…gets settled here.

There was quite the debate raging in the region a few months ago. Stories and facts were flying. As with most things, it’s best to do some investigating of your own in order to settle matters.

So that’s how I ended up at two different water parks separated by only a few short weeks.

First up: Wild Wadi at Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Wild Wadi is a family friendly Arabian themed water park in the shadow of the Burj Al Arab. The pretense is that you’re in a flooding wadi. Every so often thunder cracks and water comes rushing down the main pathway. Highlights of the park include tube rides that push you up the slides, a wave pool, and Juha.

Pros:

• relaxed atmosphere
• wave pool
• uphill tube rides!
• amazing view of Burj Al Arab
• the stereotypical characters are hilarious (to us)

Cons:

• at the end of each jet you get stuck in a still pool and must be pushed out by an employee
• starting to look a bit shabby
• Jumeriah Scairah (the thrill ride) pushes a lot of water in your face and scratched my back
• steep entry fee 200AED ($54) [2 for 1 coupons available!]

Followed by: Aquaventure at Atlantis the Palm Hotel

Aquaventure is a playground for both children and adults. It features less of a theme but follows the lost world of Atlantis decor for the most part. Highlights of the park include the Leap of Faith (crazy scary water slide), an inner tube ride through an aquarium, and a private beach.

Pros:

• Leap of Faith is a major adrenaline rush
• conveyor belts on the tube rides take you up to the slides’ mouths
• private beach for relaxing
• looks fresh and new

Cons:

• lack of stereotypical Arab characters
• Use of animals for entertainment (dolphin shows, shark viewing slide, other aquarium features of the hotel and a suspicious disappearance of a once wild whale shark)
• steep price 200 AED ($54) [2 for 1 coupons available]

Conclusion: Aquaventure is, in my opinion, the better choice in terms of entertainment and value for your dirham. In comparison, the slides and rides were just more thrilling and convenient to maneuver through. However, I am a little uncomfortable declaring Aquaventure the winner in terms of their use of animals… so avoid Dolphin Bay and watch The Cove!

For Sarah’s impressions on Aquaventure, click here. I think she wrote up more stats and particulars. She generously let me borrow her photos of Aquaventure for this post.

xo, jill

Red, black, green, and white.

I wish you could experience the full magnitude of an Emirates National Day. It’s pure love, baby. The week long (school) celebration included singing, dancing, henna, traditional food, and an awesome “Timeline of the UAE” presentation directed by Ms. Sarah and me.

xo, jill

“How richly God hath decked thee.”

As part of our holiday celebrations, Mike and I headed over to the Emirates Palace to see their dinky little Christmas tree. I’m not sure what the fuss was all about… its bejeweled decor only cost 11 million dollars! Pocket change.

After our eyes readjusted from shiny overload, we headed over to another of the Palace’s press releases, the gold vending machine.

I was happy to pin down its location. You never know when you might need to make a quick withdrawal.

xo, jill

*bells jingling*

The holidays are only as great as the people you share them with. Since I can’t be home this holiday season, I’m especially thankful for my friends in Abu Dhabi. Sarah and Skylar graciously hosted a Christmas party earlier this month. It didn’t take much pleading to get them to agree to some caroling as well!

It was a fun and cozy night with good food, beautiful decorations, classic songs, and a quick viewing of Sunshine Barry & the Disco Worms thanks to our gift exchange.

Thanks Sarah and Skylar!

xo, jill

A. When Maitha crafts a sentence like this:

“The maid will mop.”

xo, jill