Monday, April 29, 2013

Thing #87: Have a ‘Staycation’

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This is Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi.  It is also my home, for the next eight weeks at least.  And the last eighty nine.  Ugh.  Really, what was I thinking? 

It’s been a whole year since my Dad, Mam and my sister Fiona came to visit and I showed them around this strange little country that I’ve come to know so well. 

Staycations have some major advantages.  There’s no time wasted getting your bearings, dealing with jet-lag, adjusting to the heat or the culture shock… you already know the bakery for the best early-morning croissants and the barman who will mix the best late-night Tom Collins. 

If you remember, I also had a plan.

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Dubai Marina at night

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Dubai Fountain and a (surprise) fireworks show

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Afternoon tea and birthday celebrations at the 7-star Burj Al Arab

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Views of city and desert from the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world)

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Shopping at Dubai Mall, the biggest mall in the world.

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Dune bashing in the desert

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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

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See my full guide to Holidaying in the Emirates here.

€5 has been donated to UNICEF Ireland for the completion of this ‘thing’.  Click here if you too would like to donate online.

8 comments:

Matthew Spade said...

biggest mall in the wall, tallest building in the world.....this is good stuff. you are enjoying it though right?

The Dainty Dolls House said...

This is a gorgeous place...love the architecture in the last pictures...you look gorgeous, stunning cheekbones!! I hope you are well doll & have a sweet week xx

Erica said...

I make a point to staycation for one of my vacations every year. It is relaxing and fun. You can really spoil yourself in your own town, and like you said no jet lag.

Of course, I can't dune bash in my hometown. ;) That looks like fun!

Life's a shoe said...

beautiful photos! Wish I could visit Dubai one day! I've only been to the airport

Elle Sees said...

This is on my list to visit.

Susannah said...

Gorgeous! I would love to visit there!!! Lucky you, living there!!! :-)

Thelma Frayne said...

Not really anymore Mat, but I'm quite a bit out of the city so it's not like this is my day-to-day life or anything!

Thank you Kizzy, you're too kind.

It IS really relaxing Erica - much more so than any other kind of holiday.

Ashley said...

I didn't hotels could have 7 stars?? I thought it stopped at 5!