Ras al-Khaimah is one of the Persian Gulf Arab sheikhdoms forming the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Its name means “Top of the Tent”. The emirate is in the northern part of the UAE, bordering Oman‘s exclave of Musandam. It covers an area of 1,684 square km.
The temperature is in the 40’s (108), its even hot in the swimming pool. Its like a tepid bath. They don’t even need to turn on the hot water service, the water in the pipes is so hot.!!!
The city of Dubai is about an hour and a half from RAK and we set off early this morning under clear skies to have a little maintenance done on the feet and fingernails.
Its so different going to the nail parlor here. The attention to detail is just charming,
“You want to wax your feet” says the attendant… we looked aghast…”In for a penny” “Lets do it” I said…. so our feet were dipped in hot, hot paraffin wax,, bundled up in plastic and cute white booties.
Nails done, feet waxed and smooth we felt like new women and wandered off to the Lime tree for lunch and my favorite drink, lemon mint.Lemon Juice with Mint is cool and refreshing – tart lemons, cool and bold mint, and just a hint of sweetness to round it all out. Think homemade lemonade with a hint of mint. Traditionally, white sugar is used to sweeten this juice and when you order you can choose no sweet, little bit sweet, medium, or regular.
Servings: 4 1-cup servings
Ingredients:
3 lemons
1 cup mint leaves, any large stems removed
1/4 cup raw honey
4 cups water
Directions:
- Juice the lemons. Remove any seeds from the juicer and add any pulp to the lemon juice. Set aside.
- Add the mint leaves to a blender along with 1/2 cup of water. Blend on low speed until the leaves are completely blended into the liquid. At this point, you may wish to strain the liquid to remove pulp, but this isn’t necessary. If you strain it, return the liquid to the blender.
- Add the honey and lemon juice and turn the blender on to low speed. Add the remaining water.
- Serve in tall chilled glasses, garnished with ice or mint leaves if desired.
On to the next mall for paper supplies, thread, needles etc and I found a wonderful store called Little Luxuries. I bought a flask to carry my hot coffee or cold drinks in when traveling. It’s .05 llitres of gorgeousness.
Take photos of oneself under the stairs lined with mirrors.
Headlines on the News tonight.
The storm is expected to create a visibility of less than 500 meters.
The sandstorm will erupt in Iraq and travel through Kuwait to hit the UAE on Friday, gripping the country for two days.
Wind speeds of 25-35 knots are expected.
In Saudi Arabia, too, a government met centre warned that the kingdom would be hit by extreme climatic conditions over the coming three days.
It was clear when we left but we shortly after we found ourselves driving through it for almost 60 minutes. It was really exciting, but I know, sister Jan didn’t appreciate driving in it.
What an adventure. Just amazing.
I love to read all about your travels, it brings alive places I will never visit, thank you.
(The last photo I am able to see is of two men, no photos are showing on todays blog – I’m not complaining as I enjoyed your words – just thought you might want to know) Love the one of the man with his Hennared beard, so colourful. Hope the weather doesn’t prevent you from doing what you want.
Thanks Ann. I think I’ve worked out the problem.
That’s great – I can see the photos, many thanks. I don’t envy you having to deal with that sandstorm.
Hi Pam,
I too cannot open the pictures after the one with the two men. Thanks for sharing you travels and thoughts with us! Hope you do well through the upcoming sand storms.
I can see all your amazing photos! Does this sandstorm qualify as a haboob? Thank you for the drink recipe…. all it needs is a little vodka! : )
Not too sure about the sandstorm… It was an exciting adventure to say the least.