Tag: culture

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Thanksgiving 11.28.13

IMG_0866{Seasonal savories & spices used to cook the holiday meal; onions, bay leaves, leeks, sage and rosemary from the Heath Garden}

In relation to the fall and winter holidays Thanksgiving is the least climatic of all since, you do not have to dress in costume, decorate the house in twinkling lights or shop for gifts. It is the one holiday that demands only one thing that we stop, take time to be with our loved ones, and share with those who are not as fortunate.

Around our house the day is quite casual with family and pets entirely underfoot. Everyone is gathered within the kitchen where delicious aromas emanate, and though the atmosphere is truly relaxed an extra place setting can easily be set to welcome friends without breaking our stride. Since, we are  we are tied to traditions that involve certain foods, colorful story-telling or listening to joyous holiday music, we can remember to be grateful for all we have and to be thankful for our loved ones.

I would like to wish everyone a very Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

K

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The Ambience of Dubai

IMG_3144{View of Dubai from the JW Marriott-Marquis}

One of the most enjoyable aspects of being in a hotel that is a skyscraper was being able to view the expanse of Dubai from all levels. Viewing the crisp blue waters of the Arabian Sea at various times of the day was an absolutely gorgeous site.  Seeing the architectural beauty of minarets and domes of the many Mosques’ was always awe-inspiring and the Burj al Arab at either sunrise or sunset is a sight to behold.

IMG_3135{The Burj Khalifa from off of Sheikh Zayed Road and Business Bay}

Moving around the hotel to observe the city through a myriad of vantage points was an exciting adventure. The elevators had windows so one could view the best of Dubai as you traveled the complex.

Listed are a few fun facts of this incredulous city as stated by our guide Murasil-

  1. 8.26 million people live in Dubai.
  2. Oil discovered in 1968.
  3. 6th richest country in the world.
  4. Longest first automated train that opened on 9/9/1999 with red and green lines plus, this is another great way to see the city for a few “UAE Dirham’s”.
  5. Safest country in the Middle East since, cameras are everywhere!
  6. Road and street lights are powered by solar panels.

Here are some of my favorite photographs from the trip…

IMG_0680 IMG_0682{Views of the Dubai Fountains at the Marina from the Dubai Mall}

The Dubai Fountains at the Marina has the largest choreographed fountain system on the 30-acre manmade Burj Khalifa Lake. Photos of the Marina before and during the evening show!!

IMG_0706 IMG_0708{Views of the choreographed fountains at ground level}

The fountains performances are accompanied to classical and modern music, and will spray over 22,000 gallons of water in the air with a most spectacular light show!!

IMG_3255 IMG_3256{Spice Souk}

As much as I love gold and seeing people wearing the dazzling pieces,  I preferred the spice souks, which was a true experience in the sights and aromas of the many products being sold.

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The camel at Jumeirah Beach was a colorful addition to the sand and surf!!

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And what girl can go into the souks and not purchase a pair of slippers. The colors and ornaments of each pair were absolutely gorgeous, making it difficult to choose!

Travel stylishly,

K