Staycation

(29/8/23)

Two days ago, we had the sad news that the mother of two very dear friends had passed away in India. In our amazing age of technology, her funeral service is being live-streamed on YouTube. The timing for us in Dubai was perfect - 8:30 AM. It meant we could be part of the service and still have enough time to pack for - tada - a mini break. Actually, not even a break, just overnight. :)

Last October, I got roped into joining an "Elite Club" that gives two hotel nights and various discounts in hotels and restaurants. You basically get a lot more than you pay, provided you plan your visits well in advance. I finally got my act together and booked G & me into the Hatta Fort Hotel, a place we have visited several times over the years but never stayed at. After decades of visiting, I finally got to spend the night in our beautiful mountains.

The hotel recently acquired these "Terra cabins", and my main picture is the view from ours. Not bad at all! I was so thrilled we looked out onto the Hollywood-style Hatta sign! The cabin assigned to us had a double bed, a bunk bed and a walk-in rain shower. It also had a patio with a table and chairs. G is thrilled.

We had lunch at the only restaurant we've dined at during our previous visits. In the evening, we ventured out to find their sports stadium. On arrival, we saw a coach advertising Al Ain FC. Al Ain football team had arrived to play the local Hatta club. The stadium was small but had everything needed (floodlights). It is still 38 degrees Celsius after the sun sets, so I don't know who thinks it's a good idea to play football, even in the evening. (Hatta lost 2-0).

Having driven past the stadium and purchased a Hatta FC scarf, we then checked out the Hatta Dam (extra). That was incredible, though today, we just took pictures. There is plenty to do here (kayaking, trekking, cycling, etc.), but it has to be in the winter.

We found a tiny Italian restaurant to dine at. It had two tables for anyone who wanted to dine in. As always, their main business is deliveries. The owner was there to welcome us. I later found out he was Pakistani!

Back in the cabin, someone had the bright idea to use the remote-controlled window covering as a screen. The mini Samsung projector with built-in speakers did an incredible job of showing us the movie (Home) with surround sound. I had taken my laptop with me with the hope of doing some personal work, but it remained unopened.