witsandnuts

Infront of Heritage Village is an image of the founder of UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan

It was extra challenging to find a parking spot that weekend in Al Bastakiya area. We were able to park near Dubai’s Heritage Village. Hence, what was supposed to be a straight to the door dining experience at Arabian Tea House (formerly Basta Art Cafe) turned out to be a leisurely revisit to Old Dubai.

It was quite liberating to be walking by the Dubai Creek again. The last time was in 2009.

Who would have thought that Dubai was once a humble fishing village.

House of Saeed Al Maktoum, former ruler of Dubai. It functions  now as a museum. It is worth noting that the Al Nahyans and Al Maktoums both originated in Abu Dhabi and came from the same Bani Yas tribe. Just like in any historical accounts, one of the families would tend to lead his own group. Dubai used to be a dependent of Abu Dhabi until 1833. It is interesting how they both progressed, albeit, with different risk appetites and priorities.

House of Poetry

This is Qindeel, not Kindle (a clever phonetic coincidence!)

Dubai Historical Documents Center. I do not remember that this was there many years ago. I presume that majority of the documents are in Arabic. I hope they have considered translating some of the key documents if they would want to cater the non-locals’ needs, too.

What a great timing to walk around this piece of architecture. The sunset added to its appeal.

A guesthouse. I wonder how appealing it is.  To tourists, in particular.

I snapped this side out of pure fascination of seeing some banks near the creek.

You would either see a cooling fan or heater. The cycle is quite simple.

While I do not smoke, I remember wanting to try shisha for pure cultural experience. I have not done so until now.

Abra, traditional wooden boat, in queue to take customers from the creek to the other side.

Endowment building

This is Old Dubai’s version of London’s red phone booths.

Al Musalla post office

Dubai Museum. That meant our destination was only few steps away!

A nearby alley (sikka). This is quite representative of the majority of Libyan and Iranian architecture in Al Bastakiya area.

Finally, we are in the so called secret garden of the Arabian Tea House.

Indoor seating, if you prefer.

Yay! Time for shish taouk!

Quite a gem. Do not miss Arabian Tea House (otherwise and formerly known as Basta Art Cafe).

One of those days when parking challenge became a blessing. I would not mind spending more time in Old Dubai. I find it more enriching that the ‘now had become the usual’ shiny and glamorous Dubai.