In week one I spent many hours wandering aimlessly around the Al Fadhi historical neighborhood of Dubai as it is close to the hotel and contains some excellent restaurants. So on Erickson's last day off in Dubai I persuaded him to join me for a historical walking tour of the area.
It started with a welcoming Arabic coffee and dates while our female guide took us through the traditions around coffee and the Majlis and dress in the Emirates. She also explained the main differences between the Emirates and the other Gulf Countries. Then we walked around the area and she explained the way the buildings were made ( high windows for privacy, wind towers, and coral instead of bricks to reduce the heat).
We then entered the Al Farook mosque ( Diwan Mosque) and she took us through the 5 pillars of Islam, the 5 prayer times, the different sects of Islam and the differences for men and women praying. She gave us many examples from her own family and really bought the area to life for us. I highly recommend the tour if you are visiting Dubai.
The tour is run by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and then website is www.cultures.ae
We learnt that the Al Fahidi Historical neighborhood was formerly known as Al Bastakiya. The area dates back to the 1890's and has become one of Dubai's most popular cultural and heritage sites.
From the old part of the Creek we took a taxi one evening to the newest part. It's quite a way out of town and still work in Progress . As you look out on the magnificent Burj Khalifa, currently the tallest building in the world , over the creek, it is hard to believe that one day a taller building will be part of the Dubai Creek Harbour development. We enjoyed walking around the Harbour, having an excellent dinner at Amici Miei restaurant and then watching all the lights come on and the kids playing in the fountains. Special thanks to my friend Kyaw from Myanmar who took the excellent photos ( you can see more on TBK Facebook page The British Kabayan Facebook page ) ( The restaurant has its own Facebook page Amici Miei Dubai )
On a couple of occasions I made it to the hotel pool to sunbathe and swim , and I had various friends visit for meals. I bought 10 postcards which I wrote and sent to my friends in the UK and watched the news on the TV . The post office in Dubai is called the "Happiness Service Centre". I was served by Fatma Shraf according to the receipt. Her ID is FatCho! That bought a smile to my face. I wonder how long it will take for the cards to reach the UK?
Next week Erickson is leaving for his new job in Abu Dhabi at the W hotel on Yas Island ( the site of the Grand Prix). He has worked at some wonderful hotels in the region ( W, ME, Edition ) and I wish him all the best in his new role in their Food and Beverage team. You can check out the hotel by clicking this link:
The W hotel on Yas Island in Abi Dhabi, were Erickson is going to work
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Hello, I am The British Kabayan! Feel free to read my stories.
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