Friday, December 30, 2011

Bye bye iPad





FInally i got rid of my iPad! Sorry to say so but after i bought it 3 months ago I regret buying every single day. Perhaps you remember my unsuccessful shopping trip to Apple Store on October when I was supposed to buy the MacBook Air. Well that didn't really worked out so I went and bought the iPad instead. Only soon to discover that it needed the laptop to even start the bloody gizmo! Or to get the iCloud.. and how difficult it was to backup my pictures from iPhone to iPad without it. And how iPad doesn't support flash or other Adobe software. So that most of the webpages doesn't open. Or that most of our crew hotels offer free internet but only with cable and I had the wi-fi version!

So yesterday I went and sold that crap! And bought a proper laptop. So here it is: MacBook Pro - my new darling :) And now everything works, finally.

But before getting too excited let's take a step back. Because I still have this iPhone 4 which was jail braked after I moved to this country. And it was done twice. So stupid as I was and too excited about all my new gadgets I plugged my iPhone with MacBook and it offered me to get the new version for iPhone. Without thinking it so much I told iTunes to override my iPhone and install the latest version. But that was a terrible mistake! Because now it has erased the jailbreak and it doesn't recognize this SIM card. So the phone is locked and unable to use it. And the worst part is that I'm leaving to Kathmandu early tomorrow morning for the New Year. And I was planning to see the sunrise behind the Mount Everest... and take some pictures. Well, I think that will be impossible right now if the guys in these dark shops can't fix my phone.

So what is the lesson? Never buy a phone which is not unlocked. Or never ever install anything in it if you do. Or don't buy this shit at all :) Well the last is not an option, i still love my apple products, can't help it..

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

How to offer services to tourists: by Melbourne


I have to admit that one thing Australia is way ahead is the way they have organized information, services and guidance to tourists nd back packers. I haven't seen anywhere else it done as well as all over Australia.

I had my first flight to Melbourne just a while ago and that city can now be my example of these services. First of all: you can find big tourist information centers everywhere in the city. And it's always located in the middlenof everything sobthat you can't really miss that. And they have everything you need, the brochures, maps, timetables, people answering to your weardest questions...

But that is not so special, many cities have that same. But have you seen a free hop on hop off buss service for tourists anywhere? Inhaven't and when I heard about it i couldn't believe my ears! The bus leaves every 30 minutes and makes quite a trip around the city and it's most important sightseens. It takes all together 1,5 hours but you will stop at least two or three times. It took us propably 4 to 5 hours and could have easily taken longer.

Another special service they have is a free tram that also serves tourists and goes around the city center and it's shopping streets. So you'll have many options to rest your feet and see the city very easily.

Everything doesn't have to cost a fortune and companies/cities can actually give something for free somethimes. I believe because of that the country is so well known among especially backpackers who come to Australia every year and spend months (and a lot of money as well) and gives their share to Australia. I believe the special atmosphere Australia has, that you feel welcomed makes people to come back and tell their frends how great the country is. At least me and my friends have all done the same, shared our great experiences to each other. And i can easily promote this country to everybody :)


More info about the Melbourne Free Tourist Bus found here

Monday, December 26, 2011

Ski Dubai


I spent my Christmas (well actually 23rd December bec I was flying on Christmas) sking with my friends at Dubai.

In Finland we have amazing ski slopes in Lapland but the last time I was skiing was propably more than 4 years ago.

It sounds absolutely absurd to have slopes in the middle of the desert and in fact that's exactly how it is. The place is absurd but believe me - after not having snow in a year and having Christmas I was ready to have a try.

The ski slopes are inside the Mall of the Emirates, a beautiful mall close to Dubai Marina. At the price of 180 AED you get a ski pass for 2 hours, skis, boots, even socks and clothes. The only thing ypu should bring with you are warm cloves. And that we didn't had so we were freezing our hands ;)

At the slopes it is minus 4 degrease so it feels like winter. And at least on that day the slopes were quite empty so it was nice to ski there with no rush. Most of the people went to other snow activities.. most of the locals don't know how to ski so it's better for them (and for us) not to have them there.

I have to admit that even I had my reservations about the place it managed to surprise me very positively. Slopes are not long of course and there's not much variation but it doesn't matter at all. I wanted to see and touch snow, have a hot chocolate and ski for few hours. That made my Christmas :)

More info: www.skidxb.com

Merry Christmas!


Photo taken @ Christmas Market in Souk Madinat, Dubai

One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my whole life <3

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Dubai Old Souk


This is my favourite area in the city! It's next to the Dubai Creek at the end of the city center area. Surrounded by the ocean it has a history of trading goods. Even today it's harbours are full with old wooden ships carrying goods from Asia, especially from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

There is a Souk specialized with gold, another with herbs, third with mattresses, another with househild goods such as pots and cattles. There is litterarly something for every need you might have. And you are expected to bargain the prices as the local habit is.

There are shopping areas in oth sides of the creek but no worries - you can take a taxi boat to take you across with only 1 dirham! And it is an experience as well, the boats are old and wooden and sometimes quite full of people.

And don't forget to visit the Heritage Village which is just around the corner!

Dubai Heritage Village


Even though the city offers some amazing modern architecture I prefer the older style and more traditional. You can taste the history of the nation and the bedu lifestyle in the Heritage Village which is located in the city center and can easily reach by metro.

The day I visited it it was very quiet so it's propably one of the places where you can have some time of yourselve and enjoy the outdoor area and some quiet moments.

Next to the Heritage Village is also the Old Souks and Old Gold Souk so there is so much to see and experience. I highly recommend this area for anybody who want's to see something original and get the touch of the real arabian culture.

What: Heritage Village
Where: Downtown Dubai near Dubai Creek. About 15 km from Burj H
Khalifa.
When: Sat - Thu 08:00-22:00, Fri 08:00-11:00 & 16:00-22:00
How: take a subway, get off from Al Khubaiba Metro station ( 8 dir per person). Or you can also take a taxi ( appr. 20 dir from Burj Khalifa)

Burj Khalifa


I just came back from Dubai after spending some time there with my friends and family. I've only been there few times but not really had the time to investigate city's soul. This time I managed to see most of the main tourist attractions as well as the local lifestyle in the western people populated areas of the city.

Here is the number one destination which everybody coming to Dubai should see, The Burj Khalifa - tallest building in the world.

It took 5 years to build it and at one point they even run out of money. So they lended some money from the ruler of Abu Dhabi and after that they had to change the name of the tower to Burj Khalifa. Something that as an Abu Dhabi citizen I'm very pleased of ;)

The building is next to the world fmous shopping mall Dubai Mall and the entrance goes through the mall. But in order to get to the observation deck which is situated at the 124th floor you need to buy the tickets online few days before visiting becuse those are always sold out. The ticket costs 100 dirhams which is approximately 20€. The tour gives you much more thn just the deck and the views and I think it was well worth the money spent. I visited the deck during daylight when I was able to see the city properly. But I will go there again after the sunset because the city looks totally different with all the lights, I think it will be even better.

Here is the official web page for more information:

Www.burjkhalifa.ae

Saturday, December 3, 2011

40th National Day of UAE


GeoTagged, [N24.46338, W54.37615]

Today the country celebrated it's independence and they really did it properly!

Here the main attraction is to gather next to the ocean bulevard to watch the cars driving by with some creative national decorations, flags, bears - you name it in, on top or next to the cars! And lso people were hanging outside windows, sitting on the roof or even standing on it while the car was moving!

Locals really love their cars, that's their way to celebrate. Back in the history they used to have camels and horses and they did exactly the same thing.. Speeding, dancing, singing, firing guns. Nowdays they have only moved to more horsepower but you can still see the tradition behind. I really love it!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Emirates preparing for 40 years celebration


Country has it's 40th birthday coming on 2nd of December and the preparations are visible in all over the city.

I'll be here on that day and going to the Corniche beach to see the party and concerts. Everybody are telling me that it gets totally crazy.. people dancing on their cars, spraying each other and having the best time of their life!

I really want to see how people celebrate in this country because usually emiratis are very calm and quiet. And also because they don't use any alcohol to celebrate and in my culture people always tell me how you can't have fun without drinking.. I want them to prove finns wrong! :)

http://en.uaenationalday.ae/

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Back in South-Africa


This really is my favourite destination! The flight is amazing, so relaxed because the passangers are so nice :) And the country itself is so beautiful, they have excellent beef, wine is good and cheap, people so kind and happy and sun is shining :)

Close to our hotel is a small street market. We went there yesterday and I couldn't help my self.. I bought so many nice things for my home! All is hand made and traditional from around arfica from different tribes. I love this kind of stuff to collect, something to remember these trips later.

Today we got our roster for next month. And even that I requested Seychelles for christmas I got cold Moscow instead! So not so lucky this time but I won't complain because I've had so good flights for the past 3 months now. And I get to Kathmandu for new year's eve :)

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Night view Singapore


Rainforests in Singapore


As I promised I will tell you what was the real experience for me in that beautiful city.

This time of the year is a monsuune season and it rains a lot. Relly a lot! But because of that the nature is simply breathtaking. And even in the middle of the city center you can find yourself in the middle of these gigantic trees and funny birds that just don't stop singing. It's truly magical!

I had time to go only to a small park but there are big nature reservers where you can spend a whole day wondering. So I will do that the next time I go there.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Marina Bay - Singapore


Singapore is a very small country and the city itself has over 4 million inhabitants. With that figures it's one of the most tensed populated cities in the world. But actually you don't really see that. Because the city lacks the slums that most of the big overpopulated cities are so well known of. Instead Singpore is one of the most advanced cities in the world. It's like Tokyo, you can see technology everywhere and everything works so well. People are working wiyh business or high tech and have a very high level of education. And compared to Abu Dhabi in Singapore the goverment wants the imigrants to have Singaporean citicenship so they grant passports to chinese, indian, indonesian and european workers who come there to live.

The main business area in Singapore is around the Marina Bay. Bay has huge skyskrapers all over and it looks very beautiful. They also have culture over there, modern museum and many five star hotels. And of course a big mall with all the intetnational brands like Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton.

It is a must see place for a first time visitor but actually I found something much more interesting on the other side of tje city later that day. I will tell you more about it tomorrow :)

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Byron Bay - the real surfer's paradise


GeoTagged, [N1.29274, W103.85398]

So I went to Byron on wednesday by bus and it only took less than 2 hours to get there. But how different the place is from Surfers! When Surfers used to be the place for surfers, bikinis and beaches Byron is that now. Surfers is full of families, crowded beaches, high end shops, nightclubs and even a casino! But Byron is still a small hippie village with cheap hostels, bars, Billabong shops and young backpackers. And most of them are surfing.

Byron center is actually only one street. Everything is close. The main beach is right next to the center with 3 km white sand and strong wind. But I didn't stayed at the beach. I walked to the lighthouse that is very famous over there. There's no buses going there so you have to walk, like everywhere else in the place. But it's worth of all the struggle!

The walk starts from the beach. You walk at the very end of it. From there you find a car park and at the corner starts a narrow path right through the forest.

So off you go. Start climbing, 1,5 km uphill. It took me propably over an hour to walk there because of the view! I just had to stop every 5 meters to take pictures and amaze the beauty of the place! You have to see it for your self.. On your right opens the deep blue ocean with white beaches and on your left a green rainforest with birds singing. It is magical! And the views are just breath taking!

The view is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen! Only Capri in Italy is beating Byron. That was years ago but I still remember.. The clear greenish blue Mediterraean sea against the white mountain of Capri. The path down starts from Axel Munthe's villa and is so romantic, old and narrow like from a fairytail <3 But Byron is very close to that.

So eventually I reached the lighthouse and the view was amazing! There's even a small cafe where you can buy drinks, something you really need after that walk :)) That lighthouse is very famous not only becuse of it's beauty but also because it is the most eastern spot in Australia.

But you have to walk down as well. I hate to go the same routes and always if possible I take a new road because I want to see something new. So I continued and found another path on the other side. That pth went straight inside the rainforest, totally different experience from the first walk! It felt magical listening to all tje birds and other animals wich you coudn't see but the noise was crazy!

But the best was still to come. Between the trees I saw this completely quiet beach with only surfers in the water. No sunbathing, no shops, no lifeguards, only surfers. And the beach was so beautiful, like a secret hideaway that only few knows.. A small paradise on earth.

It's a pitty I don't surf. Actually I'm even afraid trying. But I love watching and I love the athmosphere. It is so relaxed, easy going, no worries, just enjoying life as it comes. Because that's how I want to live my life as well. I have always fought against mainstream way of life because at least for me that is not what I value in life. I don't want someone else to tell me what is a good life, how you should have a upgoing career, plans for future, a house and a car bought by a bank loan, 4 weeks vacation and a job you feel stressed and depressed in.

So I still rebell and seek the company of people who are free spirits. Who listen to their inner voice and live their life to the fullest. Who don't seek for money but values. That's why I have always been weak for people who surf, snowboard etc because in that lifestyle is this freedom, rebellious attitude, enjoying life to the fullest your own way. Not living inside Matrix but living your own life where you make your own choices.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Sunset in Surfer's


GeoTagged, [S27.99734, W153.42972]

Surfers Paradise, Australia


GeoTagged, [S27.99903, W153.43066]

Second day in a paradise. Still tomorrow to go. This definitely is a beach city. All activity is at the beach and nearby streets. Shops sell beach wear and flipflops. Restaurants offer snacks and beer. Beach has these famous lifeguards (hot) ;) and the whole lifestyle is relaxed and with "taking it easy" attitude.

But still it's missing something. The surfers. I can't see anyone surfing here. I bet the place the real surfers go is somewhere where the turists don't end up. Where they have their own gang and lifestyle without anyone watching. This place is so full of turists that it has lost it's authenticity.

So tomorrow I will take a bus and go down from here to Byron Bay. That small city should be more natural without the commercial feeling around it. So let's see how I like about it. I bet it's much better than Surfer's.

Monday, November 7, 2011

From Singapore


GeoTagged, [S28.00131, W153.43069]

This time in Singapore. We flew here on friday and stayed for 2 nights. now I'm in Australia's Gold Coast and flying back to Singapore on thursday and spend another 2 nights over there. So it's a long time away from Abu Dhabi and Ilove it!

Iwill post more pictures about the city later this week. Now I have only seen some clubs because for crew Singapore is a place to party. They have these amazing nightclubs on a rooftop above skyscrapers. What a view!

One another thing that's special about the city is the law. Singpore is propably the cleanest city in the world and there are hard fines even in littering. This sign is a good example about how strict they are over there. Even if driving a bisycle in a wrong place you can get a ticket for over $ 500 US. So be careful and check the rules. But because of the strict law tje city is so beautiful and modern, safe and clean to enjoy. Later this week I will take a long walk in the city and try to find the soul of the city.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Rostering


You have to be very flexible and not to stress about not knowing about your next day when doing this kind of a work. We do get our next month work list in advance at the end of the month thou, but it always include some stand by's when company can notice you only few hours before departure that you will be going on that flight.

For example this month I had 3 stand by's starting tonight. So they sent me a txt that I have roster changes. And now I'm on my way to the airport and heading to Delhi, India. And tomorrow I have something called Airport Standby which means I will wait at the airport for crew control to put me on a flight right away.

In this company I have always been called to a flight because a high demand of flights and lack of crew or crew been sick. This company is growing faster than it has people to work with it so there is so much work for us. Sometimes it's hard of course when you have only minimum legal rest, you'r still tired from the previous duty and they put you on a nightflight. But on the other hand the more you flight the more money you will earn. So eventually it's really good :)

I just got my roster (work list) for November and I can't be any more happy. First of all becuse I got my requested flight wich is amazing 9 days leg to Singapore and Brisbane! And after that I will fly to Sydney and South-Africa! All are destinayions where there is summer at the time so no winterclothes needed :)

I have started to feel more happy and home here after all the struggles that I encountered at the beginning. It was some kind of a cultural chock coming from a very organized country to a country where everything takea time.. a lot of time. But I think I have overcome that now and really started to like this place and appreciate everything what this country has to offer.

There are amazing working opportunities, especially with us europeans who has the education, work experience and language skills. And you can earn so much better than in Europe where the financial situation is so bad.

Also the weather is something I really appreciate coming from a dark, cold country. Every morning I wake up and see the sun shining, no clouds in the sky. And the beach is only short taxi drive from my home and it's totally free :)

Also there is amazing opportunity to study. We have international Universities here in Abu Dhabi and Dubai that offer high standard education in all different academic fields. I will definitely take a closer look and try to upgrade my papers from BA to MA.

It is a ever growing, ambitious country. Very different from my home country but all in good way. So let's see how long I will stay here and what kind of opportunities I will find for myself. I definitely look forward to my future here in UAE! :)

Friday, October 28, 2011

Buddha Temple in Jakarta


I went to see the china town and there they had also a buddha temple wich I had to visit of course. Outside the temple was a man selling small birds from the cage. Not for a pet but to reliese birds to the sky. I believe there was some deeper meaning in their religion but for me it was also very touching. So I ended up buying five birds and tryid not to freak out when the man gave them to my hands for a reliese :) Cute small things just wanted to get free and fly! :)

Thursday, October 20, 2011

My shopping trip to Apple Store


On my last day in New York I finally went to Apple Store on 5th avenue to buy a new laptop. So I entered there, queued a half an hour, told the cashier I want an MacBook Air and gave $1000. But she told me the price is $1086! Because of the tax that you add on top of the price! Which I didn't know! So I checked my wallet an counted all my money.. there was $1072.

Night before I met a homeless guy on the streets and I gave him $20. If I woudn't have done that I would have enough to buy the computer. But I always believe things happen for a reason..

So I took my flight yesterday evening back to Abu Dhabi. On that flight was also a young US soldier on his way to Baghdad, Irak. So we talked and after landing to AD we walked together to the currency exchange. But what happens.. he needed to get money but the ATM took his card and suddenly he doesn't have money even to take a taxi to his hotel! And he has an early flight to catch the next morning.

So because I coudn't buy that laptop I still had a lot of money with me and I was able to help him. So I believe there was a reason I coudn't buy that laptop even that it was my biggest wish on my trip in New York and I felt so disappointed. But so many times in life you plan something and if it doesn't happen as you plan you get so angry and frustrated. But life hardly ever goes the way you plan it, it is so much bigger than us. An I truly believe that what happens in your life is always much better than if you could get your own way. I believe life is so much more creative and surprising than what you could even plan for yourself.

This soldier promised to take me to a dinner the next time he comes to Abu Dhabi. But even if I would never meet him anymore I believe this was ment to happen. Not only because of the money, but something else. And how good it feels to be able to help someone sometimes. Even when I don't have a lot of money sometimes I have more than someone else. And the money is not mine, it is mine to do the right thing and to help someone who needs it more than me.

One friend of mine was critisizing me giving money to a soldier. But I believe that when there is someone in need we shoudn't look at the person, who he is or what he does. We are all equal and human beings, we shoudn't judge people when they need our help.

I am not an angel who helps people every day and always thinks others before myself. But this was a great possibility given to me to help. And I hope that if I'm in that position ever myself someone would be kind enough to offer his help. So watch out, you never know who needs you and what might happen when you travel and meet people :)

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Central Park, NY


GeoTagged, [N40.74316, E73.99894]

I rented a bike yesterday and headed to Central Park. Rent is $20 for 3 hours and it was a perfect way to see the huge area. And it was a beautiful sunny and warm day :)

At this time of the year all the trees have amazing colours and it looks like from a fairytail. So romantic! No wonder the place was full of couples and newlyweds taking pictures.. Next time I have to come here with someone special. And apparently the park is full of singles as well.. I got two date offers in few hours time ;))

Today I'll be visiting the Apple Store on 5th avenue for some serious shopping! So tonight I should have a brand new laptop with my hands. Soo looking forward to that!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Occupy Wall Street 15th October


I arrived to New York city on friday night just before the massive riots. So I woke up early, took a subway to downtown and joined thousands of protesters. We walked through the whole Manhattan, what a perfect way for a sightseing for a first time visitor ;)

Even that the protest was very calm there was hundreds of police officers, horses, cars and even FBI.. And when te night fell and we reached the Times Square they took action and pressed people tight so that there was a sudden panic among protesters. I was a little bit too close and almost got stuck but eventually found my way out.. Hectic!

I truly believe this cause. I believe that people got really too greedy. Not only investment banks but all of us. We all forgot that money doesn't bring us happines and that we don't really need that much. We forgot that we should keep our trust in God, not in money. So this is the consequense, money failed us. And those who created this massive depression got away and we are left to pay the bills. And this is wrong. In US there are hundreds of thousands of people without home, they have lost everything. And that is the limit.. everyone should have the right to a home to live in and food to eat.

Check the action page, these protests are spreading all over the world :)

www.occupywallst.org

Sunday, October 9, 2011

South Africa


Only 8 hours flight from Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg. But what a different world!

We spent 2 days there so I managed to visit a Lion Park which is a big nature park with wild and captured animals. We were sitting inside the car while driver told us about these amazing african animals.

One of my life's most memorable moments were when we entered a small cage where they had lion cabs. Those "puppies" were not that small, maybe a mid size dog but still babies.. just sleeping and playing. And they gave us 5 minutes and I was able to pet them! What an amazing feeling, incredible! And I started to miss my baby dog again..

City of Johannesburg is not too big, the center is all about business/money and you can't miss all those expensive german sport cars. But outside the city is a different world, slums where people don't really have a proper houses. So no wonder all the rich people have secured their property with huge fences, dogs and guards with guns.

We flew a turnaround to Capetown airport where we did some shopping.. I found so beautiful african handicrafts, something for my future home. Next time I will fly to Capetown for a holiday, I have to see the table mountains, sea, penguins and wine area.
And on April 2012 my company will open a route to Nairobi Kenia where I will definitely go to a real safari! That usually is extremely expensive at least from Europe, so now that I have a possibility to do it I can't miss it! So looking forward to that :)

I have to mention about local prople that I met, people are very relaxed, smiling and friendly. Somehow I felt the atmosphere is like in Australia or Ireland, people don't stress too much but enjoy their life and other people. I really love that, I wish my home country could be more like that.

My next destination is Germany and after that my leave when I will be going to New York city!! My first destination will be the Apple Store in 5th Avenue ;)

www.apple.com

By the way, that food in the picture is NILE CROCODILE! It tasted like a fish, only a bit harder to chew :)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

My favourite place in Abu Dhabi <3


After spending over a week on a sick leave because of this damn flue, I decided to spend a day outside in a sunshine. Before it has just been too hot so it has been impossible to enjoy at the beach. But now the weather is getting so much better :)

There is a huge white sandy beach just in the city center called "Corniche beach". I think it's artificial like everything else over here but it doesn't matter! The sand is pure white colour, whiter than in Thailand.. and the water is sooo clear, turquoise and warm. You can just stay there for hours and people do..

So i went there today after seing my doctor who told me I have to rest few more days. But spending over a week inside I had to get out! And it was the best idea I had for a while! For now I know what is ultimatelly the best thing about the city and why it's a priviledge for a finnish girl to be able to live here :) The beach is amazing, the sea is amazing!! It is so beautiful, so peaceful, you only hear the waves hitting the shore and the sand is full of beautiful seashells..

I decided that every time that I'm off and in the city I will come to the beach, to relax, to have some sun and to swim in the ocean. Because most of the people are paying thousands of euros to be able to enjoy a weather like this for few weeks a year. And I have got the priviledge to be able to enjoy it every single day of the year! I truly appreciate it and I'm very grateful to be able to experience this in my life :)

Friday, September 16, 2011

Paris


Last time I visited Paris was years ago during the Paris Fashion Week. City hasn't changed that much, it's still beautiful, expensive and rude. Locals don't really know how to or don't want to speak any english so for turists it's not very easy always to ask for help or even do shopping.

I had time to go to the city and because it was a beautiful warm day I walked in the streets and parks and took pictures.

I also had some bad luck with my iPhone, I dropped it to the basement and the whole glas got broken. So I have to find out if they can fix it here in Abu Dhabi or do I need to buy a new one. Timing couldn't be any worse though because I'm going on my leave to New York next month and for that I'm trying to save as much as possible. So to have to buy a new phone is cutting my shopping budget ;)

Next destination Dublin, I think it's going to rain over there so let's see if there's anything to do for a layover. But the city is beautiful and so green, reminds me a bit of Finland <3 I miss home right now :)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Hot day well spent in Dubai


Beautiful Burj al Arab, the 7 star hotel standing on it's own small island. I however spent the day next to that luxury location in an amazing & fun waterpark cooling down.

Our group were almost the only female guests they had, apparently locals don't allow women to enter that place even when they wears "swimwear" that covers everything from head to toe. So the ladies have their private fun time every thursday night when guys are not allowed to enter. Boring! ;)

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Dhaka | Bangladesh


I just returned from Bangladesh and even I have been in many poor countries this was the ultimate experience.
In the capital Dhaka there are about 15 million people and I would imagine propably all of them arw living in slums or at the streets..

I have never seen so many beggars, families living under the rainy sky with the only shelter by the plastic "tents". People don't have pure water, food, shoes on their feet, no education, no future... It is a sad place to live in.

To all of us living in the rich part of the world I highly recommend a visit to these slumms. It gives your life a completely new propotions and maybe a grateful attitude for all that we have.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Sydney Australia | 16.08.2011


GeoTagged, [S33.86255, W151.20910]

I love this city! Beautiful, green, tropical, clean, western, cool, metropolitan feeling, artistic...

It's a city where I could easily move to. The nature and weather is perfect, almost tropical and yet it's close to european culture and way of life. I love the architecture, high skyscrapers and old buildings side by side.

Just amazing!

Local pub near Heathrow | London 06.08.2011


Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Colombo, Sri Lanka | 1.8.2011


Capital of Sri Lanka, big noizy city but sooo friendly and safe! I fell in love with the country. But it needs at least few days to go to the countryside and visit those amazing tea plantations, eco friendly hotels and beautiful sandy beaches.

Country is beautiful like Thailand but there are less turists, you have more space for yourself :)

Friday, July 29, 2011

It's getting HOT in Abu Dhabi


Summer is heating up and the temperatures are still rising. It is almost unbearable to stay outside, so I'm very happy to work a lot & travel to cooler areas of the world.

The holy month of Ramadan is also starting on August the 1st. It means a lot of restrictions also for us christians. For example it is illegal to drink even a water publically before the sunset. So we have to be well prepared and drink & eat before heading to the airport.

Ramadan is going to be very interesting because I have never experienced it before. So let's find out what it is and how people celebrate Ramadan after the sunset. Because all the restaurants are going to be full every evening with amazing buffets, meze's, shisha smoking and arabian music. It sounds great!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Damascus, Syria | 24/07/2011


GeoTagged, [N24.46346, W54.37644]

Desert & the city somewhere far away. View from the cockpit.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Desert island outside Abu Dhabi | 22/07/2011


Locals spend their weekends outside the hot & humid city by driving a speadboat to one of the desert islands or Maya island which is famous for it's beach parties.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Milano, Italy | 19.-20.7.2011


City in thunderstorm, beautiful :)