After all it was a great big world...

I should totally be going to sleep right now, or at least cuddled up in bed with my lover, as I have work at 7am tomorrow (and can I just say how much I love my current job? I'm sad that it's only a short contract), but I'm too excited to sleep!

Most of the time when I have nothing better to do, I travel plan! Expedia.ca, TripAdvisor.ca, Gadventures.com and google maps are my best friends right now. We haven't even gone on our first vacation together yet (I went to Dubai without him), which is coming up very soon, and I'm already planning out the other trips that we'll take while we're here.

January/February 2013: to be determined
May/June 2013: Euro Trip! (Czech Republic, Austria, Croatia and Italy)
September/October 2013: Africa (exact countries to be determined)

Then the following year, somewhere between January-April, we'll go to the Maldives. And then there's the house hunting trip to whichever province we'll be posted to, most likely sometime in June, and then it's back to Canada for good in July 2014.

Do any of you guys know anyone who's been on a Euro trip? I'd like some first hand experience and suggestions, if possible. I have a budget in mind, and I'd just like to find out if it's realistic or not. Of course, I've been to Europe before, heck, I lived there, but I was on a super strict budget at that time. I didn't pay for hotels, I didn't do a whole lot of things that cost me any money, other than eat and drink. So it's a totally different ball game this time around. So if you know of someone and could get some info for me, that would be fabulous! Or if you have heard of a great website for Euro trips that I haven't, send it my way :)

And if you could send me some recommendations for another place to travel to, that'd be great as well. 

Libra Jewellers

During our first tour of Islamabad, nearly 3 months ago now, we were taken to Libra Jewellers. We had a quick look around and soon forgot about it. Then a couple of weeks ago, D went to pick up a necklace he had made for his wife while we were out and about. Of course, we got to browsing and looking at all the gems and Roderick decided that we should have some things made for me. 

The best part about it is that (like everything else here) you can design it yourself. You get to pick out the gem stones, the setting, the size, the colour, the shape, everything! And it's so affordable! At first, I had a purple amethyst necklace made. The jeweller thought that I was crazy for the way I wanted it to be set (it almost looks like a heart) as he would have set it the other way, to look like a triangle. But I'm so happy with the way it turned out, and am now patiently waiting for the heart shaped earrings that I'm having made to match. Then I had an earring and necklace set made up, of green peridot, because it's my favourite colour. And how amazing do they look with my green shalwar kameez? :) 

Yep, I am spoiled rotten.

Our Engagement

After going through my blog and making some edits, I realized that I never did post about our engagement. Strange! I thought I had. Oh well, here it is, better late than never.

Roderick and I woke up early and hit the road for Cape Cod/Chatham, MA. The lady we stayed with, Maria, had recommended it. It was a tiny little vacation town, full of rich people who spend their summers there in lavish beach homes. The town was gorgeous and we found a fairly empty beach, away from all the tourists. We walked down towards the water and as it was incredibly hot out (it must've been at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit the days we were in Boston - way too hot for me!) the water was calling my name. I had stupidly forgotten my bathing suit so we decided to go into town and find one, have lunch and go for a swim.

Being a rich town, all the bathing suits were like $100, but I did manage to find a bikini bottom for relatively cheap and Rod bought some swim trunks.

We then went to lunch at the Squire. A delicious restaurant with great service and license plates all over the walls. I got the Santa Fe melt and Rod ordered chicken parm. We each had a beer, then walked back to the beach where we did a bit of swimming. Well, he swam, I waded. It was really cold and I didn't want to get my bra wet, as I didn't know if the salt water would ruin it. There was a small channel with a sandbar across the way, so the water was really calm and full of SEALS! I was amazed. I've never seen any marine animal in the wild before, except for manatees and crocs in Florida. But I've never seen seals, whales or dolphins so it was a pretty incredible experience for me. 

Anyway, we were in the water and Rod was kneeling because it was shallow, and his head was on my stomach and he was holding me. Then, he told me that he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, and told me that I'd make him the happiest man if I'd marry him! He then picked me up and carried me onto the sand, grabbed a small black bag out of his shirt pocket and pulled out a gorgeous ring, which then proceeded to drop into the sand as I laughed hysterically due to my nerves (yeah I'm the type of person who'd laugh at a funeral).

Obviously I said yes!

So we spent a bit more time on the beach, then went for a drive, grabbed some smoothies, drove around looking at houses, then headed back to Boston. We went out to dinner at Ten Tables, which was very tiny, romantic and expensive! Perfect place to celebrate ;)

Afterwards, we decided to go for drinks at a local pub and proceeded to have jägerbombs and several whiskey sours, and beer. Made friends with an older man named Ron who had lots of cool stories to tell, and then left after the bar closed.


It was by far the best day of my life, and I am such a lucky girl <3

Home Sweet Home

I arrived back in Islamabad last Thursday after a 3 week stint in Dubai. While I'm more than grateful that I had the opportunity to visit Dubai (for free - I would have never gone if I had to pay for it), I am definitely happy to be back. I missed my hubby, my house, my bed, and just my normal life here. Whatever that is.

And can I just say that Emirates Business Class is pretty much amazing.

I had a ridiculous amount of leg room, and the seats reclined so much, that I could literally lay flat on my back (granted, I am only 5'3" but still). There was a privacy screen, so that when I was laying down, I couldn't see anyone else. Even when I was sitting up, I couldn't see my neighbour. So that was really nice! Especially since I was sitting next to a stranger. The food was amazing, and there was unlimited alcohol (however, I don't drink before or during flights because I don't want to get all messed up - although this time, I had half a glass of champagne before the flight as the Business Lounge had the expensive stuff, and I'd never tried it before). Not to mention that I am terrified of flying, but because business class is so nice, you're really relaxed, and I did not freak out or panic once. 

Too bad I can't afford to fly business class every time. But even then, some business classes aren't even that good. Like when I moved to the Netherlands, I think I flew Air Canada, and sorry to say, it wasn't that great. 

A Shoppers Paradise

It's true, Dubai is a shoppers paradise. Before my departure from Pakistan, everyone told me to "go shopping!" I didn't really think it would be as amazing as they made it out to be, but I was wrong, once again. It's got everything from Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Prada, all the other designers that you can think of, to Lush, Bath and Body Works, The Body Shop, Sephora, to Pull & Bear, Bershka, Oysho, and Women'Secret, and many, many more. So after being in Pakistan for two months, which literally has nothing, this was like being in heaven. And I went nuts!

Unfortunately for me, I overpacked (as usual), so now I really don't know how I'm going to fit all of my new purchases in my already stuffed suitcase. I've asked the others if anyone had any extra room for me, but I haven't heard back yet. Keeping my fingers crossed.

And since I have nothing better to do, I figure I'd show you all what I've purchased :) And remember, you can always click on the photo to make it bigger.

 Grey, Navy and Pink cardigans from Pull & Bear

 Pink Blazer and Black Peacoat also from Pull & Bear

 $6 skirts from Mercado

 4 of the same tops from Bershka. These are so comfy! 

 Seven Dwarfs pajamas from Oysho

 Thumper and Miss Bunny pajamas from Oysho

 Comfy yoga top from Oysho

 Chip and Dale hoody from Oysho

 Bambi undies from Oysho

 Super comfy slippers from Oysho

 Body wash from Bath and Body Works

 Lotions from Bath and Body Works

 THE Cutest magnets from Camel Company

 Another magnet from Camel Company

 A metal tray from some souvenir shop. I figure it would be useful on a table by the front door for keys or something? I also bought a wooden box with camels and "UAE" on the lid but it's wrapped in bubble wrap. 

 My purse was getting pretty heavy and hurting my shoulder so I decided to grab a backpack. They're always handy for traveling anyway. 

 You know you're getting old when you're on vacation in Dubai and buy cushion covers for your couch that's back in Canada and you won't see for another 2 years or more. Haha! 

 Billabong hats (2 for me, 1 for Roderick) from Studio R

 Callaway golf shirt and Fox shirt were both from Mercado, while the Nike workout shirt is from Sun & Sand Sport

 Quiksilver shirts for Rod from Studio R

Reebok workout shirts from Studio R. The little one is for me, obviously! 

Yep, looking at all this stuff, I definitely went a bit overboard! But the best part is? I didn't have to pay a dime, and neither did Rod. Thank you very much! 

Photo Dump

Last night the Canadian consulate here in Dubai was hosting thanksgiving and invited us all along, which was really sweet of them. I was pretty upset to have missed the thanksgiving dinner in Islamabad last Monday, so I am glad I got my fill of turkey before Christmas. And I can't tell you enough how delicious it was to finally have a proper Canadian home-cooked meal, none of this fast food or Pakistani food that I've been eating for the past couple of months.

Prior to that, I hadn't left the hotel since last Tuesday, except to go down for breakfast and into the mall food court that's attached to the hotel to grab something for dinner. I just didn't feel like doing anything, I've seen pretty much all there is that Dubai has to offer (at least the things that don't cost an arm and a leg) and I was engrossed in a new novel. The Fifty Shades of Grey, I'm sure you've all heard about it. Haha! I've had it on my ereader for quite some time, but never bothered to read it. And boy, after picking it up that first time, I couldn't put it down until I had finished reading the first book and staying up until 4am to do so. I haven't done that since the night before I moved to Holland, my mother had bought me the Twilight series and told me not to read it until I was on the plane. But I couldn't help myself! It feels good to be sucked into a book again. I was like that with the Harry Potter series, and the Hunger Games, also. However, I don't recall staying up until the wee hours of the morning reading The Hunger Games.

I've been doing so much shopping here in Dubai, I honestly don't know how I am going to fit it all into my suitcase. Hopefully I'll find a way, even if it means buying another suitcase.

Anyway, just a bunch of random photos I've taken throughout my time here.

 Both of these, top and bottom, were taken in Bastakiya, the oldest residential area in Dubai.

 While having dinner in the Dubai Marina

 Sunset on the Arabian Sea, which is the warmest water I've ever touched. It's like a bath - heaven!

 The top, and two below, were taken in the Madinat Souk, and that building is the Burj Al Arab, dubbed the only 7 star hotel in the world. Rooms start at a whopping $11,000 per night. Yikes! 

The most delicious beer I've ever had. (It was only Budweiser, but when you're in a Muslim country and alcohol is hard to come by, it tastes all that much better) $10 and worth every penny! 

Abu Dhabi

On Friday, October 5, a couple others and myself rented a car and drove to Abu Dhabi for the day. It was nice to get away from Dubai for a little bit, although Abu Dhabi was pretty much the same, but smaller, and not so flashy.

First off we visited the Emirates Palace Hotel. Apparently it's the most expensive hotel ever constructed, at a whopping $3 billion! The fixtures in some of the rooms are made of gold, there are swarovski chandeliers all over the place, and even a vending machine that dispenses pure gold, if you're willing to part with 7000AED, or about $2,000.

From there we went to the Heritage Village, the abandoned one, as well as the new one, right down the street. Unfortunately Friday is their Saturday (and also prayer day), so the shops and exhibits weren't open for another few hours. But we still got to wander around and take some photos.

This was the abandoned part

It was very hot, so we went to the mall nearby to take advantage of the air conditioning and grabbed an ice cream from Marble Slab. It's been a real treat to eat familiar things from home.

E had to meet an old school friend so from one mall, we drove to another. Unfortunately there was a Pull & Bear store there, they are all over the UAE and I first discovered it back in 2009 in Barcelona, but I don't think Canada has any. I've already purchased 2 cardigans and a hoody from there, and then I just had to check out this store as well. Perhaps that was a bad decision, because I ended up buying a gorgeous black peacoat for $100!!! that won't fit in my suitcase, so I'm just going to have to wear it on the plane when I leave here. But it's beautiful and I couldn't pass it up with that price.

S, Y and I induldged in some pinkberry while we waited for Ewa, and I was sufficiently full of ice creamy, yogurty goodness after that. Once Ewa finished up with her friend, we drove to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It's the 4th or 7th largest, depending on how you compare it, and home to the largest handmade carpet in the world. We got there just in time for a beautiful sunset and took an awful lot of photos. We also had to dress up in the traditional muslim outfit to enter, which was much too long for me, so I was tripping all over the place, sweating underneath it, it was blowing in the wind, and I was just an all around mess.

I'm really glad that I had the opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi, even just for a day.