Dubai largesse hits a new (low) high OR If you have ever been embarrassed by your bar bill

The National published an awesome story yesterday about a crazy-high bar bill from the Cavelli Club in Dubai's Fairmont Hotel that's gone viral (full disclosure: the Dubai Fairmont is a regular advertiser on this blog). The tally from Sunday night's shenanigans? Dh387,988, or more than $107,000 Canadian. As a non-high flier, I don't even understand some of the items on this bill – although I can't help but think the group was overcharged when they paid Dh125,000 for one bottle of Cristal. Outrageous. Also, these people drink WAY too much Diet Coke. (24; Dh528) I loved the first (and cheapest) item on the bill: Dh120 or about 32 bucks for a small birthday cake.

Today in strange group-buying offers for the UAE: The Snuggie

I just left Canada, Toronto specifically, where it was minus 15 Celsius and very snowy. Brrrr, a Snuggie would have come in handy. (And I have, while living back there, secretly coveted one). But as a Groupon offering in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates? I know it gets a bit less-hot at night in January, requiring a sweater or perhaps a light jacket, but seriously? I am wearing flip-flops right now.

Oh well, 17 people thought "Yes!" when they saw this and so and the deal is on people.

Have falcons, will travel

I spotted these two fine falcons in the duty free section of the Abu Dhabi International Airport as I was heading out for the holidays and asked permission to take their picture. Although I have friends who have spotted falcons in business class, in passenger seats of vehicles driving down Sheikh Zayed Road, in rest stops along the highway, I've never personally seen any in the airport and it was quite a thrill.

You know they were not going in a cage in the cargo hold. 

Snap caption: Abaya shop chooses excellent, if odd, name

McQueen Abaya Tailoring, Muroor Rd

Coldplay in Abu Dhabi on New Year's Eve: If only it were possible to be on two continents at once

I made a decision to stay in Canada a little longer this holiday, soaking up the love from family and some friends (hopefully giving a little back) – but it meant I had to give up my ticket for Coldplay's New Year's Eve show. (Instead I babysat my amazing niece while my brother and his wife slipped out for a little early dins. It was a pretty good trade)

Judging from these pics and Saeed Saeed's review in The National, it was a great show. Not sure I missed being in all that traffic though.

Tweet of the week: Tim Hortons in Dubai edition

YasminAlMulla Yasmin Al Mulla

That awkward moment when you order your regular Tim Hortons's drink at Starbucks! ... & Yes that's how I'm addicted!

Al Dhafra Camel Festival: Steven Seagal edition

Catching up on some old press releases this New Year's Day, I thought I could just post some cute camel pics. Little did I know that Steven Seagal had paid a visit. Does anyone know why this late-80s American action-movie staple (of late more the straight-to-DVD variety) has been spending time in the UAE? I cannot find anything online.

This autumn someone reported a sighting at the Intercontinental in Abu Dhabi, but I was never able to confirm. Now, photographic evidence that Seagal (accompanied by lady friend+child) has something cooking in the UAE.