Sinai Summers – Al Falak Camp in Abu Galoum – An Artists’ Haven!

My love affair with the beach started from as way back as I can remember. When I close my eyes, I fondly recall family outings where we would all go to the beach and everything that worried us would just melt away as the smell of salt in the air filled our nostrils. It was almost like being hypnotised into being instantly happy. But I’ve never experienced anything like living on a beach in Sinai. Trust me when I say it’s a completely life-changing experience!

Every time I visit the ocean, I learn something new. Sometimes it is a simple lesson and sometimes it is a profound one. The one quote that stirs within me every time I hear crashing waves is this one: The strongest waves crash at the coast and go back to the sea and reform all over again…stronger.

In the last ten years, I’ve travelled a fair bit but for me, Sinai will always be one of my favourite places to go back to. Why? What’s so special? All I can say is…you need to experience it for yourself. As artists, we’re on a spirit-led journey. Whether you like to entertain, enlighten, heal, inspire or make people laugh with your creativity; once you step into Sinai, you will find a new sense of freedom and self-expression. You will find your own voice and it will roar so loudly that you can’t ignore it. If you really want to dig deep and create something authentic, try visiting Sinai and spending some time in Al Falak Camp – an eco-friendly haven for the art obsessed people out there. To attend their next event created by Sinai Dancing Dream and witness the magic live, click here: https://fb.me/e/2etnnd3cD

SINAI ~ Let’s trust the open space and its wilderness.
DANCING ~ Let’s move and play out of joy and fulfillment.
DREAM ~ Let’s listen to the impulses from within.

Experience the Magic of Miramar

Dubai is a glamorous city known for its skyscrapers, ports, and beaches but I prefer Fujeirah which has been my second home since I moved to the UAE eight years ago. The undulating hills, the gentle ocean waves and the fresh air is exactly what my soul craves. Recently I discovered the icing on top of the cake, Miramar.

The moment you step into Miramar Beach Resort, you step into a different world. The first time I got to experience a slice of this very exciting pie was a couple of years ago when I visited Divers Down with The Pink Fins aka my fellow diver Slava Noor. Divers Down is a diving facility attached to the hotel which means I only got to experience one facet of Miramar hospitality but it was enough to get me to come back to experience more.

The first thing I fell in love with was the dual view – from one end you get an uninterrupted view of the mountains and from the other end, all you can see are the waves gently breaking against the shoreline.

But being a scuba diver comes with its benefits, you’re privy to a third view hidden from most people. Whether you’re a certified diver or a newbie who’s looking for an adrenaline rush, I highly recommend checking out this centre. You will be greeted with a warm, friendly smile and be in safe hands.

I don’t want to spoil this experience for you by giving away too much but all I’m going to say is that it’s worth checking out. In case you’re wondering this is not a paid review, it was written only because I truly enjoyed the Miramar experience from check-in to check out.

Meet the UAE’s Dr Dolittle

Meet Angie Antonick, the UAE’s very own Dr Dolittle. Angie is a true free spirit and you can feel it in the air even before she says a single word. The litmus test is easy. Any animal that meets her, loves her instantly. I first met Angie when she asked me if I wanted to babysit a newborn donkey. Yes, you heard that right. Before I knew it, we were friends and I was embarking on epic adventures led by this fireball of energy who loves nature and animals so passionately.

The last time I visited her she was living on a farm in Fujairah. So when I said let’s hang out and she said come over, that’s what I expected. Little did I know what was in store for me. Once I looked at the location pin she’d sent me, I realised that a brand new adventure was coming up. I was finally off to Hatta!

Ever since I watched this video, Hatta had been at the top of my travel list. I set off, my heart pounding with excitement! I arrived at Hatta Wadi Hub and was surprised to see so many cool activities in one place. This spot is adventure utopia! Rent a mountain bike or hike Hatta’s rolling peaks at your own pace. You can also try archery, axe-throwing, zorbing (where you’ll roll downhill inside a giant transparent ball), or a huge 12m-high water slide where you can practise your flips. But the hidden gem in Hatta is the newly opened Hatta Art Hub.

Once you’ve tried all the adventure sports, if you look carefully, you will spot Hatta Art Hub nestled in the hills. Make your way up and your jaw will drop in amazement when you see the boutique art museum hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll meet animals here who will fast become your second family. You can try yoga and meditation in the most beautiful location anyone could ever imagine. This is also the perfect spot for artists looking for inspiration. They even offer Artists in Residence programmes for those creative souls who feel like staying a bit longer. I’m not going to spoil this adventure for you by telling you too much. Just remember to ask Angie to show you her secret spot if you ever visit Hatta.

PS: If you spot this magic bus, you know you’re heading the right way.

The Fire Behind Finchitua

Have you ever walked into a room and the first thing you noticed was someone’s smile? Well, that’s the first thing I noticed about Feiruza followed by her edgy wardrobe and her flaming red hair that complements it perfectly.

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2020 is nearly over and it hasn’t been easy for any of us, irrespective of which country you live in or what you do for a living. 2020 has been especially hard for us creatives though. When the world feels like it’s falling apart, how do you find the fire to create? It’s simple. It takes courage. After all, if you wish to move mountains tomorrow, you must start by lifting stones today right? And that’s exactly what Feiruza has been doing!

While the rest of the world was thrown off balance, she dug deep and started creating. And here’s what she came up with…

A whole new collection of edgy, modern streetwear featuring designs inspired by tribal Ethiopia. The label’s name is derived from the Ethiopian word ‘finchit’ which means ‘the girl with a gap between her teeth’ – like the label itself, a ‘finchit’ is unique, distinctly African and considered a mark of beauty for the bearer. So if you need some inspiration or a new wardrobe head down to Market Outside The Box (at Burj Park) where she is exhibiting her latest pieces till January 2nd.

A Walk Down 24TH St. at Dusit Thani

I walked into Dusit Thani and hit the button for the 24^TH Floor. As the elevator doors opened, my jaw dropped! 24^TH St. showcases the diversity of hawker Asian street fare featuring four specialty stalls focused mainly on providing a delectable take on Korean, Chinese, Japanese and Indian street-food culture combined with a relaxed yet upscale setting, right in the heart of Dubai. It is the perfect blend of streetside flair and 5-Star sophistication!

Guests can make their journey through a myriad of bold flavors and spices, served from the dynamic kitchens of Kim’s Korean, Lucy Wong’s, Momo San and Chatakana. Each kiosk expresses its own individual cha­racter, taking design influences from the coun­try of its origins.

I spent three hours at brunch and it still didn’t feel like enough time to try everything that was available. I tried multiple dishes from each section and even though on a map, these countries might be thousands of miles away, on my plate they blended beautifully! 24^TH St. is certainly the go to spot for a distinct Asian foodie haven with the Market Square and Another Bar set to open soon on the same floor. To try the same experience  call 04 317 4515.

Kiff’s Trippin

I walk back to my hostel after a thrilling day of hiking in Kazakhstan and the first thing I spot is a bike parked at the entrance. As I walk closer, I spot a head bent over the bike and a variety of tools fanned out neatly around the bike. Later at dinner I meet Kiff and hear of his adventures so far and his plan to bike across the globe on Bruce.

You might expect someone who just sold all his possessions and had the courage to set out on his own around the world to be like Sinbad or Columbus. But the first impression you get when you meet Kiff is his natural ability to make people laugh. The second thing that hits you is his ability to deliver hard hitting truths punctuated by laughter. “What’s the worst thing that can happen…you die?” A quick laugh followed by, “We all die when the time comes so just do it”.

What’s on this list? Well pretty much everything! He has already covered Norway, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and soon sets off on the Road of Bones before he covers the most exciting cities across the globe.

Everyone has a turning point in their lives, and it’s completely up to you how you choose to file it away in your personal history. Do you want to use it to push you forward? Or are you going to use it as an anchor to tie you down to a life you don’t really want? The choice is yours to make every single day.

If you want to follow Kiff’s adventures across the globe click here: https://bit.ly/2MwYtm8

 

Life is an Open Road

This journey started with a trickle and before I knew it, I was diving off boats and jumping off cliffs. Every adventure opens me up a bit more to the magic there is in nature, in ourselves and in the people around us. With every ‘yes’ I see more magic, with every smile I feel more connected and with every pounding heartbeat I feel a little more alive. My story feels like Hansel and Gretel following the trail back home. Little did I know, that every single person I met, every story I heard and every life experience (however small and insignificant it seemed at that time) would lead me to this special place where dreams come alive in a heartbeat.

It’s all in the signs. As Paulo Coelho said so beautifully in The Zahir, “I believe in signs….what we need to learn is always there before us, we just have to look around us with respect & attention to discover where God is leading us and which step we should take. When we are on the right path, we follow the signs, and if we occasionally stumble, the Divine comes to our aid, preventing us from making mistakes.”

 

The Buzz About DJ Bia

DJ Bia made her debut in Los Angeles and quickly progressed up the ranks, making guest appearances at world-renowned hot spots Pour Vous and Viper Room before moving to the UAE. She currently holds down five residencies in Dubai, including the poolside Dek on 8, Tong Thai, the Hilton Double Tree, Cuba Bar and Bliss Lounge, the stunning beach-side bar where her soundtracks play against the setting Arabian sun with a blend of Balearic Beats and Deep House. 

She has played alongside US rapper Fuse ODG and was commissioned to play at the Dubai World Cup after-party, a world famous event with over 30,000 race-goers. In the past year, she’s played for the Ferrari Owner’s Club, opened for Akon at the Italian Embassy and composed music for the Miss India 2017 Fashion Show. And that’s alongside her regular work for Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Guerlain and her recent show soundtracking the Alice In Wonderland exhibition at d3.

 

1] How did you start DJing?
It all started in Budapest many years ago in an underground radio station called “The Forbidden Radio”. I’ve been listening to music and travelling the world since I was a child. I visited Australia, Asia, Africa & Europe and I was always accompanied by my headphones and my MP3 player. My passion for music just got more intense over the years and I started taking classes from professional DJS who taught me their craft. I then added my personal vibe & style to it.

2] Who have been your biggest musical influences since you started Djing?

Definitely Sonique. She is the main reason I became a DJ. I watched her hit “Your love it feels so good” hundreds of times and realised that there were so many coincidences between my life and that song. She plays the role of a waitress that dreams of becoming a successful DJ. While I served passengers as a flight attendant I was dreaming about spinning my favourite records for a big crowd of people. It took a lot of work & patience but in the end, I made it happen!

3] Do you recall how your first show went? Tell us about it 🙂
IT WAS A DISAAAAASTEEEER!!!!! My first gig was in one of the biggest clubs in Bucharest and I was totally unprepared and had no experience, just tons of butterflies in my stomach. I still remember the Guest DJ laughing at me and my weird set, the crowd staring at me and not dancing and me walking out of the club in tears while promising myself that I would never touch the decks again. Oh well, it took me 2 years to get over it.

4] What is a common misconception about this industry that people have? Especially being a Female DJ?

Only 10% of the DJs at the big festivals around the world are Female DJs. I believe that we women don’t believe in ourselves enough and at times we underestimate our capabilities. When you are a new DJ, it is only natural to feel inferior to those that have paved the way for you (mostly men). Of course your confidence is not going to be so high, especially after having an experience similar to mine when I first started DJing. The secret lies in your ability to prove yourself wrong.

5] What does success mean to you?

A while ago, I thought that success meant earning a lot of money but I was wrong. The more money I made, the more problems I’ve seen. Success is having a peaceful sleep at night and a fresh creative mind in the morning that can inspire other people too.

6] What would be your message to any aspiring Artist or DJ?

Never give up on your vision. Knock on every door and agency in town. Learn how to deal with rejection and understand that it’s an important part of your journey to success. Don’t believe in people that try to pull you down when you talk about your dreams.

Balinese Beats

You know that feeling when you first fall in love where all you can think about is that one person? Well that perfectly describes my relationship with Bali. Before I even set foot on this island, I knew I was going to love every second there. The best part about Bali is that it truly has something for everyone.

I am a DJ and a big part of my musical inspiration comes from travelling a lot. I find inspiration in every new face, in every rock, in every wave, in every grain of sand. The more variety I take in, the better my music becomes.

One of the places that held the most personal significance, during my one week trip to Bali, was Tampak Siring. Tirta Empul is a water temple complex and holy mountain spring near the town of Tampak Siring. The spring feeds various purification baths, pools and fish ponds surrounding the outer perimeter, which all flow to the Tukad Pakerisan River. I walked in with a mountain of things weighing me down but left with a light heart and an open mind.

Another turning point for me was the Full Moon Party that I was a part of. Never before have I experienced such a pure flow of music. Many people I’ve met, look at DJing as a pre-planned set and something that has to fit in a certain box. But Bali taught me more about freedom than I have ever learnt before. Music is a creative expression of freedom and cannot be boxed in, just like a free spirit. The more you learn to let go and go with the flow, the more beautiful and meaningful your sets become. The most important part of a DJ is not their head or their hands but their heart. You have to truly feel every single beat and then, magically, you will find that you can mix anything together and create a seamless set.

Considering I travel a lot and my motto is to always experience new cities and new landscapes, I have to admit…Bali you stole my heart and I will be back for sure.

Good Vibes Only at Area 01 (Alserkal Avenue)

I walked into Alserkal Avenue for Area 01 and the first things that caught my attention were the vibrant colours and the strain of really eclectic beats. Even though I had just walked in, this already seemed like the perfect creative and cultural experience of Dubai, from music to market to food.

A hidden treasure trove of creative talents encompassing everything from theatre and performance arts, to live acoustic and electronic music, and culinary experiences. How could anyone not love it?

I walked past so many original stores set up all over the place that by the time I reached the DJ console my jaw was hanging so low, it nearly touched the ground. I quickly set up and started my set. I have seen a lot of events marketed with a dose of “good vibes” but this was so different. From the moment the first song began people were dancing, smiling, and filling the entire space with so much of good vibes it was contagious. Everyone from tiny tots to even the pets were infected by this air of good cheer.

Five hours passed by in a flash, and before I knew it it was time to pack up. But the day wasn’t done yet. I headed down to the main stage area with my friends and we all plonked down on the comfy tires and grass padded seats, wolfed down our food and enjoyed the live music. Will I be back again next year? For sure! Will I see you there too?