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I love invitations. Don't you? They are constant reminders that I am still a member of the community, some family and most of all that I still have thoughtful friends.
Orchid Display, Singapore Airport
One day in November 2009, I received an email from Din, my spouse, requesting me to make reservations for two couples for travel to Dubai to attend Arjun's wedding. Gee, I haven't even seen the invitation yet. Wouldn't we be a little presumptuous to just go ahead and make the reservation? As we were anticipating Mr Kutty's formal invitation anytime, I thought it was still best to wait for it, just in case, especially to ensure that the dates were correct. It was to be 10 days later before I received another update from Din. A final e-invitation had been received and that all travel and hotel arrangement have been made by the Dubai people.
With travel arrangement out of the way, I was only down to thinking of personal effects, especially what to wear. I have never been to a full blown Hindi wedding. My impression of it was what I had seen in Bollywood movies. The last one I'd seen at our local club years ago had the groom arriving on a horseback! Immediately I recalled Tipusultan. This one would be a wedding between a Hindu and a Muslim. The surprise would surely the poolwear attire where guests may be expected to join in the dip. Now this would be way, way too extraordinarily interesting, I would imagine!! I wondered if the new couple would really trade-in their wedding attire for ..er, something more comfortable.
Orchid Display, Singapore Airport
The flight had been arranged for 2nd Dec 2009, Kuala Lumpur - Singapore and Singapore - Dubai by Singapore Airlines. As expected, Singapore Airport was surely having a variant display of their national flower, the Orchid. It transformed the place into a glorious indoor garden.
Savoy Suites Hotel, Bur Dubai
We arrived at Dubai on the morning of 3rd Dec 2009. We were transferred directly to the Savoy Suites Hotel, Bur Dubai. which was situated in an apartment dwelling area The four star accommodation was a reasonably comfortable suite fitted with 2 LCD TV - one in the bedroom the other in the lounge area - a kitchenette with a microwave oven and freezer, a minibar and of course, free Internet access. It was very tastefully done up in earth tones.
Our Accommodation
I hope none are offended at the posting of the bathroom . I always love hotel bathrooms anyway.
With An Ex-College Mate
Well, thousands of miles away across the ocean, I bumped into an old TKCian College mate at breakfast. She was in Dubai with her husband's group and they were having a Trade Expo of sort for Malaysian halal products. A Malaysian minister was also attending the opening ceremony. I have not met her since we left College 49 years ago and she could still recognise my voice. Wow , that was really something! While we may have added a couple of lines and kilos here and there, we were still recognisable!
Dubai Skyline
After breakfast we went to the Dubai Office HQ for a short visit. Not many staff were around and the parking lots were not even full. It was the UAE National Day! Surprisingly I did not see flags and buntings hoisted on buildings and masts to indicate the occasion. It was probably a sign of hard time ahead (?) Dubai is a bustling city with many sky scrapers. As it was a holiday, not many workers seemed to be at work giving the impression that the bursting bubble might have indeed set in.
In Front Of Arjun's House With Ravi and Muthamah
We were soon on our way to Mr Kutty's house in the Emirates Hills. Both he and his only son had bought adjacent properties there. The wall in between had been removed for easier access both ways. Their backyards border The Montgomerie 18-hole Championship Golf Course. Workers were still doing the decorations to Arjun's house. They had flown in thousands of orange marigold blooms from Mother India to adorn the balconies, doors, swimming pool, garden and pathways.......every where.... and what a sight to behold!
The Garden And Pathways......
The Edge Of The Golf Course
Which Would Be Transformed Later By Evening
In the meantime, others were preparing for the Mehndi Ceremony. True to tradition it was also accompanied by musicians and women singing. Although Muthamah had nudged that we try out the mehndi (henna) application, the queue was quite long that we gave up any aspiration of getting some on.
The New Couple, Sumaiyah and Arjun
I was told that the couple had gotten their marriage solemnised in India recently on the bride's side.. In case you are wondering, India allows marriage between a Hindu and Muslim couple. In Malaysia, the Hindu would have to convert to Islam before the marriage can legally take place.
Mr Kutty and Mr Ravi
The Musicians
The garden party that followed. was in a very informal and warm atmosphere. Sofas, colourful cushions beanbags and nice people added to the mood. Dress code was summer casual and pool wear. Many family members and senior staff from India had also been flown in for the occasion. I did my best to get to know as many of them.
The food was excellent and plentiful. I just cannot begin to describe what they were. We just needed to know that it was all halal. We enjoyed it thoroughly. I remember one fried chicken dish where the chicken was first marinated overnight and then half cooked in the marinate before being dipped in batter and deep fried. No wonder it was so tasty.
I was surprised to note that the ice shaver was also part of the Mother Indian food preparation tools. No doubt it is famous amongst the Indian cendol vendors of Malaysia. I was told that this manual old fashioned paraphernalia originated from China. So, the Indians must have found it useful and later had it manufactured in India as well. Today, in spite of electrical machines being abound, I am still fascinated each time I see the old fashioned ones at work. I reminisce over the ice ball (flavoured with syrup) I used to get for 5 cents after school and the ice kachang that withstood the test of time. There was this ice kachang stall in downtown Seremban where we used to crowd-in after our hockey games. Even with 10 different varieties of order, the Chinese lady in attendance would always get our orders amazingly right! You may also top it with your favourite ice cream. These days ice kachang is great for family togetherness - one order and 4 spoons - each member would try to scoop the goodies at the bottom of the pile of ice! In fact we do this with almost anything we can share.
Later, the groom and a couple of friends did have a dip in the swimming pool as part of the merriment. Most of us were all too happy to remain on dry ground....for obvious reason I reckon.
The Garden Party
The food was excellent and plentiful. I just cannot begin to describe what they were. We just needed to know that it was all halal. We enjoyed it thoroughly. I remember one fried chicken dish where the chicken was first marinated overnight and then half cooked in the marinate before being dipped in batter and deep fried. No wonder it was so tasty.
Chefs At Work
I was surprised to note that the ice shaver was also part of the Mother Indian food preparation tools. No doubt it is famous amongst the Indian cendol vendors of Malaysia. I was told that this manual old fashioned paraphernalia originated from China. So, the Indians must have found it useful and later had it manufactured in India as well. Today, in spite of electrical machines being abound, I am still fascinated each time I see the old fashioned ones at work. I reminisce over the ice ball (flavoured with syrup) I used to get for 5 cents after school and the ice kachang that withstood the test of time. There was this ice kachang stall in downtown Seremban where we used to crowd-in after our hockey games. Even with 10 different varieties of order, the Chinese lady in attendance would always get our orders amazingly right! You may also top it with your favourite ice cream. These days ice kachang is great for family togetherness - one order and 4 spoons - each member would try to scoop the goodies at the bottom of the pile of ice! In fact we do this with almost anything we can share.
The Ever Present Ice Shaver
Later, the groom and a couple of friends did have a dip in the swimming pool as part of the merriment. Most of us were all too happy to remain on dry ground....for obvious reason I reckon.
Muthamah, Din and Ravi Enjoying the Frolic in the Sun
The Slopes Of Ski Dubai
With Ravi And Muthamah at
The Mall Of The Emirates
The Mall Of The Emirates
Ravi had made the itinerary for 4th Dec. We had a whole day before the Sangeet and we had decided to visit Palm Jumeirah. It is a huge artificial island complex made from land reclamation. It's shape is that of a palm tree consisting of a trunk and 16 fronds sticking out into the Arabian Gulf. Rumour had it that David and Victoria Beckham were given their villa on Palm Jumeirah, as part of a marketing campaign by the developers. Michael Jackson was also said to have an interest there. There were many rumours emanating on the status of the celebrities' holdings there. The developers were also blaming that international media was out to destroy Dubai’s economy.
Actually there were several artificial island projects, Palm Jumeirah being the smallest then. The mega project, The World, had the artificial islands arranged like the map of the world.
Actually there were several artificial island projects, Palm Jumeirah being the smallest then. The mega project, The World, had the artificial islands arranged like the map of the world.
Along The Trunk of Palm Jumeirah
Our first stop was Atlantis, the Palm which was situated at the outermost tip of the Palm. Beyond is the Persian Gulf and out in the horizon is Persia. Atlantis, the Palm prides itself with an Aquarium and an Aquaventure theme park. It is a 17 hectare water-based theme park with more than 2 kilometres of river rides, the Ziggurat (a 30 metre high Mesopotamian temple with water slide that takes riders through a shark-filled lagoon), a 700m private beach, and dedicated children’s play area. We visited the Aquarium which was the easier to cover. However, photography was difficult there.
Din With Atlantis, the Palm In The Background
Persia Is Somewhere Out There
Aquaventure Theme Park, Atlantis Hotel, Dubai
The Aquarium
Once we were done, we decided to take the Palm Jumeirah Monorail to Gateway at the lower trunk of the Palm and gawk at the villas that lined the Palm. Surprisingly, there were not many passengers. The Emirateans were probably having their siesta, I thought....... but I kind of had the impression that such means of transport was probably for tourists.
The Monorail Route
Wishing That Our KL Monorail
Would Be More Comfy Like This...
Would Be More Comfy Like This...
From Gateway, we took a taxi to Souk Madinat Jumeirah from where we may have a good view of the iconic 60 floored Burj Al Arab, claimed to be a 7-star hotel and the second tallest in the world. (Burj is pride in Arabic). After all not just anyone may walk into the Burj Al Arab. It's shape mimics the sail of the dhow, a traditional Arab boat. Souk Madinat Jumeirah was built complete with winding canals, glorious outside eateries, boutique shops and hotels . It is a boon for both tourists and residents. We took our stroll through it and a must boat ride along the canals. It is Dubai's Venice.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Majestic Residences
Certainly Up Market
Burj Al Arab In The Background
Pinnacle of Tackiness ?
Another Grand Entrance
After that we hopped on to Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping mall in terms of total area, (Note: KL's Berjaya Times Square is 3rd largest) from the where we may have a vantage view of another iconic building, Burj Dubai , the tallest building in the world (all categories) at 828m, before it changed it's name to Burj Khalifa after the name of the President of UAE. The project had been rescued. The triple-lobed footprint of the building was said to be inspired by the flower Hymenocallis which we know locally as the spider lily. I am still trying to figure out that inspiration. At the time it was still not quite completed yet. It was only opened on 4th. Jan, 2010. Do note that Petronas Twin Tower is still the tallest in the twin tower category.
Burj Dubai In The Background
Two Of The Triple-Lobe Base
I guess here, there seemed to be this preoccupation of wanting to be the tallest. the largest and the best. To think that Dubai was once a modest town by a creek established by Al Abu Falasa, lineage of Banu Yas clan, has now become a modern global city and business hub, the second largest of the 7 Emirates that had come together to form the UAE after the British left. Another lineage of Banu Yas clan, Al Abu Falah had also established Abu Dhabi which explains the closeness of the two Emirates. Two other Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar, chose to remain independent. Thanks to oil and there I was just happy to soak it all in......before it runs out in 20 years time (?)
Very soon we had to make our way back to the hotel to rest and then prepare for Sangeet, the traditional wedding reception. Rest we did especially our tired legs.
Very soon we had to make our way back to the hotel to rest and then prepare for Sangeet, the traditional wedding reception. Rest we did especially our tired legs.
Taking The Vow
The reception programme included a cocktail hour, dinner , dance and a vow taking ceremony by the newly weds on a specially prepared dais. It looked much like a "pelamin". Little did we know that Arjun's swimming pool had been covered to provide more space. I was glad that it was strong and safe! It was also very thoughtful of the planners to carpet the sandy area.
Ring Exchange
The vow taking seemed a rather modern affair but lovely. He said his piece and she said hers like any new couple would love to do. We hope they'd live with God's grace and happily ever after.
The Happy Family
The back gardens were transformed into a large garden of lights. Chandeliers hung from the trees, candles and oil lamps lined the perimeter that all in all made my photography very challenging. To make matters worst, Din had forgotten to download the earlier photos we had taken and very soon we ran out of space. Thanks to Mr. Prasaanth for sharing his photos.
The Guests During Cocktail
At The Dinner Table
The Perimeter
With The Gracious Host, Mr Kutty
As is the case with women, we simply had to take some photos in the house.....so we gave ourselves a grand tour of the abode. Thanks to Arjun's former nanny who was on hand. She had been with the family for many years. I could tell it was a very happy day for her too.
Beautifully Saried Ladies
Me
What tour would it have been if we didn't visit the museum? Come 4th Dec we put on our walking shoes again in preparation for more leg work. Entrance fee was Dhs 3 each. That was about Rm 3 only.
Cannon To The Left....
Dubai Museum is a beautifully restored Al Fahidi Fort, which was erected around 1787 to defend the city against invasions. It has since been used for various purposes such as a jail, an ammunition store, emir residence and the seat of government. It is believed to be the oldest building in Dubai. It was renovated in 1971. Exhibits depicting early traditional lives of settlers and pearl diving was very reminiscent of the Dubai I had known from books during my school days. There was this exhibition on an excavation they've made where they discovered artifacts dating 5000 ago. Gosh, that would be the time of Mesopotamia, wouldn't it?
Din In Front Of A Well And
A Typical Arab Home Of Old
The rest of the morning was spent along the Dubai Creek that had various rides plying the waters of the creek. We decided to take a simple Abra boat ride across the creek. The Abra used to be a common means of getting across the Dubai Creek. It is now considered a heritage. Across was a commercial district . We found our way to the Gold Souk. Somewhere around there we stumbled upon an Indian community area which definitely caught Mr and Mrs Ravi's interest. Again I was surprised at the cleanliness of the whole place including the waterways. I didn't see a scrap of litter. Either the foreign workers must have done a very good job or it was a testimony of the local habits. Perhaps it was both.
Din Taking In The Scene Along Dubai Creek
The Dhows
Resting At An Outdoor Restaurant
Traditional Arab Slippers On Sale
Back on the southern bank of the creek we trudged on foot to what we thought was the reachable Heritage Village. Actually it was still some distant away. Anyway, along the bank were several traditional homes of the ruling family which have been converted into museums, suffice to titillate our curiosity. At last, a typical traditional home of an Arab Sheik given to the Government..
At The Door Of A Sheik's Former Home
With lunchtime having passed a long while earlier, we took a taxi to Al Karama, to a neighbourhood known as Little India. There we settled down at an Indian restaurant for a hearty Indian vegetarian meal. We walked part of the way back to the hotel stopping by to visit supermarkets to buy some fruits and drinks.
That night we returned to the Dubai Airport for home bound. Many thanks to Muthamah and Ravi for the wonderful company and those Dubai staff who had made our visit such a memorable one. Last but not least, thanks and "Namaste" to our gracious host and family.
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