Up Till One » travel

I’m in …………. A Cooler Place

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:40:42 +0000

I’ve been in Brussels the past few days, thats why I wasn’t posting as much. The weather hear is great compared to the heat in Kuwait. Having waffles on a daily bases and also fritz (fries) and the occasional chocolates.

The funny thing is that when we first arrived, the taxi driver apologized for the weather.

Marina Bay – Singapore

Mon, 16 May 2011 07:07:30 +0000

I haven’t been anywhere in east asia except for the Maldives islands but I have been hearing a lot of good stuff about Singapore and that it is THE destination if you are eying east asia.

The picture is of the Marina Bay Sands Resort, which looks like a great place to unwind. Now I just have to find some free time for this trip.

Hotel Homepage

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 12:44:10 +0000

Last night I came back from a short trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. My friends and I went to see the Inter Milan semi final game and also went to the newly opened Ferrari World.

The design of the building/structure is simply amazing, for me it might be the best looking external and internal building in the world. Also, the whole park is a covered building that is air conditioned which is a great idea due to the weather that we have here in the gulf.

The main reason we went there is to try out the world fastest roller-coaster the Formula Rossa. It uses a catapult mechanism similar to the ones that are used on aircraft carriers to make planes reach their takeoff speeds in short distances. The ride reaches a top speed of 240 kph from a stationary position in 4.9 seconds. Glasses are required for the first line of the first cart only.

Ticket prices are 225 AED for adults and 165 AED for children. The premium prices are 375/270 AED. The line for the Formula Rossa was 2 hours for the regular tickets and 50 mins for the premium ones.

There isn’t much to do in the park apart from the roller coasters and the simulation (which I highly recommend booking an appointment as soon as you enter the park). There are some decent restaurants and a handful of kids activities/rides.

I’m Back

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:28:26 +0000

I am back in Kuwait, The weather is not that bad here or maybe I just missed the worst part. Anyway its good to be back.

The 24 Hour Journey Back Home

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:19:10 +0000

So today is my last day here in the US, I will be heading back to kuwait enshalla. My flight plan is as follows: San Antonio – Dallas – New York – Kuwait. Currently I’m in JFK airport in New York waiting for my Kuwait Airways flight 118 to board. The weather is unstable here in NYC, there was some heavy showers and some thunderstorms when we came in to land. I’m almost halfway through my trip. Hope the second half goes as smoothly as the first half.

The Horseshoe

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:58:54 +0000

When I first arrived here in San Antonio. One of the first places that the guys here took me to was “The Horseshoe”. Its a stretch of the Guadalupe river that is known for tubing (aka toobing). The guys had their own tubes so we went directly to the entry point and entered the water were it was FREEZING.

The 1 mile trip took us 2.5 hours to complete. The weather was great and the place was packed, a little too packed actually, going to the horseshoe and back home took 2 hours each way (usually 1 hour) but still, had fun.

Seeing More of Texas

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 04:57:07 +0000

I left Wichita Falls yesterday and went to San Antonio. This time I flew there thank god. I had an issue when I fist saw the airplane but soon I got over m fears. The best thing in Wichita Falls were Ronnie’s Burger. The Theaters were horrible and I only went and saw 2 movies and I have some catching up to do.

The funny thing was, on the flight to Dallas me and my friend were the only 2 people on the plane. Really I’m not joking, they operated the flight just for us and made us sit in the last row too.

The stewardess even suggested that we share a can of coke. The flight was 20 mins to Dallas and then 45 mins from Dallas to San Antonio.

Ronnie’s Burgers

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:22:42 +0000

After asking around the locals here in Wichita Falls, Texas for the best burger place around. I always got the same answer, Ronnie’s Burger.

Me and he guys went there before going to Dallas the other day to have a go at it. We were told also that the place is packed during lunch and dinner time (there is just one place its not a chain) so we thought we might as well go at an odd time like just after work which tuned out to be great.

We got a medium sized cheeseburger each which was the best burger we might have tasted so far on this trip. Its similar to Johnny Rockets burgers but much lighter.
This place is highly recommended IF you are in Wichita Falls

To Dallas and Back

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:01:31 +0000

I didn’t post the last couple of days because me and the guys decided to go to Dallas for the weekend. We drove there on Saturday morning and came back late Sunday. Its just a 2:30 hour drive from Wichita Falls so it didn’t take much out of the day. We stayed at the Westin Hotel located in the Galleria mall in downtown Dallas, it was a very nice hotel with reasonable prices. We didn’t plan to stay there we decided to just look for a place when we got there and the Westin was the first place we looked at. maybe it was laziness that made us stay there but it was a good choice.

The Other Longish Drive

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 05:47:35 +0000

I drove last week for 15 hours from Albuquerque New Mexico to Houston Texas. This time it was form Houston to Wichita Falls. the drive took almost 7 hours with stops, which isn’t as long as the first one.
I’m getting used to long drives as this drive fools like a trip to the supermarket.

Red Lobster

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:34:08 +0000

I’ve been here in the states for over 2 months now and haven’t even once been to red lobster. Its not that I was busy or anything but I am more of a burger guy.
And for people who don’t know what Red Lobster is; its a seafood restaurant chain thats not too fancy and not so bad either. Its more of a Friday’s/Chilis level place.

We order some stuffed mushrooms and shrimp bruschetta’s for starters and the Admiral’s Feast to share and a lobster tail each.

The starters were good and the tails were very nice but the Admirals Feast wasn’t that great , I would recommend staying away from that.

Hurricane Alex

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:51:07 +0000

Since yesterday the weather was unstable here in Houston. Alex was upgraded from a topical storm to a hurricane yesterday as wind speeds increased dramatically. It’s really raining heavily now wish it rained half as much in Kuwait.
El7imdilla 3ala kil 7al.

The 15 Hour Drive

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:55:57 +0000

On Saturday, at exactly 11:15am, we started our road trip from Albuquerque New Mexico to Houston Texas as we have this week off till after the 4th of July weekend.

The trip took exactly 15 hours including our short stops. we arrived at Houston dead tiered at 3:15am local time. We barely could keep our eyes open. We just got back to hour regular sleeping hours and we are good to go. I met up with Zidaneoo here are planing to watch a lot of movies.

Dining At 10,000 Feet: High Finance Restaurant

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 06:32:17 +0000

I mentioned in a previous post that we went to Sandia Peak and rode on the world longest tramway. We wanted to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant at the top of the peak but the waiting time was 2 hours.

So today a group of 18 guys went there armed with a reservation. After the 15 minutes tram ride we were at 10,378ft and we went to the restaurant directly. It was pretty crowded. The view was great but the food wasn’t. I wouldn’t think of dining there other than for the experience.

After dinner we had a photo session and managed to get a couple of nice photos. The weather wasn’t as cold as the last time today but rather a little windy. I wouldn’t recommend it but it was a nice experience. I wasn’t that hungry maybe thats why I wasn’t into their food.

The Grand Canyon

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 06:16:37 +0000

So as promised I’m uploading a few pictures from last weekends trip to The Grand Canyon. The weather there was totally unexpected, it raged from 3-25C, and we where completely unprepared. Friday and Saturday it was cloudy and I was a bit disappointed, but on Sunday the weather was beautiful and managed to snap a few shots.

We were completely deceived as our main trip was to the Colorado River and not to the Grand Canyon, we didn’t know that till we arrived there. A 4 hour, 15 mile trip in a raft. And what makes matters worse it was windy and it rained. we froze our butts off.

You would think by now that I had a really bad time, You are wrong. The group of guys I was with were amazing. The funniest 18 guys from all around the world. Thats why I can’t recommend the trip cause it depends on your company. For us it was non stop laughter for 12 hours straight.

On Friday we arrived at 8pm, we just checked in and went for a quick glance at the Canyon on the south rim. the next day we woke up at 5:30 as our bus ride was at 6:15am. It took 3 hours to get to the boat trip’s starting point. We had to go through a Home Land Security check point and transfer to a special bus for a the last 8 minutes of the trip as we went through the tunnels under the dam. The trip with the raft took 4 hours almost, as I said it rained and some of the guys jumped into the freezing water just to showoff. It was funny seeing them shake for the rest of the trip, I had to donate my jacket for one of them.

After the 3 hours trip back to the lodge we were exhausted. we just had dinner and crashed.

Back Again

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:59:56 +0000

I just came back from our grand canyon trip. There was a connectivity-blackout, no internet in the rooms and no data coverage in any of my mobiles. I’m dead tired from the long 10 hour drive back. I managed to get a ton of pictures but haven’t gone through them yet. Will share them really soon.

This Weekend’s Trip: The Grand Canyon

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:53:12 +0000

Tomorrow, we will be on a bazillion hour trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona state. this should be a fun trip and I should be able to get some cool pics. I never been to the grand canyon before so I really hoe it will blow my mind.

Of course being on the road also means that we will miss the World Cup this weekend. Game times are so awkward here (5:30 am, 8 am and 12:30 pm) which during the weekdays I’ll be at work. Darn.

David Copperfield Show – Review

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:14:39 +0000

This is the last of the shows I saw in Vegas I promise, its been hectic seeing 2 shows a day and just eating burgers :/

If you don’t know who David Copperfield is then to put it in a few word: “he is the best magician of our time” if you seen some of his previous work you would agree.

The show was filled with people fro china that where a part of a group that didn’t speak any english. As he brought people up the stage they couldn’t understand him and just stood there staring at him which made the show a little frustrating.

As fort the illusions there was some really cool ones that keeps you puzzled. but there was no “WOW” factor.

David’s show just couldn’t compare to what Vegas have to offer and is the lowest ranking show I’ve seen in this trip.

Cirque Du Soleil: KA – Review

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:33:23 +0000

As part of my shows marathon in Vegas is another Cirque Du Soleil production. KA is one of the new shows in Vegas and considered relatively new, premiered in 2005, this had a better story line and better stunts in my opinion. The way the use the moving platforms is just amazing.

The show took $220+ million to produce and one of the best shows I’ve seen so far in Vegas. Its highly recommended.

Cirque Du Soleil: O

Mon, 31 May 2010 23:03:42 +0000

While I was inquiring about the shows, a lot of people told me that Cirque Du Soleil’s: O was the best show in Las Vega, and it is conveniently located in the Bellagio so it had to be on my list for shows to see.

The show has an aquatic theme to it, its mostly based on water in a 1.5 million gallon water tank that shifts during the show from a deep to shallow to hard surface. it looked really amazing.

The The show on the other hand didn’t mesmerize me the way the other shows had. Its not bad but its not the best Vegas have to offer either. Its mostly a circus act with water being under the performers instead of a net for the most part.

I might be a bit hard on this show cause I had really high expectations. It let me down a bit but still a nice show that costed more than $100 million to make.

Burger Bar: Las Vegas

Mon, 31 May 2010 12:28:46 +0000

I’m a burger freak, ask anyone that knows me and they’ll tell you how much I love my burgers. But after trying like a thousand different burger places you come across a lot of good ones, it gets hard to differentiate the burger at that high level. I mean I can dismiss a burger for really minor stuff like not having enough mustered or ketchup.

The point that I’m trying to make is that we don’t have to compare two burger placed head-to-head, we can just say that its great and recommended. especially not all people’s taste is alike.

Back to the main subject, Burger Bar located in Mandalay Bay is considered to have the best burgers in Las Vegas. so it was a no-brainer. I went there yesterday just before The Lion King Show – that was awesome by the way. it was a 45 min wait for a table or I can sit immediately on the bar. The bar it was, after a quick read through the menu I decided to go with the American Classic, it had beef patty American cheese, crispy bacon, tomato, onion, on sesame bun ($13). I also ordered a Nutella shake, which seemed like a good idea at the time.

The burger was very good, and definitely recommended for anyone in Vegas. But don’t get out of your way just to try it.

P.S. no burger pics, I was hungry and ate it before realizing that I didn’t take any pictures.

The Lion King – Review

Sun, 30 May 2010 10:10:48 +0000

The Lion King is the best disney movie in my opinion. It has a great storyline, lovable characters and great songs. all the requirements for making a great show. But thats not all, it takes skill to adapt a great movie to a Broadway show. But The Lion King already been running for 13 years and its been hailed as one of the best shows. everybody that saw it recommended it. My wife has been telling me to see it for a few years now, I finally did.

After seeing it I also highly recommend watching The Lion King. Its not just for kids and families is a work of art. great singing and costumes and of course the story and characters are all there.

Wayne Brady Show – Review

Sat, 29 May 2010 21:10:29 +0000

If you don’t know who Wayne Brady is let me till you that you missed out on one of the funniest show on TV. He was a co-star in the hit TV series Who’s Line is it Anyway along with Drew Carey, Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie. just go to youtube and type in the “Who’s line is it anyway” and enjoy.

The live show follows the theme of Who’s Line is it Anyway, its all improvised, and there for no 2 shows are ever the same, and I believe it. Seeing Wayne work live in front of you really makes you believe that what he does it nothing short of spectacular.

I laughed so hard that my eyes where in tears for the better half of the show.

If I have time, I will definitely do it one more time.

Blue Man Group – Review

Sat, 29 May 2010 13:00:53 +0000

I attended the Blue Man Group show yesterday evening. I never been to any of their shows before(apart from some youtube videos) so I didn’t know what to expect. But it surpassed my expectations and was pleasantly surprised.

The blue man group is a mix of a Musical/Comedy with no dialect at all and just depends on the body language, but they do it brilliantly.

The only problem I had with the show is that in some instances, it feels that they are just dragging their feet a little. which I feel dropped the tempo of the show. But otherwise its a must see.

I Think I Just Had The Best Slider Ever!!

Sat, 29 May 2010 09:48:16 +0000

We went to a place called Fix, its a restaurant/Bar within the Bellagio. After reading the menu and coming across some sliders I just had to try them.

Well, we are in a dispute a here, as one of my friends disagrees. but I think that the sliders are the best that I’ve tasted so far. just look at that juicy patty, YUM!!

The 3 sliders have cheese, tomatoes and pickles. And come with fries too. the order will cost you $30.

Sorry for the bad pic quality, they were taken with the Nexus One in a really dark place.

Arrived!!

Sat, 29 May 2010 08:36:13 +0000

We arrived at earlier today at McCarran International Airport around noon, which meant that we have the whole day a head of us, Excellent.

The drive to the Bellagio hotel too about 10-15 minutes, there was a little traffic. And the chck-in took another 30 minutes.

According to the 2 taxi drivers and 2 receptionists, this is the busiest they ever seen Vegas. I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing. But this is what we have and we must live with it.

The View from our room.

The weather is excellent, sunny with a cool breeze. Just perfect.

We plan to do lots of things today, lots.

Vegas Here We Come

Fri, 28 May 2010 03:11:32 +0000

Me and the guys here are going to Vegas for the Memorial Day weekend. It was a last minute thing as we were planing to go in a few weeks. But since they are giving us Friday off then that means we have 3 night there.

Vegas Baby!!!

The East Mountains And The Longest Tramway in The World

Sat, 22 May 2010 05:57:48 +0000

Last weekend me and a group of friends wanted to do something different other than watching movies. So we thought we might ride the world longest tramway the is conveniently located in Albuquerque.

Albuquerque’s elevation is 5500 feet the air is very thin here, it really gets hard to breath as soon as you start doing anything, especially if you live at almost sea level all of your life. The tram took us another 5000 feet to 10600 feet in 15 minutes.

The best idea we had is to take our jackets with us to the peak. it really was cold and windy. The temperature was 7 degrees when we arrived a the top, and it started to get colder as the sun was setting.

We spent a total of two hours walking in a narrow and slippery walkways that we didn’t prepare for at all. We also snapped a ton of pictures. After that we decided to head back.

There was also a restaurant up there at 10500′ we really wanted to try it but we didn’t have any reservation and the waiting time was 2 hours and there was no way that we were just going to stand there waiting for a table. Will go back up there just for the restaurant maybe.

The Weather is Nuts

Fri, 14 May 2010 04:58:30 +0000

I know I’ve written about the weather here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. But this is just insane, I believed that Kuwait weather was crazy but this is just…..

Last Saturday the weather was beautiful, it was in the mid to high 20′s with a cool breeze. we really thought that the weather will stay great, poor us.

They have a saying here ” If you don’t like the weather, Wait 5 minutes and it will change” our first reaction was, you haven’t been to Kuwait have you? but boy where we in for a surprise the very next day.

On Sunday we woke up and the temperature was like 3-5 degrees, we were stunned. After digging into our bags and looking for something warm to wear, we decided to catch a movie (Clash of the Titans, 3/5). After exiting the movie this is what we saw.

A hail storm passed by, other parts of the city had snow. The next day it was very windy, I mean very.

We have to check the weather forecast daily just to know what to wear to work.

Not That Beautiful Weather

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:25:41 +0000

As I mentioned in a previous post, the weather here in New Mexico WAS great as you can see from the picture above.

According to the latest weather report, next couple of days is not that beautiful. Its getting to -2 degrees, and I didn’t even bring winter clothes. Thanx Triple-A.
Got to get me some winter clothes.