Last year, Halloween was pretty much of a non-event for us here in Dubai. This year, we have seen costumes and decorations in the stores for several weeks. Since we weren't able to trick or treat last year,the kids were looking forward to our substitute activity - finding treats hidden in the apartment. A few days before Halloween, I was talking to some of my co-workers and they told me that in other areas of town, trick or treating is a big activity. We were invited to 2 different areas to join in the festivities.
We made a last minute trip to the mall and had our choice of great costumes. Both of the kids decided to be skeletons. They were so excited, they could hardly wait to get home and try them on. They came racing into our room Halloween morning and asked if they could put them on. They ran around the apartment in their costumes scaring us and the turtle most of the day. We had a big count down to when we could leave to go Trick or Treating.
Finally, 5:00 came around and we could head out - we didn't really know where we were going, so we wanted to travel before it got dark - and apparently the goblins started out at 6:00. We found the neighbourhood without too much trouble, got some quick directions from my co-worker and headed out.
It was a little unusual for the kids to be commenting about being too hot when out trick or treating and Rick and I were very comfortable in shorts and t-shirts. The neighbourhood was amazing - big beautiful homes, sidewalks and gorgeous landscaping. The neighbourhood had distributed signs for people who were interested in participating in welcoming Trick or Treaters. We just had to check their doors to know where to go. Many of the houses were decorated too. After about an hour, Chase commented that his bag was getting too heavy so we found our way back to our car. We are very thrilled to say that Halloween is alive and well in Dubai - you just have to know where to go!
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Out and About Again
The weather has cooled enough for us to venture out for some day trips (finally). Yesterday we packed a picnic lunch and headed out with no destination in mind. We decided to have lunch at the Sharjah Monument which we have driven past many times but never stopped. At the same highway exit was the Siyouh (not sure about the spelling) Suburb, so we went in.
The suburb is actually a fenced in section of desert with one partially built buiding,one camel pen and some free roaming camels. We parked in the shade of a big tree and got out to explore the desert. It was very peaceful to walk around with almost no one else around - you are never alone in Dubai!
After a couple hours, we drove across the highway and went to the Wildlife Center which is actually a few attractions in one. We started in the Children's Farm (petting Zoo) and were able to feed the farm animals. Then we moved on to the Wildlife Center. That was absolutely amazing. It features only animals found in the Middle East. We learned about all the animals from the creepy crawlies to the large mammals. I was quite relieved to find out that all of the snakes in the area are nocturnal. Everytime we thought we were done, we turned the corner and found another exhibit. The ingenious thing about the Center is that we were able to walk around in air conditioned comfort and see the animals in large naturalized pens outside. Our last stop for the afternoon was the Natural History Museum. All the exhibits are out for kids to touch and manipulate. The setting of the museum was a huge treed and grassy field with picnic tables. Of course the kids had to run through the grass and climb the trees.
The suburb is actually a fenced in section of desert with one partially built buiding,one camel pen and some free roaming camels. We parked in the shade of a big tree and got out to explore the desert. It was very peaceful to walk around with almost no one else around - you are never alone in Dubai!
After a couple hours, we drove across the highway and went to the Wildlife Center which is actually a few attractions in one. We started in the Children's Farm (petting Zoo) and were able to feed the farm animals. Then we moved on to the Wildlife Center. That was absolutely amazing. It features only animals found in the Middle East. We learned about all the animals from the creepy crawlies to the large mammals. I was quite relieved to find out that all of the snakes in the area are nocturnal. Everytime we thought we were done, we turned the corner and found another exhibit. The ingenious thing about the Center is that we were able to walk around in air conditioned comfort and see the animals in large naturalized pens outside. Our last stop for the afternoon was the Natural History Museum. All the exhibits are out for kids to touch and manipulate. The setting of the museum was a huge treed and grassy field with picnic tables. Of course the kids had to run through the grass and climb the trees.
Friday, 16 October 2009
The latest from Dubai
It has been quite a while since our last post - and that is mostly because not much has been happening - and I am adjusting back to full days at work. I know you are feeling sorry for me to have to work full days after a month of shortened days and a week off.
The weather seems to be slowly turning to "winter". It is routinely dipping to the twenties overnight and many days not breaking into the 40's anymore (yes this is celcius). Still a bit too warm to be spending too much time outside in the day.
We have inherited a turtle from a neighbour. Surprisingly, a turtle is a pretty interesting pet. Right now he keeps us on our toes trying to keep him in his "playpen". Then, there is the game of hide and seek trying to locate him after his escape.
Here is an excerpt from a recent Gulf News about the UAE version of Vanity plate: (FYI 1 Dh = 3.67 US$)
Dubai number plate auction raises more than Dh15m
The 64th such auction at Jumeirah Beach Residences in Dubai saw more than 400 participants.
Staff Report Published: 00:00 October 10, 2009
Dubai: More than Dh15 million was raised at the latest Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) auction of distinguished vehicle licence plates, with highest bid of Dh2.3 million going for the number I 44, the RTA said yesterday.
The 64th such auction, which was held last Saturday at Al Mina Hall, Jumeirah Beach Residences in Dubai, saw more than 400 participants, according to Ahmad Hashim Bahrouzyan, chief executive officer of RTA Licensing Agency.
"The total attendance exceeded 400 and the hall was full of potential bidders," he said.
"The total proceeds of the auction reached Dh15.359 million led by the number plate [I 44] which was sold for Dh2.3 million, followed by (E 17) sold for Dh2.1 million, and (G 1111) which fetched Dh1.1 million."
The weather seems to be slowly turning to "winter". It is routinely dipping to the twenties overnight and many days not breaking into the 40's anymore (yes this is celcius). Still a bit too warm to be spending too much time outside in the day.
We have inherited a turtle from a neighbour. Surprisingly, a turtle is a pretty interesting pet. Right now he keeps us on our toes trying to keep him in his "playpen". Then, there is the game of hide and seek trying to locate him after his escape.
Here is an excerpt from a recent Gulf News about the UAE version of Vanity plate: (FYI 1 Dh = 3.67 US$)
Dubai number plate auction raises more than Dh15m
The 64th such auction at Jumeirah Beach Residences in Dubai saw more than 400 participants.
Staff Report Published: 00:00 October 10, 2009
Dubai: More than Dh15 million was raised at the latest Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) auction of distinguished vehicle licence plates, with highest bid of Dh2.3 million going for the number I 44, the RTA said yesterday.
The 64th such auction, which was held last Saturday at Al Mina Hall, Jumeirah Beach Residences in Dubai, saw more than 400 participants, according to Ahmad Hashim Bahrouzyan, chief executive officer of RTA Licensing Agency.
"The total attendance exceeded 400 and the hall was full of potential bidders," he said.
"The total proceeds of the auction reached Dh15.359 million led by the number plate [I 44] which was sold for Dh2.3 million, followed by (E 17) sold for Dh2.1 million, and (G 1111) which fetched Dh1.1 million."
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