Hello again. The group met up this morning, David and Joanne from Sydney, Joergen and Birte from Denmark, Annie from Montreal and me. Our Guide is Hoang pronounced Wan. We travelled in a small minibus through the old quarter streets to the Mauseleum of Ho Chi Minh. Uncle Ho passed away in 1969 and despite his wish to be cremated they have mummified his body and keep it in a huge concrete ediface I hope his spirit has come to terms with this. This building plus a huge square in front of it has become Vietnam's equivalent of Red Square and Tianamen Square. The whole thing is contained within botanical gardens created earlier by the french who followed the chinese and preceeded the americans in failing to maintain control over this fiercely independant nation. The gardens include examples of historical family dwellings and meeting houses, and with its lakes and trees are a favourite spot for prospective brides and grooms to dress up in their (future) wedding garb and pose for photos. Also had a tour around the 'Vietnam Museum of Ethnology' which presented in great detail the history and cultures of the 54 ethnic groups in the country.
Then back to the Hotel and a short walk to a fried fish restaurant recommended by Hoang. Packed with locals, the menu was one choice - fried fish, noodles, thin gravy and mixed greens which had possibly been plucked from the nearest hedge. The fish came in very hot oil in a communal bowl balanced on a cracked and disintegrating earthenware pot full of red hot coals. The greenery was chucked on top and mixed in with the fish and oil and we helped ourselves from this onto our own bowl of noodles and gravy (I have just been told this was 'fish sauce'). It was delicious. $4 each.
The afternoon was spent being led around the streets, market and temple of the old quarter, already visited by some of us but still a great experience of the local culture. Also had a good look around the 'Temple of Literature' where a wise king established a place of learning in the 11th century. I think they were well ahead of us then.
Evening meal in 'Little Hanoi' restaurant, the same 4 (our danish friends rested having not slept well since arriving) was disappointing in that it was full (8 tables?) of damn tourists but we all chose vietnamese food and my chicken, rice and mixed salad was excellent.
The next 3 days are roughing it out in the sticks so may not find a terminal before returning to this hotel on the third night.
All the Best,
John
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Hanoi
Sat 3rd Nov Majestic Hotel, Hanoi 5.30pm
Help, all my sign in and log in instructions are in vietnamese. got throught it so in at last.
Malaysian Airways excellent, HeathrowT3 awful incl 200m q for security, Kuala Lumpur airport brilliant, Hanoi airport fine. Got 2 breakfasts, one on each flight, a good start to the holiday. Taxi ride to hotel interesting and hairy dual carriageway here means go both ways on both sides if it suits you and you are on a bike or moped which many are.
GiaBoa hotel is in the middle of the old quarter so went walkabout what an amazing place narrow streets higldy pigldy buildings up to 4 storeys full of potted greenery and washing on all levels each with tiny shops at street level bustling with people and mopeds and bikes everywhere parked at all angles on pavements and roadsides and thousands of them speeding through streets in all directions where one-way, right hand driving, stopping at pedestrian crossings and red lights are all optional. Crossing the road great fun just walk out and keep going they are very skilled at missing you and each other. very few cars mainly taxis only saw one bus. People busy getting on with their lives selling stuff, sorting stock, moving stuff about including on grossly overloaded bikes and mopeds, chatting, cooking and eating on street corners, lots of horn blowing but no shouting, they dont shout here, raised voices in anger are rude.
Met and chatted with Hgoc a student. People just start talking to you it's a bit like Lannelli and Burry Port.
Visited Ngocson Temple and Lake Ho Guom = Lake of the Sword Restored where an ancient warrior who had defeated the chinese was out boating on the lake and had his sword nicked by a huge passing turtle and interpreted this as a holy sign that the wars were over and it would be peaceful for evermore obviously nobody told him about the americans, anyway I think he just dropped it and had to think up an excuse.
Evening meal pork + cashews, had cabbage perfectly cooked and onion rings huge portions nearly couldn't eat it all (shouldn't have had mixed melon and salad starter). Vietnamese beer very nice - lager of course, they didn't have warm english beer, theyre no better than the aussies and kiwis in this respect they should all get themselves organised with St Austel ales.
2nd day = 3rd nov excellent breakfast
Moved to Majestic Salute Hotel in another part of old town where guided trip starts with a meal this evening, this hotel even smarter but might have to share.
Went walkabout again in the afternoon, found old french? water tower surrounded by traffic and a 1946 memorial in a park, met Hewey probably spelled Hui she sold me postcards and 2 Hanoi t shirts (for squash) chatted for ages also Huw (Hu?) 8 year old girl on a bike who practiced her english on me to the apparent delight of her granny and amazement of her little brother. They are all learning english at school now, Hui informed me. We had quite a little gathering in the park.
6.25 now, must go to meeting. Keep in touch, all the Best,
John
Help, all my sign in and log in instructions are in vietnamese. got throught it so in at last.
Malaysian Airways excellent, HeathrowT3 awful incl 200m q for security, Kuala Lumpur airport brilliant, Hanoi airport fine. Got 2 breakfasts, one on each flight, a good start to the holiday. Taxi ride to hotel interesting and hairy dual carriageway here means go both ways on both sides if it suits you and you are on a bike or moped which many are.
GiaBoa hotel is in the middle of the old quarter so went walkabout what an amazing place narrow streets higldy pigldy buildings up to 4 storeys full of potted greenery and washing on all levels each with tiny shops at street level bustling with people and mopeds and bikes everywhere parked at all angles on pavements and roadsides and thousands of them speeding through streets in all directions where one-way, right hand driving, stopping at pedestrian crossings and red lights are all optional. Crossing the road great fun just walk out and keep going they are very skilled at missing you and each other. very few cars mainly taxis only saw one bus. People busy getting on with their lives selling stuff, sorting stock, moving stuff about including on grossly overloaded bikes and mopeds, chatting, cooking and eating on street corners, lots of horn blowing but no shouting, they dont shout here, raised voices in anger are rude.
Met and chatted with Hgoc a student. People just start talking to you it's a bit like Lannelli and Burry Port.
Visited Ngocson Temple and Lake Ho Guom = Lake of the Sword Restored where an ancient warrior who had defeated the chinese was out boating on the lake and had his sword nicked by a huge passing turtle and interpreted this as a holy sign that the wars were over and it would be peaceful for evermore obviously nobody told him about the americans, anyway I think he just dropped it and had to think up an excuse.
Evening meal pork + cashews, had cabbage perfectly cooked and onion rings huge portions nearly couldn't eat it all (shouldn't have had mixed melon and salad starter). Vietnamese beer very nice - lager of course, they didn't have warm english beer, theyre no better than the aussies and kiwis in this respect they should all get themselves organised with St Austel ales.
2nd day = 3rd nov excellent breakfast
Moved to Majestic Salute Hotel in another part of old town where guided trip starts with a meal this evening, this hotel even smarter but might have to share.
Went walkabout again in the afternoon, found old french? water tower surrounded by traffic and a 1946 memorial in a park, met Hewey probably spelled Hui she sold me postcards and 2 Hanoi t shirts (for squash) chatted for ages also Huw (Hu?) 8 year old girl on a bike who practiced her english on me to the apparent delight of her granny and amazement of her little brother. They are all learning english at school now, Hui informed me. We had quite a little gathering in the park.
6.25 now, must go to meeting. Keep in touch, all the Best,
John
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
TEST
just spent half hour trying to get in to check blogspot still working. what a pain.
Hope to start next trip in Oct. Keep in touch.
Hope to start next trip in Oct. Keep in touch.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Two weeks in Los Cristianos - great. Lots of sun, some rain, some cloud, some wind. Did lots of eating, drinking, sleeping and reading. Had a few swims and runs. Found excellent restaurant called Olivers let me know if you would like to try it. Went to show - lots of dancing girls in colourful frocks with great music, excellent. Also did trip to Gomera island, very interesting, spectacular scenery and hairy bus ride. Got back last Friday feeling very refreshed. Have decided I like retirement; as Derek Moss said, it beats working. All the Best to everyone, John
Friday, February 02, 2007
1st & 2nd Feb 07
Posting this at Philip and Faye's in Amersham. The play at the Madinat last night was good although I thought the actors made a brilliant job of an OK script. There is a brliiiant 'camel shop' in the Madinat. If you go there looking for it, turn left just after the lady with the nice bottom and its the 4th shop along. Return flight went well although taken all around the houses at Dubai airport, up and down the (very long) terminal, 3 security checks and a long zig-zag bus ride to the plane. All good fun.
Biggest Malls? 1. Canada 2. USA 3. Dubai Mall of the Emirates.
How much water does Dubai consume? 250 million gallons a day, 90% of which is desalinated sea water through 4 plants. (If Dubai can do it, why can't Australia?)
Temperatures in Dubai? winter average 22 degree C, summer high 50 + v high humidity. Don't go in summer! Rarely drops below 10 degrees even at night in winter.
Huge thanks to Jillian for putting up with me and Jillian and Fran for showing me the sights and to Angela for letting me watch Ugly Betty on her tele (highly recommended) and to Liz for entrusting her borrowed rug-dog to meand to Philip for collecting me from Heathrow.
Next trip Tenerife with Peter 9 March two weeks. This trip will be called:....................... . . .
'Tenerife'
Bestest to All, John
Posting this at Philip and Faye's in Amersham. The play at the Madinat last night was good although I thought the actors made a brilliant job of an OK script. There is a brliiiant 'camel shop' in the Madinat. If you go there looking for it, turn left just after the lady with the nice bottom and its the 4th shop along. Return flight went well although taken all around the houses at Dubai airport, up and down the (very long) terminal, 3 security checks and a long zig-zag bus ride to the plane. All good fun.
Biggest Malls? 1. Canada 2. USA 3. Dubai Mall of the Emirates.
How much water does Dubai consume? 250 million gallons a day, 90% of which is desalinated sea water through 4 plants. (If Dubai can do it, why can't Australia?)
Temperatures in Dubai? winter average 22 degree C, summer high 50 + v high humidity. Don't go in summer! Rarely drops below 10 degrees even at night in winter.
Huge thanks to Jillian for putting up with me and Jillian and Fran for showing me the sights and to Angela for letting me watch Ugly Betty on her tele (highly recommended) and to Liz for entrusting her borrowed rug-dog to meand to Philip for collecting me from Heathrow.
Next trip Tenerife with Peter 9 March two weeks. This trip will be called:....................... . . .
'Tenerife'
Bestest to All, John
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Thursday 1 Feb 07
Thursday 1 Feb 07
Oh dear. Last day. Took a taxi to the Madinat Al Arab which is a set of buildings comprising 2 hotels, a theatre and a shopping complex, market stalls and restaurants in between, all with Venice like waterways threading through the buildings. A beautiful piece of architecture in traditional Arab style. Bought tickets for a play this evening by John Godber, a ‘hilarious classroom comedy’ called Teechers. Going with Jillian and Fran, will report in next and probably final blog tomorrow in Bovingdon Library. See you soon, John
Oh dear. Last day. Took a taxi to the Madinat Al Arab which is a set of buildings comprising 2 hotels, a theatre and a shopping complex, market stalls and restaurants in between, all with Venice like waterways threading through the buildings. A beautiful piece of architecture in traditional Arab style. Bought tickets for a play this evening by John Godber, a ‘hilarious classroom comedy’ called Teechers. Going with Jillian and Fran, will report in next and probably final blog tomorrow in Bovingdon Library. See you soon, John
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Wed 31 Jan. 07
Spent all day in the Coral Boutique hosted by Cecelia. Very nice. Started 10am with a one-hour deep tissue massage by an Indian gentleman. He was thorough and must have had a go at just about every muscle in my body. Even did my feet but this was the worst because he made them tickle and I had to be very stowicle then he pulled every toe so that they clicked one at a time ouch but I was very brave. He must have used a gallon of oil on me so had a shower after (that nearly scalded me), one of those with water coming at me from all directions, gave me quite a surprise. Then did a bit in the gym, not too much, I don’t like to overdo it at my age. Then another shower with more nice surprises then a swim in the pool on the roof. This pool has been especially designed by architects to maximise the possibility of injury or drowning – underwater steps that you can’t see then a level bit then a sudden steep slope down that you also can’t see to about 2m. – little blue tiles all over the tank that make steps, slopes and edges invisible. Plonkers. Then laid (i.e.lying down) in the sun reading my book. Finished with yet another shower to get rid of the sun lotion. Back to the apartment 5.30. Fran came to visit in the evening. Then takeaway chinese and tele.. All very civilised. Bestest to All, John
Spent all day in the Coral Boutique hosted by Cecelia. Very nice. Started 10am with a one-hour deep tissue massage by an Indian gentleman. He was thorough and must have had a go at just about every muscle in my body. Even did my feet but this was the worst because he made them tickle and I had to be very stowicle then he pulled every toe so that they clicked one at a time ouch but I was very brave. He must have used a gallon of oil on me so had a shower after (that nearly scalded me), one of those with water coming at me from all directions, gave me quite a surprise. Then did a bit in the gym, not too much, I don’t like to overdo it at my age. Then another shower with more nice surprises then a swim in the pool on the roof. This pool has been especially designed by architects to maximise the possibility of injury or drowning – underwater steps that you can’t see then a level bit then a sudden steep slope down that you also can’t see to about 2m. – little blue tiles all over the tank that make steps, slopes and edges invisible. Plonkers. Then laid (i.e.lying down) in the sun reading my book. Finished with yet another shower to get rid of the sun lotion. Back to the apartment 5.30. Fran came to visit in the evening. Then takeaway chinese and tele.. All very civilised. Bestest to All, John
Tuesday 30 Jan 07
Tuesday 30 Jan
Took a taxi to the Creek to visit Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House and the Al Fahidi Fort, both of which have been converted into museums. The Sheikh’s House, built in 1896, is typical 19th century Arabian architecture with a large central courtyard surrounded by a two-storey set of rooms and 4 wind-towers for air-conditioning. The rooms were living quarters for the Sheikh and his family plus meeting rooms for the governing of Dubai by the Sheikh. The rooms now contain exhibitions of artyfacts going back to 3rd millennium BC; rare photographs of Dubai taken between 1948 and 1953; photographs and other exhibits recalling the pearl diving, fishing and boat-building industries which were the drivers of Dubai’s economy before oil; photos and paintings depicting the social and sporting life here over the centuries and, lastly, a coins and stamp display. All beautifully laid out with lots of explanatory notices.
The Fort was erected in 1799 to defend Dubai against invasion (they don’t mention by whom?) The ground floor now contained exhibits of boats, houses (shacks?) made from materials from palm trees, a well and, interestingly, cannons. Recently, they have added an underground labyrinth of static displays, hands-on exhibits, hologram movies, and information cases that lead you through the life and times of Dubai, its people and the environment they lived in. The sea and the desert are central to the history of Dubai, with lots about boats and camels. The Creek provided a safe harbour for trading vessels and the people of Dubai appear to have fully capitalised on this, becoming a major trading port for pearls, gold, spices, cloths, fish, boats and loads of other stuff. There are miles of back street markets, called souks, each specialising in one of the types of trade, much of which is wholesale as well as retail. Fascinating to stroll through and watch the bargaining with many of the locals in traditional dress.
Evening went to the pier leading to 360 degrees but too late for sunset, then to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel (the wave building) up to the 25th top floor - what a view (a bit high though, what must a 100 storey view be like?). Then to a hotel bar for a drink, saw a bit of the local cup final, which the Emirates won 1 – 0, lots of celebrations. Then to the Marina to an Iranian restaurant for a very interesting and enjoyable meal.
A full and great day.
All the Best to all, John
Took a taxi to the Creek to visit Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House and the Al Fahidi Fort, both of which have been converted into museums. The Sheikh’s House, built in 1896, is typical 19th century Arabian architecture with a large central courtyard surrounded by a two-storey set of rooms and 4 wind-towers for air-conditioning. The rooms were living quarters for the Sheikh and his family plus meeting rooms for the governing of Dubai by the Sheikh. The rooms now contain exhibitions of artyfacts going back to 3rd millennium BC; rare photographs of Dubai taken between 1948 and 1953; photographs and other exhibits recalling the pearl diving, fishing and boat-building industries which were the drivers of Dubai’s economy before oil; photos and paintings depicting the social and sporting life here over the centuries and, lastly, a coins and stamp display. All beautifully laid out with lots of explanatory notices.
The Fort was erected in 1799 to defend Dubai against invasion (they don’t mention by whom?) The ground floor now contained exhibits of boats, houses (shacks?) made from materials from palm trees, a well and, interestingly, cannons. Recently, they have added an underground labyrinth of static displays, hands-on exhibits, hologram movies, and information cases that lead you through the life and times of Dubai, its people and the environment they lived in. The sea and the desert are central to the history of Dubai, with lots about boats and camels. The Creek provided a safe harbour for trading vessels and the people of Dubai appear to have fully capitalised on this, becoming a major trading port for pearls, gold, spices, cloths, fish, boats and loads of other stuff. There are miles of back street markets, called souks, each specialising in one of the types of trade, much of which is wholesale as well as retail. Fascinating to stroll through and watch the bargaining with many of the locals in traditional dress.
Evening went to the pier leading to 360 degrees but too late for sunset, then to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel (the wave building) up to the 25th top floor - what a view (a bit high though, what must a 100 storey view be like?). Then to a hotel bar for a drink, saw a bit of the local cup final, which the Emirates won 1 – 0, lots of celebrations. Then to the Marina to an Iranian restaurant for a very interesting and enjoyable meal.
A full and great day.
All the Best to all, John
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
John Cornhill
John Cornhill
Sat 27, Sun 28 Jan 07
Hello all, Saturday was a very pleasant day relaxing on the beach including picnic lunch. We were very near to the Burj Al Arab, self-styled 7 star hotel in the shape of a sail built 321 metres high on a man made island just off the beach. Inside, if it looks like gold, it is gold, 8000 sq. metres of it. They collect you from the airport by helicopter or in one of their 14 Rolls-Royces. £1,000 – £7,000 per night plus coins for the electric meter. Also nearby was the Jumeirah Beach Hotel with 619 rooms shaped like a wave and also the 360 Degree Restaurant which is on the end of a pier, circular shaped with glass all round. You can also see from the beach the building sites of the ‘World’ and one of the ‘Palms’. Both are residential developments offshore in the Gulf in the shape of their ‘names’ for ex-pats with plenty of money. Just glorified housing estates really, I’m not jealous. Rod Stewart has bought the GB island in the ‘World’. Saturday evening – BBQ at Fred and Elizabeth’s. Met Huw an Oxford and Cambridge Graduate who turned down a place with one of the big 4 Accountancy firms to become a teacher here. Fred is a structural engineer working on an international exhibition centre and Elizabeth is the Head of a local school. A very enjoyable evening.
Sunday caught the BIG BUS tour of Dubai. Shown tallest to-be building (again) under construction. It will be an 800 – 900 meters high (nearly a kilometre) Lego design so that they can add floors if someone else builds one higher. They won’t divulge the currently planned height in case someone builds one higher. Dubai is obsessed with having the biggest/highest/mostest of everything. It will be an incredible place to visit when it’s all finished in about 5 years time, although I’m sure they won’t stop then. They are deliberately investing to create the bestest tourist destination in the world to complement then replace their oil industry when it runs out. They are building or planning Asia Asia, a 6,500 room 5star hotel, a 6 runway airport twice the size of Heathrow, Dubai Mall to be the size of 50? Football fields, Mall of Arabia 70 football fields needing 5 days to walk around, Dubailand = 2x Disneyland in Florida, 3 Palm Islands and the World mentioned above, an underwater hotel currently being constructed in Germany, and lots more including a massive Dubai Marina. The last is a huge building site (down the coast from the main city area) that the BB took us around. The Marina itself is a 3 kilometre man-made inlet surrounded by high rise blocks. One complex will contain 20 high rises, 16 of which are apartments and 4 hotels, plus everything anyone could need i.e. fully integrated. This development alone is currently employing 20,000 workers through 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most of the skilled and manual labourers come from India, Africa, the Isle of Wight and other non-oilrich countries desperate for work. All of the apartments, built and unbuilt have been sold (but how many to speculators I wonder).
The enormity of it all is breath-taking. Dubai currently contains two thirds of all of the cranes in the world. It’s massive.
Had an evening meal with Jillian in the nearby Mall of the Emirates (3rd largest in the world, guess where the largest is?)
All the Best, John
Sat 27, Sun 28 Jan 07
Hello all, Saturday was a very pleasant day relaxing on the beach including picnic lunch. We were very near to the Burj Al Arab, self-styled 7 star hotel in the shape of a sail built 321 metres high on a man made island just off the beach. Inside, if it looks like gold, it is gold, 8000 sq. metres of it. They collect you from the airport by helicopter or in one of their 14 Rolls-Royces. £1,000 – £7,000 per night plus coins for the electric meter. Also nearby was the Jumeirah Beach Hotel with 619 rooms shaped like a wave and also the 360 Degree Restaurant which is on the end of a pier, circular shaped with glass all round. You can also see from the beach the building sites of the ‘World’ and one of the ‘Palms’. Both are residential developments offshore in the Gulf in the shape of their ‘names’ for ex-pats with plenty of money. Just glorified housing estates really, I’m not jealous. Rod Stewart has bought the GB island in the ‘World’. Saturday evening – BBQ at Fred and Elizabeth’s. Met Huw an Oxford and Cambridge Graduate who turned down a place with one of the big 4 Accountancy firms to become a teacher here. Fred is a structural engineer working on an international exhibition centre and Elizabeth is the Head of a local school. A very enjoyable evening.
Sunday caught the BIG BUS tour of Dubai. Shown tallest to-be building (again) under construction. It will be an 800 – 900 meters high (nearly a kilometre) Lego design so that they can add floors if someone else builds one higher. They won’t divulge the currently planned height in case someone builds one higher. Dubai is obsessed with having the biggest/highest/mostest of everything. It will be an incredible place to visit when it’s all finished in about 5 years time, although I’m sure they won’t stop then. They are deliberately investing to create the bestest tourist destination in the world to complement then replace their oil industry when it runs out. They are building or planning Asia Asia, a 6,500 room 5star hotel, a 6 runway airport twice the size of Heathrow, Dubai Mall to be the size of 50? Football fields, Mall of Arabia 70 football fields needing 5 days to walk around, Dubailand = 2x Disneyland in Florida, 3 Palm Islands and the World mentioned above, an underwater hotel currently being constructed in Germany, and lots more including a massive Dubai Marina. The last is a huge building site (down the coast from the main city area) that the BB took us around. The Marina itself is a 3 kilometre man-made inlet surrounded by high rise blocks. One complex will contain 20 high rises, 16 of which are apartments and 4 hotels, plus everything anyone could need i.e. fully integrated. This development alone is currently employing 20,000 workers through 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most of the skilled and manual labourers come from India, Africa, the Isle of Wight and other non-oilrich countries desperate for work. All of the apartments, built and unbuilt have been sold (but how many to speculators I wonder).
The enormity of it all is breath-taking. Dubai currently contains two thirds of all of the cranes in the world. It’s massive.
Had an evening meal with Jillian in the nearby Mall of the Emirates (3rd largest in the world, guess where the largest is?)
All the Best, John
Friday, January 26, 2007
John Cornhill
John Cornhill
Friday 26 Jan 07
Had a great day today. We had been invited to a picnic in the desert, so met up with the Al Abbar family and followed them through Sharjah and Ajman to Umm Al Qaiwain where we left the road and drove through the sand dunes to a place where other families had already set up tents, shades, tables, lights and generator and even a toilet. Most of the others there were sleeping over. The children were fully occupied on a very long steep slope in the dunes. Some even had snow-boards and were boarding down the slope. Lunch was 4 kinds of fish, perfectly cooked, with rice and salad. I ate mine with my fingers as people do here and it was delicious. Also had a giant piece of cake and lots of slices from a pummelo, a giant grapefruit. It was a sunny day with a slight breeze, all very relaxing and pleasant.
In the evening with Jillian, Fran and Angela went to the Al Sahra Desert Resort - 30 minutes out into the desert from Dubai. Here every day is staged a play designed to celebrate Arabian history, culture fables and folklore. The audience sits on sofas in an outside amphitheatre setting. The play is performed on a stage in a large lake with rocky backdrop. It was a story of a king, his two sons (princes) and a kidnapped princess narrated by Omar Sharif and performed by ballet dancers and gymnasts with (loud) music, huge and striking cinematic images, laser beams and water springing up everywhere in fountains and jets, and fireworks. The pyrotechnics created a fantastic visual effect to complement the dancing and the actors. The play is called Jumana (Secret of the Desert) and is a breathtaking must if you ever happen to be in this area.
Take care everyone, see you soon,
John
Friday 26 Jan 07
Had a great day today. We had been invited to a picnic in the desert, so met up with the Al Abbar family and followed them through Sharjah and Ajman to Umm Al Qaiwain where we left the road and drove through the sand dunes to a place where other families had already set up tents, shades, tables, lights and generator and even a toilet. Most of the others there were sleeping over. The children were fully occupied on a very long steep slope in the dunes. Some even had snow-boards and were boarding down the slope. Lunch was 4 kinds of fish, perfectly cooked, with rice and salad. I ate mine with my fingers as people do here and it was delicious. Also had a giant piece of cake and lots of slices from a pummelo, a giant grapefruit. It was a sunny day with a slight breeze, all very relaxing and pleasant.
In the evening with Jillian, Fran and Angela went to the Al Sahra Desert Resort - 30 minutes out into the desert from Dubai. Here every day is staged a play designed to celebrate Arabian history, culture fables and folklore. The audience sits on sofas in an outside amphitheatre setting. The play is performed on a stage in a large lake with rocky backdrop. It was a story of a king, his two sons (princes) and a kidnapped princess narrated by Omar Sharif and performed by ballet dancers and gymnasts with (loud) music, huge and striking cinematic images, laser beams and water springing up everywhere in fountains and jets, and fireworks. The pyrotechnics created a fantastic visual effect to complement the dancing and the actors. The play is called Jumana (Secret of the Desert) and is a breathtaking must if you ever happen to be in this area.
Take care everyone, see you soon,
John
Thursday, January 25, 2007
John Cornhill
John Cornhill
Wed 24
We also visited the camel racing track on this day. No racing on but lots of camels being exercised and trained on and around the track, which is a 10k oval. Got some good photos.
Thurs 25
Took a taxi to Jillian’s school to support their school-fair. Bought a burger, hot dog, some books and a hot chocolate.
In the evening, with 4 lady teachers Jillian, Fran, Angela and Liz, went to a Horse Racing meeting on the main Dubai track. Entry to the track and a competition to win a car are free. All you have to do to win the car is pick the seven winners. I got 0 out of 7. The ruling Sheikh of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was there with lots of dignatories from Dubai and the international racing fraternity. Frankie Detori and other top jockeys, trainers and owners were all there. Beautiful track, grass and dirt, with plenty of seats and grassy areas. The meetings here are very much a family affair with picnics and kids running around everywhere. No alchohol or gambling of course, (except in clubs and hospitality suites). A very enjoyable evening.
All the Best,
John
Wed 24
We also visited the camel racing track on this day. No racing on but lots of camels being exercised and trained on and around the track, which is a 10k oval. Got some good photos.
Thurs 25
Took a taxi to Jillian’s school to support their school-fair. Bought a burger, hot dog, some books and a hot chocolate.
In the evening, with 4 lady teachers Jillian, Fran, Angela and Liz, went to a Horse Racing meeting on the main Dubai track. Entry to the track and a competition to win a car are free. All you have to do to win the car is pick the seven winners. I got 0 out of 7. The ruling Sheikh of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was there with lots of dignatories from Dubai and the international racing fraternity. Frankie Detori and other top jockeys, trainers and owners were all there. Beautiful track, grass and dirt, with plenty of seats and grassy areas. The meetings here are very much a family affair with picnics and kids running around everywhere. No alchohol or gambling of course, (except in clubs and hospitality suites). A very enjoyable evening.
All the Best,
John
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
John Cornhill
John Cornhill
Wed 24 Jan
Went to Sharjah Desert Park with Fran, friend of Jillian. Fran teaches at an Arab school that, unlike Jillian’s British school, has a two-week holiday at this time of year. On the way to the Desert Park, we stopped to look at the Sharjah Cultural Capital 1998 Monument which was a very tall sennataph standing on its own in the desert. Sharjah, I should explain, is one of the 7 emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates each of which is an independent sheikdom. As well as Dubai, the other emirates are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain. Abu Dhabi covers by far the largest area. Dubai is the second largest. The UAE is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the S and W, and by Oman to the N and E. It has a long beachy coastline on the Arabian/Persian Gulf to the NW and the Gulf of Oman to the E. On the other side of the two gulfs lies Iran (formerly known as Persia).
The Sharjah Desert Park comprises 3 main attractions, all of which Fran and I visited. The Wildlife Centre focuses on Arabian fauna, contains over 100 species and emphasises the responsibility of us humans for past losses through extinction and future preservation of wildlife and their habitats. (An interesting parallel with Australia was their concern for the disappearing mangroves) The reptile house contained lots of different snakes including the puff adder, vipers and cobras, as well as lizards, monitors, frogs and toads and deadly spiders. Then there is a huge walk-through aviary with waterfall, river, lake and rocky areas (and birds of course). The nocturnal house enabled us to see honeybadgers, jackals, porcupines, several species of foxes and mongooses (mongeese?), all moving about and many of which I had never seen before. Also on view in large ample areas were wildcats, sand cats (very pretty), caracals, cheetahs, a leopard, wolves, baboons, oryx, ibex, gazelles and flamingoes. Lots of information in english and arabic, a brilliant place to visit. Sadly no photographing allowed though.
Next the museum, again a brilliant set of displays with much emphasis on the geological history and development of the Arabian Peninsula. Excellent.
Lastly the childrens’ farm area with the usual stuff very nicely laid out including two rather over-familiar camels.
Ended a perfect day with a takeaway chinese (meal). Best Wishes to all, John
Wed 24 Jan
Went to Sharjah Desert Park with Fran, friend of Jillian. Fran teaches at an Arab school that, unlike Jillian’s British school, has a two-week holiday at this time of year. On the way to the Desert Park, we stopped to look at the Sharjah Cultural Capital 1998 Monument which was a very tall sennataph standing on its own in the desert. Sharjah, I should explain, is one of the 7 emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates each of which is an independent sheikdom. As well as Dubai, the other emirates are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain. Abu Dhabi covers by far the largest area. Dubai is the second largest. The UAE is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the S and W, and by Oman to the N and E. It has a long beachy coastline on the Arabian/Persian Gulf to the NW and the Gulf of Oman to the E. On the other side of the two gulfs lies Iran (formerly known as Persia).
The Sharjah Desert Park comprises 3 main attractions, all of which Fran and I visited. The Wildlife Centre focuses on Arabian fauna, contains over 100 species and emphasises the responsibility of us humans for past losses through extinction and future preservation of wildlife and their habitats. (An interesting parallel with Australia was their concern for the disappearing mangroves) The reptile house contained lots of different snakes including the puff adder, vipers and cobras, as well as lizards, monitors, frogs and toads and deadly spiders. Then there is a huge walk-through aviary with waterfall, river, lake and rocky areas (and birds of course). The nocturnal house enabled us to see honeybadgers, jackals, porcupines, several species of foxes and mongooses (mongeese?), all moving about and many of which I had never seen before. Also on view in large ample areas were wildcats, sand cats (very pretty), caracals, cheetahs, a leopard, wolves, baboons, oryx, ibex, gazelles and flamingoes. Lots of information in english and arabic, a brilliant place to visit. Sadly no photographing allowed though.
Next the museum, again a brilliant set of displays with much emphasis on the geological history and development of the Arabian Peninsula. Excellent.
Lastly the childrens’ farm area with the usual stuff very nicely laid out including two rather over-familiar camels.
Ended a perfect day with a takeaway chinese (meal). Best Wishes to all, John
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
John Cornhill
John Cornhill
Hello all again. Second day Sunday 21st was equally full and enjoyable this being an extra day off for Jillian (who normally works on a Sunday) due to the new year. (the weekend here is Friday which is islamic societies' main observance day, and Saturday)
Started with brunch at Wendy’s (two lovely fried eggs) house in Springs, a two storey housing development on the edge of the city. This brunch was actually our second breakfast so a great start to the day. Went up the creek with Jillian again and this time took an abra (see 20th) to the other side of the creek where we walked around the spice souq then the gold souq. The souqs are closely packed markets where hundreds of merchants sell their wares in concentrated areas. The sight and smell of all those spices and associated products like nuts and sweets is striking and unforgettable (even by me). The gold souq is equally impressive with startling amounts of gold on display.
Then went back to the Heritage Village where newyear celebrations still going on so got some photos this time. Also fortunately had room for some of the arab pancakes with egg and cheese being made by the ladies in the big tent – very tasty they were too (the pancakes). Also went round the Diving Village – this is the traditional area frequented by pearl divers where they make tools for extracting the pearls and nets for catching big shellfish (crabs, crayfish?). Some fascinating old characters here, got some good photos.
Happy New Year to you all,
John
Hello all again. Second day Sunday 21st was equally full and enjoyable this being an extra day off for Jillian (who normally works on a Sunday) due to the new year. (the weekend here is Friday which is islamic societies' main observance day, and Saturday)
Started with brunch at Wendy’s (two lovely fried eggs) house in Springs, a two storey housing development on the edge of the city. This brunch was actually our second breakfast so a great start to the day. Went up the creek with Jillian again and this time took an abra (see 20th) to the other side of the creek where we walked around the spice souq then the gold souq. The souqs are closely packed markets where hundreds of merchants sell their wares in concentrated areas. The sight and smell of all those spices and associated products like nuts and sweets is striking and unforgettable (even by me). The gold souq is equally impressive with startling amounts of gold on display.
Then went back to the Heritage Village where newyear celebrations still going on so got some photos this time. Also fortunately had room for some of the arab pancakes with egg and cheese being made by the ladies in the big tent – very tasty they were too (the pancakes). Also went round the Diving Village – this is the traditional area frequented by pearl divers where they make tools for extracting the pearls and nets for catching big shellfish (crabs, crayfish?). Some fascinating old characters here, got some good photos.
Happy New Year to you all,
John
Sunday, January 21, 2007
John Cornhill
John Cornhill
Hello and Dubai……………Hello all again. Here I am in Dubai staying with Jillian West who was a teacher with Chesham Prep. until August 2005 when she took a 3 year contract to teach here. I flew out of Heathrow (T4, what a horrible place, queued one an half hours to check in with BA) Friday evening, arrived Dubai 8am Saturday (+4 hours). Sunny and warm here, how is it back there I wonder? The most striking thing about Dubai is the huge amount of development completed and underway. Hundreds of high rise buildings for offices and accommodation, new housing areas and roads everywhere. Jillian’s apartment is near a shopping mall and ski resort but on her side on the 4th floor looks out over acres of sand with two other apartment blocks standing in isolation in the ‘desert’ and a low rise community in the distance. Nearby is the 14 lane highway that goes through the suburbs and eventually to Abu Dhabi. The apartment is very spacious with a large sitting room, dining room with balcony, two bedrooms, three bathrooms and kitchen. There is a swimming pool on the roof, but with no water at present due to a leak which is a very bad thing to have in a pool on the roof.
Visited Fran, friend of Jillian, who has an apartment in another block, where we relaxed on sun-beds alongside her roof pool in the sun for a few hours. This was very welcome after the flight.
Jillian then kindly took me to the creek that winds its way into the centre of the city from the Arabian/Persian Gulf. We visited the Bastikia Area in which old living quarters have been preserved and re-constructed typically with a central courtyard surrounded by living rooms plus a wind tower designed to draw cool air down into the rooms. Also walked passed the Rulers Court which is Dubais government buildings, then around the Majlis Art Gallery and then the Zayad University Exhibition on the life of the late Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayad. The Sheikh is revered as a great leader and visionary who massively influenced the development of the Emirates. We had an excellent meal in a restaurant alongside the creek on which hundreds of abras (water taxis) rush up, down and across whilst much larger dhows, carrying cargoes, and other vessels trundle throught the creek. Didn’t see any collisions though. Had Moutabel and Baba Gannou, both aubergine based, dips with flat bread to start, then I had Hummour fish – very tasty – with mixed veg and also tried a bit of Jillian’s King Fish also beautifully cooked.
Walked on to Heritage Village where the local community is celebrating their new year. Watched groups of man dancing and chanting in traditional dress (which many wear daily anyway) comprising Condora (white full length shirt) Shemarg (white or red and white head-dress) plus Agle which is a thick black cord band that secures the shemarg and is also used to hobble camels. Also watched and listened to bag-pipe bands and children dancing. Everyone happy and enjoying themselves, a great place to be.
Best Wishes to everyone,
John
Hello and Dubai……………Hello all again. Here I am in Dubai staying with Jillian West who was a teacher with Chesham Prep. until August 2005 when she took a 3 year contract to teach here. I flew out of Heathrow (T4, what a horrible place, queued one an half hours to check in with BA) Friday evening, arrived Dubai 8am Saturday (+4 hours). Sunny and warm here, how is it back there I wonder? The most striking thing about Dubai is the huge amount of development completed and underway. Hundreds of high rise buildings for offices and accommodation, new housing areas and roads everywhere. Jillian’s apartment is near a shopping mall and ski resort but on her side on the 4th floor looks out over acres of sand with two other apartment blocks standing in isolation in the ‘desert’ and a low rise community in the distance. Nearby is the 14 lane highway that goes through the suburbs and eventually to Abu Dhabi. The apartment is very spacious with a large sitting room, dining room with balcony, two bedrooms, three bathrooms and kitchen. There is a swimming pool on the roof, but with no water at present due to a leak which is a very bad thing to have in a pool on the roof.
Visited Fran, friend of Jillian, who has an apartment in another block, where we relaxed on sun-beds alongside her roof pool in the sun for a few hours. This was very welcome after the flight.
Jillian then kindly took me to the creek that winds its way into the centre of the city from the Arabian/Persian Gulf. We visited the Bastikia Area in which old living quarters have been preserved and re-constructed typically with a central courtyard surrounded by living rooms plus a wind tower designed to draw cool air down into the rooms. Also walked passed the Rulers Court which is Dubais government buildings, then around the Majlis Art Gallery and then the Zayad University Exhibition on the life of the late Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayad. The Sheikh is revered as a great leader and visionary who massively influenced the development of the Emirates. We had an excellent meal in a restaurant alongside the creek on which hundreds of abras (water taxis) rush up, down and across whilst much larger dhows, carrying cargoes, and other vessels trundle throught the creek. Didn’t see any collisions though. Had Moutabel and Baba Gannou, both aubergine based, dips with flat bread to start, then I had Hummour fish – very tasty – with mixed veg and also tried a bit of Jillian’s King Fish also beautifully cooked.
Walked on to Heritage Village where the local community is celebrating their new year. Watched groups of man dancing and chanting in traditional dress (which many wear daily anyway) comprising Condora (white full length shirt) Shemarg (white or red and white head-dress) plus Agle which is a thick black cord band that secures the shemarg and is also used to hobble camels. Also watched and listened to bag-pipe bands and children dancing. Everyone happy and enjoying themselves, a great place to be.
Best Wishes to everyone,
John
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
John Cornhill
This is the final entry for Torquay there and back because I'm back in Torquay staying with daughter Jo and her partner Wayne. It was a great trip and I would recommend it to anyone. Fellow squash club member Bruce is off to Australia and other places in January, hope you have a great time too Bruce.
My next trip commences 20 January to Dubye, 2 weeks staying with Jillian West who has kindly offered to let me use her spare room over there. This trip will be called 'Hello and Dubye'. Watch this space. Best wishes to everyone, John John Cornhill
My next trip commences 20 January to Dubye, 2 weeks staying with Jillian West who has kindly offered to let me use her spare room over there. This trip will be called 'Hello and Dubye'. Watch this space. Best wishes to everyone, John John Cornhill
Monday, December 11, 2006
John Cornhill
Tues 12 Dec writing this in Amersham Philip and Fayes home flights all went on time lots of meals sat next to fin girl travelling from Aukland to Helsinki had 5 hour wait in Heathrow for connection then another 3 hour flight her journey therefore 38 hours in all! Its great to be back.John Cornhill
John Cornhill
Monday 11 Dec 10.00pm in Singapore Airport. no hitches and flights going to time so far. Met Claire from Scotland and a man from Cornwall on plane. See you all soon,
JohnJohn Cornhill
JohnJohn Cornhill
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