Category Archives: been there

emirate chronicles: al qasba in sharjah

Posted by rob on

al qasba in sharjah is a waterside leisure area that i visited during my stay in uae.  it’s a popular place for both locals and tourists that has restaurants and shops, but its main attraction is its signature landmark – a 60-metre high ferris wheel, the eye of the emirates.

eye of the emirates is a large all-steel observation wheel that was launched in 2005 with 42 air-conditoned cabins where you can have a spectacular view of sharjah and its neighboring ajman and dubai.  it was open by 4:00 in the afternoon when i was there and entrance fees are 30 dirhams for adults and 15 dirhams for kids.

there is a musical fountain near the wheel where children are allowed to get wet and play with the jet spray of water.  it was so humid that time i wanted to join them to cool off! 🙂

i had dinner at nando’s, a restaurant originating from south africa with a portuguese-mozambican theme.  their most famous food is the flame-grilled peri-peri chicken.

i ordered a vegetable pita and drizzled it with one of their sauces.  it was a new taste for my palate with that right hint of spiciness.

i just recently discovered that i’m no longer having allergic skin reaction to eating chicken, now it is all regrets that i wasn’t able to have a taste of nando’s famous per-peri chicken – maybe next time if i get another chance.

emirate chronicles: top of the burj

Posted by rob on

i was assigned by our company in a short-term project in united arab emirates, which meant i had an opportunity to visit dubai.  i have seen a shadowy glimpse of this well-known masterpiece as the plane i took from dammam landed at dubai airport and was full of excitement the day that i had a chance to see personally the tallest structure ever built by man – the burj khalifa.

the khalifa tower is located in downtown dubai, with a staggering height of 2,717 feet.  i was caught in wonder as i stared at this giant skyscraper.  i have read that it took only six years to finish construction and 1.5 billion dollars to complete.

my khalifa experience included a visit of  “at the top” , an open-air observation deck situated at the 124th floor of the building.

tickets are purchased near the entrance of  “at the top”, on the lower ground of the dubai mall.

there are two ticket types to the observation deck, the general admission which is dated and timed which you can book at the ticket counter or online like i did.  you just have to choose your preferred time and date of your visit.  this will cost you 100 aed.  the other ticket type is the immediate entry where you buy the tickets at the counter and proceed directly for your at the top experience. this costs 400 aed – 75% more than booking in advance.  i have seen a number of tourists paying this much, most likely they were short of time.

i got mine scheduled at 8:00 in the evening.  there is a shop beside the ticket counter were an assortment of “at the top” souvenir items are being sold, from shirts to burj khalifa figurines.  i bought some postcards to snail mail to my friends.

there was one item that caught my attention among the souvenirs – a metal bolt.

an authentic piece of high grade bolt that was used in the construction of the world’s tallest tower, and you wouldn’t believe how much this thing costs.

4900 aed.  the same price of a 13.3″ new edition macbook pro!  i see some bolts that looks almost identical as these in the rig warehouse at my work place, anyone interested to buy them from me so i can replace my old laptop to fulfill my “threatened” gadget wishlist for the year?  lol!  i can give you a special price or a buy one take one deal!

there is a part in the entrance wall with a quote from his highness sheikh mohammed bin rashid al maktoum which reads:  ” the word impossible is not in the leader’s dictionaries.   no matter how big the challenges, strong faith, determination and resolve will overcome them“.

people were about to line up going to the high-speed elevators that will bring us to the 124th floor.

welcome to burj khalifa, life at the top!

from the earth to the sky.

here’s a view of the burj from the observation deck.

i was having a hard time with my camera when i was shooting pictures at the deck for it cannot focus.  blame the humidity or my ignorance to set it correctly!  this was the best i got.

know more about burj khalifa at their website.

great deal at discovery suites

Posted by rob on

i purchased online from deal grocer a one-bedroom suite stay at discovery suites.  for Php 3950.00 net, the offer that included a buffet breakfast for two was a very good deal.  when i was on days off weeks ago, i decided to use my coupon.

i reserved the room a week in advance and they sent me a confirmation through e-mail, i then informed my blogger friend, chyng to join me on this hotel stay.  so then came the day of my reservation and check-in was a breeze.  the bellhop even served us some iced tea while we were at the front desk, brought our luggage and accompanied us to our room.  while on the elevator, he even informed us on which floor were the restaurant and the pool.  courteous hotel staff gave me a good first impression of discovery suites.

as we entered the room, i noticed its furnishings and complete kitchen amenities which gives out a homey feel but still has the comfort of a hotel stay.

there is cable television and a stereo system at the living room then those magazines that most of the hotels i stayed in does not have.

i always check when making a reservation if there is an included internet connection for most hotels in manila charge like Php 500.00 or more for one.  i was told by the receptionist that free net access was included in our stay.

a king-sized bed awaits for a restful sleep, and the toilet and bath has a bath tub and a separate shower stall.

the swimming pool and jacuzzi in the fifth floor beside the restaurant.

buffet breakfast was at the restaurant 5 and breakfast choices was good.  i started my breakfast with freshly made french toast and some brewed black coffee.

discovery suites is at 25 ADB ave, ortigas center in pasig city infront of the podium mall.