Tag: travel

Posted on

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.

IMG_3192

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

IMG_0249

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

Posted on

Stylish Favorites (5)

IMG_0246{Butterfly on the pumpkin leaves}

Summer is off to a wonderful start and the neighborhood is extremely quiet as family and friends travel aboard or to the beaches of the eastern shore. I have been keeping busy testing various chutney recipes for the winter holidays using the herbs and onions from the garden. The dahlias and tomatoes have been staked, and the roses pruned.

I will pop into the Hirshhorn for a few creative ideas this weekend. This modern art gallery on the National Mall in Washington D.C. has a fabulous sculpture garden. It is incredible to view the artwork, as well as the plant life surrounding the pieces to get inspirational ideas for home.

Listed are a few apps and websites I like to tap into for refreshing summer coolness!

Daily Candy Scout
The bloggers at DailyCandy scour the country for the latest updates and discoveries taking place in the major cites. Discover what may be close to your hotel or put a list together so you can triangulate any town. Once you have made discoveries, share with others!

Songkick
Songkick is a great app for music lovers; which will scan your iTunes library and let you know in advance when your favorite artists are performing live near you. If you travel, use the change the location tab, then type in the name of a city for “songkick” to search possible concerts of your favorite musicians.

Pandora One
When you are ready to throw one of your fabulous summer parties, and as usual, run out of time to create a playlist, let Pandora setup a customized list. Simply enter the name of an artist into the app and Pandora will select similar tunes to keep music playing all night. I especially love this app while cooking in the kitchen.

Parts Unknown
Tune in to Anthony Bourdain’s: Parts Unknown on Sunday’s at 9 PM ET on CNN and travel to exotic global destinations. This is by far the best travel and food show to watch.

IMG_0275

A box of macaroons from my brothers recent trip to Paris. I love having these treats at the house to serve to guest along with a cup of coffee or lemonade.

Stay stylishly cool!!!

K