Thursday, September 30, 2010

Monday, September 27, 2010

Souk Sharq - boat ride.

The summer has been relentlessly breathing down our necks, with just a hint of drop in temperature since yesterday. Humidity has set in, and maybe this heralds a brief break before the harsh winter decides to settle in. So looking forward to some pleasant days this October, with some breeze and the sunrays being a bit gentle.

Last weekend inspite of the heat, decided to step out and spend the evening along the lovely Souk Sharq; and our outing did turn out to be fun and we were glad we made it. There is this nice little Cafe tucked behind, almost hidden, close to the parking. It had a lovely ambience, with the added pleasure of being seated beside the crashing waves, and the wonderful view of the outstretched sea, the sun slowly but surely dipping in. The French Coffee was almost perfect, and served to perfection too, with the piping hot concoction being poured in small dainty cups, from a pot. Tea, ofcourse the local speciality, black, was just right, that managed to down two huge cups. There was Lemon Mint Iced, Rainbow special a colourful display with bits of fruits and icecreams thrown in. And it was a great way to spend the evening catching up with friends while leisurely sipping your own thing.

And then we decided to take the short boat ride, for which we had to wait for a while, and so walked along the pier, where these boats and yachts were docked. And by the time we boarded the boat, it had turned dark, but that didn't seem to dampen our spirits or the experience, as I had thought it might. Being in the sea, if not as exciting as being in air, is nonetheless an exciting and beautiful experience. Our cameras didn't do justice to the beautiful scenes, but still managed to capture a bit of it. It was strange going on a ride with the local crowd, with some typical Arabic music in the background, and the boat dancing merrily to it in the dark sea. Would definitely go for another ride during the day, maybe, and if possible a longer one.

And a total contrast to the above with-the-nature trip, the visit to the new Lulu Hyper Market, in Qurain was all zazzy, and synthetic, the lure of consumerism at its best. Was amazed at the definition of Consumerism in Wikipedia, "systematic creation and fostering of a desire to purchase goods or services in ever greater amounts"! Ofcourse we all happily fall prey, and no one is complaining, atleast not here!

Anyways, this beautiful evening sun, caught while with a friend along the walking path nearby, reminds one of the beauty that is all encompassing and omnipresent, and that, it is within us, to look out for it.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Eid Mubarak!


The past one month of fasting ,rituals and intense prayers will culiminate tomorrow, as the holy month of Ramzan comes to a joyous end. Everyday schedule and meal patterns will come back to its normal routine, and schools too will start their sessions in a week or so.

So as of now, the roads and shopping complexes are still relatively deserted, and look a bit desolate too! The place will come alive, thronging with children and families in a weeks time, and the clogs of the machine will start their chugging, in full swing . So until then, looking forward to enjoying the long weekend coming up. Hoping to visit some places, relaxing with friends, with a dash of movies and music, days ahead, doesn't seem too bad ! :)