Burj Al Arab: The World's Most Luxurious Hotel Inside and Out

2008, I came to Dubai with three things in mind: to work, to grow and to see Burj Al Arab.

According to my guide book, Burj Al Arab is only for the rich and famous. Hence, my only intention was to gaze at the sail-shaped hotel from the shore, on the same angle that I have seen in magazines, in a Filipino film and in refrigerator doors. But a few months after my arrival, a friend excitedly called to tell me she has special passes to Burj Al Arab and I can tag along for free! Of course, I did. I wouldn't miss it for the world! 

Burj Al Arab is exclusive for the hotel guests; people who can spend thousands of dirhams for a hotel stay or a lavish meal. It would be so unreasonable for Ed and I to spend our hard-earned money for a single night, so it was clear to me that it was my first and last opportunity. Unless, a kind soul would offer us special permits again.

And then, Jumeirah Restaurant Week was launched. It is an annual 10-day culinary event in restaurants of Jumeirah Group, restaurants in Burj Al Arab included. Ultimate dining experiences are offered at almost 40% lesser than regular! Still expensive, yet already reasonable! JRW started on 2012, but it was only this year that I felt I rightfully deserve the special treat! :)                 

the world-famous Burj Al Arab

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Global Village: A Mini Trip Around the World

Winter finally beckons. Breeze is cooler, nights are longer, but that doesn't mean it's time to hibernate. When the mercury drops, Dubai comes even more alive! It's the right time to dine alfresco, to enjoy the great outdoors, and most of all, to hit the seasonal attractions that only open during the cool months. 

Early this month, I got to visit a popular winter destination, the Global Village.

Global Village is a huge outdoor entertainment complex in Dubailand. It has over 30 pavilions representing different countries where visitors can experience the uniqueness of each culture, devour traditional cuisines and shop specialty items. Basically, it is a village where the world meets!

Global Village: a winter destination in Dubai

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Travel Video: 4-day Dubai Do-It-Yourself Tour

Late November, I was a tourist in a city that I call my second home for four days. My aunties, uncles and cousin came for a visit, and it was such a delight to show them how amazing Dubai truly is. A 4-day vacation isn't quite enough to experience everything that Dubai can offer, but we came up with a DIY tour itinerary that at least gave them an overview.

wacky family selfie in Atlantis the Palm (see the wackiness in motion down below)

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The All New Dubai Miracle Garden

When my relatives came for a short vacation last week, I somehow played the role of a tour guide for them while being a tourist myself. On the top of their list and on mine is Dubai Miracle Garden, the most beautiful and the largest natural flower garden in the world.

Dubai Miracle Garden fascinated the whole world when it first opened early 2013. It was proclaimed by the Guinness World Records to have the largest vertical garden. The seasonal attraction was closed during the peak of summer, and just like everyone else, I waited in great anticipation for the temperature to drop and for the garden to finally reopen its gates.
  

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Christmas Spectacle at the Souk Festive Market

With the winter solstice on the news over the weekend, I had my thoughts on what to do and where to go on the "longest and coldest night of the year" in the UAE. Though it was written on the news that it may rain, I chose not to bury myself under the warm fuzzy blanket at home. This sun-drenched girl officially said goodbye to the hot and humid summer days and welcomed the winter chill in an Arabian Winter Wonderland!  

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Weekend on Ice at Dubai Ice Rink

Every time I hear the word 'winter', I often think of snow! Since there is a zero chance of snowfall and it doesn't get as cold as the weather up North, I usually get my dose of "winter fun" at the indoor snow park and in the ice rink. Skating, skiing and making snow angels are actually available in Dubai all year round; even at the peak of summer! I just get to appreciate these activities even more during the cold season, when I'm finally on my knitwear and boots.

I went skating at the Dubai Ice Rink last weekend! It was my first time to be in an Olympic-size rink. I learned how to skate on my own at a smaller venue with lesser spectators at the now defunct Stargate. So being at the prime ice rink in the city, armed with only the basics of skating, was really nerve-wrecking. 

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The Ambassador Lagoon at Atlantis The Palm

Out of all the attractions at Atlantis The Palm, The Ambassador Lagoon has the cheapest entrance fee. It is a part of the Lost Chambers, but visitors have an option to skip the chambers and head to the lagoon directly for a cheaper fee. For only 30 AED, it is actually reasonable for those who can't devote much time at the 5-star resort! With the 70 AED difference on the the entrance fee, it seems like a good deal. My stingy self have even skipped the Lost Chambers several times. I have always thought that both attractions are basically similar, why pay more? Little did I know, I've been missing a lot! 

On our recent trip to Atlantis, I was finally able to visit the Lost Chambers for the first time and the Ambassador Lagoon for the third time! I didn't think twice on paying the more expensive entrance fee as I got a Buy1 Get1 voucher in hand! Yay! 

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Monorail Ride at The Palm Jumeirah

Right from the start, I knew Dubai is an incredible city and is going to be more extraordinary as time goes by. Though I am aware that everything is possible in here, I still get goosebumps every time I see unique structures! One of the most futuristic projects that I truly adore is The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial palm-shaped island. The island's trunk, fronds and crescent are lined by residential buildings, restaurants, luxurious hotels and white sand beaches. It was actually made to solve Dubai's beach shortage problem. The Palm Jumeirah has doubled Dubai's coastline and beachfront properties!

Palm Jumeirah is best seen up above. There are people who would ride a seaplane to catch a glimpse of its unique shape. Some would even dare to jump off the plane, I mean Skydive above it, just to have a better aerial view! But if you are like me who wants everything to be nice and slow, the Palm Monorail can take you from the foot of the trunk to the tip of the crescent.        

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Dubai 101: The Frequently Asked Questions

Blogging is fun!!! Okay, in all honesty, I never felt it was on first month as a blogger. Those were the lonely days when I felt like my only reader was my dear husband, the dreary days when the comment box was empty, the crazy days when it seemed like I was just talking to myself online! 

The Blog World became amazing when I started to interact with fellow bloggers. It was when I realized that I was never alone! There are people who are walking with me in the same path with the same goal. One of them is Brennan, the blogger behind www.baktincorporation.com. He has been blogging since 2006 about his travels, food trips, favorite books and perspectives. He is an inspiration to the newbies, like me, in the Blogosphere. In fact, he is nominated for Best Cebu Blogs Awards 2013 (vote for him here). 

Every now and then, Brennan collaborates with a blogger for his 7-Questions series. They would casually answer seven frequently asked questions about a certain place! So, when Brennan asked me to work with him on his "Dubai in 7 Questions" post, I was really thrilled since this would be of great help to future travelers. 

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Ibn Battuta: The Travel-Themed Shopping Mall

Once upon a time, there were two explorers named Ed and Lady. They rode a magic train that took them to places they've never been. They visited the pharaohs in Egypt, had a quick stop at Tunisia, then traveled to Andalusia, had a coffee break in Persia, then flew to India, and watched a movie in China.... all in one day! :) Okay okay, before you think I'm crazy, forget about the magic train! My imagination has gone wild again! Hahah! Ed and I went to Ibn Battuta, a shopping mall with six different themes based on the travels of the 14th Century Arabic Explorer, Ibn Battuta. 

We started our journey at Ibn Battuta's Egypt Court. The mall's facade has craved images of pharaohs. Inside are drawings of Gods of the Egyptian mythology, date trees and a huge centerpiece of ancient Egyptian structure.  

EGYPT

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Dubai Miracle Garden: A Paradise on Earth

A miracle unfolded in the middle of the desert! 

Who would have thought that the world's most beautiful garden can be found in a dry desert land? Dubai Miracle Garden is indeed a miracle, a piece of paradise in a city where everything is possible. It has an area of 72,000 square meters, with 4 km pathways, 1 km flower wall and over 45 million flowers!  

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Dubai City Tour via The Metro: The Green Line

On my previous post, I have shared suggestions and tips on making a do-it-yourself tour via the Red Line of the Dubai Metro. Our sight-seeing trip does not end on the Red Line, it's time to have a journey on the Metro's Green Line.

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Dubai City Tour via The Metro: The Red Line

I consider myself an Overseas Filipino Worker on weekdays and a tourist on weekends. Touring is fun and VERY easy in Dubai; a guided tour is not much needed. Dubai has an efficient public transportation system, one can see the sights using the public bus and the Dubai Metro. Every weekend, my husband and I head to the nearest Metro Station and we hop on, hop off the train and see the sights. I call the Dubai Metro as my Tour Train! 

The Dubai Metro is a driverless train. The network has two lines, the red and the green. The Guinness World Records has declared it as the longest fully automated metro network. Impressive, isn't it? Metro stations are  located at prime spots, thus it makes going from one place to another very convenient for residents and tourists.

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Superman-Wannabe at iFLY Dubai

I am not the storyteller for today because I have a guest who wants to share an awesome experience! :) He is a dare devil, a big fan of everything extreme. He is my travel buddy, my tech support and my partner-in-whatever. He has written a post before and I'm so glad he agreed to write for my blog again. I think you know who he is! I, now, present to you my guest blogger for today... drum roll... my husband, Ed! :)  -Lady

I think most of us have dreamed of being able to fly, to be like Superman, soaring from one place to another. In iFLY Dubai, I was able to be like Superman, minus the cape! iFLY Dubai at Mirdif City Centre is an indoor Skydiving simulator which allows a person to fly inside a tunnel, a first of its kind in the UAE. As they say, it is a preparation to Skydiving (which I’m planning to cross out on my bucket list someday)!  

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