Travel and Culture

Postcards from Pauline Warneck {Dubai}

November 7, 2011

It’s the first Monday of the month again, and as promised, here’s my dear friend Pauline to take us to one of her exciting explorations! This time it’s Dubai! I love how she presents two sides of this very intriguing city – the old and the new. But I must admit, the old holds more charm to me than the new. Well, let’s get on with it, shall we? :)

Dubai – The New, The Old, and The Crazy

by Pauline Warneck

The first thing that goes through your mind when you see Dubai is “What the…?” Indeed, this place takes the prize for being the most over-the-top city on earth — surpassing even Vegas. Yep, Dubai is a whole lot of crazy. Especially the new Dubai. They have crazy sales – off-season designer duds are at 90% off and you don’t even have to wait for an event, just go to the Dubai Outlet Mall. They also have crazily expensive hotels like the Burj Al Arab (US$1500 a night).

the Burj Al Arab (US$1500 a night)

And, let’s not forget the tallest building in the world, the Bhurj Khalifa. It also houses the expensive (of course) Armani Hotel. Plus, to get to the observation deck, you have to pay almost US$100 (which I wasn’t willing to shell out just for a view). Underneath this behemoth is (of course, again) the largest mall in the world by total area, the Dubai Mall.

Dubai is also famous for it’s skyscrapers like the ones in the new Dubai Marina.

And also the iconic buildings along Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai’s main drag.

But, behind Dubai’s modern and shiny new image, there are a lot of cultural treasures that can be enjoyed if you are willing to explore beyond the bling. They all come at a cheap price. Or sometimes, you don’t even have to pay at all.

One example is the Bastakiya Quarter in Old Dubai, a small district near the Dubai Creek composed of small streets and really old traditional Arabian courtyard houses that were cooled by wind towers. It’s like taking a step back in time when air-conditioning and electricity where non-existent in the UAE. Now it is home to numerous museums and art shops. Entrance is free.

There’s also the Dubai Museum where you can take a glimpse of the city’s past and Bedouin Arab culture. Entrance is only Dirhams 3 (less than a US dollar).

The entrance of Dubai Museum houses a dhow, a traditional Arabian fishing boat.

The Dubai Museum is also home to a lot of artifacts and exhibits that feature Dubai’s past and traditions.

The Dubai Museum also has Dubai’s oldest building, The Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787. This is probably considered a skyscraper at that time.

If you want a really local experience, take a 1 Dirham (around 25 cents) abra (passenger boat) ride on the Dubai creek. Notice that the boats do not have any railings so better sit down.

Walk the streets of Deira and check out the numerous souks. Just be careful if you are a lady, these streets are full of men and they tend to ogle.

Finally, check out the famous Gold Souk, which is crowded almost everyday. These people have a lot of money.

Since staring and drooling are free, that’s what I did.

So if someone says that Dubai does not have any culture, don’t believe it. They probably did not explore enough.

Pauline Warneck is a full-time housewife, part-time writer, avid traveler, and yogini for life. She and her husband are currently residing in the U.A.E.

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Postcards from Pauline Warneck {The French Countryside}

October 3, 2011

My dearest friend, Pauline Warneck, travels a lot and tells me the most interesting stories! She’s agreed to share some of her adventures here with us. (Watch out for her posts every first Monday of the month.) I’m so excited – it’s almost like taking a trip with her! Imagine how much we can learn from her experiences!

The Softer Side of France

by Pauline Warneck

Call me a snob but I think Paris is overrated. A lot of movies and travel guides only focus on the City of Lights, the glamour, the fashion scene, the iconic tower and the countless museums. Another overrated place is the south of France, the Côte d’Azur, the festivals of Cannes and once again, the glamour, the fashion scene, etc etc.

I am lucky enough to be married to a Frenchman since this allows me to see a different side of the country. A side that’s simpler, where people are so pleasant they say ‘Bonjour!’ to strangers. Where food comes from natural sources and where you can just sit down on a hill overlooking a peaceful, small town and feel truly grateful for just being there.

This is the French countryside that tourists rarely see.

Last summer, I explored the department of Isère and Savoie on the eastern side of France where my in-laws live and had a lot of wonderful experiences (especially the food!).

There are fields of sunflowers as far as the eye can see. The countryside is full of them.

Found this little castle, the Château de Fallavier in the small town of Saint Quentin Fallavier.

Lunch at a true-blue French auberge, the Auberge Dauphinois, is divine! It may not have a Michelin star, but the food is delicious.

The Auberge Dauphinois

haricot verte salad, the ever-present homemade French bread, steak with gratin Dauphinois, and French fruit salad

Also had a countryside dinner prepared by my sister-in-law for my mother-in-law’s birthday. We had salad, smoked salmon and rice.

Dessert of homemade sorbet with melon strips on waffle cups, and let’s not forget the chocolate birthday cake.

Had this rhubarb quiche in an aunt’s house. Never ate rhubarb before so this was a new food experience. My aunt got the rhubarb from her own backyard garden.

Of course, no French meal is complete without cheese.

Went to Bourget du Lac, a small town in the Savoie region right beside the Lac du Bourget (Bourget Lake), husband and I had lunch at this small restaurant.

Had escargot (snails) for appetizer. Yummy!

I had the petits poissons friture (small fish from the lake), fried to perfection and my husband had his favourite, the tartiflette (potatoes and bacon au gratin with a delicious Reblochon cheese and white wine creamy sauce).

petits poissons friture

Lac du Bourget

Here I am, up on a hill overlooking the French countryside, and thinking how lucky I am to be there.

Pauline Warneck is a full-time housewife, part-time writer, avid traveler, and yogini for life. She and her husband are currently residing in the U.A.E.

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Les Puces de Saint-Ouen {Part 3}

September 28, 2011

The last of my flea market photos. I bet you’re just itching to visit! Oh and I almost forgot, I found the fabric district in Paris. It’s at Montmartre, just to the right of Sacre Coeur Basilica (if you’re facing the church). Again, I was in heaven when I entered Tissus Reine – this huge fabric store! If you’re a kindred artist, I promise you you’ll love it! And beside it is this small store of fabric remnants in discounted prices. Worth taking a look as well!

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