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!

Cold Weather Is Over

The cold season here in the Middle East is getting shorter each year. The cold weather did not stay long this time unlike the previous years. So, our winter clothes are barely worn now unlike before where we get to enjoy longer period of cold spells.

The weird thing about this whole seasonal changes is that you really cannot tell how cold it is going to be despite of the forecast. I checked the weather forecast here in the UAE for the next 10 days and it still shows low temperature of 13 degrees Celcius but it does not feel like it is. It feels more of 20 and above.

So with the short cold season, it is advisable and practical to not purchase heavy winter clothing and other cold season accessories like thermal socks, heater, beanie hats and gloves and electric mattress pad to warm your bed. You will not enjoy using all of them because the cold season is not that cold.

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.

Camping During Winter

Winter in the U.A.E is rather pleasant compared to the other countries in the northern hemisphere. The temperature does not dip so low and the breeze is cool. However, the temperature can be a bit harsh in the desert area or near the mountain. Inspite of the slight change in temperature, it is still generally acceptable to go camping during winter.

Most of my friends do this annually because the winter is so short so everyone is taking advantage of the season. I have not tried camping yet because I catch colds and flu so easy. I just get so scared exposing myself to the elements even if I love the cold season.

Some of them are already planning a trip near the mountains to camp. The campers have their own instruments and even fancy Big Agnes King Solomon tents to use. My husband and I bought a small sleeping bag but I still don't have to courage to commit in the camp.

I am not sure if I will be up to the challenge even if the activity sounds interesting. I am still thinking about the idea. I am cool for a long drive or an overnight in a hotel near the mountains but sleeping outside is something I am still mulling.

Cold Weather Ahead

Winter is the best time of the year here in the UAE. The winter here is not as cold and cruel as the ones across the Atlantic. we don't get snow here but sometimes we do experience hale when the weather is going to be unforgiving. So, living in this hot and humid land, it is a welcome respite for few months to have the cold weather ahead.

The wind is blowing really nice with a slight bite on the skin because of the cold season. I find my nose drying up once in a while when I go out for my early jog. It is becoming nearly impossible to run outside without any warm jacket. So, I have to ready all my winter jackets because the cold season has come and I am loving it!

Warm and Cozy Log Furniture

It is not common where I live to own log furniture due to extreme weather here in the Middle East. I love the feel of log furniture because they exude that warmness and coziness in a home. I can imagine sitting on one and enjoying the winter atmosphere while sipping hot cocoa. What a nice thought!

I have asked my hubby if we could scout for a rest house when we retire somewhere cold. or at least manageable. I am sure that the log furniture I normally see in magazines and the web will really look good in a cold climate.

Beauty Tip 101 - Hydrating Your Skin this Winter Time

We cannot deny it but the weather is starting to get cold. Our skin will start to suffer from lack of sunlight and having to spend time indoors. Indoor atmosphere is rather dry because of the heating unit and that sucks out the natural moisture both of our skin and the air. To avoid the dry spell on a cold, blistery weather, drink a lot of water and slightly reduce your heating unit.

The Cool Breeze

The hot, humid and sticky summer of Dubai is coming to an end. The month of September brings forth cool breeze and manageable weather here. The cool breeze blowing on your face is quite inviting to go for a picnic in the park or the beach.

A lot of people anticipate the coming of the colder months because there are so many outdoor activities to engage with which were put off because of the very long summer months. So, people go to various outdoor places to gather and frolic. People here, like the ways of the Bedouin nomads, love to have fire pits in the middle of the desert, sipping Arabic coffee, watching belly dancers, eating the Arabic delicacies under the starry sky and having sisha. I actually experienced this unique and wonderful tradition. It was something to remember.

For the modern people, their way to enjoy the cool weather is to go sand-bashing, ride the hot air balloon, sky-dive and going to the wadis for a road-side picnic.

All these activities are truly entertaining and worth the time. It doesn't cost much, just a good cool breeze.

Foggy Friday

*Note: I should have posted this earlier but due to some unexplainable mood swings, I have been out of touch for a while. Must be the hormones...hahaha ;)

The week moved ever so slowly like a sloth climbing a tree. I thought it would never end - the waiting for weekend, that is.

The weather is still pleasant and not as cold as the previous days. However, the chilly wind blowing to your face still bites. I had to wake up early today for my HTML class while the rest of the household were happily snoring their blues away. I wanted to linger in bed and pull the comforter to my face as I planned to continue my broken slumber due to the pesky alarm clock which my daughter (for some reason, she has this habit of rousing me from my wonderful slumber at 4 a.m.!) set on an ungodly hour. Well, I might as well drag myself to class even if my mind was still set to sleep. I know it was still early, the chilly wind blew crisply on my face and brrrr... I woke up to a foggy Friday. Thank God for a foggy Friday! At least it's weekend... ;)




(Photo: my own, taken from the balcony - 6th floor - 30 January 2009)