building E

What you see, way out there is the workers' camp. It looks dry, as in 'arid'. :(

Mezmerized by the chandeliers!

Still at the Intercontinental, this is one of the ballrooms where weddings take place.

I couldn't take my eyes off the chandeliers!

I can almost hear baby Louis say: "Umiere, Umiere!"

Reminiscent of my old turf...

Jamil suggested we stop at the Intercontinental Hotel for coffee. I also thought it was a cool thing to do.

Jamil had been here for weddings before so he showed me around these sumptuous surroundings.

Even the flooring is extravagantly beautiful at the Intercontinental!

Uncommon structures that please the eye...

Check this fountain ...... and the rest area with the funky gazebos...

1. Now wouldn't you just love to stop for a picnic here?
2. We are now in Abu Dhabi. Look at this magnificent building on the Abu Dhabi 'corniche'!

This is the view on the other side of the street on the 'Corniche'

Day trip to Abu Dhabi

On Tuesday, January 22, I went to Abu Dhabi with my collegue, Jamil, who is visiting from vancouver.
Jamil is Jordanian and he lived here before so his commentaries were very helpful on this 'exploration' trip.

I enjoyed every minute of the drive (I drove since Jamil didn't have his International drivers' license), from the scenery to the signage along the way. Jamil was assigned to taking pictures!