The America's Cup is the oldest trophy in international sports and recognized as the Holy Grail of sailing. Where/When: Auckland, New Zealand, in March 2021 Defender: Te Aihe (Maori for “Dolphin”), (NZ), formerly Emirates Team New Zealand Challengers: Defiant (US), formerly Oracle Team USA, Britannia (UK), Luna Rossa (IT) The revolutionary 75 ft. monohulls, known …
Yas Marina, Ten Years Later
Yas Marina, Ten Years Later
Tall, Taller and MONUMENTAL!
August 2016 ~ In 2008, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was asked why he insisted that his emirate’s construction projects be the world’s biggest, tallest, most extravagant, and off-the-chart architectural and engineering marvels on the planet. His answer: “Why settle for less when you can be #1?” Astute point. …
The absence of dignity and integrity …….. by a few of the leading candidates …….
The absence of dignity and integrity as displayed in dialogue by a few of the leading candidates running for the U.S. presidency is overwhelmingly alarming to the lions’ share of our international colleagues who are savvy in world affairs. I share this first-hand insight not to be judgmental or personally degrade a presidential candidate, but …
Continue reading "The absence of dignity and integrity …….. by a few of the leading candidates ……."
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Team won the 2014-15 Volvo Around-the-World Ocean Race
Considered the world's toughest sailing race, Azzam (Arabic for 'determination') crossed the finish line in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 11 June after covering approximately 39,000 miles that required nearly 9 exhausting months to complete. The race began in Alicante, Spain, on 4 October and included stops in 11 ports. The 7 international teams, each carrying a …
Continue reading "Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Team won the 2014-15 Volvo Around-the-World Ocean Race"
Dubai is the most expensive city in the world to buy dinner, according to TripAdvisor.com and Ipsos, and the 9th most expensive holiday destination in the world. [Business Travel Newsletter, 20 June 2015]
A two-course dinner with a bottle of wine averages $167 in Dubai. A three-day stay averages $1,524, far shy of the most expensive, Cancun in Mexico at $2,000, but higher than Paris, Toyko, Toronto or Singapore. How did a small emirate in the middle of a troubled region manage to become a global tourist hub …
Kensington Palace gate
Fond memories of Lady Diana returned while standing at the magnificent gate that was adorned with flowers in front of London's Kensington Palace in September 1997. In Elton John's words, "The legend never ends."
Next stop – Tunisia
Enjoying our visit to the Mediterranean marina in Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia.
A $20 billion refi at 1%? You’re kidding, right?
No photo to share. No need to. Read on. International Monetary Fund estimated that the emirate of Dubai faced $30 billion in maturities this year. That is reportedly equal to a third of its annual economy. But --- an agreement was reached last March allowing the sheikdom to refinance $20 billion at 1% fixed interest, …
Continue reading "A $20 billion refi at 1%? You’re kidding, right?"
Big? Uh uh. Momentous! It’s Dubai. Now what?
Purportedly the largest infrastructure project in the world is in the oven. The monstrous Dubai Water Canal project was launched last October by the Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. What is it? It’s a 3 kilometer (1.8 mile) canal that stretches from the Arabian Gulf inland into the heart of …
Continue reading "Big? Uh uh. Momentous! It’s Dubai. Now what?"
StephenCBurton 