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Since we moved into our new Dubai desert home, I always knew that I wanted to add a more tropical feel to the backyard but just didn't have the courage to start.

Upon the arrival of our new patio furniture, I decided that I needed a garden that I wanted to look at... so the tropical transformation began.


Before.

Plants delivered.

New tropical border. The traveller palm is my favorite.

While this corner will need some time, it was the biggest change. We had a huge pile of sand removed and planted a coconut palm.

We bought this copper cantene, which is surrounded by desert grass and river rocks.

New Patio Furniture

We have been eyeing this patio furniture since our arrival in May and finally treated ourselves. It is so awesome!!!

Justin Timberlake in Abu Dhabi

Tickets to Justin Timberlake's finale in Abu Dhabi sold out in an hour and unfortunately (well maybe fortunately) we were not quick enough.

On December 6th, all the talk was about the concert, so you couldn't help but think you might be missing something good. Jeff had called in the middle of the day, thinking he had a line on tickets but it fell through.

At 6pm, we were heading home and decided "what the heck, let's drive to Abu Dhabi, see if we can get tickets - if not, we will go out for dinner". We went home, changed and were back on the road at 7pm, Justin Timberlake was due to go on stage at 9pm.

The concert was held on the lawn of Emirates Palace, so we knew it was going to be a great venue. We parked the car, walked briskly to the gates (partly cause Justin was on stage and partly cause Jeff had to go to the washroom). At first glance, it appeared that there was no hope but not more than five minutes later, an opportunity presented itself.

Much to our surprise, we managed to get "platinum" tickets for a fraction of the price. Justin entertained for another hour and a half, which was well worth the drive.

We made it in!!!

Justin Timberlake was a great performer.

Justin Timberlake video.

Emirates Palace was the best concert venue, I have been to.

Emirates Palace at night.

Justin Timberlake video.

Platinum passes. ;)

Abu Dhabi

This weekend was the UAE National Holiday, so Jeff had a 4-day weekend. We looked into several drive to destinations to explore in the UAE or Oman and decided on a quick visit to Abu Dhabi.

The drive was only an hour from our place, yet worlds apart. Abu Dhabi feels like a small, completed, older city, where as Dubai is still to come. Immediately, Jeff and I noticed the greenery - it wasn't Vancouver but it was definitely greener than Dubai.

We enjoyed walking around the city, learning about the emerging cultural developments and just relaxing at our beach hotel.


Driving to Abu Dhabi.

Our room at the Sheraton.

Entrance to Emirates Palace.

Atrium in Emirates Palace.

Opulent ceiling decor at Emirates Palace.

Walking the Corniche (sea wall).

Abu Dhabi skyline.

Emirates Palace

Sheraton Beach

Nice.

Aerial show for National Day.

Many buildings in Abu Dhabi were decorated from top to bottom in lights for National Day.

Thailand & Malaysia with the Girls

I caught up with Venitta and Debbie right before they crossed the border into Malaysia. I flew from Bangkok to Hat Yai, where we stayed for one long night (didn't get to bed until 4:30am), then travelled by shuttle to Penang.

I will never forget the seafood buffet we had on our first night in Penang. Wish I had a photo but my hands were too busy filling my mouth with all the sashimi and sushi I could eat. Yummm! The following day, we took in many of Penang's heritage sites; taking a tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Mansion, hiking up to Kek Lok Si Temple and riding the slowest cable car ever up Penang Hill.

After a jam packed day of culture, we were looking forward to relaxing on the beach. Due to flight availability, it turned out our best bet was to get to Phuket and settle in. So back to my second home, the Movenpick Karon Beach.

We spent 3 nights in Phuket and the weather was the best it has ever been. We managed to find time for all my favorite Phuket pastimes; shopping, sunbathing and eating great Thai food. On our last day, Debbie and I managed to squeeze in a Thai cooking class, while Venitta tried out the spa.

While the trip was short, I had tons of fun. Thanks Venitta and Debbie!

Night out in Hat Yai. Great cover band.

Venitta, woman with crush on Venitta and Gayland (friend of Venitta's from month long travels).

Rose from girl in yellow shirt.

First night in Penang.

One of many temples we saw.

Cheong Fatt Tze's Mansion - often referred to as the 'Rockefeller of the East'.

Love this photo.

Stopped to feed the turtles.

Just walked 30 minutes up to the base of Kek Lok Si Temple, only to find out there was a road.

Goddesses

Missing Kuro and Molly.

Great view of Penang.

Protector

The big statuette was under repair and this is what it will look like, when completed.

Venitta with cute little Asian dogs.

View from Penang Hill. In the distance, you can kind of see the bridge that connects Penang to the mainland.

Monkey

Two hour wait for the cable car to go down. Long story.

Movenpick Karon Beach

Venitta getting a beach massage, after an hour of jumping in the waves.

Debbie getting some sun on Karon Beach.

Last dinner in Phuket.

Thai cooking class. Deb made the best green curry, I have ever tasted.

Look - I can cook!

Venitta trying to fit all of her goodies in her bag.

Why I keep coming back. Can't wait for the next time.

Back to Bangkok

November started off with lots of drama. I was tentatively planned to meet up with Venitta and Debbie in Bangkok on the 5th and travel around Thailand and Malaysia, however, my UAE resident visa was still being processed, so I was unable to leave Dubai.

Come November 5th, Jeff had some work that called him back to Bangkok. So he was off and I was left to continue to wait for my passport. On the afternoon of the 7th, I got word that my passport was ready, so I called Thai Airways and begged to be put on that nights flight. With no idea how to catch up with the girls, I joined Jeff in Bangkok.

He was staying at the Peninsula Hotel, one of his favorite business hotels, so I was very happy to stay the night. We met up with Trevor and Pim for dinner, then the following morning, I flew to Hat Yai, southern Thailand, to meet up with Venitta and Debbie.


Breakfast before I take off to meet up with the girls.