umm sequim II

This week Liz and I went with our American roommate Nick to a rugby game. He's on the 'b' team - the Dubai Hurricanes, and out for a few weeks due to an injury. We supported the 'canes for their match against a Sharjah team I believe. They won with by one goal I think. Here's a view of the city from the field. For those of you confused by the tall building on the right, it is practically as far away as the others. It's just that tall. It's the burj dubai (Dubai Tower), and it's still being built, but is currently the tallest building on the planet.


A woman's rugby match was going on after the Hurricane's game, so we watched for a bit, and saw a total dready chick playing for the Dubai team. Who woulda thought?!


We were going to stay for a pint, and head back for a dinner liz had laid out, but ended up out till about 1:30 with some rugby dooods. Here's nick and I cooling down in the rugby pub.


This weekend, Liz's colleague had a birthday, and we went to the Al Manzil hotel near the Burj Dubai. We ate at a rugby bar called Nezesaussie, and got a free ride all night. I guess the birthday girl's boyfriend was the designer of the joint. yay for us starting to know the right people in this city. Here's a pic of Liz with her non-birthday friend Claire-bear, and me with the same bear.




Yesterday morning we went out the Palm island to go to the beach. It's not a public beach, but our roommate Nick has a few friends that live out there. They are still heavily inside of a construction zone, but the beach is still nice enough to be busy. This picture has a view of the area next to Media City... I actually have no idea what it's called. Anyway, the villa closest to us is one of Sheikh Maktoum's villas.


Today I spent some time in my own hood for a full Umm Sequim II villa hunt session. Here's what turned up:

l) This first Villa is on Wasl road near our home. It looks inconspicuous during the day, but at night it is truly attention seeking. The gold eagle is a bit much for a home.



m) This one reminded me of the little orange circus candy you get in the states. Or a nice sherbet.


n) This one might have a few years on it. I'd call it a 70's orange, but they just didn't live in villas 30 years ago. They were in tents then.


o) Rumor has it, that this one was developed by the skateboarder Tony Hawk. The inside has a few ramps in it even.... please don't believe a word I say.


p) This must have been made for a rich daughter. Maybe the emirate version of that 16th birthday show they have on MTV in the states. Anyone seen that shite?


q) I wonder what the view is from like inside this guy! It seems like it should be an office building.


r) And this weeks best for last. Holy Purple Passion batman! This willa is in an incredible spot next to a popular grocery store. Countless people get to laugh at it weekly.