Tuesday 5th January 2010

Well, we are now living in the city that has the tallest tower in the world. On my commute home every day I get to see the tallest tower in the world and I cannot wait to go up it. The Burj Du. Khalifa was officially opened yesterday and what a display it was last night. Another night that the world was watching on, and another huge achievement for everyone involved in constructing the 828 meter high building. It looks amazing, and it will some time before it is topped. I reckon that spire will keep growing anyway, every time a new tower is launched which is just a little higher, the Burj will just move its spire up a little more enabling it to stay number one. This can’t go on forever though because sooner or later the Burj Khalifa would officially be in space. And I don’t think that is a great idea. Just would be silly. What’s that? Plans of a new tower to top 50 miles have been unveiled? Never…..where?
 
My song of the day – Style Council – Shout To The Top. Obvious.
 
Sunday 3rd January 2010

Had to go to the dentist yesterday. Never a pleasant experience. Was told I need 4 fillings and 2 crowns. And the dentist began work straight away. I couldn’t help notice though that he dived in with the drill without actually giving me any anaesthetic. Had he forgot? Had he somehow totally forgotten he was about to drill my teeth wide open? I was panicking. Not being able to tell him of his error! Weirdly though, as he began his work I was in no pain what so ever. I soon relaxed and realised he must know what he is doing so trusted him once again. Until I got the bill.
Also this weekend, Dan and I have began filming our new series of 60 second Dubai guides. Great fun to make and see them on this website. Have a look at the first episode of series 2, all about Karama. Afterwards, had lunch at Ravis. My first day time trip to Ravis. Another amazing meal and much of the afternoon to work it off. Nice.
Welcome back to work/school and happy new year!
 
My song of the day The Twang – Encouraging Sign
 
Friday 1st January 2010

Oh, felt weird writing the date! That old joke. Happy New Year! All the best for 2010. And welcome to the ‘teens’? I feel like it is a fresh start what with the start of a new decade. Lots of things I want to do, and to be honest, if the next 10 years go as quickly as the last, we better get a move on. Just for the record. So that I can look back at this in years to come. I am sitting in my bed in the Gardens writing this. The Burj Dubai (worlds tallest tower) opens in 3 days and my hometown of Whitley bay is covered in snow.
 
My song of the day – Robbie Williams – Strong (It was the first song I heard this decade)
 
Thursday 31st December 2009

I remember really clearly New Years Eve as we headed into the year 2000. I was at home in Whitley Bay, a 17 year old not long after starting college. Shortly after we saw in midnight, I remember my Mum, Dad and 7 month old brother in our house whilst a parrot flew around. The parrot belonged to a neighbor and he had bought him around for the party we were having. The last 10 years have gone in a flash. I got through college and loved every minute of it. Whilst there, studying media, I made short films and had films shown at the local cinema. It was there that I really realized that I wanted to be on the radio. In 2001 I got my first show, at the local hospital station. I passed my driving test. I had the greatest time at Uni meeting friends that I will know forever. I met Dan who quickly became my best mate and to finish the decade off we were given our own show. Hopefully the next decade will see that grow and grow. I went on brilliant holidays to Corfu, New York, Dubai and then moved to Dubai. I was on the tele and generally, have loved the last 10 years. So to the ‘teenies’? Lots of things to achieve, and all possible. The next 10 years is a blank canvas, go out there and fill it with everything and anything you want.
 
My song of the decade – Royksopp – Only This Moment
 
Tuesday 29th December 2009

Quiet week in Dubai. Schools are off, lots away for the holidays. This week between Christmas and New Year is always a little odd isn’t it? No one really knows what to do. I can feel myself getting into quite a reflective mood as we approach the end of the decade. You know, that whole ‘the next 10 years I am going to be make sure it all goes to plan’ etc etc, ‘the last 10 years I am proud of what I have done’ and things life that. If I am starting now, what hope do I have on NYE itself?
 
My song of the day – Michael Gray – The Weekend
 
Sunday 27th December 2009

Hiya. Hope you had a good Christmas weekend. Chilled and relaxed for me. Finished off by a quick trip to a marina roof terrace last night. Dan and I are on Breakfast in for CBGB for the next two weeks, so early starts and afternoon naps here we come!
 
My song of the day – Boo Radleys – Wake Up Boo
 
Friday 25th December 2009
 
Have to say, as far as Christmas’s go, this was one of the more relaxed ones I have had. It was just what I wanted. Dan had expressed a burning desire to cook on Christmas day a few weeks ago so we stayed in the flat, got the iRod around and had festive cheer. Late morning we opened gifts. Some from home that had made it over, as well as the ones we had got each other. Dan got me a new iPod as my old one was exactly that, old. With some dodgy song choices too. I, funnily enough, got Dan some rather swanky iPod speakers. So it was a very audio fun day. The 3 of us had pasta for lunch…which has caused outrage to most. But plenty of Christmas’s are ahead, with families and the traditional ways so why not mix it up a bit whilst we can? Dan cooked, and it was a super lunch. Polar Express soon came onto the TV. Good film and lots of Skyping the family back at home. A nice day. And before we know it, it will happen all over again.
 
My song of the day – John Lennon – Happy Christmas (War Is Over)
 
Wednesday 23rd December 2009
 
So today is the day I have to get all Christmas shopping done and dusted. I shouldn’t be complaining. Just two people to buy for. It can’t be hard. But it is. I had 4 hours this morning and I hit the malls with not really an idea what to get Mr Dan. I couldn’t think what get him, he couldn’t think what to get me. I told him not to worry, as he did to me, but naturally you want to get something nice. I feel out of ideas so the best thing to do is to wonder around shops and something will jump out at you? No. I did 3 malls this morning. Spent I have no idea how long looking for a parking space and generally feel absolutely shattered. I thought we were on the up when I suddenly realized what I wanted to get Dan. A nice pair of iPod speakers. Bose I was aiming for. First shop didn’t have any, but did have another make, very nice. I wanted to hear the sound. They didn’t have anything to play sound from! The man went off for 25 minutes to look for an iPod and came back with nothing. I said I couldn’t buy them without hearing the sound. He then announced they were out of stock anyway! You can understand the frustration. A similar thing happened in another shop too. It wasn’t the best Dubai morning I have ever had. It got to the time of having to go to work and I needed the drive just to calm down. Not good then, that the car, should break down! Battery flat. Oh Dubai. Why? I now have a window of an hour to do all the shopping in the morning.
 
My song of the day – Tweet – Boogie 2nite.
 
Tuesday 22nd December 2009

After the fun and hectic planning of Dan’s birthday, it has suddenly occurred to me that Christmas is just around the corner and I haven’t done any shopping. Even worse, I have no idea what to buy. Not good, and worrying as I only really have one person to buy for. Dan. 2 days to go and work to think about too. So really, I have a few hours tomorrow morning to grab something. In other news, am learning today that even though the Burj Dubai opening ceremony is on Jan 4th, it won’t open to the public for a good while after that! How frustrating….so want to get up to the observation deck and look at the view. My neck is hurting at always having to look up at it.
 
My song of the day – Daniel Merriweather – Red
 
Sunday 20th December 2009

Lovely weekend had. Very early start on Friday morning which must have been hard for Dan as he was on the radio until midnight. It was even hard for me and I have had a week off. I had that slight nervous feeling after putting time and effort into this surprise for Dan, I didn’t want anything to go wrong. Dan felt more nervous just by the fact he had no idea. We travelled in the car towards Festival Centre. It suddenly occurred to me that Dan may think I had bought him a helicopter ride for his 30th. I hadn’t and this birthday quickly had the strapline ‘don’t get your hopes up’. Once at Festival Centre, where it was empty and quiet, we headed for the cinema. Knowing all guests were safely into the screen, Dan and I wondered in to be greeted by Andy, the manger. He then took us into the screen, via a decoy moment in another screen. As we walked in and the lights came on, everyone jumped up and said ‘happy birthday’! I was filming it on the camera and was actually shaking with nerves! I was expecting the surprise! We then all sat down to watch the special birthday messages video I had prepared before enjoying Home Alone. Dan’s favourite Xmas film. The afternoon for me, sleep. Then a brilliant Xmas party at a friend’s house before again, sleep. Saturday was a look around the Motor Show at Trade Centre. The usual ‘I’ll have 2’ joke as you look around the Range Rover section before lunch and then another cinema trip with Dan, this time not our own screen and not as good a film. 2012. But still good to see. I then bought Dan dinner at Pizza Express on the Eve of his birthday and that rounded off a pretty good couple of days. Today it is Dan’s actual birthday, and I passed over my presents this morning. We will be having more celebrations on the show, as we are both back on at 8 for the first time in 3 weeks! Speak to you then.
 
My song of the day – Gavin Degraw – Chariot
 
Thursday 17th December 2009

So after a week of planning, arranging and trying to not let anything slip all is sorted in the names of Dan’s surprise 30th birthday. Just one day to go before I don’t have to hide it any longer. All I have to do is record a few more messages at work today, which is handy because it is Jono’s leaving gathering so will be at work anyway. Despite it being my week off. Sad to see Jono leave Dubai 92. He has had a good stint though. 7 years? Blimey. And we will still him, as he lives just a few buildings away. Saying that though, never seem to bump into him around the area. So, lets hope the surprise for Dan is a good one in the morning. Wish me luck. Now have I forgotten anything? Oh. Invite people!! Right…yes, need to do that.
 
My song of the day – U2 – Magnificent
 
Tuesday 15th December 2009

A busy day. Have been rushing around town to sort out final preparations for Dan’s 30th birthday party. Seem to just be driving around this city, from one end to the other at the moment. It is lucky I took this week off, because if I hadn’t this would have been a lot to cram in. My Salik bills are going to be through the roof after this week. Still, all worth it. I have managed to avoid Salik however for an hour or so. Why? Because the car has broken down. In the middle of the road blocking everyone. Brilliant.
 
My song of the day – Franz Ferdinand – Take Me Out
 
Monday 14th December 2009

After the busy busy weekend and then the catch up on sleep yesterday it is now time to welcome Dan back to Dubai after a 2 week break. Nice to have my mate back I have to say. I had put the Christmas tree up all decorated so his return back into the flat was a nice one. Today I have to start to finalize his birthday plans. The plan is to have a cinema screen for just a few of us at the weekend so we can watch Dan’s favorite film. Or favorite Xmas film. That being Home Alone. Here is a question. What is the one film you can’t get in Dubai? Yep. Home Alone. I have spent hours today searching the bargain DVD bins in all supermarkets and have only found the likes of Home Alone 2! Or 3 and 4. Not the original and best. Last resort is calling a friend, who luckily has it and says I can borrow it! Excellent. Present buying still very much work in progress but am enjoying making sure Dan’s 30th will be a good one! Am also making a video of messages from friends and family from around the world so that we can play it out before the film. Sounds good, on paper. How can something sound good on paper? Oh you know what I mean.
 
My song of the day – Vampire Weekend – A-Punk
 
Sunday 13th December 2009

Morning. It is actually 9pm but I only got up two hours ago after sleeping most of today. Reason? Well, I was up at 6.30 this morning to take friends back to the airport and wave them off, as well as pick up Dan who is returning to the sand pit today. Think I may have just experienced my busiest day in Dubai. I had friends here for 24 hours yesterday. They arrived at 8am and left at 8 this morning. How’s this for a whistle stop tour. Airport straight to the foot of the Burj Dubai for breakfast. Then to the Grand Hyatt to pick up another friend. Soon on our way to Madinat for coffee and photos, then to the open beach by the Burj Al Arab. Palm next, photos at the Atlantis. A look around the empty Garden Villas with the view included before a quick turn around at the flat. Then, McDonalds after showing the guys the first ever ‘drive-through ATM machine’ they have ever seen and then off into the desert we went. We end up at Bab Al Shams. Camel rides, photos, roof terrace all done before the drive back. Get back. Cab ordered which takes us to the Observatory for drinks and the view at night. The next cab takes us to The Dubai Fountain. It is big and then we set off for Ravis. Stuffed after the best ever dinner, we head to Bur Dubai abra station, cross the creek and then have a wonder. Then back to the Hyatt to have a drink. Asleep by 3am and up at 6.30am. That as well as my first ever Carrefour MOE trip on Friday, Christmas tree purchasing and Tin Cup watched, I am pretty pleased to be on holiday this week! The rain is set to continue tomorrow by the way. Loved it today.
 
My song of the day – La Roux – Quicksand
 
Thursday 10th December 2009
 
End of the week and holiday time for me. Just a week, and staying in Dubai. So relax is what I intend to do. And maybe, if I’m lucky I will get rid of this cough I have had for weeks. I am using this week off as a half time kind of break before my holiday in February. Looking forward to being at home with the family. Some skiing hopefully too and a catch up with friends. This weekend first though and Mr Marsh arrives back in Dubai. So on Sunday morning I will be dropping friends off who are here for 24 hours on Saturday and then picking Dan up. Rain is forecast for the weekend I hear. Lots of it too. I feel like I need to tell the man who washes the cars in the car park he doesn’t need to bother if rain is on the way, but he seems quite happy. And once the rain has gone all the cars will need washing again so it is probably going to be quite a fruitful week for him.
 
My song of the day – UB40 – Kingston Town
 
Tuesday 8th December 2009

Killers night in Abu Dhabi. They were superb. I am however, fully expecting to hear ‘it wasn’t Coldplay’ for the next week. It wasn’t Coldplay. That was a one off amazing night that thunder and lighting all helped create. Brandon and co didn’t have the same luck in dramatic natural affects, but they were still great. Mr Flowers could barely take the smile off his face for the entire set, the crowd loved every minute and it was nice bumping into people you knew. I have gone too early on the coat side of things though. I just thought before setting of for the gig, and yes, I did have Coldplay in mind and knew I had a coat for that, that it may get a little cool later in the evening. It didn’t and I can officially say, Dubai (Abu Dhabi) hasn’t yet reached coat weather for 2009. Will keep you posted.
 
My song of the day – The Killers. You pick one.
 
Sunday 6th December 2009

A pretty downbeat weekend for me. Simply because I am bed ridden feeling rubbish. I was kind of due an illness. It is over a year since the last week long flu so now that it is here, at least it will be gone soon enough. And the great thing about being ill is that you have an excuse to do nothing. I was looking to do the Rugby 7’s this weekend but didn’t feel up for it in the end. And I have done it, last year and I’m guessing it is pretty much the same every year. So not a huge loss. Instead, DVDs, comfort food and sleep. Nice. Even managed to watch some old home videos that I had made over the years. I stumbled across one of me singing ‘wheels on the bus’ when I was about 4 with a mic and headphones. I was actually better behind a mic back then than I am now. One thing that has changed since then however is the fact I no longer get my ‘Post Office’ game out after a go on the microphone. These days after a show I like to switch off, maybe a spa treatment, a Jacuzzi or something. Know what I mean? Just no time for ‘Post Office’ games or another verse of ‘bah bah black sheep’. Sadly.
 
My song of the day – Wheels On The Bus?