We are exploring this area from Sebastian to Stuart called the Treasure Coast, and were happy to find a little downtown area in Stuart with a lovely river boardwalk.
Daytona stop
It was a quick drive down from Maine to Jacksonville in 21/2 days, and so it was especially sweet to take the time to conclude our journey to Fort Pierce with a meander through Daytona Beach. Enroute we came across the funky burger joint/lounge Daytona Brickyard. The place was non-stop with activity – people arriving, being greeted, attentive waitstaff and patron; bikers, black and white checkered floors and table covers; oh yes! And biker chicks with their braids and bandanas! The burgers were really good too!
Weather and whatnot!
We’ve enjoyed a quiet time of being home and catching up on reading, doing taxes, and other fun things! (Like installing a long awaited stove vent hood!) Travel plans are completed (stay posted) and seed catalogues have been perused.
The weather has been mild, for the most part, and we’ve been able to enjoy walks, but today was the first time we’ve needed snowshoes! and that following Punxatawney Phil’s prediction of an early Spring!
A little slice of Germany
A short trip to Waldoboro took me back down memory lane – more than 40 years! and my time spent in Germany. It’s always fun to visit Morse’s for a browse around their store stocked with european food items, and enjoy a hearty lunch in their little restaurant.
Dubai
Vision is a wonderful thing! There is a vast expanse of desert that meets the Arabian Gulf, a small creek, and date palms. Temperatures top out in the 120’s during the summer months. Bedouins live in mud and coral built buildings with a type of air conditioning in the form of wind towers. They fish, dive for pearls, use their camels as a mode of transport, the hair to make tents, and for milk and meat and it is a place for trading.
In 1958 Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum had a vision and was responsible for transforming Dubai from a small cluster of settlements near the Dubai Creek to a modern port city and commercial hub. His famous line, “My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my son drives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel” reflected his concern that the black liquid gold, discovered in 1966, was a limited commodity and would run out within a few generations. His vision and ideas helped to develop a Dubai that could survive after the end of oil production, and was the driving force behind major infrastructure projects to create the new Dubai that is a commercial hub and tourist destination today. He ruled for 32 years and now one of his sons, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has taken the reins (since 2006) and has launched Dubai into another phase of phenomenal growth. In the space of 50 years, from this desert landscape a glass and concrete metropolis has sprung.
Dubai is home to only 25% Arabs and the rest are a melting pot from all the remaining continents. Job opportunities abound and people live side by side in seeming harmony. From the most magnificent and tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and the many other artistically designed skyscraper buildings to the Arab inspired sand colored structures and beautiful mosques, the place is inspiring. Construction continues at a rapid pace and the city is spreading along the waterfront and into the desert. Cranes that appear to reach to the sky dot the landscape. And then there are the man made islands – Palm Islands – built so that each frond provides waterfront real estate! “The World” islands, and another larger set of islands in the design of a palm tree are still a work in progress.
The ascent to the 124th floor of the kilometer high Burj Khalifa was an amazing experience. Once the elevator doors closed there was no sensation of movement -other than popping ears – until less than ONE minute later the doors opened.
Mass transport ranges from the shiny and spotless decade old metro/tram rail system that takes you from one end of the city to the other; a network of buses with their air conditioned bus stop shelters; and my favorite – the abras – small wooden vessels that criss-cross the creek for one dirham a ride!
Khor Dubai – the creek, where the original settlement was, is now being extended and will join the gulf near Jumairah and the Palm Islands, creating an island upon which central Dubai will sit. The fort, built in 1787, and the original home of the royal family, along with other historic buildings, are part of the Dubai Museum and Heritage Village. Dhows lining the quayside are are loaded up with boxes of all things imaginable to be transported into the Gulf and onto the seas.
I can’t leave out the shopping opportunities in “do-buy”!!! Malls like you’ve never seen before with themes, ski-slopes, designer shops galore, and on and on it goes! Souks that sell spices, gold, cheap knock-off Rolex watches, frankincense, fabric and fabric – beautiful lush silks and embroidered materials with tailors ready to create beautiful and elegant dresses and saris – and much, much more.
More sights around Dubai!
Khor al Fakkan, Sharjah
Khor: watercourse, ravine. Khor Fakkan, which means “Creek of Two Jaws”
Khor Fakkan, located along the Gulf of Oman, belongs to the emirate of Sharjah but is geographically surrounded by the emirate of Fujairah. It is the site of Khor Fakkan Container Terminal, the only natural deep-sea port in the region and one of the major container ports in the Emirates.
There was not very much to see, but we enjoyed a walk to town along the attractive corniche . Back on board, we took in a birds-eye view of the activity in the container port where containers were being shuffled around and placed on a couple of ships as though they were dominoes!
Muscat, Oman
One of the ports we were most looking forward to and it did not disappoint! Muscat must be one the cleanest and most beautiful cities on the Arabian peninsula – in fact, cleaner than many cities that we’ve visited worldwide . We arrived as the sun was rising over some small, craggy islands, and like Salalah, the city hugs the water with mountains as a backdrop. Once again, we secured a taxi to take us on a three-hour tour of the town and we saw all the highlights.
Visiting Oman has given us the opportunity to learn more about the country and its ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, than we would have had we not visited. He appears to be a much loved Emir and has done great things for the country with his progressive and forward thinking ways. After attending Sandhurst and serving with the B.A.O.R. in Germany, he continued studying in England and then embarked on a world tour. He rose to power after overthrowing his father in a palace coup in 1970, but has continued to keep Oman neutral, maintaining friendly relations with both Iran and western allies.
When driving around Muscat it is evident that he put his country first and the results are in the beautiful architecture, good roads, magnificent Royal Opera House and mosque, manicured parks and flower lined highways.
Evidently he is in failing health and has no children so the line of succession is in question – probably falling to one of his nephews. The palace is also amazing – set in a cove in Old Oman, it is a complex of different palaces within the grounds – ranging from an older fortress style structures to marble dome topped and white modern buildings that one can only imagine mirror the opulence we saw at the mosque and Opera House. The 155 meter royal yacht, Al Said, was docked very close to our ship in Muttrah port.
Cruising some Greek isles
Heraklion, Crete: A short walk along the harbor brought us to the local bus station for a bus to Knossos. Parts of the ancient city date back to the 6th century BC and, like many ruins, it’s possible to wander around and see how the structures and infrastructure might have once been. Heraklion itself is a pleasant city with nice pedestrian areas.
Rhodes: Our first foray to the Greek islands was via Rhodes – 35 years ago! Of course, this walled city with cobbled alleys has not changed! We wandered the perimeter of the city walls and criss-crossed back and forth within – frequently getting disoriented and retracing our steps! Cats of all colors and sizes abound and are a constant source of amusement.
Paphos, Cyprus: The second largest city in Cyprus and we docked in the new port which meant we needed to take a bus to town. For some reason this city was not that appealing to me – especially after the charm of Rhodes. We contemplated renting a car and driving into the countryside, but then – lo! as we stepped outside the port there was a small tour bus being organized for a trip to Paphos via Kourion and other sights (all for a much reduced rate to the ship’s shore excursions!) The day ended up being very interesting and fun. Stops included a castle from the crusades, a ride along the coast to the birthplace of Aphrodite in a beautiful setting. Myth has it that if you find a heart-shaped stone on the beach, good luck and a good life will be with you. Onward to Paphos with a stop at the 4th century Basilica of Chrysopolitissa which has been a place of Christian worship from then until now. Lunch and a beer on the promenade in Paphos rounded out the day!
Athens quickie
We walked and walked around Piraeus looking for the train/tram/metro we thought we caught in 2008 – never did find, but caught a little train into centre of Athens. Wandered around and up to the base of Acropolis until it started drizzling and decided we didn’t need to go all the way for the ?? time. Instead opted for a little taverna (we stumbled across the same place we visited seven years ago, and not disappointed!) for some of my beloved Rezina, tzaziki, and dolmades!! It was soo good! More wandering in light rain and back to our haven. Sitting on the balcony using Piraeus Port Free Wifi – got to love it!