Getting close to nature, snow and all – sounded like a good idea. Also sounded like something interesting and fun to do, you know, cross country skiing, camping in the snow. As someone who grew up in a tropical country, sleeping outdoors in -7 degree weather was something I never thought I’d do. But I was kitted out properly, so after the first night of pitching a tent in the snow and in the dark, awoke to some truly spectacular snow covered country with not a soul in sight, except for our tents. Definitely worth it.  Snow was gorgeous and sparkly but felt like fire on the body. Cold is still cold. I was really glad to get home, where clothing doesn’t freeze solid if left outdoors and hot showers feel like the most friendly water ever. Deeper appreciation for everything after spending a weekend when your sole concern is to feed yourself and not freeze.

Couple of mad sandstorms last week and still not used to getting home dusty every day. Heck, I get dusty the moment I step out of the door in the morning. Anyway that’s heaps luckier than the hundreds of thousands of labourers who have to slave it out in the sun and dust, so yeah all I have to do is drag my pampered ass from one air conditioned environment to the taxi to the a/c apartment.

Gee after that revelation I feel more energized. I’m excited! Really! Now pass me my vodka on the rocks… Normal moving/settling-in blues coupled with work stress. This ain’t no vacation fer sure but at least it gives some interesting photos. So without further ado, here are the pics that will give you all the illusion that I am living a life of luxury! Hahahaha

1. View from my living room at dusk. There is construction taking place in front of the apartments, so we have to be very careful not to fall into the “tiger traps” in front of our lobby.

2. Apartment swimming pool (not my apartment block in the background, but mine looks a bit like that) I took a dip last night, it’s pretty cold and has got little nooks and crannies and bridges and fountains and waterfalls and pool bars…very nice, good for pool parties.

3. Model of Trump’s pineapple (for those who asked about it) If you think that’s something to hoo hah about, you should really see everything else being built in Dubai…

4. Ski Dubai and Burj Al Alam (4 storey?) ice sculpture that got into the record books

5. World Islands – each island is a villa

6. Photo evidence of the snazzy cars: Maserati, Porsche 911 Carrera, Benz E SLK, BMW Z4. Bunch of Bentleys and Jaguars parked around the apartments but couldn’t be stuffed taking those. (waaahhh getting jaded already! Hahaha)

7. Terrace & pool is “just” the developer’s show room – that looked more like a 5-star hotel

But the one funny memory I have this week is myself, the sculpture and the mille feuille I had while watching Middle Eastern tourists bounce off ice walls on rubber inner tubes in Ski Dubai

Cheerio!
Shi.