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The Oldest Pair of Cats

January 10, 2014

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

Increased acquisition of jewelry over recent years (my addiction to the Yemeni pavilion at Global Village) resulted in a need for better storage. I needed to be able to see the range of what was available instead of relying on my memory which is getting older all the time. I also needed a full length mirror, since the first chance to see myself full length each morning was in the elevator. By then, it’s too late to make changes.

a free standing full length mirror with a  jewelry storage area inside

I killed two birds with one stone in buying this free standing mirror, jewelry armoire combo. Previously, storage consisted of three wooden boxes and various small boxes. It was difficult to see what was available and choose what would best match my attire. That problem is now solved, but I could still use more space for a few of my mother’s pieces and future acquisitions.

Going through those boxes to select what to display resulted in reacquainting myself with old treasures. The cat pins pictured below are the oldest pieces I own. My Aunt Louella gave them to me over forty years ago. I have worn them many times and I am surprised that they still have all their stones. I wish I could show her that I still have and cherish them, but she’s been gone for many years. She is one of those people I didn’t really appreciate until almost too late. I have my little kitties to remind me and they will be out and about sometime soon. I think maybe with my new blue polka dot dress. We’ll see.

two blue cat brooches with rhinestone eyes

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New Year’s Eve 2013

January 5, 2014

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

New Year’s Eve began with a drive to Dubai and lunch at the Special Ostadi restaurant. Then we went down to the Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek. We walked through the old souk (market). The merchants were calling out to DaddyBird calling him “boss” and to BabyBird calling her “Shakira” to entice them to stop and see the wares. From there, we took an abra (water taxi) across the creek to the Spice Souk area.

small boat used as a water taxi

The ride across the creek is always pleasant and it is much cooler on the water.

water taxi boat full of passengers

I haven’t even thought of looking up while on the boat before and was surprised to see the life jackets. If the boat runs into trouble, I doubt I would have time to get one of those, but the thought is nice, I suppose.

life preserver jackets attached to the underside of the boat roof

We stopped for fresh juice and BabyBird discovered that fresh apple juice is not like bottled apple juice. I had watermelon juice and was unpleasantly surprised to find that the seeds had been included. We walked through the Spice Souk and Gold Souk. To return to the car parked in Bur Dubai, we took the metro train.

grassy area near the historical Shindaga area

The park area near the Shindaga historical area is quite nice and inviting to those who want to relax for a while. Next, we were off to Bu Qtair Restaurant for our traditional fish and shrimp dinner with friends followed by fireworks seen from Jumeirah beach.

fireworks around the Burj Al Arab hotel

In past years, all the fireworks displays started at the stroke of midnight – Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis Hotel and the Burj Khalifa (all of which we can see from our beach location). This year the displays were staggered. Dubai Marina went first, slightly before the stroke of midnight. Then the Burj Khalifa was next. Burj Al Arab took it’s turn. (This is usually the best display from four barges lasting 15 minutes.)

fireworks on the Palm Jumeirah island

This year, the world record breaking display capped the evening shooting off from the Palm Jumeirah island and the World islands. It took 2 hours to get out of Dubai and another hour to drive to Fujairah, but it was worth it.

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Fujairah Historical Sites

January 4, 2014

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

museum display case room

We took BabyBird on a mini Fujairah history tour beginning with the Fujairah Museum.

ancient jewelry made of carnelian (red) stone

The museum has displays of artifacts from ancient sites – forts, burials, etc. – that have been excavated. Carnelian and sea shell jewelry were prominent in the days before pearling.

inside of a restored 300 year old fort

The Fujairah Fort was open (which has been rare in the past) so we took the opportunity to go inside. The fort is approximately 300 years old and has been recently restored.

two people at the top of the fort tower seen between the crenallations

DaddyBird and BabyBird climbed the tower for a good view of the area.

ruins of ancient copper smelting site

Then we drove up the Madhab wadi (valley) to see an ancient copper smelting archeological site.

funnel holes in the dirt indicating the presence of ant lions

I also noticed the many funnel shaped holes which are most likely ant lion traps. (National Geographic video of ant lions)

ancient water channel used for watering a date palm garden

Not far away are the remains of an ancient falaj (water channel) which was used to bring water to a date palm garden. Unfortunately, a gravel road has cut through this channel.

model of well and date palm watering system

Next, we stopped in at the Fujairah Heritage Village. The village includes models of several types of traditional houses and buildings. Above is a model of a typical well and watering system used in date palm gardens. A bull would walk down into this trough pulling the water “bucket” up out of the well. The water would then be poured into a channel (falaj) that conducts the water into the area around the trees.

interior of house with coffee pot, clay pots, woven mats

This is an interior display showing mats woven from date palm branches, clay pots, and a coffee pot ensemble. The coffee pot is nestled in a square container that would have had hot coals in it to keep the pot hot.

There is very little written history about this region, even as little as 300 years ago, so the physical sites and artifacts are even more precious. Unfortunately, they are disappearing under new roads, dams, and buildings.

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Christmas Balls

January 3, 2014

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

shopping mall decorated for Christmas

We didn’t check out every mall this season, but there seemed to be a theme of huge Christmas balls.

shopping mall decorated for Christmas

Below is my favorite tree. The carousel horses were moving around the tree.

Christmas tree decorated in gold and silver surrounded by carousel horses

Each year Christmas is more prevalent in public. It is gaining acceptance, because it is a shopping holiday.

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Special Ostadi

December 30, 2013

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

diners and dinner

The food at the family owned Special Ostadi (Al Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai) is always fantastic, but what makes this restaurant stand out is the personal touch. Before we even reached the restaurant, Majed, one of the three sons/waiters, greeted DaddyBird with open arms and a big hug. He had seen us coming down the sidewalk.

plates of dates, hummous, carrots, cucumbers, onions

We took a table for 8, but by the time all was said and done there were 14 in our party. By 8:30 (local dinner time) every seat in the place was occupied. The three sons serve as waiters and keep very vigilant eyes on the crowded restaurant making sure everyone’s needs are met, while still finding time to tease, crack jokes, and pose for pictures.

grilled chicken and beef with flat bread

Highly recommended, this restaurant is within walking distance of the Dubai Museum and the Al Fahidi Metro station. Don’t miss it.

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Bull Butting Friday

December 30, 2013

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

two brahma bulls tied to posts

Friday we ventured out to the bull butting competition on the Fujairah corniche. This is an old tradition brought to the region by the Portuguese.

two bulls butting heads

Two bulls butt heads and push in a feat of strength.

two bulls butting heads in a dirt arena

It is held every Friday afternoon between prayers and sunset. As near as we can tell, there is no money or prizes involved. Pride in having a winning bull is the reward. Some drive from as far away as Abu Dhabi to participate.

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Furniture a la Purple

December 29, 2013

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

deep purple living room furniture

Furniture shopping never ceases to be entertaining in the UAE.

dark purple lounge chair and bedroom furniture

If I were single, everything could be purple.

strange purple chairs

I particularly like the candelabra/chandelier motif in this set.

an ornate bed with two candlabras and two pictures of a chandelier

Also of note is that both Pan Emirates Furniture and Home Centre have adopted the IKEA style of signage and naming of the furniture.

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Christmas Eve

December 25, 2013

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

Mosque and dark grey clouds

The day began with the idea of going to the beach to watch the sun rise over the ocean, but this was not the appropriate day for that plan.

beach, storm clouds, rain

But the rain could not keep us from having breakfast at Al Khan restaurant – qeema (ground beef and potato), chana (chickpeas/garbanzo beans) and paratha (flat bread).

flatbread, chickpeas, ground beef

Then, a quick drive into Dubai to get to the Burj Khalifa in time for our admission to the observation deck. The tickets were nearly all sold out this week, so timing was inflexible.

two people looking out from the observation deck

It was a particularly clear day, so the view was excellent.

view of the world islands from the Burj Khalifa observation deck

These are the World Islands.

two people

BabyBird and DaddyBird.

mocha, brownie, hot chocolate,  cheese cake, espresso

Then it was time for a chocolate binge.

aquarium filled with fish

Then there was a fair amount of shopping and roaming around the mall.

waterfall with 30 lifesize diver figures

The day ended with our traditional meal with friends at Bu Qtair restaurant. Fish, prawns, paratha and good friends.

dinner table

Photo by DaddyBird

We love meeting with such a mix of people from different countries and cultures. It was so much fun. The world would be a more peaceful place if everyone did this.

dinner table

Photo by Labiba Laith

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Giant Flag

December 23, 2013

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

red, green, white, and black flag approximately 18 feet tall

At the airport, there is a giant flag on display. What is it made of? -you might ask.

large crocheted rosettes

Why, large crocheted rosettes, of course.

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Al Meshwar

December 19, 2013

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

Al Meshwar was the first Fujairah restaurant where we dined back in 2009. We’ve been back a few times, in part because it is one of the few places open during “siesta” time. We dropped in again yesterday afternoon.

a glass of watermelon juice and a glass of lemon and mint drink

Fresh lemon mint and watermelon juices resulted in unintended Christmas colors.

rocket salad, mutabel, bread, and olives

Our usual salads and appetizers – rocket salad (jarjir), mutabel (eggplant), freshly baked bread, and olives.

chicken livers

One of my recently acquired favorites is chicken livers. They are served in a pomegranate sauce. Yummy.

lamb chops and french fries

The lamb chops were spectacular. The food has always been good here, but it seemed a step up this time.

Al Meshwar is easy to find. It is in the heart of town, across from the World Trade Centre. It was described in a travel book as “Flintstones meets the Crusade Castle” which pretty much sums it up.