Dubai and Beyond...

Just wanna share photos I have snapped using my Samsung phone during the past 4 months (June-September) in Dubai and beyond...

DUBAI

Dubai, apparently, cannot stop constructing new skyscrapers

Dubai skyscrapers

Dubai looks London-y here

the future is already here... 

Holy mother of all skyscrapers, Burj Khalifa (world's tallest tower)

Dubai after sunset (that's the magnificent Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel)

Meanwhile, in other Emirates... 

SHARJAH

the grass is greener in Sharjah 

a beautiful mosque somewhere in Sharjah

AJMAN

Ajman before sunset

a roundabout before Ajman corniche/beach

 ABU DHABI

Al Ain before sunset

If you wanna see more, check out my Instagram but be warned, I did A LOT of "selfie" there (sorry I had to.. LOL)...

A+ 

A Twinkle in the "Eye of the Emirates"

I've been to Al Qasba, a small tourist spot in Sharjah, last Saturday for a couple of hours. Travelled for an hour going there and another one hour going back to Dubai via the intercity bus. Reached my destination around 6pm and left around 10pm

 

It was my first time in that place so I took a LOT of photos.

  

I roam around the area and here's what I've seen ..

There's a kid zone where they can play and have some rides..

A canal and abra (wooden boat) ride..

A foot bridge to cross the canal and go to the other side..

Some nice restaurants and cafes are spread in the area.

Had my dinner at Sumo Sushi & Bento before heading back home

And the Eye of the Emirates which, according to some people, is the largest Ferris wheel in the Middle East. They also say that the fountain in front of the giant wheel is a musical/dancing fountain. I said say because I didn't hear any music nor see it dancing but I saw some kids "showering" over the fountain, I know right?!

 and this is the twinkle mentioned in the title.. :p





Free Unused Books (For Real)

Yo, booklovers and freebielovers in the UAE!

I know there are many of you out there who still prefer to read conventional books than e-books and I also know that we all like free stuff, right? Right?

Lucky us, we have the Book Shelter here in the UAE where we can adopt books as much as we want..

The Book Shelter  is an initiative to promote a culture of reading in the country. What they do is encourage the UAE community to donate their unused books and then they -the Book Shelter- will provide those books to the community -anyone regardless of age and nationality- for free. They are trying to establish free library station across the Emirates, the same thing they have done with Maraya Art Centre in Al Qasba, Sharjah. They have free library centre there with over 400 books that are for free. You could just basically walk in there take a book of your choice and just go home with it. They also have a complete list of books on their website wherein you can just order and they will deliver it for free. They also participate in exhibitions, events and they create a reading nook.

Seriously guys, this organization is superb. They are genuine. I can guarantee there is no catch, no hidden anything, no fees something, no need to like/follow nothing. In fact, last January, I have ordered 3 books and received them right away. They even included a beautiful bookmark. Here's the proof..

 

The best things in life are, indeed, free! And there's no excuses for you all not to visit their site and adopt books.

 

Where I've Been and What I've Been Doing

Aside from getting screwed (read the story here).. I was in Sharjah for two nights (23-24 Dec). My wonderful friends invited me to spend the Christmas eve with them and they were generous enough to adopt and feed me (ahhh.. the Christmas spirit).. As you know, my sister is a revert and I'm stuck in the middle between Catholicism and Islamism.  *I went back to Dubai on the 25th (and that was fucking Christmas!), where the shitty thing happened.*

So anyways..

I took a pic of the view from my friends' balcony for you to have a peek on the "other side" of Sharjah *attention: bosnishmuslima*.

From the left side of the balcony: Overlooking the picturesque Sharjah

From the center of the balcony: Overlooking the picturesque Sharjah

From the right of the balcony: Overlooking the picturesque Sharjah

Then, Sunday (26th) I had my 2nd/3rd chance to ride in a driverless train, Dubai Metro. It's the fastest and cheapest way to go one side to another side of Dubai and really very modern (Paris Metro is no match *blehh*). Check the photo below, it's the 'Jumeirah Lake Towers' station. Please be informed that what you are seeing is the platform screen doors NOT the train (see the electronic noticed board, it says 'next train 2 mins'). Those screen doors are for everyone's safety, it will prevent people from accidents such as falling onto the train tracks (brilliant, right?!)

Dubai Metro station: Jumeirah Lake Towers

P.S. It's 3am need to sleep, I'm going to the Police Station in few hours to get a police report of my stupidity lost passport.. so in case, I didn't get it back, my consulate here will issue me a new passport. Wish me luck.. good night!