Dessert Adventures

Time of year traveled: December 

Weather: Warm during the days and cold in the evenings 

Visa: Approximately $100 per person (for South Africans)

How to get there from Johannesburg: Direct with SAA to Abu Dhabi International Airport 


Day 1: 

Abu Dhabi airport is not as modern or efficient as Dubai, but we managed to get out within an hour. We took a taxi from the airport to Yas Island, where we stayed at the Yas Viceroy (check Tripadvisor for my review - member name: Riaz_Ali). Taxi cost was under 40 AED. We visited Yas Water World, one of the largest water parks in the middle east and one of the best (compared to Wild Wadi and Atlantis). Entrance is about 250 AED per person and you can use an entertainer voucher for discounts. The rides are awesome and a must for all adrenaline junkies. Food at the waterpark is expensive but good.  

Day 2: 
We spent our second day lazing by the hotel pool and taking a trip to the Yas Beach. The beach is beautiful and the hot water pool is a welcome relief from the cold winds that start around 3pm. Entrance to the Yas Beach is 100 AED per person, but free for Yas Island hotel guests. 



Day 3: 
Today, we made our way to the city center, visiting a few souks, malls and sights. The highlights for me included:



 Emirates Palace 

 Corniche walk 

 Marina Mall 

 Sheik Zayed Masjid


Day 4: 
We spent our morning at the Yas Mall, where some bargains can be sought. Food is plentiful. Make sure you try “Oh my buns”, “Which Wich” and “Chillies”. We took a taxi to Dubai, which is about an hour away from peaceful Abu Dhabi and costs approximately 200 AED. When arriving in Dubai, you are immediately greeted with large skyscrapers and flashy cars. Check in at the Double Tree Al Barsha was smooth (check Tripadvisor for my review - member name: Riaz_Ali). We spent the evening at the Global Village, which is a must for anyone who wants to experience the world in one place. 

Day 5: 

The highlight of any UAE trip is a dessert safari and this one was no exception. The pick-up was on time, dune bashing exhilarating and the food and entertainment just excellent. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the crazy dips on the dunes and the camel rides at the camp. 


Day 6: 
Kidzania is a fascinating concept that we checked out during our trip to Bangkok. We decided to give it another try and even though it’s still fun, we were disappointed by the lack of coordination of the Dubai franchise. We turned our frustration into joy when we took the Abra across the creek and visiting Meena Bazaar, Naif and Al Waseel Souks. 




Day 7: 
Our final day is a relaxing day. We did some shopping at the Ibn Battuta Mall and took a leisurely stroll on the Jumeirah Beach Walk. This was my fourth visit to Dubai and I think I am now over it. I prefer the quiet and serene time we spent in Abu Dhabi

Until the next adventure, keep travelling and enjoy life 

….Me

Exams Exams Exams

It’s hard to imagine that the first year of the MBA is nearing the end. The pressure and stress of the exams cannot be underestimated. It requires a lot of planning to ensure the time is used to its maximum.

My tips for the exams:

• Take some time off work
• Start your study day early (4am) and complete 2 hour cycles with 30 minutes break between the cycles
• Don’t re-read everything. Prepare a 5 pager summary of each subject and use it to answer case studies
• Read the exam case studies carefully and don’t take anything for granted
• Meet up with your and other syndicate groups regularly to gain multiple perspectives
• Rest a lot before the exams

Hoping I make it

…Me