Ramadan charm - the old Dubai

It is that time of the year again when the town is pretty much dead during daytime and comes back to life after the sun is down and energy is recovered. Yes, it is Ramadan (or well, it is almost over now) and I wanted to go downtown and try to capture the vibe of old Dubai, which is a good contrast to the flashy and over the board newer areas.

On the creek - Sony a7r2, sigma 30mm f2.8

As expected, things were quiet before iftar  but it was interesting to see the area almost empty and helped me to get the "before and after" feeling I was looking for. These streets are rarely like this during normal days, even with the thermometer marks 40+ degrees!

Getting ready for Iftar - Sony a7r2, sigma 30mm f2.8

No bikes allowed. Sony a7r2 - Sigma 30mm f2.8 

Golden! Sony a7r2, sigma 30mm f2.8

No comments. Sony a7r2 - Sigma 30mm f2.8

 

 

Anticipation is visible as everyone is gathering around the local coffee stalls and shops, most of them have water and small snack just ready to eat right after the sunset. Very understandable if you have been working all day wihtout water or food. That's raw will power.

Phone boots? really? do they still exist? Sony a7r2 - Sigma 30mm f2.8

Ready to break the fast! Sony a7r2 - sigma 30mm f2.8

Ready to break the fast! sony a7r2, sigma 30mm f2.8

After having our own Afghani meal for iftar, we continued our seach for good shots. It was a complete atmosphere transformation! in a few minutes, streets were full with life, colors and languages from everywhere. I can say I was missing it... all except the street "business man" trying to sell you literally everything.

Streets back to life! Sony a7r2, sigma 30mm f2.8

Mask. Sony a7r2 - Sigma 30mm f2.8

Going to Sharja? no thanks. Sony a7r2, sigma 30mm f2.8

Karak anyone? only 1 AED! Sony a7r2 - Sigma 30mm f2.8

Blurry. Sony a7r2 - sigma 30mm f2.8

Dodgy business. Sony a7r2 - 30mm f2.8

Sony a7r2 - Sigma 30mm f2.8

On a date? Sony a7r2 - Zeiss 55mm f1.8

Visa troubles? Sony a7r2 - Zeiss 55mm f1.8

Spices for life - Sony a7r2 - Zeiss 55mm f1.8

From spices to visas and new business paperwork, you can find it all here. I think I would not be surprised if one day I see a taco stand around!

Perhaps one of my favourites of the night. Sony a7r2 - Zeiss 55mm f.18

Sony a7r2 - Zeiss 55mm f1.8

Sony a7r2 - Zeiss 55mm f1.8

The night scenery along the  creek is one of the most authentic you will find in Dubai. This area does not only several Mosques but there are some Hindu temples. It is very interesting to see both cultures mix and even some days the Hindu temple provides Iftar for free to anyone that wants to join. I guess this is how people should behave everywhere, everytime.

Sony a7r2 - Zeiss 55mm f1.8

Sony a7r2 - Zeiss 55mm f1.8

Another favourite : checking facebook while waiting for another client. Sony a7r2 - Zeiss 55mm f1.8

With this I conclude my tour, I hope the images are able to transmit the feeling of old Dubai :) I was happy that I got a few favourites during this photowalk and definetely will come back for more a bit later once the weather is a bit more frienly!

Who says you cannot have a luxurious trip old style?

Transmission from the road: Cambodia short and sweet: part 1

A bit of city Madness. Fuji X100s 

A bit of city Madness. Fuji X100s 

Luck was on my side and I was able to plan a short escapade from the desert. The idea was to make Myanmar the highlight of the trip but due to logistic reasons we ended up adding Cambodia and Thailand to the mix, not a complain of course.

The trip started with a quick stop in Phnom Phen and stayed at the vacation boutique hotel very near to the river and the rest of the downtown, a place totally recommended for the price.  

Keep it clean.  

Keep it clean.  

upload.jpg

Phnom Penh was only a short stop before heading to Siem Reap so I was not expecting a lot of it other than good opportunities for street photography.  Usually capital cities are just a bit too much of a mess to enjoy in short time but I'm happy to say that even and evening alone was good and very enjoyable. If you stay in downtown close to the river you have access to all the fun at a walking distance. 

Hotel was almost as good as sleeping on a tuk tuk. Fuji X100s 

Hotel was almost as good as sleeping on a tuk tuk. Fuji X100s 

Happy Herb Pizza. Surprisingly good 

Happy Herb Pizza. Surprisingly good 

Up for a little adventure and following my friends advice, we decided to have some pizza. Yes,  you may be thinking that is a waste but this was special happy pizza. Readily available pretty much everywhere you can ask for the special green condiment to be added :)  I suggest it completely, happy ride.

Beautiful sunset over the river. Fuji X100s f2 1/75s iso 400

Beautiful sunset over the river. Fuji X100s f2 1/75s iso 400

After much needed food a nice stroll was the best decision, just follow the river (Preah Sisowat Quay St.) and you will be able to find a couple of gems like Wat Ounalom, the Royal palace and the dreamland Park. 

A shiny sign for the king at the park. Fuji X100s f2 1/40s iso 2500

A shiny sign for the king at the park. Fuji X100s f2 1/40s iso 2500

Ramen stand? Fuji X100s f2 1\40s iso 2500 

Ramen stand? Fuji X100s f2 1\40s iso 2500 

 It goes without saying that a visit to the night market is mandatory, crazy smells, colorfull shops and lots of cheap stuff. Not one of the best I've seen (Taiwan) but definitely worth a visit. 

Fashionistas won't be disappointed. Fuji X100s f2 1/40s iso 2500

Fashionistas won't be disappointed. Fuji X100s f2 1/40s iso 2500

Night madness. Fuji X100s f2 1/40s iso 2500 

Night madness. Fuji X100s f2 1/40s iso 2500 

After all it ended being nice stop over, totally recommended for one or two days and I'm glad we did it. Stay tuned for some more of Cambodia, after all Siem Reap is the place to be experienced. 

Hanging out with the monks. Fuji X100s f2 1/40s iso 2500

Hanging out with the monks. Fuji X100s f2 1/40s iso 2500