Dubai in December

Spent a few days around the New Years in Dubai. This was our first visit. We were dazzled by the newer and shiny buildings everywhere.

Before Day 1, I was apprehensive of dress code - both weather wise & culturally. Turns out I was mistaken. Dubai turned out to be mid-way between India & US - midway in every way. In December, the temps were 18C to 22C; very pleasant, never cold or hot. And the general crowd was touristy, well-groomed, dressed in the fashionable western styles.

December turned out to the be most pleasant & costliest time to visit Dubai.

Gevora Hotel

We stayed on Al Zayed stretch in Genova Hotel.

Heavy traffic but always flowing. Taxies and app based cars abound. Food, restaurants, pharmacy everywhere. Dotted lines on road. become wavier near the stop. First I thought melted tar because of heat. Turned out that,s the pattern everywhere.

Metro line right outside the hotel. Wonderful view of Dubai. Got to see the Bean-shaped The Museum of The Future in Dubai at Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Frame through all our drives around the city.

Vape & Shikha & smoke everywhere. Smell overload with cigarettes, perfumes, room freshener & car smoke etc. Remember to bring your inhaler if you need it.

Gold Souk in Old Dubai

Sight to behold - with gold on display everywhere. Shops in 2-3 streets.

We did the showy Turkish ice-cream experience here. The adjoining streets are all kinds of souk - Mattress souk, etc. Reminded of Cottonpet-Chickpet area near State Bank & Majestic of Bangalore.

Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is easy to get lost in. No markers or maps. Go at your own risk or if you just want to get lost & spend relaxing time. 

For New Years viewing, we walked from the Hotel to the mall. Traffic had been stopped and taxis stopped ferrying by noon itself.

Large crowds this time as Sharjah fireworks were cancelled. Spent the entire half of the day waiting for midnight. It was fun with the crowds.

And we were rewarded with an heartwarming fireworks & laser display on Bruj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa

Tour to the observatory for a birds eye view of Dubai.

Dubai Marina

Visited the marina for a booked yacht tour. 

The tour took us our of the area and around Palm Jumeriah and lobal village.

It became dark & night while returning. So got the night view of the places as well.

Very enjoyable tour.

Abu Dhabi

We took a day trip to Abu Dhabi city and visited the sights.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque - largest mosque in the region and beautifully made.

Royal Palace.

Beautiful memories

Waterfalls & Trails of Gerogia (2023)

I managed to visited numerous Waterfalls & Trails of Georgia in 2023. For comparison, all State Parks have an entrance fee, something that's not up North. But in the South, we can visit all year round without freezing off, atleast when not slippery. Here are my notes on 7 of these places.

(1) Amicalola Falls & Trails

There are 3 major overlook points for Amicalola. If with family, its faster to drive up to each of those points.

Trails between these points are completely uphill with safe steps built in. I am yet to explore the trails. Someday.

Beautiful view from the Lodge, of Fall sunset.

(2) Anna Ruby Falls & Unchoi State Park

Anna Ruby falls is somewhere near Helen. It has ample parking area with all facilities. Then a walk up to the falls. Though they have a closing time of 5pm - something that brings out a shrug & surprise.

Next, drive down to Unchoi State Park beach. Great place on a hot day.

(3) Tallulah Gorge State Park

Now this was a unique experience. Rec center is at the top of the mountain. There are numerous overlooks giving gorgeous views of the Gorge from different angles. 

Then its the thousand steps taking down to the bridge and further down the Gorge. 

We went here during the Thanksgiving week. There are campgrounds here too, I want to explore camping here someday.

(4) Sweet Creek Trails

What a fun day it was ! Went there impromptu with a friend. Turns out a lot of Hunger Games & other  movie shooting happened in this park.

We picked the White Trail 5M loop, as that was the only open one that day. Most beautiful woods.

At exactly the mid-point, there is water; stream with lot of stones. Perfect for pictures.. 

We stopped every few meters for pictures. That's why it took nearly 2 & half hour to complete the 5 miles.

(5) Cauley Creek

Address: 7255 Bell Road

It was a bit hard to find. GPS doesn't take us to the entrance of the park, to its parking lot, let alone to the walking trail. But when I eventually found it, oh what a perfect trail it was.

The route was exactly 5K loop. The trail was made of soft rubber material; extremely gentle on treads & knees. Took through lovely varying views, including a bridge with enchanting river view.

(6) Jones Bridge Trail - part of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Address: Jones Bridge Unit Access Rd, Jones Creek, GA 30022

Went in Nov 2022 and again in February 2023. In the Fall, the drive through the Reserve was gorgeous fall colors. And in Spring, the driving route to the Reserve was lovely, with multiple trees with white Dogwood flowers.

One of the first trails I went to. It has a $5 entrance fee. The very beginning has a lovely step down to the river. It was briming that day, after a week of rain.

The path then takes through heavy overgrowth and almost slippery clay path. Then at a mile point, goes through woods, a sort uphill, to cross-over to the other side of woods. 

Fun path.

(7) Indian Seats, Suwanee Mountain

Address: 2500 Bettis Tribble Gap Rd, Cumming, GA 30040. 

Went in Oct 2022 and then again in February 2023 on a warm afternoon and was greeted with a magnificent view at the top of the mountain.

It has the perfect parking lot.

This trail is marked strongly by incline. The path winds up the mountain, but gradually so. Its completely clay path. This trail is the one that convinced me to buy dedicated hiking shoes - the ones with spikes on sole for grip.

This is the trail that got me into Hiking Georgia; so I love it so.