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Jamaica Dream Weekend 2015

One of my dreams is to play mas (participate) in EVERY SINGLE Caribbean Carnival in a year. Besides that, I’d like to go to Jamaica’s (in)famous Dream Weekend and party in other non-Carnival Caribbean events. Back in the day it was known as ATI Dream Weekend but Appleton Rum pulled out of it. So now Smirnoff keeps the feters fetein’ for almost a week of non-stop fetes! It’s like a huge rave but with Dancehall Reggae tunes. 
 
Here’s the schedule for next year. To book tickets (wristbands) and package tours feel free to visit our favourite Caribbean entertainment and tour guide CARIFRIQUE.
 

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Island Hopping Abu Dhabi Style

This weekend (Friday and Saturday in the United Arab Emirates) was a hot one! The daytime high averaged around 40 degree Celsius. People tell me this is only the beginning!

Abu Dhabi is situated on the Arabian Gulf and includes an archipelago of man-made and true islands. They are fairly close to one another and joined by bridges. Yas Island is famous for its Formula One race track (The Fast And Furious franchise was filming on the track while we were in the hotel next door but no one had access – boo hoo)

My friends invited me to laze around with them at Park Inn by Radisson’s pool on the island. Apparently, all you need to do is go to any hotel and ask for a day pass for access to pools and alcohol! Know the right folks and you’ll get discounts too 🙂

The latter part of the weekend brought me inside the new Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island. It’s a high-end luxury shopping centre that is practically void of shoppers but has an amazing view of Abu Dhabi. I highly suggest Godiva Cafe for people-watching and live piano music.

I used to think that Tokyo had dibs on public cleanliness, sleek luxury, materialism and skyscrapers. Sorry to bust your bubble Edo, Abu Dhabi beat you on all of those points! Public bathrooms that are so well-kept that you wouldn’t mind eating in them. Workers to re-sweep and re-wipe floors and windows, hour after hour…Abu Dhabi is a beautiful city.

Have you visited Abu Dhabi? What would you like to see while you’re here?

 

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Marhaban Abu Dhabi

It’s been a few days since I touched down in the Middle Eastern country of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). Abu Dhabi, the vast, arid capital city, is where I’ll be calling home. I’ve had butterflies fluttering in my stomach for weeks now – filled with excitement, anticipation and wonder.

Yesterday, in an attempt to ward off my jet lag, I woke up early and took a taxi to Abu Dhabi Mall. I ended up spending a bit too much money (200 AED = 60 CAD) on the Big Bus Tours thanks to skilled sales staff and my miscalculation of the U.A.E. dirham to dollar conversion!! Oh well. The fare gives you 24-hour access to the bus route with unlimited hopping on and off at their designated bus stops.

The route meandered through Abu Dhabi island and the suburbs. We passed Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Marina Mall, the Corniche and Emirates Palace Hotel, to name a few.

The photos above are only a teaser of what’s to come! I’ll be updating regularly so stay tuned!

 

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San Antonio Green Market

The (San Antonio) Green Market in Santa Cruz, Trinidad is a great place to visit for fresh and local produce. There are comfortable wooden benches under the trees to relax on after you’ve perused the local artisanal crafts and delicacies.

The Green Market opens at 6:00 a.m. every Saturday, but you should get there around 10:00 according to jewelry-maker, Mark Anthony. That’s when all the kiosks are fully-stocked and ready for business.

I was feeling a bit peckish and found myself in front of Krys Wong’s Terre Benie kiosk, tasting an array of tasty chutneys and jams. DELICIOUS!!! The Tamarind Conserve maintained the fruit’s natural tartness and was gently enhanced by mild spices.

After chatting with Krys for a while, I was swept away by the soothing scents of Suite Scents‘ Tamarind & Turmeric Soap. HEAVENLY!!! The Founder of Suite Scents explained that she uses white turmeric and tamarind in the soap as healing antioxidants.

Can you recommend any other farmer’s markets in Trinidad and Tobago?

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