The weather definitely has it's moments...with the wind giving the PE wind a run for it's money and a few sandstorms here and there...but with sunshine pretty much everday there is really very little to complain about.
Dubai has been great so far and Mark and I have been seizing each day (or weekends at least) of the time we have in Dubai, which so far has brought about a couple of fun weekends.
Last weekend we went to check out the Burj Al Arab (although only from afar) and Atlantis on the Jumeirah Palm Island (inspired by an accidental trip to the Palm a few days before, from what should have been a 5 minute journey...but as it goes in this place, one wrong turn and a whole new side of Dubai gets discovered...which as luck would have it, isn't always a bad thing).
This past Friday we went skiing for the first time in about 3 years...albeit it indoors, the snow, the surroundings and the freezing cold air created a very authentic skiing experience. We hit the Mall of Emirates just as they were opening and Friday being the local's religious day, the morning driving and mall experience was very enjoyable with very few crazed and road raged drivers en route and the ski slope was practically empty (well for the first hour or so anyway). We got our gear, after convincing ourselves we didn't need lessons (which would only be in the afternoon with the rest of the crowds) and made for the escalator. OK not quite something you would find in Chamonix or Les Gets to get you up to the snowy Alpes, but when in Dubai and all is 'natural', you've just got to go with it, it's the way they role. Opening the doors, we were hit with the complete change in air, contrasting to that of the Mall's air we had just been in...creating a wonderful winter wonderland experience. We put on our skis and made for the chair lifts, which we were told would get us to an 'easy' part of the slope, where we could re-familiarise ourselves with how to ski. Half way up the slope (the point for us to get off the chair lift for the 'easy' run) the nerves all came rushing back...thinking back to the last ski session I had, with a not so elegant fall on one of the longest ski runs I had ever been on. The magic carpet travelator I had envisioned to getting my bearings was at the very bottom of the slope, which we somehow had missed through all the excitement when coming in through the doors. So the only way down was to put the nerves aside and actually ski. Mark being a lot braver (and a better skier than me) pushed off happily and made his way successfully down the slope...I stayed put at the top...just taking a moment, contemplating things...for a little while longer. However with Mark waiting patiently (well actually impatiently in his eagerness for his next run) at the bottom of the slope I finally musterd up enough courage to give myself the final push and down I went...AWESOME! It was such a great feeling to be skiing again and this time thankfully staying on my feet. A couple more rounds of half way down the slope Mark decided it was time to head to the top. I continued to get off at halfway point until I too decided it was time to brave the top. After a couple of stares (as I stood frozen at the top for about 10 minutes...taking yet another moment) and Mark already being back on the ski lift on his way back to the top, I pushed myself over the edge (literally). It was fantastic! I amazed myself with the control I managed to muster on my turns considering my shaky legs. Feeling a lot braver after my fist full slope experience Mark and I managed to make very good use out of our 2 hour tickets... literally right until the last minute left on our ski passes we pushed through the turnstyles at the chairlifts for one last ski down the slopes. What a fantastic start to what turned into an awesome weekend.
From the ski slopes we headed head for a quick change at home, before meeting up with some friends for brunch (which is quite a big thing here) at a nearby Irish pub...yes, there really is one in every city.
Yesterday afternoon we went to the Dubai Desert Golf Classic, where Tiger Woods and a couple of others (including quite a few South African Golfers) were playing at the Emirates Golf Course (which is about a 5 min drive from our villa). My first golfing experience! We followed a couple of the golfers around the course taking in the action (albeit a bit slow paced, but then it is golf), until we eventually found Tiger Woods. I managed a few sneaky photos, although only from far or from the back, before getting told off by one of the course marshalls.
What a great day out, the sun was shining and so as not to be outdone, the wind also made an appearance later in the afternoon. Another exciting afternoon experiencing something different ...not to mention taking in the amazing views that could be seen from the golf course.
I'm quite looking forward to what is next...hopefully at some point soon a 2 day live-aboard diving trip and a desert safari....
Happy Valentine's Day! I hope your loved ones spoilt you rotten!
A desert safari should be good.
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