Brunching With Friends

This weekend marks the last weekend before the holy month Ramadan. This will be my first time really experiencing it, I'm sure it will be quite the learning experience. I've been trying to think about how I want to observe it. Although I'm not muslim I still think it will be a good opportunity for me to reflect and grow a little closer to God in my own way. That is, of course, a very personal journey so I don't know if I will make a post on it but be sure to check back for more updates on my Ramadan observations and my summer travels. Next travel destinations include Turkey and Bermuda ;)

Anywho, back to the brunching. Since Ramadan is right around the corner, people are preparing in many different ways. All of the stores are having sales on clothes, appliances, and food, I am trying to stay out of all of them. Mostly because I'm trying to cut back on my spending, but also because I'm losing patience for all of the crowds and chaos. Many expats leave for the summer so there have been a lot of going away parties and things of that nature happening over the past few weeks as well. I've seen a lot more people with the trademark opaque black bags that signify liquor purchases, so I assume people are stocking up in preparation for liquor stores closing. I really have no idea what to expect during Ramadan, but I'll only be here for about two weeks of it so I figure I'll just ride the wave and see what happens.

My last hurrah before Ramadan was brunch at the Hyatt Capital Gate, and it was absolutely fabulous. I didn't know it before arriving, but the hotel has the Guinness world record for being furthest leaning man made tower. The hotel itself is beautiful inside and out and the staff really take care of its guests. 

I always love the artwork in hotels here

We arrived on the 18th floor and were greeted with cocktails and shown to our table which overlooked the whole city. I got a couple pictures of the view, but I'll post them later. There was an outdoor deck too but it was way too hot to sit outside for any extended amount of time, I kept thinking how amazing it would be to sit out there at night in January when it's cool, but I digress. The brunch itself had carving stations with roast beef, chicken, and the biggest fish I've ever seen, along with pizza, blue crabs, shrimp, salads, and a table full of desserts. My favorite was the homemade ice cream and sorbet bar with 18 different flavors.

I loved every minute of this brunch, it was definitely my favorite one I've been to. Sadly, the time flew by and it was over before I knew it. I think my dessert plate and tea were the perfect way to end it :)

gotta love that view

After brunch, we headed over to the mall, of course. When the temperatures are above 100 every day there isn't much else to do. I've been going to the movies a lot lately and I must say, I really like it a lot. The theaters here have really got it figured out. They offer Imax, 3D, 4D and Gold experiences, which I had never heard of but makes sense given the extravagance that is the UAE. If you go with the gold experience you get to sit in an exclusive gold lounge while you wait to be allowed into your theater, kind of like the first class lounge in the airport. The seats in the theater fully recline and they give you a super soft chenille blanket to relax with, plus there are waitstaff to take orders and bring you food.

Speaking of food, the popcorn is the best I've ever had. They have regular butter popcorn, caramel corn, and cheese, but you can ask them to mix it and get all three. It sounds disgusting but it really is so good! Going to the movies is by far the best way to keep cool and entertained on a hot day.