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

On the deck towards the stairs

As I wrote here, our Department held its annual get together cum team building within a Dhow Cruise. It’s one of the rare occasions that colleagues from all three offices in UAE gathered, without necessarily discussing work. Although there were little chattering about professional encounters as we catched up on each other’s lives. It was also a great time to mingle and reunite with fellow Filipinos, which we term as Filipino community/Pinoy Department.

The team building itself was not strictly held at its ideal phase. There were few but acceptable group games, good enough to make us more excited for dinner. We spent the first half of the affair at the deck, savouring the breeze. The cruise timing was good because winter already set in. The wind was literally refreshing.

We had an international buffet for dinner. This was set at the first storey. It was a simple and neat arrangement. Near the television is the stairs going to the basement where the dance floor is situated.

All of us spent most of our time at the deck. Primarily because the activities were set there, preceded by a mini-cocktail. I can’t post a photo showing the entirety of the deck to protect anonymity of my colleagues. I didn’t find time to take a snapshot while the area was still clear.

These are for sisha or hookah (water pipe smoking). I hoped I had tried it though I don’t really smoke. For curiousity’s sake. Next time, maybe.

During the cruise, we got to pass by at some establishments. The middle structure is Sheraton Hotel.

That one there is the face of Dubai Municipality.

We also passed by at a group of boat passengers as we did troll through the creek.

Here’s a view of the side of a similar ship we went in.

Here’s a glimpse of the dance floor located at the basement. The sound system situated here is a centralized one, that meant if they were playing English, Hindi or other type of songs, it’s one for all up to the deck.

This seemingly antique piece got me.

As intended, I sat at the best spot during dinner. By the window.

What a unique way to hold a team building. A little different from my previous ones because we were ‘building the team waterbased’.