“The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.” – Albert Einstein

I am one of those solo travelers who goes to stationary store prior to my trip. Buy the most artisan, relevant, or practical looking handbag sized notebook I can find, and this is the start of my journey.

I write a diary on every solo trip I have taken. Not so much on couple get always, but on any of my adventure holidays, a diary has been In toe. Sometimes it is a getaway from the silence of travelling solo, sometimes it is to record the important aspects of my day. Sometimes, it is just rabblings that I think are profound at the time, hoping to be discovered some day when I am long gone, - ya know, stuff like that.

I have always felt that keeping a diary, ( which these days has turned into vlogging Instagram stories and snapchat reels), is a way of immortalizing a moment you thought precious. They are something to pull out with the photo albums in years to come and laugh or cry about! I like to think I am a weird mix of the old and new. I keep every single ticket stubb, flyer, map, plane ticket, write a diary, print our photos and go to those dodgy €2, 5 picture on a strip, *someone defo died in here* booths that flash so bright you look like a ghost, who definitely wasn’t ready, - just so I can have a terrible bookmark to remember my time there. In contrast, I work on social media every day to consistently provide an engaging platform for my clients in order to market my photography business. I use my Insta stories and highlight reels as an “in the moment” photographic snapshot of what my diary will hear about later. I like this new balance. Do you?

The UAE, - the land of possibility! Move over the United States, immigration is at an all time high! Sun, Sea, DAMN tall buildings, and tax free money, ah….why wouldn’t you?

Some of my best friends have made the move across the water to the UAE for a better life filled with better job opportunities, lifestyle perks and much more. (Someone mentioned boat parties) At the time, when we left college it made sense. The job market in Ireland was poor, and the lure of the UAE hung over everyone who would listen. Even though the boom is voicing its BOOM once more in Ireland with an increase in job opportunities and money slowly reappearing.. those who left, choose to stay. Nearly 11,000 Irish are currently living in the UAE. Why you might ask?

Well I went to visit some of my friends two years ago and I would like to share my top places I visited in Dubai & Abu Dhabi, - and you will see why I am planning my next Asia trip, literally, as we speak!!

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This will be a very visual blog so I hope you don’t mind, but I just have so many visual treasures to share, I feel bad even limiting them!!

I hope you enjoy!

Top Places in Dubai

“You name, Dubai has it, and if it doesn’t, - it is building it!!”

“The first human settlement in the history of Dubai was in approximately 3000 BCE, when the area was inhabited by nomadic cattle herders. ... In 1966, oil was discovered in Dubai, which changed the country beyond recognition and led to Dubai becoming the vibrant, modern, business-centred city.” - online source

Jumeirah Beach - is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches that you will ever lay those toes on. It is located and named after the Jumeirah district of Dubai, on the coast of the Persian Gulf. Grab your cooler and settle down for the day!

The Burj Khalifia - Standing at a height of 829.8 m the Burj Khalifa has been the tallest structure and building in the world since 2009. It is definitely worth a visit up to the Top floor, but don’t forget to book your tickets in advance during high season!!

TIP: Get a water-taxi ride across Dubai Creek to the Spice Souq and shop for bargains in Deira Gold Souq!

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo - Just walk into the the Dubai Mall… and give yourself a few hours!

Atlantis -On iconic Palm Jumeirah island in the Arabian Gulf. Unfortunately I did not have enough time to visit the Palm during this trip, but it is definitely first on my list for next time. Expect to watch many mini clips of it on your flight over with Emirates, - I think i was brainwashed into not going to be honest!! lol

Dubai Butterfly Garden – go to Al Barsha, - OMG. I discovered this quaint little place off the main road that was not even widely advertised as a “tourist trap” in the area but it was one of my favourite places. It is away from the hustle and bustle, just a quick taxi ride to peaceful butterfly droves and a relaxing environment to chill and re-energise yourself after a long flight.

Pier 7 - talk about premier lifestyle dining and boozing! The perfect Friday night with the girls and you have 7 floors of magic to chose from. So sit back, and soak in the lifestyle that we are running to!

The Dubai Fountain is the world's largest choreographed fountain system. It is set on the 12 hectare manmade Burj Khalifa Lake, at the center of the Downtown Dubai. My photographs alone can give you an idea of the view you can have while sipping a marginal overpriced cocktail.

Top places in Abu Dhabi

“We wander for distraction, we travel for fulfillment.”

Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque - The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The largest mosque in the country. It is an immense area filled with something thrilling to view around every corner. The white marble structures shine against the 30 degree heat and as you can see from the photographs, it was a photographers paradise.

Boat parties - Why not live it up and rent a boat! You can rent a private yacht for about 4-500 euro for 2 hours. Grab your friends, BYOB and enjoy the sunset!

Yas island - Another lifestyle scene within Abu Dhabi. A hot nightlife scene is present and there are many tourist activities present!

TIP - why not stroll along the city’s waterfront known as City Corniche and see the Emirates Palace, Etihad Towers and Qasr Al Watan Palace to get the real tourist experience. Breath it all in, - this is why all your friends moved here. *sigh*