The British Kabayan , outside his favourite restaurant - The Arabian Teahouse
They say that all good things have to come to an end and so it is this week. Erickson, who I have known for 3 years, finally left Dubai for Abu Dhabi and his new job at Yas Island W Hotel. Thanks to him for getting me out and about on his days off for the last 3 weeks. He has been a great help ordering taxis on his mobile and telling me which metro trains to catch, booking the La Perle tickets on line and bringing me snacks! I am happy to say he has a nice room at the hotel with a great view and has been doing 3 days orientation as I write this.
Secondly as I leave the Arabian Courtyard, my home for the last 4 weeks, my thanks to all the staff- it has been great to have my sheets and towels changed daily and not to have to cook. I have loved looking out of my bedroom window at the Creek each day and my walks and tour of the Al Fahidi historical district. Thanks to the staff in the Sherlock Holmes Pub and the Chinese restaurant at the hotel where I have become what the Pinoys call a suki ( regular customer) .
Without doubt one of the best views from a hotel room I have ever had
I always make a point of trying not to eat in the hotel and find local restaurants so I also became a regular at The Arabian Teahouse, just along the road from the hotel. The food was amazing and always freshly made. The staff were very friendly , welcoming me back like an old friend on EVERY visit- so important when you are travelling alone.
Finally my special thanks to the Manager at the XVA art hotel and café who made me feel very special. He was there the first time I called in to see what they had on offer through several vegetarian breakfasts, lunches and dinners with my various guests. Once he learnt that my friends and I were Hospitality professionals he kept us updated on the situation in Dubai with regard to COV 19. If ever I come back to stay in Dubai I will definitely stay at your lovely hotel.
The British Kabayan eating art, at Dubai's oldest hotel- XVA art hotel and café
In my last few days In Bur Dubai I did all my favourite things just one more time- like walking around the Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood and back by the Creek. I don't think I could ever tire of that walk, even in 45 degrees heat with sweat soaking my clothes. There was always something new to see.
Erickson and I went for a final dinner at The Canteen at the Aloft hotel above the City Centre Mall in Deira, where they have the juiciest lamb chops in Dubai. Thanks to Thang who first took me there and also to the Museum of Illusions, where we had great fun .
Thang and I at The Museum of Illusions
That is the amazing thing about Dubai- there is always something new to do every time I have visited ( 11 years now) from the BIG bus tour to Atlantis, Green Planet, The Miracle Gardens, Burj Khalifa, The fountains, Bluewater, The shopping Festival and Drone light show, the Walk at JBR, the Marina and the new Dubai Creek Harbour which Kway took me to. My only sadness is not being here for the opening for EXPO in October after it was postponed for a year by COV 19.
However as the first month of my vacation draws to a close so the second month starts tomorrow when I move to the Al Khoory Executive hotel in Satwa.
The Al Khoory Executive hotel in Satwa.
I first stayed here at Eid Al Hada in 2018, Just after Pav left Dubai for Canada and I had to start paying for my own accommodation! It is in the Phillipino district of Dubai, a short bus ride from the beach at La Mer and the Jumeirah Public beach. It has a very cheap good Indian restaurant next door and best of all there is a Jollibee's ( the Phillipino version of KFC and loved by OFW all over the world) nearby. There are also lots of Ukay Ukay ( second hand ) shops . It is cheaper to buy tee-shirts and shorts there than pay for laundry! So I am looking forward to making more Pinoy friends there , to make up for loosing Erickson and Jeyboy. I can also practice my Tagalog and get more prepared to my eventual move to the Philippines ( which reminds me I must email the Philippine embassies in Dubai and Bahrain and type my SSRV ( retirement Visa) application form.
The other good news is that another old Pinoy friend I lost touch with in Bahrain has reappeared in Dubai en route to Poland! Joshua is now working here and Corleen put us in touch the other day. He is coming this afternoon with some Adobo for me and to pack my suitcase. So I hope we will get out and have some fun over the next 4 weeks in Satwa.
Until next week in Satwa this is the British Kabayan saying....
Kita kits
Ingat Palagi
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Hello, I am The British Kabayan! Feel free to read my stories.
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