Michael Bolton Live in Dubai

Last night went with Su and Katrina to see Michael Bolton. Was a great night. We decided to catch a taxi to Jumeirah as the performance was at the Madinat Arena which is in the vicinity of the Burj Al Arab and the Madinat Hotel is built in an old fort like structure. We decided to have a drink and a bite to eat first at one of the many alfresco eating places within the Hotel complex..Trader Vics was our choice....

View on way to Madinat Arena

Dining at the Madinat..

Dubai being a predominately Muslim country means the serving of Alcohol is usually confined to the high class hotels and you pay a hefty premium. It often also means the serves can be small ..so after some consulattion Su opted for a Bud, Katrina a wine and me a Singapore Sling..so at about $12 each drink we only had one..

Outside the Hotel..at Triolgy Nightclub...$130 Dhs cover Charge!($36)

Michael sure put on a great performance, the girls thoroughly enjoyed it...in fact a number of girls were yelling out we love you Michael....makes me sick, (jealous)..but yes a great concert and I believe we alraedy have ticketsfor his concert at Jupiters Casino at the Gold Coast.

A Collection of Gadgets..

Those of you who know me know I have a passion for gadgets and generally collect them. In fact it would not be the first time I have been called go go gadget man...whilst in Dubai I have manged to collect a 70-200L series Thermos Cup, which includes a bag to carry it in, a Canon Camera and lens Money Box. Today I managed to score a telephoto lens for my iPhone for 90 Dhs..about $25.00..Bargain..and it actually works. It comes complete with Tripod, iPhone case, lens and lens cloth with a holder for the Tripod...in a nice box. And guess what it actually works! I decided to pass on the Canon camera usb memory stick....but would have been interested in a panaroma lens for iPhone as well. I just can't stop collecting lenses....

Dragaonmart and Diera City Centre

Inside Dragonmart

Today we set off for Dragonmart. Su was after beads and looking for some different beads to add to her collection...it was surprising as I didn't expect to come away with anything however guess who came away with a few bags??? Yes me I could not resist the Canon 70-200 Thermos Flask nor the Canon camera and lens money box..(start saving for 1D X).a set of headphones  and a few other trinkets.

Dragonmart is an interesting place as it has a myriad of stallholders who sell handbags, homewares, lighting, bathroom fittings, hardware and jewellery oh and shoes.

Not at 1400 Dhs...sorry

I came across some fantastic pieces once again for photoshoots...some unreal necklaces and earings...but at around 1500 DHS or about $425.00 bit expensive for a one off shoot and I could not convince Su to buy one.

Deira City Centre

Marks and Spencers

In the afternoon we went off to Deira City Centre one of the older shopping centres in Dubai. First stop was Marks and Spencers...now interestingly the shop was decked out in Christmas  decreations...the stock once again was rather odd for  a hot country...I think they ship the winter stock for ex-pats to buy so when they arrive home they are in fashion...there cannot be any other reason as I am sure  it never gets cold enough in Dubai to wear half the stuff...

Drama Queen shoes..plenty of Bling Deira

Not to mention height...

A Fabulous Wedding

Pior to heading out to Dubai I had the priviledge of shooting Jadye and Adam's wedding. I have shot about twelve weddings as a second shooter so this was my first on my own and i was very happy how it all turned out. I had Rebecca Robson of Lil'B Photography help me out. I spent the full day starting out with the girls getting ready and left after the Bridal waltz.
It was a full on day and the most stressful part was the drive .the Brides place to the venue for the ceremony...especially when the limo was two cars behind me. Thankfully the guests were late and the limo did a lap of New Farm Park. Here are some of my shots.

Return to Dubai

My Favourite Camera Store

Firstly I must apologise for not keeping my blog more up to date....okay apology over lets get down to business. I thought I would restart my blog with my return travels to Dubai.  We flew out on Emirates Airlines early Sunday morning and I must say with  alot of anticipation. Sadly Emirates disappointed me with their service..their staff were very snooty and appeared to lack teamwork I was unable to work out who the leader was in the cabin but sadly felt that if we were to have an emergancy I doubt they could get their shit together.

Anyhow I digress we touched down in Dubai early afternoon we arrived at Katrina's and Costa's had a shower and set off for Mirdiff Shopping Centre. Katrina and Costa have moved but still a short stroll and now the weather is cooler no effort to walk there.

The shops are displaying winter clothing which is a bit unreal as their winter is very much like our Summer but Katrina assures me the girls dress in the long boots, scarfs and fur coats....

Those of you who know my wife know she loves bling and whilst checking out the homewares shop I had to hold her back from bring these two items back....

Actually the $2500 price tag held back...Phew...

Mind you in another shop I did wonder..am I too old for this bed?

Su managed to make a beeline for Forever 21 and buy an outfit for Christine ..infact I could go wild myself in this shop so many clothing options for photoshoots including accessories..Su is worried about me but you just dont see this stuff in OZ and the prices are so cheap. The shopping centre has a few empty spaces confirmation the GFC has made it to the UAE not that any one talks about it. Anyhow must sign off as we are off to Al Karama  to haggle with the local traders..Su just loves this.