Abra Ride

I have been talking about Old Dubai in my previous posts-

Contrasting Worlds: Back in Time at Old Dubai	Still at Old Dubai - Exploring the Dubai Gold Souk and More

To complete the experience, my sister and I took the Abra, Dubai's traditional ferry boat. It was a fairly short ride as it was really just to get to the other side of the Dubai Creek.

After exploring the Dubai Gold Souk and the other kinds of markets that we did not anticipate, we found ourselves at the bank where we could take the abra. There were lots of passengers, but there were lots of boats, too.

The ride costs AED 1 ($0.27) per person, which was kinda cool (if I had a coin in my purse! LOL). I panicked for a moment because I was worried I didn't have any cash in my purse. Whhooh.

I think each boat could carry 10 or 12 people. We paid while already on-board. No tickets or anything. We just handed the fare to the boatman.

As soon as we set off, the salty breeze hit us, a welcome refreshment on a sunny day.

It was a very different experience as we don't really get on boat rides as a mode of transportation, right? Yet there we were - it felt like we were gliding back in time, back to Old Dubai.

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Final Act.

The first part of April was about my sister's visit to the UAE. It was only for two weeks, so we had to fit as many attractions as our time and energy could allow.

She came close to the Eid Al Fitr holidays, and knowing how busy the Dubai Mall could get on holidays like these, I told her we should skip it and see if we could fit it before she flies out. We came back to Dubai a day before her flight (she told about her Dubai experience here) and visited the Museum of the Future and the Dubai Mall briefly.

Going to the Dubai Mall meant we had to walk 1.5kms from the Dubai Metro station and given that we were both tired (she was already sick from all the busy days), it was a struggle but we still made the experience count.

We took time to stop and admire the tallest building in the world - the Burj Khalifa, during this 1.5km endure.

We had late lunch at the food court and contemplated whether or not we'd go find the Dubai Fountain and watch the fountain show. The news said the Fountain Show would close for renovation for a few months. Despite the odds, we found ourselves walking and literally dragging ourselves towards the fountain.

We found a perfect spot on the first floor through the Apple Store. We waited there until 6:30pm when the next show was scheduled.

Meanwhile, we marveled at the beautiful view of the Dubai skyscrapers and the sunset in the backdrop.

There were still a lot of people waiting for the show, and we were lucky to get a better view from above. I remember when we came here with my father years ago during the Eid Al Adha holiday - there were so many people, there was barely any space to move. It was a traumatic experience for him. Lol.

Finally, the show started. It was still early into the night, so there was not light on the fountain show, or maybe it was just not noticeable?

The fountain show lasted for about 3 minutes. Accompanied by classical music, the water danced and rose, creating a really wonderful spectacle. It was worth the walk, anyhow. LOL.

At least, that's the grand finale to my sister's visit to the UAE. Quite memorable, I'd say considering we asked Gemini to create a Dubai itinerary for us that won't break the bank. LOL

And finally, another photo of the Burj Khalifa...

April 10, 2025
Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall

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Our coffee break inside the palace pepped us for the finale of our visit -- the Palace in Motion Light Show.

My sister and I made sure we had the best seating for this show. After having a stroll at the palace grounds/gardens, we slowly settled ourselves at the best spot to witness the show. Thanks to the security who was kind enough to tell us where the show would be, and where the spectators were expected to gather.

Sunset and the Palace

What's there grander than witnessing the sunset at a beautiful surrounding such as this?

We thought the show was to start at 7:00 PM. We settled ourselves in there at around 6.30PM. The sunset was the best prologue there could ever be.

Building up to the moment.

Upon asking, we learned that the actual light show was set to start only at 7.30PM. There was lots of time, but we would not be found wandering about. We already were settled at the best spot there could ever be. Front and center. That's where we were.

Our anticipation was building up, and it was as if the palace knew (it probably did). It started transforming right in front of our very eyes.

The palace facade got brighter as the skies dimmed. What a wonderful contrast.

Every now and then, we saw flashes of lights run across the palace walls. It was as if it was telling us to stay put and brace for one of the most impressive light shows there was.

The show started at exactly 7:30PM. It was a 15-minute, 3-parts show that told the story of the UAE - past, present and it's vision for the future.

The way they used the building itself as a giant canvas to tell the story of the UAE was incredibly well done. Having lived in this country for 20 years, the first part had a tug in the heart and almost placed a lump on my throat. Touching.

The projections and the precision of the synchronization with the music were impressive. It wasn't just pretty lights; there was a clear narrative that unfolded beautifully. It's definitely a must-see if you're visiting Abu Dhabi – a fantastic and engaging way to learn more about the UAE's journey. Highly recommended!

And oh! I also had to commend the security here at the palace grounds. At exactly 7.30pm, when the show started, they were able to make sure that everyone was at the viewing area. Not one could be seen at the front. And when the show ended, which also signaled the closure of the palace, they were able to peacefully guide the people to queue for the buses that were waiting to transport us to the visitor's center. Not a hint of stress nor high voices, but pure calm and order. What an orderly conclusion to the experience.

That's it, I think for this exquisite experience. Glad I was able to share it with my sister.🥰 and of course, with you guys, by means of these photos and video.

Enjoy!

April 1, 2025
Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Grounds
Abu Dhabi, 🇦🇪

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Here, he was reading one of the poems of Shel Silverstein, If the World Was Crazy.

Oh, one of those nice days of poetry in our little homeschool. 🥰

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Hello guys!

I thought for this library day, I would take some snippets of what we do at the library every Friday.

We still keep our Friday Library Day despite the tremendous summer heat. The humidity this week has been over the top, magnifying the heat all the more.

Anyway, in the video you will also see the Reframing Reality exhibit featured at the ground floor of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. You will also see that they have a dallah (coffee pot) and some dates for the visitors - truly, a symbol of Arab hospitality.

The Children's Library is at the first floor - inside there are two levels. We stay at the second level (for bigger kids).

We start by returning any books that are due to be returned (we can borrow up to 6 books for 3 weeks) and then the kids go and choose the books that they would like to borrow anew.

There are many reading nooks and play areas in the library. The kids have a great time and really look forward for this day all the time.

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I want to present.

This was what Little Man said after he finished creating his Canva presentation of the Water Cycle. It was a very simple and spontaneous presentation and yet I am glad he was able to pick up most of not all of the important points of the water cycle.

"That's it, bye," he said at the end. He wanted to still say more, but he already forgot what he wanted to say. Eventually, he discussed condensation but not at the recording.

Basically, this is just Little Man, being really spontaneous but I love how he expressed himself well.

Design

This is basic digital design, that I think is important for most of us, regardless of the age. Canva is a very powerful design tool that children must learn (even I do not know a lot yet) and we learn together. Here, Little Man was just happy to put together all the Canva Pro elements that he could find. LOL.

Design-wise, there are still lots of room for improvement. Right now, what's important is he was able to relay his thoughts through the design.

More, more practice!

Upload it on Hive!

It took me a while before I had the energy and a tiny bit of inspiration to upload the video. Little Man wanted me to share it here straightaway, but life always gets in the way, sooo...

Regardless, I still asked for his permission today if I can share his video here. He said. "Okay," so here it goes. Appropriately, he will also get a beneficiary reward from this, since it's mostly his work.

_{All photos are owned by the author unless stated otherwise.}

Hey, everyone! Al Nahyan Park!

In this video let me take you on a visual tour of this park in Abu Dhabi that we recently visited. If you enjoyed the photos in my recent blog post, you're in for a treat as I take you on a tour with me for an immersive visual experience.

In the video you will see how strikingly clean it is, the meticulously maintained landscapes, and how the amenities are arranged to create a beautiful oasis for the residents.

The highlight for us was the Cube Tower, that Little Man immensely enjoyed. I have a longer clip of Little Man and myself in the tower, conversing from both ends of the spiral slides, but that may bore you.😅 The other one of course, was the water feature. I think that's always a hit for any kid.

There were not a lot of people when we came since it was close to noon-time. The sun was very bright, but the breeze was cool and one could comfortably seek refuge in the wooden rounded nooks or under the shades of the trees.

The Al Nahyan Park is indeed a gem, a free to visit park (like the rest) here in Abu Dhabi, for anyone to enjoy. Since we're now approaching the summer months, it will take a few more months before we can come back here. At least, we were able to enjoy it to ourselves during our last visit. Can't wait for the next one.

_{All photos are owned by the author unless stated otherwise.}

📍Al Nahyan Park
Abu Dhabi, 🇦🇪

I first went to Hudayriat Beach, hoping they would have beach umbrellas up, but they didn't, so I instead went to Bateen Beach. Fortunately, I got a kiosk for myself which gave me shade from the sun.

The breeze was so nice and I immediately felt great. It was like the wind was lulling me to sleep.

After some time, I felt like the kiosk floor was shaking, and it indeed was. There were some people around me, but I ignored them. After a while, I realized that they came to my kiosk because a parrot was on the roof. They were trying to feed it with some seeds.

The parrot was so amusing. It wasn't intimidated by people at all. It even came to the nearby shed and took some food from the plastic bag. At one point, I saw it come near a man lying down on the sand.

I headed to the water after my nap, and felt the crunchy sand beneath my toes. It rained the night before and that made the sand feel that way. I did not swim though. Just dipping my feet knee-deep was enough to tickle my being.

After spending over 3hrs at the beach, I felt hungry and I decided it was time to leave. Regardless, it was a time off I badly needed for myself. I was instantly recharged by nature, and it was wonderful.

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Here's a poorly edited video that should compliment my post yesterday - Self Similar Land Art - Fahid Island | Manar Abu Dhabi

It was a challenge to take good quality videos/photos with the mobile. I think my phone should be capable of it, but I just plainly s*ck at it.

Regardless, I hope you enjoy the video. 😉

_{All photos are owned by the author unless stated otherwise.}

Have you ever been to Taal, Batangas?

It's widely known as the world's smallest active volcano is named after it, and it is alse where we can find the Largest Catholic Church in Asia.

Here's a peek of the Taal Basilica, with the Municipal Hall building at the left.

For me, it is almost like a second home as I spent my grade school and high school years here. I can remember when my friends and I would walk down this street going to the market to buy stuff for school projects or simply any street food that we fancy at the moment.

The market has definitely had a makeover in the past years. It was my first time to see this structure at the market entrance.

There used to be a lot of embroidery shops that line this side of the market. They would rent out barongs and saya (Filipino traditional outfits), and gowns for different occasions like Flores de Mayo or weddings.

I did not see such shops anymore, apart from this one. Perhaps they moved to another spot inside the market.

The wet market inside is not as big as the public market in the nearby town of Lemery (which is where most people from the nearby towns go to buy stuff). Taal Public Market is famous for its tapa and longganisa (garlic-y marinated meat and sausages). Sooo yummy.

Other staples here are the suman (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves), panutsa (peanuts candy), coffee beans, and cocoa balls.

We pass by this road every time we would go to the nearby town of Lemery to go to the market. I decided to take this video on our last day in PH when we passed by the Taal Public Market to buy some pasalubong (something we brong back to AUH when we come back).

You would notice the how they were able to keep the old houses, which were important parts of the Philippine history. One of these the house of Marcella Agoncilla, who is known in history as the woman who stiched the very first Philippine flag after its independence from the Spanish colony.

Marcella Agoncillo House

These are just some of what you would usually see in the town proper. There are still a lot of places that we were not able to explore, sadly. There's the small barangay (village) of Balisong, aptly named so because they forge the iconic knives that the Batanguenos are known for. It embodies the might of the Batangueno people. 💪

Next time, I'll make sure to capture of this amazing town as much as possible. 😉

Music:Walk
Musician:Ikson
License:https://ikson.com/track/28/walk

My youngest took a video of our plane taxiing up to when we were finally airborne. It was almost a 10-minute clip which I trimmed down to a minute.

We were all so tired from carrying our hand bags through the very big Dubai Airport. That, added to the stress of getting at the airport at 8pm for a 10pm flight. Wew. It was like our 2017 trip all over again when we reached the boarding gate at exactly the boarding time! But then, seeing the magnificent Dubai skyline, all of the weariness went away. The city lights are so beautiful!

It was day time as we reached Manila. Little Man also took some video clips as the plane was about to land. I hope to be able to share that with you soon.

Music:Apart
Musician:Ikson
License:https://ikson.com/track/75/apart

Don't you just love how your day's cravings will be satisfied by instant-cooked meals?

It was a busy albeit lazy day and I needed to of course have to be able to feed my kiddos. So it's instant chapjae to the rescue!

It was fairly easy to cook-- just mix together the instant seasoning mix and add to the cooked glass noodles. Add some shitake mushrooms, meat, and greens! My sister has a chapjae sauce in bottle which she's now saying is much nicer than the pre-mix seasoning powder that I got. hmmm. She's cooking another version tomorrow. Let's see which one is better. 😉