Our building is part of the Jumeirah Beach Residences, a cluster of sand-coloured buildings that hug the beach and look out to the Persian Gulf and the Palm (the man-made palm tree-shaped island). They're all identical so finding the right one was a bit of a challenge! There is a lovely Walk area lined with palm trees with various shops, restaurants and patios which makes it a popular spot for tourists and residents alike. I love being able to pop down to pick up a smoothie or sit out for a late-night dinner alfresco. It's currently a balmy 38C (100F) during the day so it's about 9pm before you can really sit out and enjoy a dinner outdoors. Many of the patios will be empty for the summer as temperatures continue to climb.
Our apartment comes furnished and it's not really too bad (apart from a VERY firm bed and not the most cozy sofas). It makes me all the more anxious to find our own place and have our own comfy furniture.
So my first jaunt out was to track down a grocery store so we could at least have a few basics. I decided to head over to the marina area behind our building to the Dubai Marina Mall to find the Waitrose (a big British grocery store).
The Dubai Marina is a man-made marina where a central waterway was excavated from the desert and the waters of the Persian Gulf were brought in. Now residential towers line both sides, with many still being constructed. Not a far walk but definitely better to do in the morning than in the heat of the afternoon. It was a nice walk along the Promenade.
I was happy to find many of the brands we are used to. I always find the grocery shopping to be the most difficult in a foreign country but with all the expats here in Dubai, finding normal stuff is pretty easy (including Kraft mac & cheese which always brings back happy childhood memories and made me smile!)
So far so good! If grocery shopping is any indication, I think it will be easier to settle in here than I initially thought!
lisa
23 comments:
Wow it's gorgeous there! I can't believe how hot it is though! I think you scored in the grocery store! We couldn't even find Mac n Cheese in Germany and there is a huge Kraft plant there.
Have fun exploring!
You have a great attitude Lisa!
Things will just get better and better:)
Lisa, is the city really that immaculate? So clean! Your building ia lovely and appears well maintained. Very highrise luxurious! You are killin' me with the Mac' n cheese! love it! a guilty pleasure!
~Lynne
{w/l}
You found Kraft mac n cheese in Dubai? Your temporary space looks nice but I'm sure having a perm place would be much better.
How lovely to have a view of the water! I'm glad you were able to find some good comfort food! Glad all is going well!
Looks great so far...and HOT! Yikes, that's really warm!! Glad to know you have some familiar staples though...that always makes a huge difference. Seems like you are in a really nice apt...I know it's not your stuff yet, but looks very modern and a nice area to walk around in with things easily accessible.
Can't wait to follow all your new adventures!
I'm glad you found some familiar things...that will help so much!
I hope you find your permanent place soon!!
xo
Ashlyn
Glad you found a place to settle until you find your permanent home. And, everything's better with mac and cheese :)
I must say the warmer temps sound really good to me right now! Thanks for the tour and so glad you found some comfort food! xo
Thanks so much for posting.
It is all so fascinating.
(It looks so "empty" in your photos -- how come there aren't any other people milling about?)
But can you buy Vegemite?? Robx
p.s. don't wander into the wrong building by mistake!!
glad things are going well! Don't forget to go gold shopping...I've only heard how fabulous it is!
Anything is better if Kraft mac and cheese is around! :) And that Crunchy Nut cereal is super tasty!
Wow, what an adventure. We had friends that lived there for a few years and LOVED it. Hope you will too. Nice to find the comforts of home at the grocery store!
This was an interesting post to read--someone just getting settled in. From what I remember from staying with friends who have lived in Dubai for 15 years, there's a really thriving expat community so you should be able to find all kinds of support and tips! What a great place to be an expat! Have fun... :)
So funny, I think every expat has 'the grocery store photo' - of new discoveries or memories of home. Total score on the Mac and cheese!
I love your photos - I can easily picture where you are :) XOL
Glad you're settling in and things are going better than expected. What a lovely city it looks like.
Thank Lord for KD! What an interesting looking 'hood. would love to see it in person. Just a bit different than your last home ;) How are you handling the heat? If you tire of it, send a bit to Vancouver.
Thanks for the tour Lisa! Looks like a great place to be. Its so important to feel at home! Looks like a beautiful place!
Wow, this is so exciting, its like being there with you!
Love this preview into your new life here, you are in for quite the adventure. Janell
Thinking of you as you settle in....always finding things
That remind you of home always feels so much better!!!
xo,
LuLu
Wow, it looks picture perfect, so bright, so clean and not too busy looking either. Lovely to see all of your photographs and your new neighbourhood. Do you miss Ireland? The weather is miserable here now :(
All things nice...
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