Our building is part of the Jumeirah Beach Residences, a cluster of sand-coloured buildings that hug the beach and look out to the Persian Gulf and the Palm (the man-made palm tree-shaped island). They're all identical so finding the right one was a bit of a challenge! There is a lovely Walk area lined with palm trees with various shops, restaurants and patios which makes it a popular spot for tourists and residents alike. I love being able to pop down to pick up a smoothie or sit out for a late-night dinner alfresco. It's currently a balmy 38C (100F) during the day so it's about 9pm before you can really sit out and enjoy a dinner outdoors. Many of the patios will be empty for the summer as temperatures continue to climb.
Our apartment comes furnished and it's not really too bad (apart from a VERY firm bed and not the most cozy sofas). It makes me all the more anxious to find our own place and have our own comfy furniture.
So my first jaunt out was to track down a grocery store so we could at least have a few basics. I decided to head over to the marina area behind our building to the Dubai Marina Mall to find the Waitrose (a big British grocery store).
The Dubai Marina is a man-made marina where a central waterway was excavated from the desert and the waters of the Persian Gulf were brought in. Now residential towers line both sides, with many still being constructed. Not a far walk but definitely better to do in the morning than in the heat of the afternoon. It was a nice walk along the Promenade.
I was happy to find many of the brands we are used to. I always find the grocery shopping to be the most difficult in a foreign country but with all the expats here in Dubai, finding normal stuff is pretty easy (including Kraft mac & cheese which always brings back happy childhood memories and made me smile!)
So far so good! If grocery shopping is any indication, I think it will be easier to settle in here than I initially thought!
lisa