Pimp my ride

We spent most of this long weekend getting the car up to scratch, being second hand and all. Competent and trustworthy mechanics that are not out to rip you off are as rare as hens teeth. So, it's lucky we managed to find a place with some really good guys that we feel will be our new regular mechanics.

They're are on the same premises as a petrol station conveniently offering various different services for your car. We also stopped at the vacuum bay and got the Jeep vacuumed and the interior cleaned and polished for 10dhs (approx. NZD4.00!). For this price, 3-4 guys will work at cleaning your car while you wait and relax on a bench nearby.

There are lots of 4WD's and generally large vehicles on the road here, Chevies, Prados, Landcruisers, Cayennes, Wranglers, and Hummers etc are not a rare sight. There are many roads here that are still being worked on and with the amount of construction, you often will have to drive on curbs and take detours. Driving a 4WD will also make it easier to go off-road or into the desert.

...Bling Bling, a snapshot of some cars parked in a local shopping mall carpark...

It's currently winter in Dubai and the weather and temperature is just lovely. Yesterday, we drove to Jebel Ali Beach, about 20 minutes drive from where we live. It was perfect that we had our Jeep as everyone simply drives their 4WD onto the beach, step out and lie on the beach! I've never seen anything like it. The sand is really soft and fine and it's also quite private and peaceful compared to some of Dubai's other beaches. We will definitely be going back next weekend.

...Jebel Ali Beach...

Being the last weekend of the big sale, we wanted to also take advantage of the huge discounts, so after the beach we spent a few hours yesterday browsing the malls [as well as took another quick trip up to Global Village again!] and managed to pick up some more great bargains!

So far, most of our weekends have been really busy and full of adventures like this one has been. This is definitely a wonderful time of the year to be in Dubai. The beaches are beautiful, the weather's perfect and the shopping is amazing! What more could a girl want?