There are a thousand and one ways to marinate meat, chicken or even fish. Every chef, cook or food connoisseur has their own method of mixing spices and creating unique flavours that can only be attributed to the intensity of the marinade used. But that’s not all – the how, when and what that is used is just as crucial to the final outcome of any given dish; whether an appetizer or a main course.
The best part of cooking is to understand the basic flavours, and then exploring the endless possibilities of using the spices at your leisure while knowing the limits of 'how much'. It's good to have recipes but use them only as a guide, not as an end tool. Don't forget; try using olive oil whenever you can, especially with Middle Eastern cooking. It's a healthy and guiltless luxury anyone can enjoy.
When marinating meat or chicken, the three main items that need to be present are: an acid product, oil, and the herbs and spices. The purpose of the acid is to denature the protein strings. Keep in mind, the amount of acid should not overpower the meats but rather used to both enhance the flavour as well as tenderize the meats (more on tenderizing below). The spices are the main flavours that diners will focus on, so make sure they are not overloaded. This is your creative side that will also expose itself through your selection of spices, herbs and other flavours. What the oil does is help maintain the moisture within the marinade and keeps the meats from drying out during the cooking process. Flavoured oil does both.
Did you know that a marinade does not tenderize the meat as such? What I mean is, the entire marinade penetrates to only 1/8th of an inch of the outer layer of the meat, and so large cuts of meat such as whole poultry, roasts, and the likes, will not benefit from ‘becoming tender’ all the way in; which is why a method known as ‘scoring’ is done on some meats and fish. Small cuts of meat about ¼ inch thick (such as steaks and fillets) usually end up with better results. With large cuts, what you want to make sure is how you cook the meat to a point where it does not dry-out on the inside, while still maintain the bursting marinade flavours on the outer surface, and moist and tender within.
Papain is an enzyme that helps in breaking down the tough connective tissues. But all this does mostly is allowing for the breakage of the tissues and in turn the juices tend not to hold well in the meat, becoming drier as you cook. And if you marinate it for too long in the refrigerator or at room temperature, the contact area of the meat becomes mushy. The recommended times are about 2-4 hours room temperature and a maximum of 2 days in the refrigerator. When you use an acid base marinade, always use containers made of glass, ceramic or stainless steel – but never aluminium.
There's much more to it than what I have just mentioned, but if you love cooking, you can push your limits to no end. Next time, I’ll touch on specific flavours and how you can make your own marinade your family or guests will love. Go ahead – experiment a little. Life is full of surprises anyway.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Shaame Bahaar
Nestled amidst the secluded residential neighbourhood in Kizingo, is the courtyard of one place that is most certainly amongst the best in Mombasa. I have been here twice in a month’s span, and have not been disappointed on either of the two visits.
Diners have a choice of sitting inside on one of two levels, or taking in the fresh air under the large canopies on the corner of this commercial building. There are plenty of tables to choose from both inside and out – either way, both offer different ambiances during the course of your meal. Should you choose to sit inside, the decor is quite interesting; coloured tiles skilfully arranged depict a large mural of an animated forest, while the waterfall that once was, is now replaced with decor that complement the tiled art. On the other hand, sitting along the sandy street corner constitutes a peaceful and relaxed mode (but only if you request the music be turned off).
The menu is not daunting – a small card that lists a combination of grilled meats, vegetables, and various accompaniments that do not take all day to select. We ordered mixed tikka grill, chips pilipili, chuzi chicken, and an accompaniment of buttered naan. The mixed grill was a delightful platter of chicken kebab, beef kebab, lamb chops, beef cubes (mishkaki), and boneless chicken tikka. On all of my visits to various barbecue hot spots within the Island and beyond, I was quite impressed with their selection and quality offered.
I particularly enjoy the lamb chops, grilled to perfection with a bursting flavours. The chuzi chicken was an interesting selection; a whole spring chicken accompanied by a tangy spiced sauce. In all, their dishes seem to exact the right amount of spices and flavour that make the experience quite worth it.
While I have not been to this place on a crowded night, the service is quite outstanding on its own merit. Their helpings are quite generous, and along with that, the value for money is simply in line with ones expectations.
The meal ends with a warm bowl of water with a sliver of lemon to wash our hands, rounding it off beautifully with deep fried milk balls (gulab jamun) soaked in sugar syrup and skewered onto toothpicks – unique and impressive as far as the final touch. Though I must admit, the gulab jamun are not very fresh. I would strongly recommend this place if you wish to entertain guests – or maybe yourselves once in a while.
Service ****
Value *****
Cuisine *****
Price $$
Diners have a choice of sitting inside on one of two levels, or taking in the fresh air under the large canopies on the corner of this commercial building. There are plenty of tables to choose from both inside and out – either way, both offer different ambiances during the course of your meal. Should you choose to sit inside, the decor is quite interesting; coloured tiles skilfully arranged depict a large mural of an animated forest, while the waterfall that once was, is now replaced with decor that complement the tiled art. On the other hand, sitting along the sandy street corner constitutes a peaceful and relaxed mode (but only if you request the music be turned off).
The menu is not daunting – a small card that lists a combination of grilled meats, vegetables, and various accompaniments that do not take all day to select. We ordered mixed tikka grill, chips pilipili, chuzi chicken, and an accompaniment of buttered naan. The mixed grill was a delightful platter of chicken kebab, beef kebab, lamb chops, beef cubes (mishkaki), and boneless chicken tikka. On all of my visits to various barbecue hot spots within the Island and beyond, I was quite impressed with their selection and quality offered.
I particularly enjoy the lamb chops, grilled to perfection with a bursting flavours. The chuzi chicken was an interesting selection; a whole spring chicken accompanied by a tangy spiced sauce. In all, their dishes seem to exact the right amount of spices and flavour that make the experience quite worth it.
While I have not been to this place on a crowded night, the service is quite outstanding on its own merit. Their helpings are quite generous, and along with that, the value for money is simply in line with ones expectations.
The meal ends with a warm bowl of water with a sliver of lemon to wash our hands, rounding it off beautifully with deep fried milk balls (gulab jamun) soaked in sugar syrup and skewered onto toothpicks – unique and impressive as far as the final touch. Though I must admit, the gulab jamun are not very fresh. I would strongly recommend this place if you wish to entertain guests – or maybe yourselves once in a while.
Service ****
Value *****
Cuisine *****
Price $$
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Mamadi Recoda
From the tiny haven of Old Town Mombasa amidst the narrow streets in their original glory and historical value, Mamadi decided to upgrade its location to the modern bustling tourist area – a stone’s throw away from the grand iconic tusks. This is the second of the two. Even though the decor complements a middle-upper class restaurant, the food remains the same as it has been known for almost half a century.
Known the world over, especially to those who have emigrated from their homeland and who recollect fond memories of this place, the essence of what Mamadi began with remains etched in the minds of all. Primarily, it is known for the bite sized kebabs that have the same peppery taste, and which melts in your mouth. And while I have not tried the chicken tikka, reviews from other customers favour the grilled bird as they slowly roast above the charcoal fire pit; the aroma drifting away into the star lit sky along Moi Avenue. Combined with the barbecue smokes bellowing from the grills, the marinated pieces of beef (otherwise known as mishkaki) drip with succulent juices creating sizzling sounds on the red coals beneath; moist, tender morsels that go well with naan, or perhaps the thick slices of toast bread the restaurant is well known for all these years.
Returning citizens and guests usually take a trip to this place, and vouch for the unchanging taste which brings back memories from the old as their current location now beautifully merges well with the new surroundings. I should know, I’ve been there over ten times in just six months; an envious figure for my colleagues who haven’t been even once in almost half a decade as they grind their lives away in the concrete jungles across the oceans.
The prices are perfectly in line for those with decent budgets, as is the service which is impeccable, courteous and quick – a surprise considering the volume is quite high on occasion. High stars all the way.
Service ****
Value ****
Cuisine ***
Price $$
1. Four stars indicate an excellent rating.
2. 'Value' defines the amount in relation to the service and quality of cuisine offered.
3. Price is the expected budget with 4 $ considered as quite expensive.
Known the world over, especially to those who have emigrated from their homeland and who recollect fond memories of this place, the essence of what Mamadi began with remains etched in the minds of all. Primarily, it is known for the bite sized kebabs that have the same peppery taste, and which melts in your mouth. And while I have not tried the chicken tikka, reviews from other customers favour the grilled bird as they slowly roast above the charcoal fire pit; the aroma drifting away into the star lit sky along Moi Avenue. Combined with the barbecue smokes bellowing from the grills, the marinated pieces of beef (otherwise known as mishkaki) drip with succulent juices creating sizzling sounds on the red coals beneath; moist, tender morsels that go well with naan, or perhaps the thick slices of toast bread the restaurant is well known for all these years.
Returning citizens and guests usually take a trip to this place, and vouch for the unchanging taste which brings back memories from the old as their current location now beautifully merges well with the new surroundings. I should know, I’ve been there over ten times in just six months; an envious figure for my colleagues who haven’t been even once in almost half a decade as they grind their lives away in the concrete jungles across the oceans.
The prices are perfectly in line for those with decent budgets, as is the service which is impeccable, courteous and quick – a surprise considering the volume is quite high on occasion. High stars all the way.
Service ****
Value ****
Cuisine ***
Price $$
1. Four stars indicate an excellent rating.
2. 'Value' defines the amount in relation to the service and quality of cuisine offered.
3. Price is the expected budget with 4 $ considered as quite expensive.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
An Inner Peace
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
An Inner Peace
by Muhammad Nazir Husayn Khaki
So now, certainly, Allah did not break the neck of any unruly tyrant in this world except after allowing him time and opportunity and did not join the broken bone of any people (ummah) until He did not inflict calamity and distress upon them. Even less than what sufferings and misfortunes have yet to fall upon you or have already befallen you are enough for giving lessons. Every man with a heart is not intelligent, every ear does not listen and every eye does not see.
I wonder, and there is no reason why I should not wonder, about the faults of these groups who have introduced alterations in their religious pleas, who do not move on the footsteps of their Prophet nor follow the actions of the vicegerent. They do not believe in the unknown and do not avoid the evil. They act on the doubts and tread in (the way of) their passions. For them good is whatever they consider good and evil is whatever they consider evil. Their reliance for resolving distresses is on themselves. Their confidence in regard to dubious matters is on their own opinions as if every one of them is the leader (Imam) of himself. Whatever he has decided himself he considers it to have been taken through reliable sources and strong factors. - Imam 'Ali (a.s.)
by Muhammad Nazir Husayn Khaki
So now, certainly, Allah did not break the neck of any unruly tyrant in this world except after allowing him time and opportunity and did not join the broken bone of any people (ummah) until He did not inflict calamity and distress upon them. Even less than what sufferings and misfortunes have yet to fall upon you or have already befallen you are enough for giving lessons. Every man with a heart is not intelligent, every ear does not listen and every eye does not see.
I wonder, and there is no reason why I should not wonder, about the faults of these groups who have introduced alterations in their religious pleas, who do not move on the footsteps of their Prophet nor follow the actions of the vicegerent. They do not believe in the unknown and do not avoid the evil. They act on the doubts and tread in (the way of) their passions. For them good is whatever they consider good and evil is whatever they consider evil. Their reliance for resolving distresses is on themselves. Their confidence in regard to dubious matters is on their own opinions as if every one of them is the leader (Imam) of himself. Whatever he has decided himself he considers it to have been taken through reliable sources and strong factors. - Imam 'Ali (a.s.)
Certainly, America staged the most dramatic, historic, and costliest moment in its history on November 4th 2008.
Kenya did not miss a beat in order to celebrate this prized moment. In fact, it seems to be the only such time a sovereign country declares a holiday over affairs that preside in a foreign nation. Surprising? Maybe not. The essence of Obama's presence in the White House needs to be a deciding factor in the way Kenyans, and the rest of the world, should conduct their lives. The last election in Kenya tore the nation apart with violence and over 500 deaths. Despite that, tribes and communities now seem united when one of 'their own' became the 44th US President. Amazingly, his tribal roots was not a factor in their joy, but the fact that he was a Kenyan and an elected president of a country that is considered a superpower (perhaps the only one), a country that expresses (and expresses only) democracy and freedom, a country that sets the stage for a global recession or progression, and above all, a country where power does not mix with religion.
Yet, with the massive celebrations that spun across the world, it comes as a stark reminder and a bleak understanding that underneath the most powerful nation in the Western Hemisphere, chosen leaders can make a dramatic difference. The world heaved a sigh of relief that the Bushs era is gone. Had McCain won, would this sigh be as audible? Perhaps not, and this is simply because their affiliation comes from similar roots (Republicans). In fact, Bush was going to go no matter what, but it was the remarkable anticipated transition from a character such as Bush to a character such as Obama that created an urgent sense of relief.
In essence, when one thinks about it, is it the person or the persona that changes what man perceives? If John Kerry, a democrat, succeeded, would the world be as jubilant? Again, maybe not. Even Hillary Clinton did not do it for the nation during her progress. It begs to define reason that ultimately in this case it was not only the physical presence of a person that initiated the change that America has been seeking, especially in the last few years.
Obama pushed through with his motto of 'change', but whether they knew it or not – in blind ignorance or inner certainty – Americans were truly tired of the path they had taken. Change they needed, but what kind? Previous leaders such as the Bush family, Clinton, Reagan, and many presidents in the past sought to bring about this 'change', but could not deliver as America was simply immersed in materialism and temporary pleasures. Americans sought perfection in wrong avenues such as economical progress, educational advancements, personal gains, and financial strengths, leaving behind the deciding factor in human perfection: moral and ethical values. It is such kind of perfection that is always needed, and one that is unknowingly being sought thus the temporary satisfaction in other types. They need moral upliftment as well as ethical promises that are correctly executed. They also need something more that cannot be explained. Throughout the campaign, Obama seared through iron hearts and blank souls eventually tapping in to the lost essence of mankind. Obama does seem to have given the public all they seem to have lacked, but going a step further, this lack of a specific guidance is not really a physical or material need, as previously explained.
Just as science cannot explain how a man can capture a vast ocean in the small mind of a human being, a mind that grasps this vastness both in size, color and texture, and which cannot be understood until today, neither can man understand the existence of a spiritual essence engrained in the soul of every human being, which just as the mind similarly exists but is inexplicable. Over the last few years, millions of souls on American soil and across the seas experienced a painful decade of lack of character and instability of Bushes' inner peace and values. Add to that Clintons lack of morality and decency that softly reflected the true concept of the Western moral system, they finally looked towards Obama – no, they looked towards a man that held himself well with valued promises – someone who could bring 'something' back. Not their money, not their friends, not their foes. Admittedly, these can be deciding factors to an extent. The threatening power of Bush against the Iranian nation, the assertance of 'black democracy', as I call it, on other feeble nations, the plundering mess in both wars, the responsibility of the bloodshed on American hands in Afghanistan and Iraq, the destruction of families across lands, the encouragement of the unjust Zionist regime, the biased mass media against the peaceful core of Islam, the twisted words of politicians, the greed of money and power in the 80's, all this and much more engulfed the hearts of Americans to a degree never imagined.
It was time man needed an inner change, an inner security, and this was proved from the same country that vehemently opposes religion to mix with politics. It is precisely the message of Islam, where the character, moral and ethical values reign supreme above all. And whether Obama, despite his nationality and namely origin, executes it or not only time will tell, but until then, it remains an underlying necessity to have leaders that possess the economical prowess combined with a spiritual upliftment in order to advance towards security, and above all, some sort of peace. It is what the American people wanted. It is what the world needs. On the surface and for the anticipated four years, it is what is expected. It is why Colin Powell, a Republican, backed Obama, a Democratic for "his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities," in addition to his "style and substance."
No matter what leader the countries of the world choose, it is the return of the Promised Saviour both in Christianity and Islam that will eventually seal the real lack of certainty, and peace, plaguing the world today. The Saviour who will bring back lost causes and true hopes, and bring to perfection what man has made imperfect; an inner peace. Jesus and al-Mahdi (peace be upon them both).
Kenya did not miss a beat in order to celebrate this prized moment. In fact, it seems to be the only such time a sovereign country declares a holiday over affairs that preside in a foreign nation. Surprising? Maybe not. The essence of Obama's presence in the White House needs to be a deciding factor in the way Kenyans, and the rest of the world, should conduct their lives. The last election in Kenya tore the nation apart with violence and over 500 deaths. Despite that, tribes and communities now seem united when one of 'their own' became the 44th US President. Amazingly, his tribal roots was not a factor in their joy, but the fact that he was a Kenyan and an elected president of a country that is considered a superpower (perhaps the only one), a country that expresses (and expresses only) democracy and freedom, a country that sets the stage for a global recession or progression, and above all, a country where power does not mix with religion.
Yet, with the massive celebrations that spun across the world, it comes as a stark reminder and a bleak understanding that underneath the most powerful nation in the Western Hemisphere, chosen leaders can make a dramatic difference. The world heaved a sigh of relief that the Bushs era is gone. Had McCain won, would this sigh be as audible? Perhaps not, and this is simply because their affiliation comes from similar roots (Republicans). In fact, Bush was going to go no matter what, but it was the remarkable anticipated transition from a character such as Bush to a character such as Obama that created an urgent sense of relief.
In essence, when one thinks about it, is it the person or the persona that changes what man perceives? If John Kerry, a democrat, succeeded, would the world be as jubilant? Again, maybe not. Even Hillary Clinton did not do it for the nation during her progress. It begs to define reason that ultimately in this case it was not only the physical presence of a person that initiated the change that America has been seeking, especially in the last few years.
Obama pushed through with his motto of 'change', but whether they knew it or not – in blind ignorance or inner certainty – Americans were truly tired of the path they had taken. Change they needed, but what kind? Previous leaders such as the Bush family, Clinton, Reagan, and many presidents in the past sought to bring about this 'change', but could not deliver as America was simply immersed in materialism and temporary pleasures. Americans sought perfection in wrong avenues such as economical progress, educational advancements, personal gains, and financial strengths, leaving behind the deciding factor in human perfection: moral and ethical values. It is such kind of perfection that is always needed, and one that is unknowingly being sought thus the temporary satisfaction in other types. They need moral upliftment as well as ethical promises that are correctly executed. They also need something more that cannot be explained. Throughout the campaign, Obama seared through iron hearts and blank souls eventually tapping in to the lost essence of mankind. Obama does seem to have given the public all they seem to have lacked, but going a step further, this lack of a specific guidance is not really a physical or material need, as previously explained.
Just as science cannot explain how a man can capture a vast ocean in the small mind of a human being, a mind that grasps this vastness both in size, color and texture, and which cannot be understood until today, neither can man understand the existence of a spiritual essence engrained in the soul of every human being, which just as the mind similarly exists but is inexplicable. Over the last few years, millions of souls on American soil and across the seas experienced a painful decade of lack of character and instability of Bushes' inner peace and values. Add to that Clintons lack of morality and decency that softly reflected the true concept of the Western moral system, they finally looked towards Obama – no, they looked towards a man that held himself well with valued promises – someone who could bring 'something' back. Not their money, not their friends, not their foes. Admittedly, these can be deciding factors to an extent. The threatening power of Bush against the Iranian nation, the assertance of 'black democracy', as I call it, on other feeble nations, the plundering mess in both wars, the responsibility of the bloodshed on American hands in Afghanistan and Iraq, the destruction of families across lands, the encouragement of the unjust Zionist regime, the biased mass media against the peaceful core of Islam, the twisted words of politicians, the greed of money and power in the 80's, all this and much more engulfed the hearts of Americans to a degree never imagined.
It was time man needed an inner change, an inner security, and this was proved from the same country that vehemently opposes religion to mix with politics. It is precisely the message of Islam, where the character, moral and ethical values reign supreme above all. And whether Obama, despite his nationality and namely origin, executes it or not only time will tell, but until then, it remains an underlying necessity to have leaders that possess the economical prowess combined with a spiritual upliftment in order to advance towards security, and above all, some sort of peace. It is what the American people wanted. It is what the world needs. On the surface and for the anticipated four years, it is what is expected. It is why Colin Powell, a Republican, backed Obama, a Democratic for "his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities," in addition to his "style and substance."
No matter what leader the countries of the world choose, it is the return of the Promised Saviour both in Christianity and Islam that will eventually seal the real lack of certainty, and peace, plaguing the world today. The Saviour who will bring back lost causes and true hopes, and bring to perfection what man has made imperfect; an inner peace. Jesus and al-Mahdi (peace be upon them both).
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Coastal Town
It has been over a month since I arrived at my town of birth, now considered a city in many aspects; the beautiful, sun drenched, blue-skied, coconut filled, Island of Mombasa, where winter knows no bounds and 'snow' is a folklore in the tales of the fairies and goblins.
Mombasa hasn't changed too much, contrary to what I had heard prior to returning after more than a decade. The only difference that made its mark were the numerous tuk-tuks that crawl the streets like disturbed ants, while a few new apartment high-rise buildings scattered along the shoreline complement the advancement of time. Other than that, it remains the city that it once was with the charm of the old alleys and side streets, and which somehow manage to look even smaller than what I can recall.
As the 'winter' slowly ended its grip, and I've been told it was signifcantly cooler than previous years, the blessed month of Ramadhan began with the crescent of the moon making as bold a statement as ever. Mombasa is primarily a Muslim dominated city, and so ushering in this glorious month felt markedly different as opposed to when I was living in the West. Structured tables lay arranged over Digo Road, ready to sell dates, deep fried delicacies, and the likes that is often consumed during this blessed month. Once the ninth month of the Islamic calendar crossed the 15th night, stores along certain areas both on the main roads and on the numerous side streets, began opening late into the night, each enticing frenzied shoppers to purchase goods from them, as they swarmed the tarmac roads and cement pavements while the days climaxed towards Eid.
Indeed, Mombasa remains with its old ways, while at the same time, the influx of the modern world slowly creeps in. Residents accept the new without parting from the old - a fantastic approach to combining both worlds. I doubt this coastal town will begin shedding its charm anytime soon. And thats a good thing - for in it lies the attachement so many who have grown up here adore, and miss, as their lives grind away amidst Western societies.
Mombasa hasn't changed too much, contrary to what I had heard prior to returning after more than a decade. The only difference that made its mark were the numerous tuk-tuks that crawl the streets like disturbed ants, while a few new apartment high-rise buildings scattered along the shoreline complement the advancement of time. Other than that, it remains the city that it once was with the charm of the old alleys and side streets, and which somehow manage to look even smaller than what I can recall.
As the 'winter' slowly ended its grip, and I've been told it was signifcantly cooler than previous years, the blessed month of Ramadhan began with the crescent of the moon making as bold a statement as ever. Mombasa is primarily a Muslim dominated city, and so ushering in this glorious month felt markedly different as opposed to when I was living in the West. Structured tables lay arranged over Digo Road, ready to sell dates, deep fried delicacies, and the likes that is often consumed during this blessed month. Once the ninth month of the Islamic calendar crossed the 15th night, stores along certain areas both on the main roads and on the numerous side streets, began opening late into the night, each enticing frenzied shoppers to purchase goods from them, as they swarmed the tarmac roads and cement pavements while the days climaxed towards Eid.
Indeed, Mombasa remains with its old ways, while at the same time, the influx of the modern world slowly creeps in. Residents accept the new without parting from the old - a fantastic approach to combining both worlds. I doubt this coastal town will begin shedding its charm anytime soon. And thats a good thing - for in it lies the attachement so many who have grown up here adore, and miss, as their lives grind away amidst Western societies.
Monday, July 21, 2008
طيران الامارات ودبي - From dhows to the monorail
It seemed as if someone had applied the blur feature in Photoshop as we descended towards Dubai International Airport. The sea and sky merged beautifully as the haze seamlessly married the two harmoniously. The closer we got to the coastline, it reminded me of the time I left New York . Back then, it was sunset as the Manhattan silhouette shrunk while we rose above the Atlantic. This time, it was sunrise during our descent over the Persian Gulf, and despite the resemblance of their Western ally in more than one way, one thing amongst many that diffrentiates Dubai is the Burj al Arab, which stood with a hint of pride. It also stood menacingly amidst the other towering blocks of concrete and glass. Perhaps even gleeful.
It was precisely why I chose to sit on the right side of the aircraft - a landing with a sight that never fails. And with that, we touched down. With an average of 714 aircraft movements a day, Dubai Airport has grown tremendously from what it was 20 years ago. I shudder to think my memory is able to go back almost a quarter of a century. Knowing what Dubai was back then, you can easily see why you would miss the charm - wooden dhows strewn along the banks of old markets boasting with spices and silk materials, gold ornaments and metal coffee pots. They may still be there but your focus now shifts from the charm of a previous century to the awe of the future.
As for the flight itself, once again, we weren't let down this time either. Although the flight was full, it was another experience for the books, and another journey that was as pleasant as all the previous ones.
Dubai though, is a different story - it seems to change every time you visit. What seperates this city from many others, is the abundance of desert land that can be altered to the specifications to both magnify and beautify the emerging metropolis. As if thats not enough, the western coastline is taunted with raised sea beds to accomodate what the imagination of man can only dream of. In Dubai, dreams can come true. Unlike New York however, the tall buildings are adorned with beautiful landscapes on all sides, while a thread of the new monorail network unravels its welcoming sight for the traffic commuters stuck in their cars. The southern areas of Dubai have really emerged from the desert sands, with one area now being called the 'New Dubai'. Highways and major arteries are as quick to rise as a cake batter in an oven - after all, Dubai is just as hot as an oven itself.
Speaking of hot, as the day intensified in volume, it also gave in to the mercury as it climbed a little above 45C (113F), while the RealFeel dangerously flirted with the 50C (120F) mark. For this city, intense is the right word in almost all aspects - not only for the temperature, but the structures, the beauty, the airport, the airline. All of them seem to crank up the heat just as the new roads sit baking under the hot desert sun. Desert? I'm just not sure anymore.
It was precisely why I chose to sit on the right side of the aircraft - a landing with a sight that never fails. And with that, we touched down. With an average of 714 aircraft movements a day, Dubai Airport has grown tremendously from what it was 20 years ago. I shudder to think my memory is able to go back almost a quarter of a century. Knowing what Dubai was back then, you can easily see why you would miss the charm - wooden dhows strewn along the banks of old markets boasting with spices and silk materials, gold ornaments and metal coffee pots. They may still be there but your focus now shifts from the charm of a previous century to the awe of the future.
As for the flight itself, once again, we weren't let down this time either. Although the flight was full, it was another experience for the books, and another journey that was as pleasant as all the previous ones.
Dubai though, is a different story - it seems to change every time you visit. What seperates this city from many others, is the abundance of desert land that can be altered to the specifications to both magnify and beautify the emerging metropolis. As if thats not enough, the western coastline is taunted with raised sea beds to accomodate what the imagination of man can only dream of. In Dubai, dreams can come true. Unlike New York however, the tall buildings are adorned with beautiful landscapes on all sides, while a thread of the new monorail network unravels its welcoming sight for the traffic commuters stuck in their cars. The southern areas of Dubai have really emerged from the desert sands, with one area now being called the 'New Dubai'. Highways and major arteries are as quick to rise as a cake batter in an oven - after all, Dubai is just as hot as an oven itself.
Speaking of hot, as the day intensified in volume, it also gave in to the mercury as it climbed a little above 45C (113F), while the RealFeel dangerously flirted with the 50C (120F) mark. For this city, intense is the right word in almost all aspects - not only for the temperature, but the structures, the beauty, the airport, the airline. All of them seem to crank up the heat just as the new roads sit baking under the hot desert sun. Desert? I'm just not sure anymore.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Emirates Maiden A380 Flight
I believe I had mentioned I would want to experience the very first Emirates A380 Airbus flight on their brand new double decker. Unfortunately, that doesn't come into play as my travel plans have constantly been unexpected over the past year. That said, the maiden EK flight will be out of New York on August 1st, followed by their next one on August 6th 2008. Without hesitation, I know it will be an amazing experience for Emirates fans worldwide, for those who will book their seats from now on.
If you happen to be one of them and intending to fly out of the US to Dubai on EK - don't miss it. Usually, the first flight on a new aircraft/fleet for many carriers always has surprises in store.
Let me know, will you?
If you happen to be one of them and intending to fly out of the US to Dubai on EK - don't miss it. Usually, the first flight on a new aircraft/fleet for many carriers always has surprises in store.
Let me know, will you?
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