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Blogosphere: December 22
Gulf News web editor Adam Flinter plunges headlong into the blogosphere to find out what bloggers from the Middle East and beyond have on their minds.
- By Adam Flinter, Web Editor
- Published: 23:41 December 23, 2008
- It's time to follow the example of these people at the Jumeirah Open Beach and stretch your legs while you can.
- Image Credit: Hadrian Hernandez/Gulf News
Out and about
The weather is inviting us outdoors, but we need something to do when we get there
Now that the cooler weather is here (and isn't it fantastic to walk around and feel a cool breeze), people will be heading out in their droves.
So what is there to do to occupy your time once you make the decision to leave the safety of your apartment or villa?
How about you just avoid the great weather, stay in and make a fool of yourself?
The Englishman in Dubai (englishmanindubai.com) has joined the countless thousands who have become addicted to standing in front of their TV and yelling tunelessly for four minutes or so before being told just how awful they really were.
Of course I'm talking about SingStar, the (almost) ultimate indoor activity and a favourite of many in the Gulf News web team.
Englishman explains the appeal, saying: "The simple fact [is] that SingStar, while essentially karaoke, provides a competitive edge to it with its on-screen scoring system and has provided a compelling source of entertainment over the last year for me and my friends.
"I am a horrible singer at the best of times, and sadly the game gives no extra point[s] for interpretation or flair. But I give anyone extra kudos for taking part with gusto."
If you feel the need to actually go and explore, then the iabolish blog (iabolish.com) has some handy tips for UAE-based sightseers and those who claim there is nothing more to do.
"Dubai City may be more famous for its skyscrapers, malls and beach resorts than for museums and culture, but don't be fooled — there's plenty of cultural sights to see as part of a luxury holiday to Dubai.
"Many people don't stray beyond the comforts of their resorts while on their Dubai holidays, but they would be missing out on the mosques, museums and markets that stand out as star attractions amidst the high-rise metropolis that Dubai is rapidly becoming."
You'll obviously have to visit the site to find out what those attractions are.
Shopping
You could also partake in Dubai's number one pastime, going to the mall. But beware: even this seemingly innocuous activity comes with a health (as well as wealth) warning.
The Grumpy Goat (grumpygoat.blogspot.com) understandably lives up to his name when he recounts this tale of a recent trip (sounds familiar to anyone who has left their car unattended in the UAE).
"When I came back to Beloved Wife's car in IKEA's car park a little while back, I was very disappointed to discover a pair of deep [scoremarks] across the bonnet. Evidently some overloaded shopper had staggered out of IKEA and used the bonnet as a handy shelf to put his or her shopping on while rummaging for car keys.
"Sliding the shopping off the bonnet left a pair of parallel scratches. I was incandescent with fury! After I'd tried and failed to deal with the scratches with coloured polish, the car eventually and inevitably ended up having the bonnet panel resprayed. Ouch, my wallet!"
Stretching my "outdoor, what to do" theme to its limits, is this post from blogger Jetsetting Jules (dragongirl76.blogspot.com), who is worried about the other side of this time of year: having too much to do!
"I have [yet another] Christmas function this evening — four functions in six days. Kind of hard work when you are already ill, although it is a lot of fun and nice to see everyone out and about, in a good mood."
This means that she will, of course, be exhausted, and when the weekend comes the activities will be limited to "Sleeping in; watching a cricket match between some Aussies and a group of Americans [ha!]; Doing laundry."
Back to outdoor pursuits.
Running
At this time of year you can see the runners out in force, taking advantage of the drop in humidity to really put in some laps around the park. Well, last week it was being done for a good cause.
Alexander from Fake Plastic Souks (fakeplasticsouks.blogspot.com) explains: "The training run is being led by blind runner Katie Newitt, the first blind person to complete the Dubai Marathon, and co-runner, Rebecca Janaway.
"Proceeds from the run and activities around it will go to helping pay the rapidly escalating hospital bills of British expatriate David Nicholson, who remains in a coma in intensive care following his cardiac arrest three weeks ago.
"David, father of five and loved by all who know him, has dedicated much of his life to working with and helping children.
"He has lived in the Middle East for the last 26 years, [having been stationed here while serving in the Royal Marines and then later working as a freelance PE teacher]."
Alexander adds that anyone who wants to make a contribution towards the cost of Nicholson's care should pop in to Bookworm Bookshop off Al Wasl Road or contact Susie on 050-559-5270 or kmail@emirates.net.ae
If you want to know a little bit more about Nicholson, then go to gulfnews.com and type "David Nicholson" in the search box.
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