when the Choc Nut and Christmas islander blogs within the breeze of the Gulf

Taken on 26 February 2010 at The Waterfalls, Dubai Mall

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What not to miss while attending an annual conference in Dusit Thani Hotel?

To take photos of Burj Khalifa. From the hotel, it has a nice view of the tallest tower.

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(Photo source). I’ve watched Alice in Wonderland in 3D, not expecting much about the film even if it’s directed by Tim Burton.

Johnny Depp as Mad Hatter, Mia Wisakowska (she looks much like Gwyneth Partlow) as Alice, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, and Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen were all effective in their roles. Although the film is visually stunning, I just felt that it lacked the right amount of thrill. It came to a point that whenever the scenes were slowing down, I kept reminding myself to just be entertained by the visuals, fancy dresses and make-ups, and few entertaining scenes (my most fave was when the very tiny Alice was put inside the tea pot). Personally, I think that the appearance of the Red Queen made the scenes came into life. Maybe it’s because of her bulky head and the humour she graced whenever she spoke.

When I went out of the cinema, I never had an aftershock or hang over of the film. I wonder what happened to the magical fantasy touch that it’s supposed to give to the audience.

I think this camel stuffed toy is absolutely unique. Not your typical bear around the corner. I took photos before sending this to a blogger pal as a housewarming/birthday present, together with another UAE memorabilia.

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I am in UAE for quite a time now but it was only this year I checked the (Annual) Dubai Shopping Festival. With tired feet and hungry monster tummies, there was no better way to culminate last Friday night than visiting the Rainforest Cafe. We have passed by here when we checked the Dubai Aquarium last time but I never thought that this cafe offers more than the usual.

I think that this cafe is well-conceptualized in the sense that this is currently one of a kind in the UAE. For the naturally greenery scarce Gulf, an artificial rainforest environment will be appreciated by many. There is a reptile at the entrance, and as you take more steps to the dining hall, you will be greeted by a serpent. Then the rest of the tigers, gorillas and butterflies are strategically situated. Although these creatures are available in their artificial form, it is hugely entertaining because approximately at every 10 minutes , they would air some sounds of animals and synched with their movements. The banging of the thunderstorm signals that these creatures will become alive.

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