I really wanted to see the sand dunes up close, so I booked a Desert Safari tour in Abu Dhabi. This is also an exciting way to celebrate my birthday. The tour includes sand bashing, camel riding, sunset watching, belly dancing viewing, and BBQ dinner. The first activity, and my favorite, was the sand bashing. Inside of the 4x4, we braced ourselves for an adventure. I was seated at the front seat, so I can clearly see the slopes, and feel the turns. It felt like I am in a rollercoaster ride.
etched by the car tires
winds tamper the evidence
golden sands of time
/totomai
However, we didn’t stop in the middle of the dunes. Before the tour, I have been thinking on what photos to take when I am in the middle of the desert. We stopped for a couple of minutes but was not allowed to go out of the car. I envied the other groups. I just quickly took some snaps but still, I was really disappointed.
After sand bashing, we went to a camel farm, and we were given an opportunity to experience the life of the locals. The problem in traveling alone, is that you have to request some tourists to take your photo. And I am not really into that. And I am also terrible in taking selfies.
The desert sunset is spectacular. The sun is hypnotizing. This is the only time I took lots of photos. I was truly amazed by it. And if I remember correctly, I have posted a lot of blog about my admiration with sunrises and sunsets.
The tour was for 6 hours. It was an exciting, stressful, enjoyable one. Yes, lots of emotions in this particular tour. And to end the trip, we were treated to a belly dancing show and an Emirati dinner. A perfect ending. Here's the video of my trip. Enjoy.
Last night, I went to an open mic (poetry) event. I would like to go on stage and read one of my poems, but I think I will freeze.
2018/01/27
Photos taken with Nikon D7000
lens used : 18-200 mm VR
Have done dune bashing and the desert camp before.. amazing fun and yes, the desert sunsets are spectacular.
ReplyDeleteI would love to do it again :)
DeleteWhat an adventure - great post and images
ReplyDeleteA crazy adventure, Jae
DeleteSuch amazing, out of the world visuals!! A lovely read Totomai.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sumana
DeleteI hope you get to see the dunes better another time... Tourist trips trying to pack too much into a short time is sometimes necessary but to be able to go more by yourself is so much more fun... and do take the chance to go on stage.
ReplyDeleteYes, Bjorn. I almost cried when we were not allowed to go out. Lol, I can’t believe I am still disappointed until now. Haha. Will try to do poetry reading.
DeleteEven though you didn't get the shots you wanted those you did take illustrated your commentary very well indeed.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robin, I guess there’s always next time.
DeleteI very much enjoyed both the writing and the photos.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Rosemary
DeleteIt sounds like a really cool trip!
ReplyDeleteIt was, Rommy
DeleteYou know how to live! Enviable photos and adventure, Totomai. (And, no, you are never a stranger in the pantry!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary, I have to keep myself busy here Haha!
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful day. The photos are amazing. The photo of the trees in sand is a powerful image. Happy belated Birthday!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot. Cheers :)
DeleteYour photos always take me to places i would not otherwise never see. I am struck by the red tones of the desert, the smiles of the camels and the astonishing sunset. I loved the view of the trees from the car window best. Happy birthday! Many more adventures!
ReplyDeleteHopefully I have lots of time to go around the country. I would be glad to share every trip to all of you. Thanks Sherry
DeleteThank you for taking me there Totomai - your sunset images are spectacular.
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
Yes, I love desert sunsets, Anna.
DeleteYou've shared with me sights I will never see. Thank you. (For a girl who grew up in the verdant and lush Midwest USA, the empty horizons of the dunes were amazing.)
ReplyDeleteThey were amazing, Beverly. Wish I gotten near them
DeleteWow! That was an awesome media event from your thoughts, pictures and video. Thanks
ReplyDeleteZQ
Glad you enjoyed the video :)
DeleteThanks for sharing your adventure. Photos video . Haiku
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed it all;happy you dropped in at my Sunday Standard
Much💟love
Always my pleasure, Gillena
DeleteA stunning post. As always, I so enjoy your 'shares'. Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteThabks Wendy :)
Deleteloved the haiku. the dunes are so vast, yet they move, like time. :)
ReplyDeleteand yes, have a happy birthday!
Thanks Dsnake :)
Delete