30 years old in Dubai

I hit an important milestone this month with my 30th birthday and spent the weekend in Dubai celebrating being old. The trip started with Pete and Zan planning a holiday there with both sets of their parents and inviting me along for it. Our group grew to include Alan and Lizzie and by chance Rowan and Becky also ended up being in Dubai that same weekend.

Arriving in the Dubai airport I was quite excited by the prospect of not needing a visa anymore following an official announcement the week before that Canada and UAE had come to a truce over our long standing feud over landing rights (partly due to our williness to sell UAE uranium). My excitement was quickly subdued when all the border guards had no idea what I was talking about. I have since heard that May 1 we won't need visas so we'll have to wait and see. Regardless, the disappointment was quickly diminished by the duty free where we stocked up for the long weekend.

Thursday morning was the boys part of the trip with a tee time at the Emirates Golf Club. The club hosts both PGA and LPGA events so we were quite excited to see it and it did not disappoint. There was not a blade of grass out of place on the entire course and from the moment you arrived at the bag drop (being careful not to be run over by the Rolls Royces dropping off their bags) you were treated amazingly well by the staff. The course wasn't too challenging and served up amazing views of the Dubai marina and all the buildings there, the only course I've been on where the scenery is the city itself. We were thoroughly cooked by the sun in the end, finishing just before noon and in time to enjoy the club house and few cold drinks. The mens locker room even had signed pictures of all the past winners including Tiger twice and Rory.

We look the part

Alan and I continued our apres drinks with a late lunch at the Italian restaurant Frankie's which was in the base of our hotel. The restaurant is owned by Frankie Dettori and was empty aside from Alan and myself enjoying some pizza, red wine and some bromance (we didn't realize that until after the fact). After a well needed siesta our entire group including Rowan and Becky descended on Frankie's again for dinner, again great food and ambiance. Pete, Zan and their folks returned to the hotel  while the remainder headed for Barasti beach bar, situated in a prime spot on the beach right in the marina.

We learned that you need to show up as a couple to get in quickly (ahead of single men) and the result was one of the strangest bar lines I've seen with a big group of guys waiting to tag along with any "unaccompanied" woman. Lizzie tried to escort Alan and I in and we had a hard time convincing the bouncer that we were both with her but persistance paid off. The bar turned in to be a mix of restaurant type tables and a large beach area with big sun loungers, dance area and dj. We settled into one of these, ordered some sheesha and danced until close. A perfect start to my actual 30th, with whiskey and cigars to finish the night.

Dubai Marina highrises were a very nice backdrop to the bar

The following day we planned to check out the Wild Wadi waterpark, but it was a slow, very slow start to the day for us. I was surprised by everyone bringing some awesome gifts for me before we headed to the waterpark.

The Rainbow Nation jersey

Every cyclists dream

The park was a perfect pace and we keyed in on the slow moving floating tube rides as we all continued our recovery. We did try a few of the higher intensity rides with the highlight being the Jumeirah Sceirah, known as the tallest and fastest free-fall water slide outside North America (33m high, speeds of 80 kmph). The ride started you in a plexiglass tube, totally enclosed standing on a false floor that drops away and drops you into the crazy fast freefall.

Attacking tubes

Lizzie & Becky enjoying one of the lazy rides

Looking down at Alan from Jumeirah Sceirah

Lifejackets not meant to dive in, unless your Rowan (wearing 2 even)

Correct application of a lifejacket

 

View of park, Burj Al Arab to the left

Rowan and Becky had to return that night to Muscat but the remainder of the group went to Meat & Co. for dinner, satisfying my request for steak. Again I was more than surprised that Lizzie had arranged for the restaurant to make a birthday cake for me and had happy birthday sung for the second time that day, this time by the restaurant staff South African style complete with drums. Possibly the coolest rendition of happy birthday ever. The food was fantastic once again and our apres dinner drink spot turned into a new Belgium themed bar appropriately called the Belgian Beer Cafe where we enjoyed a few La Chouffes. There also might have been some more cigars and whiskey but I'm not sure...

Happy Birthday at Meat & Co.

Dubai turned into a hugely memorable and thoroughly enjoyable birthday and I have to thank my awesome friends here who all went out of their way for me to make it special. Without them it wouldn't have been nearly the trip it was nor would I have such amazing memories to take away. Thanks guys!!

Jamaica - March 2013

With Janelle and I being apart these past months we had planned to both travel to Jamaica for Janelle's cousin Lexi and Landon's wedding. It was the first time for each of us going to Jamaica and the country did not disappoint. There are places you visit where you have a preconceived notion of what it will be like and Jamaica was one. The people were phenomenally friendly, the beaches were beautiful, the beer and rum were plentiful and the weather was fantastic.
We flew into Montego Bay and took a bus to our resort, the Grand Palladium near the town of Lucy. It was the first all inclusive that I had stayed in and I quickly adjusted the non-stop rum Pina Coladas.

Adult only beach at the resort

Our first full day there we travelled to Dunns River falls where we got to climb ~150 vertical feet up a beautiful waterfall. It was such a nice change for Janelle getting away from winter and for me being able to see green everywhere.

Enjoying a nice refreshing shower

 The excursions continued the next day with a day trip to Negril to see some of the world famous beaches. We had the entire wedding party with us and many of Lexi and Landon's other close friends. One of 2 tour guides was appropriately named James Bond as we stopped at the beach where the famous clip was filmed from Dr. No where the Bond girl Honey walks out of the water. We also got a chance to see the Dr. No island in the distance. The trip also took in historical sites, some rum tasting and a stop at a fantastic Margaritaville before we ended up on Ricks Cafe, one of the top 10 bars in the world (according to them). The bar is famous for its sunsets and it's 35 foot cliff jump that you can do right in the bar.

Dr. No's island

Ricks Cafe, the jumping spot is just visible

Our best movie star poses

The wedding was the following day and was a beautiful ceremony right on the beach. Following the ceremony we had time for a few pina coladas before enjoying a dinner of fresh snapper while being treated to Jamaica's beautiful sunsets.

Sunset view from restaurant

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Brianna & Shannon looking dapper

Lexi's parents, Cal & Sandy

The Happy Couple

Our remaining days at the resort were full of rum, Red Stripe, beach volleyball, reggae music and enjoying the 7 restaurants they had. The resort held a beach party one night complete with dj, bar and bonfire right on the beach. A great setting and one that ensured some of us ended up enjoying a refreshing swim. It was hard to say goodbye to Janelle and to Jamaica but we did both leave completely relaxed and recharged.

Beach party bonfire

Canadian Stampede 2013

Well the break is over and 2nuksabroad is back blogging. A quick update on life in Oman as we've gone through a few changes over the past months. 2nuks has become one as my better half Janelle has returned back to Canada to continue her work there as her 1 year contract came to an end. I've done a pretty lackluster job since of keeping the blog updated, but here we go again.

Last year Janelle and I stumbled into the Canadian Stampede committee not knowing what to expect so I was quite keen to volunteer again this year now knowing what a fantastic party it is, definitely the party of the year. The event lived up to expectations again this year with close to 900 people in attendance.Importantly so as it was the 20th anniversary. It was also great to have so many friends turn-up this year for their first time. To sum up the evening I've attached the write-up that was sent to the club newsletter detailing all the Stampede had to offer. To those who didn't make it this year, make sure to mark it on your calendars in 2014.

"It was a warm evening with clear skies, like any other beautiful March night in Muscat.  But something was different… there was a scent of hay bales in the air and familiar chords of country music carried along with the ocean breeze; not common for the Ras Al Hamra Recreation Center (RAHRC). As I walked down the familiar RAHRC entrance, I was suddenly greeted by enthusiastic cowboys and cowgirls, all welcoming me in to the 20^th annual Canadian Stampede. These Canadian Stampede “ambassadors” happily briefed me on the evening’s festivities and then sent me along my way with a pile of free loot, including welcome drinks, western bandana / sheriff badge, 20^th Stampede drink cozzie, coupon for free coffee and  doughnut (for the next morning) and an enthusiastic “Yee Haw!” As I walked down the steps, into what once was the RAHRC volleyball court, there was an ocean of cowboy hats, hay bales and plaid shirts before me.  The DJ, Erin from Hi FM, was playing classic country hits while images of Canada flashed on the large video screen; images beautiful enough to make even the toughest cowboy a little homesick.  As a Canadian whose hometown is Calgary, this was a sight I had seen many times before, but not in Oman! Off to my right was a mouthwatering Stampede feast, including classics such as beef on a bun, coleslaw, potato salad, chili and, of course, Nanaimo bars. To my left, was a chuckwagon and bucking bull, ready for me to hop on board and capture the moment forever in photo. Oh what a night!

If this sounds familiar, then you might have attended the 2013 Canadian Stampede! Every year the Canadian Section hosts a Stampede party in the fashion of the Calgary stampede parties thrown during the month of July in Calgary, Canada. The Canadian Stampede party was on March 7, 2013, and, as in previous years, it was a huge success offering a little something for everyone. This year was particularly special because it was the 20^th anniversary event. So the committee pulled out all the stops, including a live band (Urban Gas), line dancing, and more free stuff than ever before. And their efforts were rewarded by the many smiling faces on all the honorary cowboys and cowgirls and a packed dance floor throughout the evening. The grand prize winners, Frank and Joanna Oprinsen, walked away with a free trip to the July 2013 Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Canada. The committee would like to thank everyone who helped make this event a huge success and look forward to doing it all again next year. Until then, we wish you easy trails with clear skies and leave you with a final “Yee Haw”!!!!!!"

Ghost of Alan and cowgirl Lizzie

RAHRC catering staff, food was awesome!

2013 Committee pic, just missing Janelle

Air hostesses enjoying the shooter bar (disclaimer that I did not take this picture)

Urban Gas performing

Mom's Visit! Nov 28-Dec 10 (Janelle's mom)

There wasn't any less than 14 hrs from when we were saying goodbye to Wayne and Kathy after a wonderful visit and picking up Mom later that night and welcoming her to Oman!
She arrived Wed night and we took it easy that weekend, allowing the jet lag to work itself out.
We toured Ras Al Hamra during the day, and mom couldn't believe how green it was. I guess she was really picturing us living in a desert, lol.  It also helped that there was 3 days of scattered rain which helped brighten things up. That evening we went out to Slider Station in Al-Shatti which was very good.

Friday we decided on a day trip to As Sifah to check out the seafood restaurant and Jebel Sifah hotel. We hadn't been out that way since January and it was nice to go back. The seafood restaurant was really good, with the fish soup being the highlight as it was loaded with fish and prawns! After that we walked around the hotel and villas and took the water taxi back to Bandar Marina. Definitely worth the 4 RO ea plus our captain let me drive the boat!

Bandar Khiryan - on the way to As Sifah

The seafood restaurant (I can't recall the name), but it's fantastic

The fish soup, so good! (The crustini isn't
burnt, it's tampenade)

View from the Seafood restaurant

I could get used to having a boat!

Mom in the upside down birka, lol

We took the scenic route through Bandar Khiran  and came across Oman Sail Regatta

We took Mom to our regular work week outings, Saturday Hash, Sun Bollywood, Mon Yoga and a beach bbq on Tue. I also took an afternoon off so we could get to ShangriLa and take the scenic route back through Ruwi.

 

 

 

Yoga at PDO gym

Me and Mom at the Hash

Anna and Donna - acrobatic yogis!

The regulars at Bollywood

ShangriLa Hotel

ShangriLa

View of Ruwi

  

 On Wed we were off to Dubai for a girls trip. I booked us in at the Al Manzil Hotel because of its great location for accessing the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. We took a ladies-only taxi from the airport which is quite the novelty! That evening, there was an appearance by Gwyneth Paltrow at Dubai mall to promote Boss perfume, so we did some shopping and stuck around to see the celebrity appearance. She was every bit the same as onscreen.

The ladies-only taxi service

Al Manzil hotel

The next day we decided to ascend the Burj Khalifa and then check out the LPGA event at the Emirates golf club. This was another novelty - seeing a world class sporting event without crowds, and for free! (the free part was unexpected...). So there we were watching Michelle Wie and the like.  Mom hadn't been to an LPGA tourny before and the last time I went was at the Mayfield in Edmonton. It blows your mind how good the ladies are. We caught up to Canadian Lori Kane and cheered her on during round 2.

Mom had been curious about Sheesha after seeing it everywhere all week. There was a great arabic restaurant, Mezza House out front of our hotel and so we decided to give it a go!

At the top of the World

LPGA event with the Dubai Marina skyline

Our Canadian - Lori Kane

The last day was spent touring the Mall of the Emirates where Ski Dubai is and then to see the Burj Al Arab (another infamous landmark).

The marina at Jumeriah Beach Resort

Burj Al Arab

Mom really enjoyed Muscat and Dubai and was glad she came for a visit. We only scratched the surface of things to do, but it gave her a good idea of how we've been living over the past year.