Arabian Adventure : Dubai and Abu Dhabi

I grew up reading the Arabian nights adventure. Some part of me always wanted to experience it. Well I did experience AN Arabic Adventure.. was just a little different than what I imagined.

The modern day Arabic Adventure is served up in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi which have blended the experiences of the west and the east in their own special way.  Just for kicks, I am categorizing the experience into two buckets:

1. "For the High Flyer" : You revel in the lap of luxury, you like nothing short of the creme de la creme,  getting your adrenaline pumping and no price is too high for a good time

2. "For the Culture Vulture" : You are the kind of traveler that loves photographs, the local experience and food, and no distance is too long to experience any of the aforementioned.

Feel free to take your pick of the two different experiences, or a mix of both like I did! Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer both in equal proportions.But.. first things first..

BEST TIME TO VISIT: 

Okay.. No use denying it.. UAE is HOT!!!! Hence best time to visit is usually in the winter sometime late November to late January, when the temperatures are pleasant. Nights can get a bit chilly though!

DO I NEED A VISA?

It really depends on your nationality. While some countries' nationals might be entitled to 'No visa', others might be eligible for visa on arrival or may need to apply in advance. Check out full list of Visa requirements and regulations HERE

It is recommended to fly with Emirates Airlines, since they partner with a lot of businesses in Dubai and can also file for a visa on your behalf.

WHERE TO STAY:

For the high Flyer: Dubai is full of high end hotels. Burj-Al-Arab, Desert palm Dubai and multiple others beckon but my picks for you would be:

1. The Atlantis,The Palm, Dubai

The Atlantis offers a gorgeous view of Dubai's famous man-made palms as well as word class Michelin starred restaurants, Dolphin Bay, magnificent aquarium views, scuba diving and luxurious spas and a fantastic night life; A complete package.

Think you can't afford to stay here? Check out some of the amazing deals that Emirates offers with Skywards program for stay at the Atlantis and book early!!!

2. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

This might stray into the culture vulture territory, but I HAVE to include it here, just for the fact that it is a palace and offers practically every opulent feature you can dream of, including a gold dispensing machine.

For the Culture Vulture: So many places to choose from, but here are my picks for you

1. Madinath Jumeirah, Dubai:

This resort is connected by 3 kms of waterways, which will allow you to travel around the resort in a traditional abra boat.The structure is a homage to the old Arabian citadels. A nod back to olden times, the resort also contains an old 'souk' or marketplace which provided social purpose in addition to trading

2. Barjeel Heritage Guest House
Boasts of Persian architecture, with a very authentic feel. 'Barjeel' is an ancient Persian technique to provide ventilation. Traditional courtyard and completely unique rooms should be able to give you the cultural high, you always crave without burning a very large hole in your pocket. Might not be a good idea in the summers though.

  To mix it all up:  Bab Al Shams Resort:

This one borders on the expensive list, but delivers all the fragrance of culture, I am inclined to put it up here.Nestled in the heart of the sand dunes, this is an ultimate luxury getaway with all the cultural elements one might crave, dancing, the decor, the henna and sheesha. This could just be the splurge one needs. Luxury spas and award winning restaurants are the cherry on top.

GETTING AROUND:

For the high Flyer: The most luxurious rental cars or chauffeured limousines, they're all at your disposal 
For the Culture Vulture: Get a taste of the local flavor by travelling by the newly constructed metro..getting around in Dubai is very convenient!

For the best experience , it is recommended that one stay in Dubai and make a day trip or a one night visit to Abu Dhabi.

MUST VISIT:

For the high Flyer : Yas Island Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi

Ride at accelerated speeds, buy your Ferrari gear and get the whole Grand Prix experience. Guaranteed to get your heart pumping. This is one ride right up your circuit.

If you do enjoy that sort of thing, you might also try visiting the top of Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Remember to book tickets in advance,

For the Culture Vulture: Shiekh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Please dress respectfully in the mosque. Women are required to wear full sleeves, have covered legs and a covered head. If you don't have the required attire "Abayas" are available on rent.

Also worth visiting.. the 'Bastakia' quarter ( Old Dubai).. has a spice 'souk' as well as fabrics, carpets and mojris.

MUST DO:

For the high Flyer : 

• Sky diving over the palms 
• Sand dune bashing and sand dune buggy rides (Sand dune bashing can also be done as a part of desert safari package)
• Hot air balloon rides over the desert.

For the Culture Vulture:

• Desert Safari (Multiple companies offer this, the evening safari, with belly dancing, henna , dinner and sand dune bashing is your best bang for buck)
• Camel and/or falcon racing

• Take a picture in ethnic Attire.

Another cool cultural thing to try: "Tanoura dancing" these guys are insane..of course don't try it at home..my not so graceful halt should be enough to convince you :)

EATS: 

For the high Flyer : Take your pick of Michelin starred restaurant, enjoy drinks at the Buddha Bar
For the Culture Vulture: Any local place where they serve Shawarma and Sheesha

SPOILS: 
For the high Flyer : All the brands you can get at mall of Dubai
For the Culture Vulture: Traditional "Souks" where they sell pointy shoes "Mojri", "Sheesha/Hookah" and all the jingly-jangly trinkets. You can also buy gold. We bought "oudh": traditional fragrance from the Bastakia quarter.

So go out and get a taste of this potpourri that is Dubai. I hope you serve yourself a fantastic mixture of both worlds.

Discover California Series: Glamping Admist Volcanoes in Lassen

It's amazing when you say California, most people immediately think either beach or Hollywood. What most people don't know is that California is vast and extremely diverse with its nature offerings. I recently got acquainted with its volcanic side.

WHERE:

The Lassen Volcanic National Park is located about 4 hours drive North of San Francisco. Highway 44 will take you straight to the North Entrance.The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open year-round. It is located at the southwest entrance of the park.

WHY:

Mount Lassen and its fellow volcanoes are a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. In fact, all four types of volcanoes in the world can be found in this single National Park.Plug Dome (Lassen Peak), Cinder Cone (Cinder Cone), Shield (Prospect Peak), and Composite (Mount Tehama). This particular forest offers volcanoes, hydrothermal areas, fishing grounds, gorgeous vistas and beautiful waterfalls..how is that for variety? Great for scouts, campers, kids, family holidays and school outings. It is a fabulous mixture of science and a mini vacation..need I say more?

WHEN:

The Park is mostly closed in winter months due to snow, the earliest opening of its roads is on Memorial Day Weekend. Late May to Sep-Oct are the best months to visit this park.

Make sure to check the Park Alerts on the official page or by calling up the park for earthquakes, volcanic activity, closed roads, avalanches and current conditions.

GETTING THERE:

1. Drive: A link of highways will take you straight to the park.

2. Fly: a very small airport for chartered planes exists if you prefer it.

Some of the roads in the vicinity may be quite isolated. Phone connectivity in this area is pretty bad. Make sure you have back up supplies, a satellite GPS, maps and a spare tire.

HABITAT:

There are plenty of options to choose from. You may choose to stay in the park itself, remembering that the booking closes very early in the year.

We chose to go the glamping (glamour camping) route by renting a wooden lodge in KOA in nearby Shingletown. KOA also offers camping premises for true-blooded tent campers, other basic cabins or parking and docking ports for RVs. Clean and very efficient, with loads of entertainment options, we were delighted with our choice of stay.

MUST SEE:

 1. The Wild Horse Sanctuary, Shingletown: For all the horse lovers, this one is a must-see. It's a completely volunteered organization , where the wild horses are free to roam and live as they please, and they are really beautiful animals to watch. Evenings are generally a good time to visit, when the horses tend to come out of the shade. They also have 2-3 days trail camps for the interested. Open only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They also have some very cute goats and their kids and some sheep.

2. Burney Falls: This one is a nice easy hike, some beautiful vistas and some equally beautiful photo-ops.
Natives used to revere this lake and falls and perform rituals here. The blue-green of the lake is most pleasing to the eye. Swimming is prohibited in the lake, but the cool spray of the water is most refreshing. Much of the access trail also has wheelchair access.

3. Lava Subway Cave: Located about 1/3rd of a mile North of the Hwy 44 and Hwy 89 Junction, near the town of Old Station. This is a very easy trail, less than a mile long, but good for thrills and chills(quite literally). Visibility is zero in the cave , so flashlight is necessary. Also keep a jacket handy, since it can get very chilly down in the tube. Watch out for the surface, it is rocky and uneven. Markers line the path in the tube.

The above 3 can be completed in the same day (right day) in the order of Horses-cave-falls or the other way around

4. Lassen Volcanic National Park: I followed an itinerary of entering through the North entrance and exiting through the Southwest entrance on the Lassen Volcanic National Park highway. On the way, one can see the Manzanita lake, Lake Emerald and Lake Helen, besides a few others. You can also see Brokeoff mountian , Bumpass Hell (one of the largest Hydro-thermal areas in the forest) as well as Sulfur works. The biggest attraction of course is Mount Lassen, our good old dormant volcano, and if the peaks are free of snow, one can climb to the peak. Semi frozen lakes are a delight and one can watch in wonder as the water in the springs bubbles from volcanic activity and fills the air with Hydrogen Sulfide at Sulfur works. It gives you a little bit of everything for a one day plan. If you are camping here however, and/or have more time, one can enter through the west entrances and explore the other Hydro-thermal areas and volcanoes like cinder cone.During the right season, one might even spend some time on the Lava beds.

Restrooms and parking are located at all important spots and the The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center has a nice little cafe for refreshments. It also has an auditorium which showcases educational films on the park at regular intervals, if you are playing guide to some young scouts.

The Museum near the North entrance is also a good spot to get some more information.

MUST DO:

1. Campfire, s'mores et al: I always love sitting around a warm fire, eating fresh BBQ sandwiches and making s'mores, listening to some old R&B. It's indeed a wonderful feeling.. do it, if only for one night.

2. Go hiking: Breathtaking views, sprawling landscapes, and where else might you get the satisfaction of having climbed a volcano?

3.  Go Fishing: Have a quiet moment with Dad.. multiple fishing opportunities in the different lakes.

4.  Sky-gazing: This is a tremendous opportunity to look at the sky at night, one even spots the milky way. In summer, rangers have programs for sky-gazing at night. Book ahead.

5. Bird/ Animal Spotting: Besides the horses, one spots a variety of birds, and animals in the Lassen county. We spotted woodpeckers, blue jays, lots of deer and even spotted some Llamas! (Commonly found in South America, these animals are rarely found on the north american continent)

MUST HAVE:

1. Camping gear
2. Matchsticks/ flashlight/ candles/ night lamp for dinners
3. Tongs and BBQ equipment
4. All weather jacket for unpredictable rains
5. Spare tire, maps, GPS for isolated roads
6. Binoculars(if needed)
7. First aid kit
8. Lots of food
9. A healthy and adventurous spirit

Close to home, and yet unknown, Lassen is indeed a hidden gem. I have had an amazing time discovering parts of it. Post your thoughts and findings here as I continue my education

" A Volcano is nothing but a mountain..but with hiccups"

7 Non-Cheesy Ways to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Come February and behold! It's the cheesiest time of the year. Pink and red heart-shaped merchandise  begins flooding the stores, teddy bears are suddenly no longer desired just by cute little girls and somehow the chocolate makers manage to overcome all the sugar consciousness to drive sales through the roof. It is suddenly difficult to find reservations in any restaurant in town, and the prices become jaw dropping.

Personally, I find all this quite sickening. Nevertheless, I don't dislike the tradition of Valentine's day.I think it's just another opportunity to take time out from our busy lives and go out and enjoy life with the people we love. However I do believe there has got to be a way you can show your love and affection devoid of the aforementioned sickening ways. Here are some ideas that may suit most couples , families or groups of friends.

1. Take up a hobby or sport class:

Mix learning and pleasure. This gives you both something to pursue together, develop a shared interest, and all the while, also giving you an opportunity to enjoy each others company. Suggestions include photography, cooking, wine/beer making or a sport like tennis, rock-climbing or kayaking. 

2. Take a picnic or go camping:

Shut off those laptops, switch off those phones, fall off the grid. Go back to a time when life was simpler and enjoy nature together. If one doesn't necessarily associate bugs and mosquito repellent with romance, there is always the option of luxury camping or the uber-cool idea of tree camping.. All the luxury of a five star with the feel and experience of woods. The combination can be fantastic. If one is really short of time or strapped for cash, a picnic/ camp set up in the backyard with some elegant lighting can still manage to make the romance come alive.

3. Cook him/her/them a wonderful 3 course meal:

This is not applicable to individuals who cook regularly. If you are the cook in the house today is your day to relax and be waited on, hand and foot. If you both don't usually cook, try creating the meal (and the magic) together. Wine, candles , smooth jazz and home movies can make this into a very special, yet a very low budget Valentine's Day

4. Relax and Rejuvenate:

Make an appointment at a fabulous spa for you and a loved one(s). Let the experts work your muscle tension into oblivion. If you are feeling the pinch, give each other massages.Enjoy a citrus bath or some green tea and feel completely refreshed. It should set a fabulous mood for the remainder of the day

5.Sacrifice/ make the big gesture :

Do you have some annoying habit that completely annoys your significant other? Is there a place where you have been meaning to take him/ her? Put in that extra bit of effort, go that extra mile, make it happen; make the big gesture/sacrifice. Sometimes these non materialistic gifts top everything else.

6. Find your adventure:

Quite literally! Go Para-sailing, wing-gliding, bungee jumping, sky diving or hot air ballooning. Any adventure sport that will get that adrenaline pumping and add to your rush. Do something this Valentine's day that you might probably do just once in your lifetime , but remember for the rest of your life.

7. Take a trip back in time:

Been married for a while and missing the magic of the early romance? Take a trip back in time and relive your first date. If the memory of it is not something you would like to reminisce about, go on a  generic high school type of date and rekindle the magic. Pizza slices at midnight, bowling, insane wars with the X-box and not to mention the make-out session in the back seat of your car(or the couch, whichever is nearer), is bound to bring back the spark.

Hope you find these suggestions useful, and if all planning fails, make your loved ones feel special and tell them you love them as simply and as genuinely as you can.

Hope you have a fabulous Valentine's Day!

" All you need is love"

- The Beatles

A little Downtime Up North in Michigan, USA

Wanderlust is like a drug.Once you've had it, you can't get enough. And while on this 'trip' I've undertaken a little adventure to see this wonderful country I now have chosen to call home.

The adventure being, to experience United States in all its natural glory; to visit every one of the fifty states and territories of the USA. Detours, drive-throughs and layovers are to be stricken from record. So far my travels have brought me to a grand number of seventeen. And with this last visit, I have officially made it to my Eighteenth state: Michigan.

The trip to Michigan came about due to a number of factors. T started his journey in the US here, old friends who are very dear to us for fabulous company, and the lure of a very popular destination four hours drive north of Detroit: Mackinac Island.

WHEN TO GO:

Early September around Labor day is a fabulous time to visit Mackinac Island. The summer sun is still out, warm enough for one to enjoy it but not hot enough to burn you. The evenings are pleasantly cool and thoroughly enjoyable.

HOW TO GET THERE:

One must ensure to have enough of good music and fabulous company for the journey North from Detroit, because one simply zooms up 75 all the way through, so the journey can get a little monotonous for the lack of former.Plenty of  pit stop options along the way. The most interesting aspect of Mackinac island is of course, despite the existence of a bridge, there are no automobiles allowed on the islands.

Charming ferries have frequent runs from Mackinac City (Where one parks the motor vehicles) to the island. they also have a convenient Valet park service .The moment you step off the ferry of course, you step into a different era, untouched by modern transportation. Mackinac welcomes you to a world of horse-drawn carriages, bicycles , charming inns and lilacs.

WHERE TO STAY:

The advice is to book early, especially if visiting on a long weekend, because the inns and B&Bs get sold out pretty quickly. I would recommend staying in a charming old inn , although the option of a few hotels is also available, the Grand hotel for one, with its charming architecture and grand views. The inns are fairly comfortable and affordable, and equipped with most of the  modern amenities. True, you sometimes feel like you may have landed up in your grandma's house with pink paint or floral wallpaper, but that's a part of the charm of this island. Most of the inns are crowded around the Main street and Market street, minutes from the ferry dock.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Bike  or hike the island!:

The entire island is only 8.2 miles all the way around and a bicycle is the best way to get around. Affordable bikes with handy baskets are easily available all around Main street. Most places also hand out bike trail maps and a bottle or two of water. Experience a 50's Hollywood moment as you ride along the island coast, wind in your hair, sweet smell of lilacs. The coast is a also a wonderful place to demonstrate your skill will stone cairns.The adventurous might also want to see the island on foot.

2. See the sights

This isn't really an island to do a whole lot of site-seeing , but there are a few spots one could visit: St. Anne's church, the butterfly farm (nothing as spectacular as the one I saw in Penang, Malaysia, but its nice), the natural limestone formations like Arch rock (a natural formation shaped like an Arch), Skull rock or Sugar Loaf, or the old fort.

3. Go equestrian!

Consider yourself a rider? Go horseback riding..there are riding stables with some beautiful stallions and offer guided tours in the island's wooded areas. The romantics have an option of taking a midnight horse-drawn carriage ride. One might also want to get a buggy ride or a guided horse carriage tour of the small island which gets one acquainted with the history. 

4. Become a fudge-a-holic!

Fudge is an integral part of the Mackinac Island history. The recipe originates here and is so famous, they even have an annual Fudge festival. So indulge a little, get lost in the creamy deliciousness and always remember..there is no such thing such as too much fudge :)

5. Wind Down, relax, soak in the culture.

The island sets the tempo for a Victorian era, and the idea is to wind down. Read a book by the shore, take a moonlit walk near the boardwalk, enjoy a picnic on the fort grounds, enjoy some Jazz at the Grand Hotel. When the moon comes up, the water looks like a sheet of shimmering gold.It's almost breathtaking..

The home of the Ojibwa Native Indians, settled by the French in the 1600s, Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) island offers a wonderful getaway from the everyday hustle bustle, to an era bygone..where one always has time to stop and smell the lilacs...

The Red Rock Wonder: Antelope Canyon, AZ, USA

“We are so made that we can derive intense enjoyment from a contrast and very little from a state of things.”

Sigmund Freud  knew what he was talking about. After our last highly relaxing getaway, we decided it was time  for a change of scenery. From the mountains and the snow in Shasta to the hot, yet beautiful, desert in Arizona.

The Journey:

We flew into Phoenix on Friday evening and drove immediately to Flagstaff to save us some time in the days to follow.Good thing too..Phoenix was sweltering at a 108 deg F that night !

Day 1:  Drive from Flagstaff to Page

This journey, if made at the right time, is a beautiful one..one often sees this vision in movies and posters but it is another thing to see it in real life; where you can see the road ahead for miles together, the technicolor play on the red rock and air so clear, that you can see the shadows of the clouds passing on the hills.

It is time to put your feet up and simply enjoy the show.

The drive to Page is a beautiful two hours, if you don't stop too often on the way to enjoy the vast expanses. Mile after mile of the rising red rock and clear blue skies. 

Just after you enter the Page city limits, watch out for signs to the Horseshoe bend. This a gorgeous vista where the canyon has formed into a horseshoe shaped gorge allowing the beautiful river to flow into it. Quite a gorgeous view as can be seen

The Horseshoe bend entails about a mile's hike and if you are unfortunate, like us, to face some of nature's wrath. The dessert is a merciless and cruel teacher. we learnt quite a few lessons at Horseshoe bend.

LESSON 1: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

We just couldn't contain our delight at the beautiful day and we were thankful for the breeze which made the heat, and eventually us, ..less miserable. And then came the contrast..the gentle breeze suddenly whipped up into a full blown windstorm, leaving us in the middle of the hike, with nowhere to hide.

LESSON 2: RESPECT THE DESERT

A windstorm in the desert is not just dangerous, it is quite literally painful. The wind whips up the loose rubble and carries them with such gusto that they feel like actual whips on you arms, legs and face.Covering yourself and crouching might be the only way to protect your vitals.

LESSON 3: BE PREPARED

Don't take anything for granted, including weather reports. Be prepared. strong jackets, scarves, sunglasses, strong shoes, the works. Dress in layers. you can always shed the layers if it gets hot as hell. Also remember to keep with you a handy fan available at local Drug stores for a buck or two.

What the desert eventually serves up, is perspective on a platter. We were so grateful to be out of the windstorm and so delighted to get some good pics in spite of it, that we almost forgot to feel miserable that our 6 hour rafting trip down the river had been cancelled. Instead, I think all I really wanted then was a nice , long, warm shower and a really comfy bed to crash on.

I did eventually get my warm shower and comfy bed..and after a wonderful siesta, we got some even better food at Fiesta Mexicana. The comfy food hit the spot and I fell in love with the strawberry Margarita.

One can never be a true traveler if one isn't adaptable. With our rafting trip suddenly cancelled due to high winds, T and I found ourselves with way too much time in the middle of nowhere. Adaptability was suddenly looking difficult. We decided to make the best of it though, and went for a nice walk to Lake Powell. Also discovered that evening, a lovely place called Canyon King Pizzeria, with good pizzas and even better beer. A lively conversation with the owner brought Day 1 to an end. 

Day 2: Antelope Canyon and drive back to Flagstaff

Day 2 dawned a beautiful day. The air was crisp;it wasn't too hot. I was absolutely ready to finally see what I had traveled all the way for. Smart folks would do good to book their tours way in advance for the Upper antelope canyon..where all the coloring magic happens. Antelope canyon is a part of the Navajo Nation territory which does not permit any private vehicles, only guided tours. These get sold out quickly and ad hoc  planning does not work well. 

The Memorial day weekend is also a very popular time to visit the canyon for the best colors and contrasts. The place is bustling with photographers, tourists, curious souls, wannabe photographers like me and other random folks. I bid adieu to the waiting folks as the open van chugged far into the desert to our destination. What awaited us was an hour for pure joy as far as I was concerned. I had landed in a trigger happy, camera-ready universe. I will let the pics do the talking for me

Let's just say Mother nature is one hellava artist, and isn't afraid to use bold colors.

In the afternoon we drove back to Flagstaff enjoying yet another great road trip. Spent a wonderful evening just chilling and enjoying the local flavors. 

Day 3: Coconino National Forest, Mormon lake, Horseback riding and the journey back to Phoenix.

Contrast was the calling of the day.After two days of staring at vast expanses and red rock everywhere, we were absolutely ready to embrace some contrast, which brought us to the pine tree Coconino national forest.

One would find it very hard to imagine lush green pine trees , and a whole forest of them, to be in the middle of desert land, but there it was..staring back at us, full of joy that we paid it a visit. It is one of the lesser known gems in Arizona.

An hour long drive brought us to Mormon Lake Lodge. Their homemade chili was just about perfect as we gazed at all the John Wayne posters around us. We were in the Wild Wild West indeed. It just had flavors, quite unknown to most. 

Lots of chili and some cowboy hats later, we found ourselves mounting a coupla big horses ready for an hour long trot into the forest. Its wonderful really, going horseback into the forest, learning about the Spaniards and the native Indians, the gold rush and enjoying the scent of the wild flowers along the way. Almost takes you back in the day.

Sadly we had to go from horseback to back in the car if we hoped to make our flight back in time. So we bid a sad farewell to the friendly horses and the friendlier wrangler.

The cacti along the sides of the road would be the final memories of the Desert for the time being.

Until we long for the technicolor play again...

"The Desert, when the sun comes up ..I couldn't tell where the earth stopped and the heaven began"

-Tom Hanks, Forrest Gump