Category Archives: travel

October 21, 2024 · 5:35 am

Dubai — Dubai Fountain Show at Burj Khalifa Lake (Video)


This week and next I will present images and videos of Dubai. Today will feature a short version of the daily magical, music-synchronized Dubai Fountain show on the manmade Burj Khalifa Lake, which is situated beneath the Burj Khalifa. The Burj Khalifa has the distinction of being the tallest structure in the world, but more on that Wednesday.

Some fun stats on the Dubai Fountain situated in the 30-acre/12-hectare artificial Burj Khalifa Lake:

  • Length: 902 feet/275 meters
  • Height: Shoots water up to 500 feet/152 meters
  • Capacity:  Can spew up to 22,000 gallons/83,000 litres simultaneously
  • Nighttime shows are illuminated by 6,600 individual lights and 25 projectors
  • Fountain shows are synchronized to music ranging from classical to contemporary
  • For times and other information see: Burj Khalifa Light Show & Dubai Fountain Timings

For now, enjoy the show:

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October 16, 2024 · 5:35 am

Random Photo Week — Desert Flowers, Sunsets, and the Mystery Destination


A Recent El Paso Sunset as Seen from my Backyard

Figured out this week’s Mystery Destination yet? I’ll present some more hints and photos at the end of today’s article in case you haven’t. In the meantime, here are more random photos of this week’s other subjects: Dramatic Skies, Desert Flowers, and Automobiles. If you think you’ve guessed this week’s Mystery Destination, leave me a comment. Otherwise, look for the answer on Saturday. Let’s begin with a car which may or may not be a clue to the location of the Mystery Destination:

Spot Reserved for oo7’s Aston Martin DBS

Now let’s balance out that English finesse with some classic American muscle:

1971 Mustang Mach 1 — Diamonds Are Forever?

More desert flora:

El Paso Desert Flower

Now for today’s clues and more photos to help you in figuring out this week’s Mystery Destination:

  • This village is arguably the star of a hit television series
  • This series featured many numbers
A Charming Village, or Something Far More Ominous?
Checkmate and “The Green Dome” (now dark gray)

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October 14, 2024 · 5:35 am

Random Photo Week with a QUIZ at the End


The Subject of This Week’s Mystery

I‘m going to interrupt my Middle East photo tour for something a bit different this week. Next week I’ll resume our visit earlier this year to two destinations within the United Arab Emirates. So, if you’re looking forward to some views of Dubai and a video starring the world’s tallest building, do not despair. As for this week, the theme is Dramatic Skies, Automobiles, Desert Flowers, and a Mystery Destination. See if you can figure out that destination from the photographs and clues today, Wednesday, and Friday, and leave a comment if you have a guess. On Saturday I will reveal the answer. In the meantime, let’s start with a desert rainbow as seen from my backyard:

El Paso Desert Rainbow

Now it’s on to an automobile. Here’s an original Fiat 500 rambling along the Amalfi Coast on the way to Positano:

Classic Fiat 500 in Ferrari Red

Some El Paso desert color:

Cactus Flowers

A Ferrari Testarossa in Fiat red:

Classic Ferrari Testarossa in Fiat Red

Now for an additional photo of this week’s Mystery Destination. But first today’s clues, which are clue quotes from a pivotal episode:

  • Character One’s observation: “Pretty spot. Mixed architecture. Italianate.”
  • Character Two’s reply: “I’d like a fortnight’s leave there.”
Mediterranean? Italianate perhaps? Were today’s car photos a clue, or were they subterfuge?

Слава Україні! (Slava Ukraini!)

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