Picton Pass
2:05 PMA Grand Adventure: Lost in Paradise
7:38 PM
Epic. What does an epic vacation mean to me? To date, I've visited 172 cities in 23 countries and I still have a long list of places I want to see. When I look back, the closest to a grand adventure I've ever been in was the trip to Peru and Bolivia. That was a backpacking experience where I, together with my husband and father-in-law went beyond our comfort zones in an environment so eerily authentic that I have to shake off the notion that I'm not staring at a photograph in a historical book but I was actually there. Many things happened during that trip, yet I still long for more.
Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan {Photo Credit: Allu de Rivera, Edited by Arni} |
My idea of a Grand Adventure is a trip that would satisfy all facets of my being. It took me a long time to research and figure out the perfect place where I can experience it. Finally it hit me. Guess where? It doesn't fall away from home. It's in the Philippines!
Run for Fun
5:32 PM
It's that time of year for Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon . For the last several years, I was present as a spectator, patiently waiting at the finish line, cheering as I watched my husband successfully cross it beating his record the previous year.
Marathon Runners |
Wadi Driving
5:10 PM
We're celebrating a long weekend in the United Arab Emirates. Today is a religious non-working holiday, Prophet Mohammed's birthday. It's going to be a long weekend. For those stuck at home craving for adventure with no idea how to spend their Friday tomorrow, try Wadi Driving.
Wadi is an Arabic term, meaning valley. Wadi is a dry riverbed that becomes a stream during heavy rains. January is the best time to try off-road driving. Explore the rocky paths in between large boulders and mountains during cold season in a big group of 4X4s. We drove close to the UAE-Oman border.
The Fog
11:04 PM
I had the scariest experience last night. After midnight, I declined an offer to be dropped off by a friend, the girls night out "designated driver" volunteer. The thought of leaving the car to pick it up the next day in the parking lot was not appealing. My home is also 20 kilometers out of their way. We said our goodbyes and I carried on.
Friends + Food = Happy
7:01 PM
"Happiness is only real when shared."- Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild
It was a foggy Dubai this morning. Weekend was blissful. I just finished reading Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom last Saturday and my eyes puffed from this tear jerker. This book made me spend a lot of time with friends, the ones closest to family I have here in Dubai. Make each moment with them count and try to be as present as I could ever be with each of them.
A Winter Stroll in Les Essarts
4:30 PM
I can't help looking back wondering if I were in France at this time of year, what would it look like? I dug up some old photos of a winter stroll I did on my own , one ordinary morning in the town of Les Essarts.
St. Pierre Church |
Les Essarts is a quiet town rich in history right at the heart of Vendee, Pays de la Loire region in western France. One really cold morning, while,waiting for my father-in-law for his doctor's appointment, I grabbed my camera and decided to explore the streets.
All Day Brekkie
4:47 PM
Greetings from a gorgeous sunny Dubai. We're becoming avid fanatics of all day brekkie. Having friends over, with the laptop completely set aside for a day, it is always wonderful! Each one had a little something in hand, may it be a bowl of blueberries or a loaf of wholemeal bread.
Instagram Photo by Tintin I. edited by Arni |
Like-minded women connecting. A listening ear and a harmonious exchange from family topics to current events, like an upcoming Cirque de Soleil show this February in Dubai (I've never seen one) and discussing an itinerary for a friend preparing to travel to Peru and Brazil.
Despite all of us coughing while laughing together as we sipped our tea and drank flu medications. (We all had bouts of flu). It's fascinating to realize that I'm blessed to have these women in my life, like you (readers) who I could open myself up to, offer advice when needed, and present through highs and lows.
What are you all up to this weekend?
What's your favorite breakfast?
XOXO,
Arni
What Happened Offline
6:53 PM
Our home is very sandy. The sand crept in between door gaps despite the rubber fillers. There were on and off medium to mild sandstorms the past several days. It's still blowing sand outside so to speak. Imagine a light drizzle but with sand. You're absolutely right, it is a nightmare to clean. Apologies for my long online absence. The husband is away on business this week. I was away from the computer and was mostly indoors (at my place or at a friend's) except for this one.
Watched the sunrise. I accompanied the husband before going to the airport last Sunday para-motor up in the air when the sky was clear.
Sand Storm
4:12 PM
We're experiencing a sand storm all weekend. No worries, nothing like the Mission Impossible 3 kind. I think a strong one like that happens in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Luckily we've not experienced it here. Driving on a highway means very low visibility and yes, a lot of sand. Wearing shades or glasses or goggles if you must to protect the eyes would be helpful.
Time Travel in Vigan
4:51 PMThe Chocolate Hills
2:19 PM
As I'm devouring a bar of Lindt dark chocolate, I was wondering what to write today and it struck me. Yes chocolate!
The Chocolate Hills, 1,260 mounds on the island of Bohol, Philippines. They become brown during dry season. A folklore tells of a giant who falls in love with a local girl and his tears transformed into limestone mounds. Do they remind you of Hershey Chocolate Kisses?
Embracing Wildlife
5:18 PM
You might have an "Eeew" expression the entire time you're reading this post (later,you'll see why), but I'm excited to share it. Mainly for the reason that I never thought I'd be able to do it and have never really planned on actually getting myself into it.
On my shoulder, then on my head (Baluarte, Vigan) |
One Lazy Day
6:31 PM
Today is a lazy day. A day with no makeup, tousled hair and in sleepwear all day catching up on series I've missed while cuddling with my favorite cat.
While I was away, I have had my share of cuddling with a lot of wildlife that I never thought I'd ever touch in my entire life (That's for the next post). For now, I'm going to enjoy the purrs of my cat whom I've missed for a month and half. Meet Tiptoe, a tabby cat. We've adopted him from a family leaving Dubai for good to migrate to the U.S. Tiptoe has been with us for the last six years (turning 7 this year). He's a very dramatic cat. He loves to do this kind of poses.
What is your idea of a lazy day?
XOXO,
Arni
I Love Chateaux: Palace of Fontainebleau
11:42 PM
How are you enjoying the mid week? I'd like to be a bit random today so I'll rekindle my attachment with castles. During a road trip to visit numerous castles driving from the city of lights towards Loire Valley, we did a stopover in Fontainebleau, 55 kilometers from Paris. This tranquil town lies at the heart of a vast forest.
Palace of Fontainebleau is a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the largest French royal castle with 1,500 rooms, 130 acres of gardens and parkland.