Adventures in Sandland: August 2006

Wadi Wurrayah

The weekend has gone but the memory of splashing in fresh water surrounded by wadi walls still lingers.
Friday dawned hot and sunny (what else) and we took off across the mountains to the emirate of Fujairah, on the Gulf of Oman.

Once there we meandered down the coast past the Bidiyah mosque (oldest in UAE),

following the directions of the Off Road guide (2.4 km then right) otherwise not knowing where we were to go.
Back we went into Wadi Wurrayah which was said to have a waterfall and rock pools for swimming in.
Eventually we came to the branch that seemed the right one,

locked into 4 wheel drive and proceeded. Much hysteria in the Jeep as we rocked and bounced over rocks, quite exceeding any amusement park ride.

Ergo, big toys for big boys.
Half an hour later we made the 3 km trip, and as promised, water was falling from the rocks. A few vehicles were there with people cavorting in the main pool.

We climbed up the rocks to the wadi above the falls

and there were small pools of crystal clear water, gurgling around rocks before tumbling down to form the cascade below.

The final pool had acquired the natural shape of a tub,

and small fish (plecostoma) tickled your feet as they nibbled in curiousity.

We shared the space briefly with a Nigerian couple, and then all to ourselves.

While they enjoyed a soak and algae rub,

I climbed the cliff above

to enjoy the view of natural beauty.

Then fresh fruit lunch from our hamper, pack up and bounce our way back to the road.

Head to the beach to enjoy a late lunch, relax and swim as the sun starts to slide down on a perfect day.

Mall of the Emirates

Readers wanted to know, snow in the Emirates?

Well, since yesterday was a holiday, and it was 44c (112F) and 90% humidity, a trip to Dubai seemed in order.

The first destination was Mall of the Emirates which allowed a little shopping at Carrefoure (pork products), a meeting with a business colleague, and a refreshing look at snow.

Since it was a holiday the line up to go into the snow area was long so we simply gazed through the windows.

Mall of the Emirates is the worlds largest mall outside of North America (6.5 million sq ft), and includes shops, entertainment, 5 star hotel and an indoor ski area. The statistics for the ski area are as follows:

22,500m² covered with real snow all year round – (equivalent to 3 football fields)
Temperature maintained at a comfortable -1Cº to -2Cº
85 meters high (approximately 25 stories) and 80 meters wide
5 different runs of varying difficulty and length, longest run of 400 meters
Full capacity of 1500 guests
Snickers Freestyle zone
Permanent: 1/4 pipe snowboard area
3,000m² Snow Park with a snow cavern
Quad chairlift, tow lift and flying carpets

Of course they have full equipment rental including boots, coats, gloves, etc.
Change from your sandals and dishdash to alpine togs in minutes.

For the further curious here is their web link.
http://www.malloftheemirates.com/

Isra’a Wal Mi’raj

Holiday today:
The Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascension to Heaven (12th Rajab 1427).

So we will journey to Dubai to find snow (Mall of the Emirates) and maybe go snowboarding. I wonder what he would think.

Al Jeer

On the northern border of Ras Al Khaimah is the small town of Al Jeer. This is the last place before crossing over the Oman border to the Musandam.
The beach is flat and sandy, perfect for the fishermen to pull in their boats and nets.
The rock breakwater surrounding the harbour is also excellent for snorkelling.

On the beach is an abandoned fort that has been used for different purposes over the years.
The last function was as a police garrison and jail.
We have been examining it for restoration potential and possible future use as a guest house.

As you see it is fairly bleak but located between the mountain and the sea it is in a beautiful location.

Climbing on top of the tower we discover the remains of a shaded sleeping area and a view of the Gulf.

We spend the afternoon swimming and snorkelling and then finish with a BBQ on the beach.
Fresh fish for all including the feral cats that steal from you the instant when you turn your back.

Then sunset view before going home. Another weekend done.

You know you've been in UAE too long when...

(The list below will only be really funny when you have been here)

- You're not surprised to see a goat in the passenger seat or a camel in a pick up
- You think everyone's first name is Al
- You need a sweater when it's 20 degrees Centigrade
- You expect everyone to own a mobile phone
- Your idea of housework is leaving a list for the maid
- You believe that speed limits are only advisory
- You expect all police to drive BMWs or Merc's
- You know whether you are within missile range of Iraq and Iran
- You believe that the definition of a nanosecond is the time interval between the time the light shifts from red to yellow to green and the time that the guy behind you begins to blow his horn
- You can't buy anything without asking for a discount (habibi, best price)
- You have more carpets than floor space
- You expect all stores to stay open till midnight
- You expect the convenience store clerk to come out to your car when you blow your horn
- You make left turns from the far right lane, or vice versa
- You expect gold for every birthday
- You send friends a map instead of your address
- You think it perfectly normal to have a picnic in the middle of a roundabout at 11pm
- You know exactly how much alcohol allowance you have left for the month (Dubai) and the code names for the open license stores
- You have a moon phase predictor on your computer
- You never say Saturday instead of Thursday or Sunday instead of Friday
- When you expect queues to be 1 person deep and 40 people wide
- When you realise that the black and white stripes in the road are not a zebra crossing, just bait to get tourists into the firing line
- When you know what night is ladies night at every bar in town
- When seeing guys welcome each other with a kiss no longer surprises you
- When you carry 12 passport size photos around with you just in case
- When you can tell the time by listening to the local mosque,
- When you start to say "Insha'allah" when you actually mean "No *$*^% chance!"
- When you overtake a police car at 140 kph
- When a problem with your car AC or horn is more serious to you than a problem with the brakes
- When you can smoke a shisha in public without expecting to be arrested

and

- You accept that there is no point in asking why you are not allowed to do something

Al Ain

Al Ain is an ancient desert oasis in the centre of the UAE, close to the Oman border. It is the major source of dates in the country. It also has one of the highest mountain peaks, Jebel Hafeet, that rises dramatically over 1500 meters in the desert. It is unique in the fact that the surrounding land is very flat and has natural source springs that are used for date palm irrigation.

Dan and Murat picking dates in the central oasis.

Take your old truck, flatten the tires and turn it into a goat pen.

Al Ain fort and museum.

Armour exhibit in the Al Ain museum.

View over the desert from on high.

Murat on top of the world, or at least the desert.

When you are Sheikh you can have a villa on high.

The green of the city, date palms gardens everywhere.

By night the lights of Jebel Hafeet rise on the horizon.

Sailing Club - The Reprise

Quiet weekend as planned mainly shifting Lisa into her new villa, and then relaxing at the sailing club. Our friends from RAK Airways (new startup) joined us as one of them had a birthday, and it seemed like the place to do it.

All were impressed by our understated elegance, and attention to decor.

The kids built sandcastles, waded and splashed, while the "adults" kibitzed and enjoyed until it was dusk.

The mixture was divers, sailors, artists and hangers-on.
Then trundle off into the sunset and the start of a new week.

Sailing Club

This weekend should be fairly lazy since it is so hot and humid, and we will probably spend most of the time at the sailing club.

The name implies something more grandiose but in reality it is an eclectic collection of expat riffraff that would make Hemingway proud. The following is our official description

Ras Al Khaimah Sailing Club, sited on a khor (inland waterway/harbour) on the Arabian Gulf. This location offers sheltered waters with exposure to Gulf winds, as well as easy access to the more challenging waters of the Gulf itself.

RAKSA shares the khor with a traditional dhow yard and a small fishing fleet. The club's private beach provides endless hours of entertainment looking for seashells, building sandcastles, or just soaking up the Arabian sunshine.

Founded in 1970's the Club has a proud history offering a small, friendly environment for people of all ages and sailing interests. The Club promotes all aspects of sailing - centreboard racing, with the predominant classes being Lasers, Wayfarers and Optimists.

The Club has over 20 boats ranging in size fron 10ft to 18ft ... not all race but there is a very healthy fleet each Friday competing fiercely for various trophies.
Those who favour a more lazy approach to sailing enjoy getting together and cruising in company on the waterways of the Khor and further afield. Club members cover a broad range of sailing interests. Some just like to "mess about with boats", others are serious racers. Some prefer the pleasures of cruising to a beautiful location whilst others just like to watch from the shade of the Club House.

Its not just on the water activities, we have BBQ's, quiz nights, themed dinners, spit roasted sheep and pleasure cruises to remote beaches or local hotels. The aim is to involve all members in having a good time.

Note: Our most illustrious member had a problem with his dive/cruise ship recently. Fortunately is was pumped and is now in dry dock for investigation and repairs. When it is back up and operational we will have many trips and further adventures to show.

For the sailors, it is a 65 ft. ketch custom built for diving cruises.

Ruminations

Looking back at my birthday a couple of weeks ago, there is an advantage to having a dirty Jeep. It provides a canvas for your friend to make you an impromtu birthday card. Viva la cold beverages.