We're currently in Amsterdam. Elysia until Oct. 25 and Wes until Nov. 1 (lucky him).
We're basically roaming the streets and gorging on frites (as seen above with tasty sauces). We'll let you know all about our travels upon our return.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
This blog is on holiday until Nov. 1
In case you didn't know...
We're currently in Amsterdam. Elysia until Oct. 25 and Wes until Nov. 1 (lucky him).
We're basically roaming the streets and gorging on frites (as seen above with tasty sauces). We'll let you know all about our travels upon our return.
We're currently in Amsterdam. Elysia until Oct. 25 and Wes until Nov. 1 (lucky him).
We're basically roaming the streets and gorging on frites (as seen above with tasty sauces). We'll let you know all about our travels upon our return.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
how to get lost on Dubai streets
Going to Dubai should be easy enough. It is straight along the really large road from one gleaming city to the other. It is called the Sheikh Zayed Road E-11. It is a wide, well constructed, and still being constructed along the way. Bridges are being built over many parts of it as you see either new villas, new neighborhoods, or large plantations sprouting along the way. There is enough desert in between these areas of building activity. Greenery is planted along the whole way, the margins of the road are entirely covered with date palms and other large trees hanging over it to keep the dust from blowing across and blocking the drivers vision.
All of the roads are named after important people, like roads in most countries. Only Dubai, however, has so many of those roads torn up as they build monorail and train stations in each area across the city. the cranes, torn up roads, and massive building works, and random detours and diversions seem to be at least every couple of blocks, so driving isnt the best way to get anywhere. After driving and getting there without taking too many detours we finally made it to hotel where we gave up the car for the weekend into the capable hands of the valet. After that we found ourselves a taxi and took off to have a fun time in Dubai!
the Buddha bar doesnt allow photography tho... sorry no photos of this amazing place.
So, instead the next day we went on a bus tour of the city so we could walk to the places nearby and see around the tourist sites that we have not checked out yet without having to drive and without needing a GPS (which would be worthless anyway with all the road changes)
This place that was all ancient Egyptian themes. A big mall to buy all the stuff you could ever want, and lots of stuff you could care less about.
with Ancient Rome next door.
Across from the Glass Pyramid hotel
The top of the bus is open to outside and it is a very sunny day. it was hot and Elysia always thinks it is a good idea to take photos of how sweaty I am from the heat and humidity.
I am this sweaty, exactly.
elysia is NEVER sweaty, or smelly or dirty or stinky... all those things that I am
buildings, yep you see a lot of those here. A lot fewer cranes than is usual.
This is a fake guy diving for fake pearls at the museum. Apparently people used to do this here. Now the only ones who do it are plastic mannequins.
This used to be a strong fort to keep people from taking over the fresh water supply, now it is an underground air conditioned museum.
Look at me, this is how you get water out of the well!
you can see buildings and stuff!
The banks of the Dhow Wharfage are covered with old fashioned Dhows and lots of water taxis carrying people back and forth from one side of the Dubai Creek to the other
There's more but we dont want to bore you, take a look at some of the other very similar photos via this link to the Dubai Album
All of the roads are named after important people, like roads in most countries. Only Dubai, however, has so many of those roads torn up as they build monorail and train stations in each area across the city. the cranes, torn up roads, and massive building works, and random detours and diversions seem to be at least every couple of blocks, so driving isnt the best way to get anywhere. After driving and getting there without taking too many detours we finally made it to hotel where we gave up the car for the weekend into the capable hands of the valet. After that we found ourselves a taxi and took off to have a fun time in Dubai!
the Buddha bar doesnt allow photography tho... sorry no photos of this amazing place.
So, instead the next day we went on a bus tour of the city so we could walk to the places nearby and see around the tourist sites that we have not checked out yet without having to drive and without needing a GPS (which would be worthless anyway with all the road changes)
This place that was all ancient Egyptian themes. A big mall to buy all the stuff you could ever want, and lots of stuff you could care less about.
with Ancient Rome next door.
Across from the Glass Pyramid hotel
The top of the bus is open to outside and it is a very sunny day. it was hot and Elysia always thinks it is a good idea to take photos of how sweaty I am from the heat and humidity.
I am this sweaty, exactly.
elysia is NEVER sweaty, or smelly or dirty or stinky... all those things that I am
buildings, yep you see a lot of those here. A lot fewer cranes than is usual.
This is a fake guy diving for fake pearls at the museum. Apparently people used to do this here. Now the only ones who do it are plastic mannequins.
This used to be a strong fort to keep people from taking over the fresh water supply, now it is an underground air conditioned museum.
Look at me, this is how you get water out of the well!
you can see buildings and stuff!
The banks of the Dhow Wharfage are covered with old fashioned Dhows and lots of water taxis carrying people back and forth from one side of the Dubai Creek to the other
There's more but we dont want to bore you, take a look at some of the other very similar photos via this link to the Dubai Album
 |
| in dubai for a day and the bus tour |
Race cars, anyone?
Next November — just one year away — Abu Dhabi's first Grand Prix race will happen. It's a really big deal and I'm already registered to get tickets (looking into both the VIP type and the regular grandstand variety).
Oh-so-futuristic: A super track
Those **thinking** about coming to visit should think about next November. It's total history in the making here!
Oh-so-futuristic: A super track
Those **thinking** about coming to visit should think about next November. It's total history in the making here!
First there was Elton John...
... now George Michael comes out of retirement to play Abu Dhabi!?!
Oh, it's so true.
Perez broke the news HERE.
I'm a bit surprsied they will let him into the country since he JUST got arrested for drugs. But Scott Weiland came and played... so really, musicians must not count re: drug laws here.
Oh, it's so true.
Perez broke the news HERE.
I'm a bit surprsied they will let him into the country since he JUST got arrested for drugs. But Scott Weiland came and played... so really, musicians must not count re: drug laws here.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Reason 5,792 why Abu Dhabi is Vegas-like
The glowing neon guitar strikes again!
Hard Rock Hotels has planned to launch its second hotel in the UAE, Hard Rock Hotel Abu Dhabi. Click HERE to read all about it.
I say, "Hooray for another place to drink at!"
Hard Rock Hotels has planned to launch its second hotel in the UAE, Hard Rock Hotel Abu Dhabi. Click HERE to read all about it.
I say, "Hooray for another place to drink at!"
Abu Dhabi: The capital of randomness?
Last night I had planned to catch two films. I've been watching two movies per day at MEIFF and had everything planned out for my big evening out. While Wes was schedule to work (he saw a documentary during the day) I grabbed Lee, the business designer, to tag along to The Wackness (which I did see and can testify how hilarious it was).
Anyway, just after making plans I'm handed an invite to a media launch party (apparently we'll be (eventually) moving to a Media City located on an island within Abu Dhabi. While I'm not one to pass on fancy parties with free food and booze I do what Elysia usually does in a situation with two sets of plans: Go to both.
Seriously what it looked like
The event has what I mostly expect: large bubbled dome tents, spinning DJs, waiters with white gloves pouring glass after glass of champagne, sparkling trays of appetizers and beautiful people. And one thing I didn't expect: Duran Duran.
Did I mention that money really seems to grow on trees here?
While some people were questioning the choice of the 80s super hit machine, it seemed oh-so-fitting for Abu Dhabi. Any time I turn on the radio it's like flipping the switch on a time machine. This is the city who plays the 69 Boyz' "Tootsie Roll" and TLC's "Waterfalls" like they just came out.
Google Newsing the event today will give you hits by The New York Times, The Guardian and Reuters. Pictures to come...
Anyway, just after making plans I'm handed an invite to a media launch party (apparently we'll be (eventually) moving to a Media City located on an island within Abu Dhabi. While I'm not one to pass on fancy parties with free food and booze I do what Elysia usually does in a situation with two sets of plans: Go to both.
Seriously what it looked like
The event has what I mostly expect: large bubbled dome tents, spinning DJs, waiters with white gloves pouring glass after glass of champagne, sparkling trays of appetizers and beautiful people. And one thing I didn't expect: Duran Duran.
Did I mention that money really seems to grow on trees here?
While some people were questioning the choice of the 80s super hit machine, it seemed oh-so-fitting for Abu Dhabi. Any time I turn on the radio it's like flipping the switch on a time machine. This is the city who plays the 69 Boyz' "Tootsie Roll" and TLC's "Waterfalls" like they just came out.
Google Newsing the event today will give you hits by The New York Times, The Guardian and Reuters. Pictures to come...
Saturday, October 11, 2008
It's been awhile since a professional update
Check out what I've been up to re:work stuff.
Tada!
An updated online portfolio (a task I've been dreading).
Tada!
An updated online portfolio (a task I've been dreading).
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Film & popcorn until we leave
A good distraction is coming to town starting. Perhaps it'll make me forget the countdown I've got going for Amsterdam.
The Middle East International Film Festival or MEIFF as it's called starts Friday and Wes and I are getting our passes tonight.
For 100aed or about $27 we have unlimited access to the films... meaning, we can see as many as our little hearts desire. Pretty darn cheap.
Not only will the festival have some interesting films (Man on a Wire: a documentary about a man who tightrope walks between the World Trade Centers in 1974, Miracle at St. Anna: the latest film from Spike Lee, Written: a film by director Kim ByungWoo about a man who awakes in a bathtub of blood) and also some celebrities appearances.
The Middle East International Film Festival or MEIFF as it's called starts Friday and Wes and I are getting our passes tonight.
For 100aed or about $27 we have unlimited access to the films... meaning, we can see as many as our little hearts desire. Pretty darn cheap.
Not only will the festival have some interesting films (Man on a Wire: a documentary about a man who tightrope walks between the World Trade Centers in 1974, Miracle at St. Anna: the latest film from Spike Lee, Written: a film by director Kim ByungWoo about a man who awakes in a bathtub of blood) and also some celebrities appearances.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
10 days till Amsterdam
Wes and I are jetting to the Netherlands soon and even though I practically just got back from a vacation I am starting to really believe I need this one! Wes is being sent to a conference there and well, I'm taking vacation (and some lieu days) to tag along.
It's probably fitting since we're NOT going to Thailand now (wedding=lots of money). Oh, and there's also an idea floating around of going to Ireland for St. Patty's Day... but well, it's probably a long shot this year.
Here's our Amsterdam wish list:
1. Cheese. Lots and lots of the amazingly creamy stuff. A visit to Henri Willig Farm is a MUST. While we are there we can also stop at the wooden shoe factory.
2. Go VIP at the Tuschinski. Perhaps the coolest art deco building ever designed, and even maybe the greatest movie theater in the world is the Pathé Tuschinski. The Tuschinski not only offers cinema in style — it offers it VIP. Champagne while you snack on some gourmet popcorn? Yes please.
3. Find food in walls. Glass walls. The surrealness (new word!) of FEBO at 4am can amuse anyone. Especially me.
4. Get free beer. The Henikin Brewery tour is what you'd come to expect from Amsterdam: trippy and psychedelic. A "roller coaster" of a ride ends with many free beers in the factory. Oh, and lends it self to lots of opportunities to make really weird videos. Here's one of many I found online:
5. Become a book.print.worm. Lucky us, the 29th Amsterdam Antiquarian Book, Map & Print Fair is on right before I leave. Vintage typography here I come.
6. Find other people's trash. The U.A.E has nothing in regards to vintage shopping or thrift stores. Needless to say, Wes and I are starving for some good ol' thrifting and Waterlooplein Flea Market should fill that void.
7. Visit the countryside on two wheels. Mike's Bike Tour of Amsterdam came highly recommended via Wes' sister and many reviews on the Web. Sweater weather and a bike ride sounds like pure bliss.
8. All things tasty. I'm starting to formulate a list of "must-taste" places. We're going from Barney's hole-in-the-wall styled Irish Breakfast, cutting-edge Envy and picnic items from Gewoon Eten en Meer (this place is enough to make me move to Amsterdam).
Gewoon Eten en Meer: Tasty picnic treats
9. Flashback as much as possible. Amsterdam has a love for the old and wacky just as much as Wes and I do. Kitch is king at 70s style Bar Bep, the obvious household store Kitsch Kitchen and Laura Dols for the rest of our vintage wedding wares.
Laura Dols: Will you have the matching slippers to my dress?
10. All that typical tourist mumbo jumbo. We will still get in the museums, Red Light District, coffee shops, flowers and windmills. Although I'll probably go without the windmills if time is tight.
It's probably fitting since we're NOT going to Thailand now (wedding=lots of money). Oh, and there's also an idea floating around of going to Ireland for St. Patty's Day... but well, it's probably a long shot this year.
Here's our Amsterdam wish list:
1. Cheese. Lots and lots of the amazingly creamy stuff. A visit to Henri Willig Farm is a MUST. While we are there we can also stop at the wooden shoe factory.
2. Go VIP at the Tuschinski. Perhaps the coolest art deco building ever designed, and even maybe the greatest movie theater in the world is the Pathé Tuschinski. The Tuschinski not only offers cinema in style — it offers it VIP. Champagne while you snack on some gourmet popcorn? Yes please.
3. Find food in walls. Glass walls. The surrealness (new word!) of FEBO at 4am can amuse anyone. Especially me.
4. Get free beer. The Henikin Brewery tour is what you'd come to expect from Amsterdam: trippy and psychedelic. A "roller coaster" of a ride ends with many free beers in the factory. Oh, and lends it self to lots of opportunities to make really weird videos. Here's one of many I found online:
5. Become a book.print.worm. Lucky us, the 29th Amsterdam Antiquarian Book, Map & Print Fair is on right before I leave. Vintage typography here I come.
6. Find other people's trash. The U.A.E has nothing in regards to vintage shopping or thrift stores. Needless to say, Wes and I are starving for some good ol' thrifting and Waterlooplein Flea Market should fill that void.
7. Visit the countryside on two wheels. Mike's Bike Tour of Amsterdam came highly recommended via Wes' sister and many reviews on the Web. Sweater weather and a bike ride sounds like pure bliss.
8. All things tasty. I'm starting to formulate a list of "must-taste" places. We're going from Barney's hole-in-the-wall styled Irish Breakfast, cutting-edge Envy and picnic items from Gewoon Eten en Meer (this place is enough to make me move to Amsterdam).
Gewoon Eten en Meer: Tasty picnic treats
9. Flashback as much as possible. Amsterdam has a love for the old and wacky just as much as Wes and I do. Kitch is king at 70s style Bar Bep, the obvious household store Kitsch Kitchen and Laura Dols for the rest of our vintage wedding wares.
Laura Dols: Will you have the matching slippers to my dress?
10. All that typical tourist mumbo jumbo. We will still get in the museums, Red Light District, coffee shops, flowers and windmills. Although I'll probably go without the windmills if time is tight.
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