Tuesday 16 June 2015

sunset at Dubai Marina


While I was quite, I had to arrange many things.
I moved out from my apartment, sold some furnitures and now I am settle in hotel apartment for couple of weeks. This is the view from the hotel. Again it is Marina but more slightly different from my regular angle from home :)

After 6.5 years in Dubai, it will be hard to leave from this city and friends but I decided to stop working for a while and travel. :)
I am going back to my home country, Turkey and start to travel from nearby cities first.

Slowly I hope to extend my travel to other countries. Cuba in November is already planned, I hope others will follow after Cuba visit.

I am leaving the country at the end of the June. I hope I could have more posts about Dubai. While I was struggle to post regularly, I admire Erik once again. How he handled blogging and moving was impressive.

There are many stuff out here in Dubai waiting to be photographed. I am glad that I photographed some of them and shared a bit of this city with you. Even it is not enough, some is always better than nothing. :)

Sunday 31 May 2015

Gurkan Genc



The guy with 60 kg loaded bicycle is +Gurkan Genc I have been following his journey last couple of months. When I heard his World Tour with bicycle, he had already completed almost 3 years. I started to follow him when he was in Jordan.  Afterwards he passed Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and finally UAE. I was wondering if he could able to come Dubai before my leave at the end of the June.

Finally yesterday, 993 day after the tour started, he arrived here.  I am so happy to meet with him and listen his experience on the way. 

The weather was too warm. warmer then recent days. He said he saw over 54 deg C yesterday. 

He is planning to complete the whole tour in 7 years. He intentionally planned to pass each country at the most difficult climate conditions. Northern countries in winter time, deserts are in summer time. It is challenging, isn't it?

In every country he is also giving inspirational presentations at high schools, and universities. He was so kind to give a presentation just after he finished 135 km from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. He will stay nearly 1 month in Dubai. There will be other organizations with local bicycle federation and organisations. This was just a simple welcoming among Turkish society. 
Please check the website for his amazing journey.


Thursday 28 May 2015

wind tower



yeah.. another wind tower from Bastakiya and small bird over there..

These wind towers were used to catch the wind and divert it into the house when there was no electricity and modern AC. the other name is "wind catcher"


Wednesday 27 May 2015

street from Bastakiya


I want to share street view from Bastakiya. It is like a maze. We have two wind towers here as well.

Tuesday 26 May 2015

XVA Art Hotel & Cafe



When I visit Bastakiya area, always i stopped at XVA Hotel & Cafe for refreshments and their delicious vegetarian foods.
Each time, you see different exhibition at gallery area, have different decoration at cafe area and unique small artistic items at their gift shop. I haven't checked their hotel area but for sure, that part also should be great. If I would be a tourist in Dubai, I would prefer to stay here instead of 5 stars Hotels in high rise buildings.

Monday 25 May 2015

Monday Mural - Bastakiya


I was not able to post regularly last two weeks. at first I had visitors, then I was busy again. Finally I am back with another mural by Ruben Sanchez. It is located in Al Bastakiya.  Al Bastakiya is one of oldest area in Dubai dates back to 1890s. You can see the short history from the wikipedia page.
From the first year i arrive in dubai, I always enjoy spending time at bastakiya. Each year its getting better and better. right now there are many local shops who are selling local art pieces, paints, jewellery, some small gifts. There are also some galleries.
I saw this mural on several post at Instagram and since then I was planning to go there and spent some time. It is not so close to where i live and work. when I have visitors, it was a good reason to go there and show them around. They also enjoyed If you are planning to visit Dubai, Al Bastakiya should be in your to do list. I may post more pictures from this area later. First here we have graffiti for Monday Mural please check other murals all around the world.


Wednesday 13 May 2015

Metro station

Still busy with friends and being tourist in the city.

So we have one photo from last month.  I took this one at the way out metro via my mobile. 

Tuesday 12 May 2015

Fountain show

This week,I have visitors from my home.  We started to tour Dubai like a newbie tourist in town.
Our first stop is Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall. Of course dancing fountain one of my favorites.  Every half an hour the song and the choreography is changing.  Tonight we saw 4 different show.  the first one was Thriller by Michael Jackson, second one was Arabic song, third one was Indian, the fourth one, Ooo ı do not remember the last one.  I was trying to catch this post. Not the best but really good one from my mobile.
This week, I think I will post only pictures from my mobile pictures. 

Monday 11 May 2015

Sunday 10 May 2015

Rain in Dubai

Last two days, I was fighting with cold,  and sneezing a lot. I recover with spending whole weekend while sleeping.
Today, while driving to the office,  I was thinking what can I post for today.
The sky was dull,  the humid was high. I would say its gonna rain If wouldn't be in Dubai.
After all those years, there is still a chance to get surprised by the weather in Dubai. 
At lunch break I was looking table to sit outside thinking it will be warm but still I want to sit outside as much as I can. And here the surprise,  there was rain. 😀not rain like a rain but still table and chairs were get raindrops.
I had to take my lunch to the office. Here we have the view from our office pantry with clouds. The windows can not be opened because of the security reasons , only it give 10 cm gap. While I was holding my mobile in that gap the picture comes out tilted. I didn't want to correct it. 😀

Thursday 7 May 2015

Burj Khalifa from the inside


Photo from archive.. This is the escalator at the exit from Observatory deck at the top of the Burj Khalifa..


Wednesday 6 May 2015

flower time


in this season there are still flowers in Dubai, even temperatures reach up to 40 Deg.C.

ps: photo from archive

Tuesday 5 May 2015

Maze Building



Taken near the DIFC. The building's name is "Maze Tower" the exterior looks like maze :)

Monday 4 May 2015

Monday Mural



The previous weekend there was Robbie Williams concert at Abu Dhabi, Du Arena concert hall. It is just 100 km away from Dubai. At the concert area I saw this wall just finished.
In these days it happens more in Dubai, they arrange space for Graffiti artist at different evets so they can show their arts.  These artists also contribute art festivals as well.
Posted for Monday Mural.
Taken by mobile
Sorry for the late post.

Sunday 3 May 2015

Saturday 2 May 2015

Shadows


I took this photo this morning, Very early and when the sun has not rise completely.

Friday 1 May 2015

CDP Theme Day: Revolution


This month's theme is Revolution. I fount it bit difficult to find proper subject.

In Dubai we have the biggest, longest, highest ...est many things but I couldn't call for the first time ever or invention or having a big step can be considered as revolution.

I google it "Dubai revolution" I found this website called themselves "Revolution Cycles"
Sorry but this is all I got this month from Dubai for the theme.

If you want to see other's contributions to the CDP theme please click here.

Thursday 30 April 2015

Dancing


I took this photo last month at Full Moon Dubai Drums Night. The belly dancer was performing her dance with sword on her head and this little girl was amazed with the dance and try to imitate the dancer. :)

Wednesday 29 April 2015

Children's City


Last week, also there was another celebration for 23 April National Sovereignty and Children's Day in Children's City in Dubai.
A picture from the inside decoration of main building. Earlier I heart Dolphin Show in this complex but never visited the place. As far as I learnt from my friends this is nice place for kids, there is small science museum and educational halls as well.
If you are planning to visit Dubai with your kids, you may check this out with Kidzania in Dubai Mall for your kids.


Tuesday 28 April 2015

Medals for fun run


Last 6 years we celebrate 23 April national Sovereignty and Children's day among Turkish society in Dubai. Last couple of years we added fun run for kids also these celebrations.

This year, more than 100 kids from different ages (babies, toddlers and teenagers) participate for the fun run. I was volunteer both organization and photographing the event.

Here we have medals for each kid. Since I do not like to post kids picture on internet, I share their medals which are waiting for kids.
It was great fun, Some kids came to us and ask "can we play it again?" :)

Monday 27 April 2015

work on progress



Last week, it was totally hectic for me. somehow everything come to the same days at office and also outside the office. I took so many pictures for different reasons but couldn't have time to arrange blog's post.
Since today is Monday, here we have another artist on her work. I took this picture during comic con exhibition. At the same time and at the same exhibition area (but different entrance & halls) there was Art exhibition. These graffiti artist performed at the afternoon as a part of Art festival.

Posted for Monday Mural. Hope to share other events from last week next couple of days.


Monday 20 April 2015

trash?


last weekend I had photo shooting at JBR - the beach. While I was waiting for the client, I noticed this graffiti at the entrance of the Ocean View Hotel. I couldn't read the artist's signature.
posted for Monday Murals

Thursday 16 April 2015

traditional dance


a group of Emirati Man, performing traditional, dance & music.

This was the first time for me to watch live this dance in 6.5 years. I always saw that on TV. The music has very nice rhythm.

Wednesday 15 April 2015

Jump?


Last weekend I saw this stage at Comic con. I am not sure if I could jump from there..

Tuesday 14 April 2015

camel made from palm


funny sculpture made from palm tree which was exhibited at World Art Dubai. You can also see some part of the graffiti wall. Artist were at their work. Far behind you see Burj Khalifa between Emirates Towers.

Monday 13 April 2015

Artist on work


This weekend here in Dubai, we had another art exhibition, called World Art Dubai at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Their motto is "art for all"
In their schedule there were forums, workshops, movie screening, exhibition and, art pieces with "affordable prices"

I was visiting Art Dubai or other festivals time to time on previous years but this event is new to me. When I checked their web site, many part were interesting including Celebrity Art

I was planning to visit this area in the morning and afternoon Comic Con with friends. When the weekend was so busy nothing happened as planned. I could only visit graffiti artist's work at the Yard. It was cool to see all artist on work but missed the exhibition itself.

Posted for Monday Murals. Please click here to see different graffiti art from all around the world.

Sunday 12 April 2015

Freej in Comic Con 2015


This weekend we had Comic Con in Dubai.
Comparing to the last year, this year was more spacious and again there were many people dressed up with one of their favourite characters.
This is one of characters from local cartoon called Freej  Freej means in Arabic "neighbourhood" The English tag line for the show is: "the fun Old Girls"

Saturday 11 April 2015

Burk Khalifa


I always enjoy to photographed Burj Khalifa from different direction and unexpected combination, like here.

The small metal structure says that it is small mesjid (mosque)
have a nice weekend.

Friday 10 April 2015

Thursday 9 April 2015

JBR


I took this picture as well on last Sunday. at the same area with Frog Statue.

Wednesday 8 April 2015

Strange Day in Dubai


On Sunday, I was off for the Easter. It is not common holiday in UAE but thanks to our company I enjoy extra free day.
I decided to enjoy this free day for exploring around and taking some pictures.

First I went to police station to correct the insurance number on one report before fun part of the day. I failed. They said it is not possible.

Couple weeks back I saw some real graffiti around Al Quzz Industrial Area, I went over there, drove around up and down. I saw some places I haven't seen before. still I couldn't find that graffiti area.

After double failure, I told myself "No problem. I might not fixed the report or couldn't find the graffiti but there is still interesting things at the JBR." I remember one post on Instagram about Paint Ball Art. it was described that you are shooting with paint ball on a canvas and here you have art. :) It sounds different and it was saying available till 21 st of April. I went JBR just because of that, walked around. and again failure. Nothing was there.

While I was walking I saw some announcement about that day's activity. I looked for that as well I might be looking for that little bit early.

At the end of the day, I couldn't see anything I intended. On the other hand, I enjoyed many other things which I was not expecting to see. Like this new (at least it is new to me) frog statue at JBR. :)

Tuesday 7 April 2015

Dubai Drums Camp


I posted two days earlier from the performance of Dubai Drums. Here is the camp area seen from the big sand dune. It was great view from this point.
Instead of taking the stairs on the other side of the camp, I climbed all over there with my equipment like kids do.
This ramp is favourite spots in the camp for kids; Climb till the up and let yourself slide to the down. :)
Definitely real fun.  

Monday 6 April 2015

Resting


Earlier I posted this wall from distance. (opposite side of the pond)

Last week, I went to nearby and take some pictures more closer.
I really like the mood of this mural. this work belongs to Spanish graffiti artist; Ruben Sanchez

posted for Monday Mural. little break on Rehlatna's details I will continue on that :)

Sunday 5 April 2015

Full Moon Desert Drumming


Since I moved to Dubai, I always hear about "Dubai Drums" and their special event in the desert at full moon.
Last couple of years, They were performing at 23rd April Children's Day activities in Dubai and I saw them in action. They are great and full of fun.

This weekend, we decided to go and try their desert drumming. They located in the middle of the desert. Good part is you can reach meeting point with your sedan car, and they are helping you reach to the camp with their 4x4 vehicles. Starting from 18.30 they have drum sessions everybody enjoy the rhythm, starting from the basic and getting more complicated.

It is total fun. They have corporate events with drum circles to strengthen group feeling in the team.
Please click their website and read about how it has started.



Saturday 4 April 2015

Reflection in JLT


This week, I stopped by another cluster in JLT to take close up details of art work of Ruben Sanchez. I posted general view from the other side of the lake. After I took couple of pictures of that graffiti, I saw this reflections. Two buildings are reflecting on another high rise building.

Posted for weekend reflection theme. Please check the link for creative reflections all around the world.


Friday 3 April 2015

Sand Storm in Dubai


Yesterday we were living in a naturally sepia world..
When I checked outside from the window, I thought it is fog again. Afterwards I realized it is yellow and not fog.
The sand storm effected the visibility even in the parking area at under ground.
I saw traffic light also in blue colour instead of green. :)
it was totally strange day. I haven't seen this kind (with very fine particles) of sandstorm last 6.5 years.
News says, the sand storm may continue in the region during the weekend.


Thursday 2 April 2015

ghost of traffic


old post from my archive. I was trying to catch car's light in ghost effect. When I see it today, I like the effect of the red lights.
This is one of four bridges between Dubai Marina and JBR

Wednesday 1 April 2015

Tuesday 31 March 2015

Hygiene is important..



Dubai is great place for food lovers. You can find various style and price range.
I took this photo around Bur Dubai. The restaurant has a open window to the pavement. it can be used as a display area and/or place to sell food for takeaway.

In these days, I am in a routine home - office - home
so the picture from my archive.

Monday 30 March 2015

what would you wish for?



If you had three wishes from a Genie, what would you wish for?

:)
Yes, it might not be much clear at first look, but there is famous Aladdin's magical lamp in this detail.

a detail from Rehlatna, world's longest graffiti scroll.

posted for Monday Murals,.


Saturday 28 March 2015

Rain in Dubai


Yesterday evening, there was light rain.. Whole day the weather was closed and i wish we had a rain. because the humidity was so high.. Finally just after sunset, we had couple of drops..

Friday 27 March 2015

touch the sun


Today I noticed, i prepared this picture to post earlier but forget to publish.. dont know why.. :)

taken at Jumeriah, during Dubai Sky Dive Exhibition.

please check other's contributions for "Skywatch Friday"

Thursday 26 March 2015

the scene club: Four Lions


The Scene Club is the first independent non-profit film club in UAE. Founded in 2007 and since then, they are growing rapidly. Till 2015, there was screening monthly basis. After getting more popular, this year, they increased the number of screening up to twice in a month. In Feb we had a chance to watch Argentinian movie  "Wild Tales"  about 6 short stories, kind a black comedy. We loved it a lot.

This month's screen was also comedy but more dram and crime involved. It is  Four Lions about 4 incompetent British Jihadists. While watching we laugh most of parts thinking it is caricatured but the sad part is, most of those scenes were real in some how.

Tuesday 24 March 2015

Art Dubai

Last weekend there was 9th Edition of Art Dubai. One of my favourite event in Dubai. Unfortunately I was out of town and missed this year. Still I want to share one of art from last year's exhibition. From this size of picture it might not be visible but the model has calligraphy on her face, arm and feet. 





missing desert


It has been for a while I haven't been in desert. I wouldn't think that I could miss desert.
yes, I am.. That's why we have one picture from my archive.
I would prefer to sit silently and enjoy the peace at desert but these guys had different preference..