Archive for the ‘United Arab Emirates’ Category

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Sunrise in Fujairah

February 22, 2013

Posted by Kanga.

I finally got my lazy butt out of bed early and headed down to the beach to watch the Sun rise. Sunrise was supposed to be at 6:44 am. I got up at 6:15 and was in the car by 6:28. I was a little distressed to see that the sky was already light, but then remembered that the Sun is on a dimmer switch, so to speak, because the atmosphere bends light. So, I drove (probably a little too fast) across town. By the time I parked and got positioned for this photo session, the sky looked like this.

ocean and an orange glow on the horizon

The horizon was so hazy that I thought this was going to be disappointing. Certainly, it wouldn’t be as spectacular as the photo taken by our friend a few weeks ago. Maybe I would have to do this again on a clearer day.

ocean, orange haze, small arc of the sun appearing

Then the magic began.

ocean, orange haze, half the sun showing

With an impressive finish.

ocean, orange haze, sun fully above the horizon

It was well worth the trouble, even with the haze. I can fully understand why humans once worshipped the Sun.

If you want to see all the pictures, they are here.

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Genius Packaging

February 21, 2013

Posted by Kanga.

life-sized baby dolls in large plastic baby bottles

Baby in a Bottle, anyone?

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Al Basha Restaurant

February 20, 2013

Posted by Kanga.

Well, once again, we have a new favorite restaurant. Al Basha Restaurant in the Fujairah Trade Centre Building.

restaurant sign

We met with friends who live here in Fujairah for a belated birthday dinner, since they were not able to attend the one in Dubai. The food was lovely. Lamb chops, mixed grill (chicken tikka, kabab, arayes, etc.) green salad, and arugula salad.

table full of dishes with hummus, bread, and meat

We ordered a LOT of food, but between the five of us, we managed to eat most of it. I did save a little of the mixed grill for lunch the next day.

Once it was cleared away, we broke out our Guillotine card game and played two games. It was a blast.

A pleasant evening eating good food outdoors with good friends.

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Sunset, Good Food, Good Friends

February 8, 2013

Posted by Kanga.

red sunset as viewed from a highway between rugged hills

Thursday is the end of our week and the beginning of the weekend. We headed into Dubai to meet friends for dinner. It just happened to be sunset time. The high winds at this time of year kick up the dust and make for a pretty spectacular red glow along the horizon.

wispy clouds that look like wings

The wispy clouds were beautiful, like angel wings.

wispy pink clouds

We met good friends for dinner at the China Sea restaurant. We ordered too much food and managed to eat most of it.

carrot carved to look like a graceful bird

I am deeply impressed by our friends. They are good hearted, caring people, not just fun company.

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Life Springing Up in the Desert

January 23, 2013

Posted by Kanga.

dunes and grass

It has been a wet winter. The proof is in the grass sprouting up from the sands.

dunes and grass

close up of grass tufts

It’s a regular camel banquet.

sand and grass

There are even flowers.

small white flowers

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Shopping Wonders

December 8, 2012

Posted by Kanga.

t-shirt with a scantily clad woman and lettering stating Hawaii hula hula 1968 aloha girls presents wild waves and hazy days

Not culturally sensitive, to say the least.

department store poster showing a male model wearing a plaid shirt and a sleeveless down vest

Didn’t we get over this fashion statement back in the 1980’s? Plaid shirt and down vest? Really?

colorful, unlined rain coats on the store rack

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, these are unlined rain coats being sold in an arid desert country. When it rains here, and it does, you don’t go out for a stroll. It rains hard and there is thunder and lightening. People have been struck dead while walking in the rain.

dish scrub sponge on a handle shaped like Diana Ross with the sponge as her afro hairdo

This just amazes. It is a dish scrub sponge shaped like Diana Ross with the sponge serving as her afro hairdo.

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Beanstro: All Day Breakfast

November 23, 2012

Posted by Kanga.

sign stating Beanstro a new leaf in our heritage

Even though Life is throwing us a few challenges, we still have to eat. We had previously seen this restaurant in the new Fujairah City Center Mall, but had just eaten at the time, so promised we would come back sometime. What’s the attraction? All day breakfast.

steak, egg, toast, corn, onion, tomato breakfast

DaddyBird took advantage of the all day breakfast to have a steak and egg meal.

bowl of mashed potatoes, pitcher of gravy

He supplemented this with mashed potatoes and gravy. The potatoes were real, not powdered (instant).

bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy on top

Quite tasty.

picture of the restaurant decor

We felt quite at home, like being in a Portland, Oregon restaurant. Nice decor, good coffee and tea, and good variety on the menu.

orange upholstered booths and frame coffee pictures

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Say it with a Smile

November 16, 2012

Posted by Kanga.

billboard advertising Taza restaurant, enjoy life, eat natural

This Taza Restaurant billboard is just across the street from our apartment.

closer view of billboard

This guy caught our eye.

close up of man pictured on the billboard in Middle Eastern clothing and turbin, grinning big as he eats food

He looks a bit like Fred Armisen in a Saturday Night Live skit. He’s really enjoying that bowl of rice.

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Sharjah International Book Fair

November 13, 2012

Posted by Kanga.

It is time once again for the Sharjah International Book Fair. It is even larger this year.

man demonstrating computer graphic art

We dropped in to see a demonstration of digital artwork by our friend, Ashraf Ghori.

dancers

In addition to miles of books, there were some traditional dance demonstrations.

The book fair is on through Saturday November 17th. We highly recommend it. Wear your best walking shoes and eat a hearty meal, you’ll need your strength.

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Another Fujairah Sunset

November 11, 2012

Posted by Kanga.

light clouds, orange sunset, shadowy mountains