Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is one of the seven Emirates making up the United Arab Emirates, which has developed now into a top class tourist destination.  Every year the Emirate welcome thousands of visitors from all over the globe.  Today Dubai is a hot spot tourist place, which dazzles people from all over the world to come and visit this amazing city.  Dubai is a sparkling gem in the desert, the crown jewel of the United Arab Emirates. If you want a destination encompassing every imaginable luxury, as well as rugged outdoor adventures, then you must come to Dubai for your next vacation.  It really is a wonder !

  

Here is a picture of me standing in front of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa.  I was getting nauseated just looking up at this building.  I don’t know how Tom Cruise manage to do some of those crazy stunts from this building here for his Mission Impossible movie, but I was fine with both my feet on the ground.  Unless if Hollywood wants to pay me 30 million bucks, I might possibly consider :-)))  Okay lets get to the stuff to do, as there is so much, but here are a few must see places and things to do.

The Dubai Mall, wow wow wow, I have never been to a mall like this.  World class shopping all over Dubai and this mall is no exception.  In the Dubai Mall you will find more than just high-end stores like Oscar de la Renta and Valentino, but also entertainment and activities for the entire family.  With a spectacular fountain display, the Dubai Ice Rink, and the Dubai Aquarium, it will be easy to spend a whole day exploring all the sights in the Dubai Mall, as well as dropping some bucks on the fine stores.  This was the most beautiful mall I have ever stepped foot in.  Wow I could only imagine how much it cost to build this gorgeous mall.

The Atlantis Waterpark, this is located in the Atlantis Resort, this is another example of things to do in Dubai that are ideal for any age.  Atlantis Dubai’s waterpark has everything from a Dolphin Bay where you can interact with dolphins to Aquaventure, a 42-acre area with slides, rapids, an area for kids, and a beach.

Jumeirah Beach Park, this is a wonderful area with many things to do. It is a park situated right on the beach, complete with tables, grills, and play areas for kids. Whether you want to swim in the ocean or the pool, the Jumeirah Beach Park has both to offer.  Or if you rather not have a day of sand and water, and rather be skiing, then head over to Ski Dubai, yes skiing in Dubai, how strange you might be thinking, but it is an enclosed building that blows snow year-round and offers slopes for skiing, sledding, and snowboarding. 

The Gold Souk is for you if you prefer shopping outside of a mall.  I definitely enjoy outside shopping, and prefer the outside markets by far, as compared to indoor malls.  The street markets are my favorite shopping, as I feel it is nicer then being stuck in some building, but that is just my personality, and the Gold Souk might be right up your alley too.  Street lined with vendors selling products made of gold and offering quality jewelry.  

Also if you like museums then check out The Dubai Museum,  the purpose of this museum is to present the traditional way of life in the Emirate of Dubai, so soak up a couple hours of learning at this museum, and don’t forget to complete your mission and head over to Burj Khalifa.  Until next time, mission possible - nothing is impossible :-)))

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Victoria, British Columbia,  this place is unforgettable.  This is one place were I really enjoyed my holiday.  I think this is one place that everyone would feel the same way, unforgettable.  Blessed with parks, natural and water scenery's, this place is the epitome of charming.  From Vancouver there are several ferries that you can take to Vancouver.  I was coming from Washington State so I jumped on the Port Angeles ferry.  Load up your car if your driving one and it takes approximately one and half hours to reach Victoria, which is the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island.

Once you reach Victoria you will see why it is known as the “City of Gardens.”  It is a super quaint and picturesque, but yet a sophisticated city .  Victoria is a seaside city with it's bustling inner harbour and breathtaking views everywhere you look.  When you arrive you will feel like you have been transported to England.  Victoria has a distinctly British feel to it; pretty gardens, double-decker buses, guards in uniform, Parliament buildings, the cathedrals.  Victoria has all the characteristics of England with a twist of other ethnic influences.

There are many tourism attraction and landmark such as the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the Royal British Columbia Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, Chinatown, Victoria Butterfly Garden and many other gardens, including the Pacific Undersea Gardens, catch a whale watching tour, and a must the strikingly beautiful Parliament buildings.  This is a picture of me taking in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel or more commonly named, just the Empress Hotel.  It is one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Victoria.  A must is to stop in the Empress Hotel for some tea.

Whether coming from Washington State or Vancouver jump on that ferry and take a ride over to Victoria.  You will be completely impressed and permanently infatuated with Victoria, and  it is one of the worlds premier destination cities to visit.