Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi

I told myself that we will go to this amazing palace even for my last time as you now know… We are now going back to New Zealand for good. There’s a lot of photos actually but I cannot put it here as I don’t have enough space.  I made sure that we will experience all the beautiful places in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.  FYI, as some of you get confused with the two Cities… both have their own interesting places but Abu Dhabi is more of a family-oriented place.  No traffic unlike in Dubai and more parks.  It’s a year of tolerance too!

I got a neck ache as I keep on looking up!  Even the ceilings are amazing!  So if ever you want to go in transit via Abu Dhabi make sure that you get the chance to get out.  It is so worth it.  FYI, Emirates Palace is also just a few minutes away from this place.  Though this Palace is located at the back so a van is included to bring you to Qasr Al Watan. It’s that big!  Cheers!

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Rush and a very busy days of March in Abu Dhabi.

 

LouvreAD, vinneve

RAKbeach, vinneve

JWMM snacks, vinneve

MONfestAD17, vinneve

FalconAD, vinneve

RAK Al Hamra,vinneve

As some of you may know that we are moving back to our home country New Zealand but are retaining our residency in Abu Dhabi just in case we need to move back to be whole again with the family.  

Anyway… life became so very busy last March and it seems everyday is a blur because of so many things to do and many people to meet to say goodbyes to before we leave temporarily.  I say temporary because I realized since becoming an expats the only thing constant is CHANGE.

So here are the ones you would like to try out for yourself when you get to Abu Dhabi.  We definitely did all these things before leaving.  Oh, and we left at the right time as I heard it is now getting hot, early for Summertime!

1.  Meet with some old or new friends and do BRUNCHING.  This is sort of like the normal thing expats do once in weekdays if you have time but mostly over the weekends.  You will be amazed how can you be greedy with foods and will love taking photos of it as they are so pretty for FB or Instagram not to post.
2. If not brunching, when meeting friends or family in the coffee shops and they are tons of them around in and out of the Island.  FYI, in our area, we have a mom’s group that meets once every week and it actually enjoys talking to each of them and seeing how they are after a week or two of challenging days if any!
3. Attend some Women’s group or any other types of group as what they say “nobody will be left out alone!” it is easier to get depressed in the Summer heat of the desert and being with new people and mingling around would definitely HELP.  Of course, you will get to find your long-time friend even as an expat and you know what? I even stayed with one of them in Germany for a holiday!  See my old post.
4. Go and buy yourself all the FUN things to do like Theme Parks in Abu Dhabi.  There are 3 to choose from:  Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Brothers.
5. Go for a walk yes after the heat is gone in the late afternoon but when we did it was wintertime.  Lots of parks in Abu Dhabi especially family parks like the Mushrif Park as per its old name or now it’s called Umm Al Emarat Park.
6. Enjoy all the pristine waters of Abu Dhabi beaches or if you prefer a swimming pool as every hotel offers some family/ friends packages that include food and a pool or other services.
7. GLAMPING – this one we did in Ras Al Khaimah or better known as RAK for short.  It is one of the Emirates and also a beautiful place to enjoy beach resorts, water sports, hiking, and camping or much better GLAMPING as per my previous post please click the link on the highlighted word.
8. Sporting events there are abundant of this prior to Summer and you can actually join in even as a visitor.  Here is the photo from Al Hudayriat Island.  
9. And of course, SHOPPING for your last-minute things to buy because it is double or triple the cost in your home country!
10. Do not forget the Cultural haven in Sadiyaat Island Louvre Abu Dhabi.  Please check my previous post about this as per the highlighted link.  This is not the only museum in the City so please do check them wherever you may be.
11. I almost forgot … LADIES NIGHT!! Yep, it’s awesome for us women as we get FREE drinks and in some places, there’s also a FREE food.  Two of my favorite bars/places to go are ECLIPSE inside Four Seasons Hotel they offer 3 free drinks and a plate of sushi!! and LOCA an award-winning Mexican restaurant and bar offering 5 free margarita flavored drinks!! Well, the foods are great and you can share with your friends and have fun!  We all are momshies and our husbands were good boys enough to take care of our children.  Good eh? Cheers to that! 😉

credit to LINK

 

 

 

Wondering & keep wandering!

It’s been a very long time since I post about what’s going on in my brain haha!  Every one of us are wondering what the future brings and what to do in life that will make us a better person or be successful and get what we want in life.

Being an expat is not that easy.  I keep on missing the old life and my home Country but come to think of it, I may not have this chances if we stay in our comfort zone.  Sure, it’s not an easy road but hey, I came back to where I belong I guess.  I will keep on wondering and wandering as both keeps my brain going.

So much for my riddles.  Allow me this time to show you some but not all, of the places that I have seen and experienced in my life and how beautiful our World can be.  I can never experience this if I don’t come and follow my heart.  Life for sure will be more different. More important is, I am with people who matters most and that is my FAMILY.

Fronalpstock, Switzerland

Venice, Italy

Paris, France

Frankfurt, Germany

Miracle Garden, DUBAI, UAE

Dead Sea, JORDAN

Rotorua, New Zealand

Bali, Indonesia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

St.Mary’s Church, Sydney, Australia

Piha, West Auckland, New Zealand

Milan, Italy

Stilts in Calatagan, Batangas Philippines

Las Casas @Bataan, Philippines

Holidays!! More fun with your love ones!

I am here.  Where? in  The Philippines.

Christmas season is very much a big deal to all Filipinos and even half Pinoy wherever in the world they may be.  I am fortunate to often experienced it right here!  Families and yes extended families and more friends.  I like the excitement and events everywhere.  I like it that yes this is the season to be JOLLY.

Decorations everywhere….

Moa2,vinneve foto

Enchanting places….

Nuvali, vinneve foto

Happiness overload especially having fun with your loved ones!

Moa ride, vinneve foto

BUT never forget… 

AD Events: MON Festival

via Daily Prompt: Timely

Abu Dhabi, UAE.  Mother of the Nation Festivals

The great weather before it turns to nasty hot so it is timely to finally have this festival just finished a couple of weeks ago and how I wish we have visited twice as we didn’t see it all in just one late afternoon to late night.  Some are tourists from another GCC Country.  Some are locals and expats like us and their visitors.

So many events going on from January to April but I only managed to come to a few and enjoy them.  It seems life is becoming busy for me since I have accepted that I will be here for quite some time to support my wonderful hubby and son.

Here are some photos.  I hope you will enjoy viewing them too but the thrill and excitement were to be there in person.  Anyway… see U again next year!

Please click this LINK to view my post last year RE: Abu Dhabi & MON Festivals 2016 LINK.  Thanks! 

Beautifully decorated lanterns, vinneve foto

Mini car route with Nation Towers @backdrop, vinneve foto

Zorb, vinneve foto

Souq/Markets, vinneve

Zorb over the water, vinneve foto

Lots of activities for the children for all ages and some of them are free.  Of course, you just have to go on the queue and be patient!  We went to see a documentary about water in UAE and it was a mini Museum and beautifully presented to people.  My son loves doing his own kite and there are some markets (souq), music/concerts, and lots of restaurants around the Corniche where they built this event.  Last year we went to see a magic show & acrobatics and a Comedy stint but we were late on a schedule this year so we missed it and walking back to the next zone was too far away!  Still, we enjoyed and my son was happy that’s more important than the one we have missed.

Cheers!

Dubailand – Center of attractions

This is in response to the Daily Post/ Prompt: CENTER.

Where is Dubailand you said?  It is in Dubai, UAE as per the name suggest but it is 20-30 minutes away from the main City of Dubai and just about an hour or so from Abu Dhabi which is the capital of UAE.  For more info here is the LINK.  The works continue and more theme parks are coming.  It is amazing to know that this was once an ARID land.

DUBAILAND TAKE TWO.  Both attractions are much better than last year as per my view.  It is so worth it to travel and have fun for the whole day with your loved ones.

MIRACLE GARDENS

vinneve foto

There are so many photos to share (click the photos to enlarge it) but it is better that you see it yourself if you are currently in Dubai or nearby Emirates.  I tell you it is worth it.  It’s better to do it now as the weather is still a bit cooler.  Ticket cost in dirhams 40 adult 30 child.

GLOBAL VILLAGE

Entrance Global Village, vinneve foto

It is funny to see America and Russia side by side from each other.

I have never been to Egypt yet but at least here in Global Village, I can say I have seen the replicas and it looks amazing!

Indian Village, vinneve foto

Japan & South Korea, beside each other, vinneve foto

China Village, vinneve foto

Some Asian Countries that are not there last year is now a participant and they are bigger and brighter.  Inside the villages are stores and introducing their products and every Village has their scheduled (cultural dancing) shows up to 9pm, or so. 

Thailand Village, vinneve

Now we go to Europe… some I have been and it sure show some great replicas so it’s good for people who don’t have the opportunity yet to go to Europe, though UAE is in great location in the “middle” and near both Europe and Asia (from 3hrs flying time to some parts of Asia & Europe).  Here is the LINK for you to find out the reason some people opt to transit or stay over here both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

France Village, vinneve foto

Italy Village, vinneve foto

We passed by the African Village and they are currently doing their cultural show but we didn’t stay to watch as we are in a hurry to get my son another “sword balloon” so he can play with his Dad, to one of the yellow tents that are assigned for face painting, balloons, magic shows and mini circus and other kiddie things.  So yes it is really for everyone!

Turkey Village, vinneve

There are more Middle Eastern Countries who participate to show their beauty and even Syria is one of them.  Unfortunately with the current events… how I wish people can really see the beauty of it before the destructions and the war.

I hope I inspired you to come and visit.  It is never too late to plan so come and follow me!

Thanks for your time reading and viewing all the photos.  A like and a comment will be appreciated.  I still have some previous travel backlog from Switzerland to post so I hope you can come back next time or better to FOLLOW ME.  Cheers! 

Random views around Zurich

As per my recent post about our last trip in the South of Switzerland in this LINK, here I show you some views around Zürich.  It may not represent a lot about the City but I hope it will get you more curious until my next post.  I am short of time as these past months I become so busy with so many happenings and events we attended but I assure you I will post it here as soon as I can.  Watch this space. 🙂

One thing I am amazed about Zürich is… it is a City surrounded with mountains and very nice view indeed!  We stayed somewhere up the hill and I love it.  Only a few minutes and you are already down the town.  I will show you around next time, promise!

 near the City Centre, vinneve photo

The Lake Zurich, vinneve photo

The bridge to go over the other side of Old Zurich, vinneve photo

Somewhere near Zurich via train, vinneve photo

 

The beautiful lake of Zurich, vinneve photo

 

Somewhere in Zurich, vinneve photo

Somewhere at the back road we went for a drive, vinneve photo

These are just a teaser.  Hope to see you next time when I have more time to spare!  In the meantime why don’t you check my other post about South Switzerland or other travel destinations under Categories or go check monthly posts if you have more time, I will truly appreciate it,  Thanks!

Tschuss!

Jump & You will see…

via Daily Prompt: Jump

This is in response to The Daily Post: Jump 

“To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions”  by Benjamin Franklin.

More than a year ago we were living in the beautiful Land of the Long White Cloud but almost live in somewhere else before the other opportunity unfolds as quickly as the snow melts in a hot sun.  Some people are shocked to understand why we have chosen to come to the Land of the Desert & Opportunities instead of The land of the Giants .  

As per the quote above and my older post LINK here… you gotta be quick when opportunity knocks on your door.  Not everybody can have this chance in life!  Let’s say it is the best chances we’ve got over the two “lands”, besides this is only temporary.  We will go back as soon as we finish here.  Try to be patient and be positive that’s the name of the game.

So why not JUMP in?  Besides….

Cheers!  thanks for reading.  🙂

Mt. San Salvatore, Lugano Switzerland

There is a cable train nearby to go up the mountain just a walking distance to Novotel Lugano where we have stayed before moving on to our holiday house with the whole families (mother in-law’s side).  You can click this LINK  from the previous post to know more.

Some men preferred to go UP by this cable train “Funicolare” one way and descend either with their mountain bike or by foot.    They must know what they are up to so Goodluck as it is really steep!  I do admire their strength and bravery!

To know more about going to this place please click this LINK.  There are some mountains you can also visit but we prefer this one at the time thinking we have our little boy with us.  

vinneve photo

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On top, it’s worth it! vinneve photo

 

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@Museum vinneve photo

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THE STREET VIEW ON TOP, LUGANO

Next stop… LOCARNO another beautiful place in South Switzerland Region of TICINO. See you again next time!  Ciao!

 

 

Destination: Lugano, Switzerland

LUGANO is the largest town in the region of TICINO.  It’s in South Switzerland.

It is well loved by Italians who works and holidaying in this region.  It is a little more than an hour away from Milan via fast train.  You can check my previous post as you can view in this LINK about the hotel review closer to this town.  We finally went on our way to our final destination (holiday house you can rent but need to book early)  which is a beautiful house located on top of the mountain overlooking the gorgeous lake and spent weeks in bliss.  For more info please click this LINK.  I hope you too can discover the beauty of Lugano and you will not be disappointed.  

The photos speak for itself.  Enjoy!

Strolling along the pavement  towards the middle of the town, viewing the lake.

fountain, vinneve foto

the mountain, vinneve foto

vinneve foto, lugano

Lugano info, vinneve foto

It is better to ride this little train to make a quick tour around so you know your whereabouts and decide where to get off.  We board it just across Novotel Lugano.

More to see and admire around the town and the Park nearby.

View from the holiday house

vinneve foto

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It rained for a few days and we have seen a beautiful rainbow even doubles!

Lugano, vinneve foto

Perhaps you can say… this is the “Lake house” 

 

vinneve foto @lakehouse

 

There are some shops of course for shopaholics out there!  as well as many restaurants around town and even on top of the hill.  The alleys on top of the hills are similar to Italy (very narrow) and it takes a good driver to maneuver around the steep hill and zig zag roads so please be aware.

Next post will be about some FUN  in Lugano for all types of travelers!  

So see you again next time,  Tschuss! 😉