Music Centres in Dubai

Are you tired not doing anything during your spare time in Dubai especially when the weather is harsh? Are you a big fan of music? Do you want to learn how to play a certain musical instrument? How about learning vocal lessons?

You will be surprised to know that there are plenty of music centres in Dubai where you can engage in learning more about music. There are also guitar center music store around if strumming the guitar is your thing.

In Jumeirah alone, there is the Jumeirah Music Centre and Music Chamber where you can learn how to play the piano, or other musical instruments that you like and even get vocal coaching. In Downtown Dubai, you can try My Music Head and avail of their free trial too.

Cool Breeze Ahead

The weather is starting to become bearable now that autumn is officially on. It's a good thing to be able to stand outside and not get drenched in your own sweat even for just a minute. The breeze is inviting. It's cool and such a respite from the long, withering, summer months of the Middle East.

I am looking forward to a nice fall season this time and hopefully, winter will be ok (not that it snows here). I just miss the cold season and my winter outfits!

Welcome autumn. I will welcome winter very soon too!

Hello Sunny Dubai

I thought I will never say this but after our 10-days stay in the very cold and still very wintery weather in New York, made me miss Dubai badly. And to top it off, I was raring to go home during the last few days in Buffalo.

The weather there is extremely cold for me and I am one who loves cold weather but not the wintery one. My friend from Canada who drove all the way to Buffalo to see us even said it was mild. I can just imagine what "extreme" is like. I can feel the cold in my bones. My back was getting very stiff and my layers of thermal clothing are not really helping.

So, we're back in Dubai and I could not be more relieved. I am happy to be able to experience the cold weather in the beautiful state of New York which will always be one of my favorite places to visit. I am just not sure if I can stay longer during winter.

Hello Sunny Dubai. I missed you!

Foggy And Cold Friday In Dubai

I'm not sure what's going in with the weather in Dubai but it has been foggy for the past 4 days. Few weeks ago, I posted about how hot it was during this year's winter. Well, I think winter came very late in our region.

I woke up in the morning to see thick fog covering our area. The temperature is 13 degrees Celcius at the moment. No wonder I am feeling a bit chilly because I left the window slightly ajar. I have taken some snaps from the veranda and the last shot was to include the sun but the fog is so think. I feel sorry for the delayed and diverted flights now because the have to land somewhere else and wait it out.

This is what I see in the morning from our 6th floor balcony at 8:50.






Drive safely everyone and buckle and bundle up. It's quite cold outside.

November Rain in Dubai

A lot of us here in Dubai have been praying for rain to come, even briefly. And our prayers are answered last night and today.

It doesn't rain here often but when it does, it signifies the change of season. We're ushering to the winter season now so we expect a drop in temperature in the coming days. That can only mean one thing, hello winter clothing!

As of this writing, it's still raining like cats and dogs. I had to put the air condition unit off because it's a bit cold and bearable. The road's wet and the drainage is not that good here. So, it's a bit flooded in some roads. Thank goodness it's weekend so there's not much traffic around except for some cars and trucks doing their usual business on a Friday morning.

I miss the rain, not the hurricane or typhoon kind but this light steady downpour as it washes the sand away. It's not every year that we get rain here and when it does, it's a welcome respite to the hot, summer days of the previous months.

It's nice to just sit near the balcony, watch the rain fall and drink a very hot chocolate in this rainy Friday morning.

Scary Fog In Dubai Yesterday

The fog has arrived and yesterday was one of the many more fogs we will encounter here in Dubai. Yesterday's fog was scary because it was dense and descended so fast. I peeped through our bedroom window to see only flicker of lights from vehicles and the street lamps. And 5 minutes after, the fog was thick, very misty and very dangerous.

The news today warned the public of the many more fog encounters we will have these coming days because the weather is changing. We are slowly easing into fall.

Driving in a very dense fog is treacherous. Plenty of motorists decided to stay home and waited it out while others pulled on the shoulder and the side of the road for safety. Others decided to skip work or school while others drove slowly than ever because you couldn't see the curb nor the pavement on the thick fog yesterday. Even flights were diverted and delayed. That one fog which lasted for several hours in the morning caused mayhem both on the ground and off!

So if you happen to drive into another fog in the coming days, please remember to practice caution. Do not, I repeat, do not ever use hazard lights as motorists behind will not be able to anticipate your sudden change of lane or stop. Use the fog lights and maintain a low beam. Using a high beam can reflect more light to tiny moisture and can cause more visibility issues. Also, drive slowly and maintain a safe distance of about 2-3 cars apart. Be patient as everyone else is hoping and praying to get to their destinations safely and in one piece.

Dubai Is Going Green

Dubai is one of the emirates in the UAE. For someone who has not been in this place, the common picture they will imagine is a city in the middle of the desert. It is actually that - a city in the middle of the desert but a green city.

The streets of Dubai are lined up beautiful small bushes and flowering plants while major thoroughfares are teeming with palm and date trees. The roundabouts are adorned with green plants and major bridges and overhead passes have small pockets of well-tended landscaped gardens. All these plants are watered round-the-clock and are installed with timers to allow sprinkles to work on cue and water to pass on resistoflex teflon hose.

Cosmopolitan Dubai has also placed across the city various recycling receptacles which are visible to everyone so proper disposal of recyclable items is encouraged. A lot of malls also have big bins for electronic devices and batteries for proper disposal.

Companies have followed suit by putting their own distinguished bins all over their offices. Our company supports the government's drive to keep Dubai green. Each station in our office has cardboard boxes used for paper disposal and it is collected regularly by a uniformed personnel who takes them to the recycling plant.

Kids in school are being educated on the benefits of recycling, reusing and reducing wastage. Activities such as beach cleaning is a regular event in schools and other companies during the colder months to help clean the environment and promote a greener lifestyle.

I believe Dubai will achieve the green drive as long as the people are educated about the importance of going green.

Hazy, Sandy and Hot UAE

Photo credit: offexploring.com

And the saga of the extremely hot weather system continues today but with a twist. It is hazy and sand-stormy too. The wind is blowing hot air and we can use a little rain, don't you think?

I prayed for a slightly improved weather and somehow, there is a breeze. Albeit it is hot, it is still a breeze that can bring a teeny-tiny comfort to everyone.

I wonder if the season will change early this year. There are tell-tale signs of seasonal change but I hope what we are experiencing now is not a prelude to a longer hot and humid summer.

Walking In An Oven

No, you didn't read the title wrongly. I am referring to the weather here in Dubai. It is extremely hot outside. It is like standing inside an oven and getting baked. I am actually wheezing at the moment and praying it won't develop into full-blown asthma bout. I can't stand having asthma. It's just very difficult to breathe and I feel like suffocated. That is how the weather is today. Suffocating. Stifling.

I am not complaining. It's just stating a very obvious fact. It was around 44 degrees Celcius around noon time, or maybe even higher. I feel so sorry for those whose job involves working outside for a long period of time because it's not a joke to even stand a minute in the blistering heat.

Dear Lord, please ease the heat a bit.

Cobone Deals this Summer

After the hassle I experienced in my last major purchase in Cobone (Macbook Pro), I am more wary now and a bit uncomfortable buying stuff in that site. Cobone has not done anything wrong to me. As a matter of fact, it even facilitated the delivery of my laptop by coordinating with the supplier on my behalf. I find that gesture a good customer service but I am just a wee paranoid. I don't want to have another hassle.

Cobone has great deals these past few weeks. I have been very good so far. There is one item in their current deal that got my attention. It is a handheld air conditioner. Oh this I have got to see! The product is just right for the very hot and humid summer of Dubai. It is pegged at AED 59 only and is battery operated. Not bad. Then I remembered the old-fashioned way of cooling yourself - use a fan! Not the electrical fan but the handheld one you can close or open or the flat hard cardboard kind. They are environmental-friendly, no need for batteries and so cheap. You can actually make one.

So my final decision is to skip the deal. Maybe I should remove Cobone from my subscription list so I don't get tempted checking out their offers.

Golfing in Dubai

Golfing in Dubai is one of the perks of the "can-afford" group of the society. Some golf course here are not as expensive as what people think. It's the cost of membership and golfing lessons that bothers me.

My husband took golfing activity briefly in the past. He got great deals on golf lessons from a friend but the heat and strenuous effort you have to exert to play the sport bothered him. And if you want to play well, you have to consider acquiring the accessories to help you improve your swing and the whole game itself.

He bought nice golf clubs and the whole nine yards. He had clothes to match the sport. He did not have any gadgets though. He realized that there were high-tech accessories to use in which golf gps is just one of the gadgets used.

I am quite relieved that he stopped the sport. It is taking so much of his time and the weather here in Dubai can be very merciless. His other friends still enjoy golfing regardless of the season and heat. Now that's what you call die-hard golfers.

Weather Dips in Dubai

Forecast for today is cloudy with temperature going as low as 13 degrees Celcius. This winter is not as cold as the previous winters in Dubai many years ago. I remember experiencing non-stop rains and hail storms. This year's winter is like the weather in New York on a mid-day fall season.

The sky has an overcast and I thought it would rain because of the gray clouds. It might rain this week and if that happens, it will be colder.

The wind is quite cold and bites. We all slept with our thermal pjs and socks with thick comforters to keep us warm. I know I said it's not as cold as the previous winters but the temperature at night takes a dip. We have to close the windows to keep the cold out.

The extended forecast until next week is still the same, max 18 degrees Celcius and a low of 12/13.

I love this weather - not very cold and not warm. I hope it's like this all year round.

Dubai Air Show 2011

It is such a welcome treat to watch the acrobatic stints of some fighter planes in the clear Dubai sky for free. It is Dubai Air Show this week and I don't even have to shell out a penny to watch it from the airport's grand stand. Why pay when I can get a free, unobstructed view of the show?

I am so fascinated with aircraft and the warplanes flying close to the ground and near my building is such a sight to behold. I have so much respect for the pilots flying the planes because it takes a lot of attention to detail, 100% alertness and acumen to precise movements to manouever and aircraft in high altitude and in great speed. Great job!

GITEX 2011

GITEX is known worldwide as one of the most important electronics event in Dubai. It is a week-long event with other major shopping outlets participating through various drop-down mega-sales of electronics and gadgets for consumers to feast their eyes on. For some with the budget to spare, this is the right time to purchase their dream item.

A lot of gadgets and electronics are being sold on low prices during the GITEX. There are nikon cameras  being sold for DHS 3199 with actual price of around DHS 5000. You actually saved more than a thousand. The package also includes other freebies like lens, SD card and even an LCD TV. Other high ticket items are selling like hot pancakes are the laptops and personal computers, Apple products especially the iPad, smart phones, routers and modems, navigational equipment and the big plasmas, LCDs and LEDs and other medical equipment.

People really save up for this event because of the great sale packages the distributors have during the GITEX. There are even raffles of major prices like cars and large amount of vouchers to be used in major shopping outlets. Who would not be enticed in GITEX?

Safety First This New Year

Christmas has come and gone and people are now anticipating the coming of 2011. A lot of you may celebrate New Year with a bang, quite literally. However, here in Dubai, residents are not allowed to hold their own fireworks display at home. Maybe some who have permission but it is done by big hotels only or the government body.

So, New Year is rather safe here. We just watch the fireworks from the distance and it is being set up by the professionals. For those of you who are going to have fireworks display, just bear in mind these simple tips to avoid any accidents or mishaps you may regret.

1. Keep all your fireworks in a safe place, preferably away from the reach of children.

2. Don't put your fireworks near hot areas like stoves, fireplace and kilns. This is rather common sense!

3. Set up your fireworks in a vacant yard or at least few feet away from the residential area or where the public has access. You don't want your fireworks to accidentally "blast" on unwitting passers-by.

4. If you need to light up your fireworks the conventional way, i.e., use of a match, please wear protective gloves like the ones used by construction workers.

5. Tie a candle on a long stick and use it to light your fireworks from a distance.

6. Do not fire "weapons." Period!

7. Tap the pots and pans instead if you want to make some noise or put your stereo on for some nice and non-deafening music. 

We have managed to live without the frivolities of fireworks display for many years now. It is a welcome respite though, to see the magnificent display brought by the professionals as sponsored by the government and hoteliers here in Dubai from a very safe distance. Although the celebration back in the Philippines is really missed, I would rather settle for a simple and safe welcoming of 2011 than find my fingers all over the place. If you know what I mean.

So, let us keep it safe and simple. If we can avoid not setting up fireworks then let us do so. However, if one intends to welcome 2011 with grand display of fireworks, be my guest. Just be cautious and have a first aid kit within reach just in case.

Happy New Year everyone. Where ever you may be. Have a safe and peaceful 2011!

Bath and Body Works In Dubai

I have waited for so long for this favorite store of mine to open here in Dubai. Finally, last week of October, the first Dubai branch of the famous ultra-pampering scent store has opened its doors here.

I first encountered this brand when a friend gave me a lotion as a gift 2 years ago. Prior to my fascination with Bath and Body Works stuff, I was totally into Victoria's Secret and would order online to get my loot. I am glad that the favorite stuff I used to get from the outlet malls in the US are now available to the Dubai market.

I just bought some bacterial soap from Jersey Gardens last November 14 while vacationing in New York. Thank goodness I recalled that there is a Bath and Body Works shop here so I just bought the  promotional items there.

I haven't visited the place yet. I may check it out these weekend to compare prices. I am sure it will be slightly higher because of the mark-ups but it is okay. At least I don't have to cross the Atlantic Ocean just to get my favorite scented lotions and body mists.

What would they open next here in Dubai? Victoria's Secret perhaps? They already opened Gap, Banana Republic, Aeropostale, American Outfitters, Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel. I hope they'll consider opening the Middle East market to more great American retail stores across the sea.

Major Sale during GITEX

Every one awaits the opening of GITEX here in Dubai with much bated breath. It is a yearly event every October where every electronics known to man is being showcased and sold much less than the retail price.

The recently concluded event was a success considering it is still recession. My friends took the opportunity to spend on cheap netbooks, smart phones, MP4s, navigators and home theater system to send back home.

One of our friends even bought 3 smart phones - one for each of his kids! He saved a lot because each smart phone he bought had a free 8 mega pixel camera. Not bad! He can eventually sell the free digital cameras in the Philippines.

So, I'll save money for next year's event and probably buy myself the Macbook Pro I have been dreaming of.

Stupidity at its Best!

I would understand if you want to keep your windows squeaky clean by polishing them at least twice a month. I would also understand if you are cleaning the windows of a one-storey or two-storey house. Professional cleaners use safety harness to clean high-rise buildings but this one guy is either a dare-devil or just plain stupid!

I got this forwarded mail from a friend. I do hope it is not "photoshop-ed" to look like he is actually cleaning his window from a high-rise residential building in Jumeirah, Dubai.

You be the judge. All I can say - this is what you call "stupidity at its best!"

----Quote----

When he spotted a mark on his apartment window, this chap just had to pop out to give the glass a quick wipe with a squeegee.

Nothing odd about that – except that he lives 400ft up on the 34th floor of a tower block in Jumeirah Beach,Dubai.

He stepped out on to the narrow ledge and, holding the frame, stretched across to wipe away the annoying smudge.

Hell for leather: A window cleaner, circled, takes his life into his own hands on the 34th floor of a Jumeirah Beach apartment block

As he takes his life into his hands, at least he has the sense to hold on to the window frame, even if it is by his fingertips, as he goes about his task.

He was snapped making sure the windows were sparkling by a resident in a neighbouring apartment block.

A resident of a neighbouring block who took these pictures said: ‘The professional cleaners have safety harnesses and cradles and helmets. He had nothing.’

-------Unquote----------

Vacation Mode for Most Dubai Folks

It is that time of the year again when most of the locals and expatriates from Dubai and nearby emirates relocate to some place cooler.

The long and extreme summer months here cast away people because the heat is just unbearable. Also, the school ends on June and will not open until mid-September. So they take that opportunity to leave the country and explore the colder regions of the earth.

Other families prefer to drive to Salalah in Oman where the weather is not harsh and slightly cooler than its counterpart in the Middle East region. The big SUVs pack the road towards the UAE and Oman border together with their trailers and RVs. I sure hope they have checked everything before setting on their long drive. It is wise and important to have a travel insurance too and to check if 5th wheel warranty is applicable on their trailers or RVs.

I would like to embark on a road journey too before I leave the UAE. Driving to the neighboring country of Oman will be a scenic and wonderful experience for us.

Snow in Dubai

I admit, I want to feel how it is to live in a snowy place, let alone, a cold one. The coldest it can get here in Dubai is about 13 or 15 degrees Celsius and that is if we are lucky. Winter here is very short so we cannot sport those nice wintry clothes and enjoy winter activities like skiing, making snowmen, sticking our tongues out to taste the snow, making snow angels and enjoying hot cocoa by the fireplace.

One activity I would like to experience is going out on snowboards. Dubai has an indoor ski resort called Ski Dubai. They offer ski lessons and snowboarding. I am not sure though if the snowboarding lessons are akin to Olympic snowboarding. Nevertheless, these exciting snow activities are available here to be learned and experienced for a fee.

Ski Dubai is an indoor ski dome located in Mall of the Emirates. I have not enrolled in their snowboarding lessons but I am quite interested. I have just checked out their activities for the summer and looked at various snowboard trick images posted there and in their website.

I am thankful that even if Dubai is situated in the Middle East where vast deserts abound, it still offers activities other people from the colder regions enjoy like skiing and snowboarding. Dubai has actually brought those winter fun right in the desert for the locals and expatriates to enjoy without having to go out of the country and spend hard-earned money.

I hope to enjoy these cold activities one of these days. I am still mustering enough courage to wear those winter gear and get that snowboard and plunge. It must be exciting!