Sky Diving in Dubai

I believe having a bucket list is part of making memories and here  I am !

In the process of enjoying the journey  .....

First of all let me tell you how I got this crazy idea  of jumping from the helicopter???

All because of Will smith. After watching his video of skydiving, a  big thought bubble popped up poking me to do skydive.

I told this idea to my husband. He said ‘No’. 

‘I will definitely do now .’ I said. ha ha..

I made all preparations for this.. Pandemic hit all my plan’s doomed. He was damn   happy.

Two years passed.. still Will Smith words ringing in my ears, ‘To conquer fear you must do  skydive’. 

Finally decided to do.

I booked to and fro tickets to Dubai. Hotel booked. Skydive fee paid. Everything done and am super excited to do this.

Just then, a tragedy hit on 12th October morning, I got severe chest pain and was admitted to hospital early in the morning. It’s the third time..nothing much serious bcoz I knew the procedure. Gas got trapped in the chest. They will put drips and will be fine… same happened. 

After three hours , I was fine and got discharged. 

I was fighting with myself whether I will be able to do it or not. If this again comes how will I manage and all sort of worries….

Called up my friend in gym.He simply said , come to gym will workout.

What??

I thought, you will say take rest, think twice before heading blah blah…

I know about you. Just come here at 10 AM 

I just got home it’s 8 AM. Let me eat something then will come.

I went to gym and he made me do strength exercises,felt so good and relaxed sweating out and my confidence level improved. 

He said, ‘ If you can come to gym after the hospital trip, that itself is the first step of winning’.

Travel safe tomorrow , sky dive confidently and come back like a tigress. 

I gained my strength back and packed my bags and set to go …

I booked a hotel in Dubai Marina, but after reaching I came to know that it’s an apartment in one of the towers in marina but not a hotel as It’s not mentioned clearly in the booking website. So, my adventure started from here..

Thanks to Dubai government as soon as I landed, they gave a free dubai sim at the airport which helped me a lot. 

Using google map, I walked around 2 km in Dubai Marina asking few strangers the route to  the tower, one such is a security guard of a huge society. He explained the way and I asked his name. He said ‘Imran Khan from Pakistan’. 

I was like .. and I said, I am glad I meet you ‘Imran Khan from Pakistan ‘  if not original duplicate hi sahi…  then we laughed out loud.. 

I thanked him for the help and moved on…

Then met another guy Nelson from Kerala,India  who was on scooter in-front of this tower. He  guided me in to this tall  tower and spoke at the reception for me and found out that my apartment is  on 42nd floor..he was like never want to leave that scooter.. he came in the lift with the scooter and by mistake the iron part of it hit my right ankle..ouch...

He was so sorry for that.. I said , don’t you worry, once I finish my sky dive, will send the Doctor bill for payment

Hmm..

With this limping leg , I entered the flat. A lady  welcomed me and asked what had happened? Before I explain anything she said, your ankle was swollen let me give you the ice pack. While She rushed to refrigerator , Nelson bid good bye and left.

I observed that the flat is  very pleasant , beautiful paintings on the walls and the view from balcony was awesome. While I was on the couch and observing,  she brought the ice pack and I kept on my ankle for sometime which gave much relief.

She introduced me to her cutie little nine months old baby sleeping on the baby cradle..she is so adorable…

Then she explained about her that she is from Morocco and all… showed the room,it was good. I took rest for an hour and went out to explore the surrounding area.. I observed that Dubai Marina has lot of Men Saloons but not found one beauty parlor for girls near the tower .. People were walking jogging  cycling  children playing and many more activities created a healthy environment and this gave positive vibes to my soul.

I had a bowl of salad for dinner and hit the bed.

Next day 14th Oct 2022 early morning 5 AM , I woke up , got ready and had one banana and took a taxi to sky dive Centre which is 5 min from the tower. 

Gates opened and I am so exited and nervous .. don't know how I was gonna do..

Crew asked us to go to canteen then from there they directed us to the training center , given some ten to 15 min video training .. then came down , met instructor Sebastian. He gave a five min training - knees to bent and head to rest on his shoulders looking up while jumping from the helicopter..

This is it???

Yes.. he said louder. 

Red

Yellow

Green…

Jump 

From the helicopter at 13,000 feet above the ground… oh my god.. can’t explain in words.It’s amazing 

Wonderful experience… felt like am on top of the world.. 

One who is fit in all respects should try this once in their lifetime . It’s just like any other adventurous sport where you  push your limits and experience the  bliss … 

 

Finally , ticked off  Skydive from my bucket list

#skydivedubai 

# dubaimarina

My gratitude to the Year 2022!

Thank you  year 2022 for all the best moments and great memories you showered on me this year.

My first ever adventurous expedition to Mount Everest Base Camp ,Nepal in April’ 2022 turned out to be a blessing to me and Akshaj. Felt an improvement in my confidence, Physical stamina and Mental strength. 

Akshaj became the youngest in Asia to climb Mount Nangakarshnag which is 5077 Metres above sea level. All thanks to Paddy sir (PRADEEP BIST) for discovering and nurturing Akshaj’s hidden talent of climbing,  Romil sir for making Akshaj ,a  champion and the entire team of B&C  for supporting us through out the journey.

With this confidence and being an Adreline  enthusiast , on 14th Oct 22 I ticked off Skydive from my bucket list. 

Tandem Sky dive at Dubai Marina -jumping off from the helicopter at a height of 13000 feet experienced the thrill of free-fall at over 120 miles per hour , enjoyed the beautiful view of Palm Jumeirah, It was an awesome feeling  and felt like i am on top of the world. Great experience which can’t be much expressed in words… Thank you Sebastian, my instructor and the entire crew of Skydive Dubai. 

Thank you to my Happy Feet Oman lovely teammates for all the hikes we did together through out the year having fun exploring places in and around Muscat. Had a wonderful year with you all.

Running10 KM Marathon at Almouj on 11th November with my friends Nigel and Shankar made this event so memorable and fun. I am grateful  to them for joining me.

Started driving my Car after a lot of push from my friend and my son.

Made  memories with my friends and families while enjoying Kayaking and Boating at Bandar Al Khiran, Oman. 

Finally signing off year  2022 with Paratriking on 30th Dec. Had a wonderful experience flying in the Para jet to a height of 300 Metres above ground. Akshaj being 7 year 5 months old did this fly with such an ease and all thanks to Captain Thariq and Captain Nader of Sky Safari. 

My sincere gratitude to all my friends and family who are with me throughout this journey.

Thank you Year 2022  for this wonderful experience. You made me special and I will always cherish these moments for ever and ever..!!

Don’t stop chasing your dreams because dreams do come true.

-Sachin Tendulkar

May all your wildest dreams manifest in 2023. Happy New Year!

Mutrah-Riam Hike- 11.March.22

What a beautiful day is today! Two lovely women broke all the stereotypes and I believe if we change our perception towards anyone or anything in a right and positive way , everyday is a celebration!

Thank you Priyanka and Suseela Aunty for joining us today.

I asked Priya, will you able to do this hike?

Her answer blew my mind. 'Don't go with my body, I CAN DO IT and will show you all I CAN'

Suseela Aunty ,my friends Mother in law did the complete 2 hr hike in  saree and chappal with great determination ,showing all ' Nothing is impossible'.

To our surprise ,today we met Indian social club Marathi wing members with families n children on the mountain. Made new friends. It's like a celebration on the mountain rather than a sweaty trek.

Today is a very special day and I always cherish these moments!

Thank you guys for making my day....

@priyapathak619

#mountains #mutrah #omantrekkers #omantourism #hiking # women #adventuretime #omanobserver # explore places #riam #scenic #landscape #photography #happyfeetoman #happyfeet

https://www.instagram.com/tv/Ca-cY5Lgyf-/?utm_medium=share_sheet

The Hiker and a Bird

The man was sad and in tears holding a bird in his palms. Watching him, all the other pigeons gathered and later dispersed. But, one bird didn’t leave him, giving him company by sitting on his shoulders. I, being a fellow hiker who just reached the tree asked the man offering him water, what happened? Is everything alright? What is your story?

This man seems to be in his forties. Though having a stout personality , he looks weak and teary eyed, surely there might be a strong reason behind his sadness.

The man was silent, didn't replied me for few minutes. Then said in a soft voice.

I am Arya, am a hiker.

Nice meeting you Arya. I am Robin.

Every week, I used to explore new places and mountains in and around Muscat to hike. If I get long weekends ,I go far off locations for hiking sometimes with friends but most of the times alone. I love sitting on the cliff watching the beautiful picturesque landscapes this country Oman offers.

But one day, I found a dead bird at the starting point of this hill which gave me a bad omen and as I proceeded further found another dead pigeon. Reaching the summit, I realized that the deaths of birds might be due to summer heat and non-availability of water on these Rocky Mountains. So, I made a routine to keep a bowl of water under the shade of a rock or a tree whichever I find and then resume my hike.

I asked Arya who is this bird? Is your pet?

Hmmm.. She is my friend Reva.

What? Does she has a name too? Yes. I call her with this name and she responds.

Why Reva?

Reva means 'Rain' in hindi. As this is a dry land and no rains like in India, I always miss them and my mom's pakora.

I guess, Reva observed me helping birds and she befriended me following me in my hiking trips. At times she helps me in showing the direction too.
Most of the times, the mountains will not have guided trials especially outside the city. So based on the foot prints or used paths by many people one can continue the journey exploring in his/her own way.

I am just a beginner,this info helps me.Thanks a lot.

Arya continued...

Usually she follows me from my home. But today, Reva didn’t come along with me and I thought she might join me in the middle of my way and I reached Sidab and waited for Reva. It’s been a long time and I was worried about her and I couldn’t able to start the hike. So, I decided to come here where I met her first. My instincts said, Reva is in some trouble and needed my help. I arrived here in 50 min but I was shocked seeing Reva trying to remove a tiny plastic piece with her beak which got stuck in her baby’s throat. Immediately, I tried to rescue the baby but the baby mouth is too tiny and it was very difficult to remove the piece without hurting the baby. On top of it my hands were trembling in fear. Praying to god ,I tried again and finally relieved saving the baby.

While talking to me , Arya placed the baby safely in the nest. Reva cuddled her baby and made her sleep.

(Reva observing silently sat on Arya's shoulders.)

Arya asked, ‘ Why we humans are so rude to these birds littering the nondecomposable plastic everywhere even on the mountains where no one lives ?' These innocent creatures in search of food unknowingly eating these variety of plastics(polythene, bottle cups, straws etc.) and getting into serious life threatening troubles like these.

Hereafter, I take a vow to pick the plastic trash on my way saving these innocent birds.

Saying this , Arya turned at me with a subtle smile and resumed his hike again.

Following him, I said to myself , ' Learnt an important lesson today. Let's spread this awareness to all and save these creatures.'

Ghala Hike, Oman

 

Ghala Hike View Point

                                                             Beautiful date farms 

                                                                

This weekend (5.Mar.21), we explored a new hiking point , Ghala in Muscat.  The Uniqueness of this mountain in Ghala is, the landscape slowly unfolds step by step right in front of  you  and reveals its beauty.

                                                                    Starting point 

                        

From the foot of the mountain , it looks like a small one and can finish hiking in 30 min but as we reach the 1st visible place from foot of it, there is one more peak , this way we continued around four steps of the mountain until we see the flags, however it didn't end there, its a  huge continuous mountain as you hike ,it unfolds its secret paths and breathtaking views to you. We had an awesome hiking experience here.

                                            

One can check their stamina doing hiking on this very unique mountain and its totally good for beginners.

                                                        Picture courtesy Ramya

Here is the link to reach there.

https://goo.gl/maps/AG8zRZYjqXavmb4N6

It is recommended to start the hike early in the morning around 5.30 AM to avoid the skin burn in this summer. Happy Hiking guys! 

Hike to Wadi kabir view point, Muscat, Oman

 

                                                            WadiKabir View Point

Last weekend (19.Feb.21) , my hiking partner Ramya and I decided to go for a trek within the city Muscat. While searching , we came across Wadi Kabir View point.We simply followed the Google directions and reached the spot at 6.40 AM and saw the huge mountain. By seeing it, I remind myself  'No panic Anu,One step at a time'.

Found this beautiful message while scrolling.

Here is the google link to reach there -  

https://goo.gl/maps/zGtLV2tFsXvfCZou9

The uniqueness of this hike is inclined walking to reach the summit but no rock climbing. In few places the path is too slippery due to loose stones  and dry soil ,one should be very careful especially while exiting  irrespective of  wearing proper hiking shoes..

This complete hike took us around 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

Its worth to watch the beautiful view of  Wadikabir and the mountains around....

                                                                    Happy Hiking!

Sidab Hike, OMAN

Sidab is a small town near Old Muscat, Oman. This weekend (12.Feb.21) we planned to Sidab coastal trek. Following google directions we reached the starting point of the hike at 6.30 AM. Here is the link

https://goo.gl/maps/9G6d8F685skpwfkb8

Seeing the mountain, we thought it’s okay we can do it, however as we progressed 10 min into it, there is a rugged and steep point with a shaky ladder tied at one end to a big rock at the top which brought us literally to quit then while we descend few steps down, like an angel a girl with her friend came and said it’s her second time and we can do it. Then me and my partner pulled out all the courage and started ascending.

Yes! We crossed the tough point, with this sense of achievement, we further moved to the top and got our bonus, a beautiful sunrise and its glitters on the layers of blue sea waters. The atmosphere is so serene and placid with the surf sounds at the front and the beautiful calm village at the back and we at the top of this  mountain witnessing both in tranquility....Worth taking risk to experience this beauty.

                                                       First tough point

From here we descended until the rocky shores of water assuming it’s a too short trek and there might be an exit but we were wrong we found the marked trial guiding us towards another mountain to hike and we continued assuming we will find an exit....however, to our surprise instead of the way out, we saw crystal clear waters and smoothy rocks which looks awesome but these rocks are very slippery and one should be careful irrespective of wearing proper hiking gear.

In between mountains we saw cemeteries of Portugese people who dominated the Muscat region in 1600’s and paid respects. We reached ‘THE END’ but didn’t find the gateway. The only way out is either you trek back in the same route to the start point else take a boat.

This complete trek took 1.5 hours for us and return may take minimum 1 hour, so we thought to take a boat and waited there for sometime.....finally an Omani fisherman saw us and gave a lift in his boat. Twist in the story is boat got stopped in the middle of the sea as he was out of fuel....but somehow he managed to get a bottle of diesel from his stock and filled the tank. Meanwhile, we observed the beautiful unruffled blue waters and as usual became busy in taking pictures.. ...with a jerk, boat had started, we held the boat tightly keeping our mobiles back into our pockets, he took us around and showed few other cemeteries and one abandoned Hindu burial ground etc of 1930's time.

Finally reached the ship yard....when we asked about paying for the boat ride, he simply denied and said with a smile,’ it’s a help so no money’. Omanis are truly kind and helpful. Help means help no expectations of any return to their favor...

Overall it’s a best hike so far....thoroughly enjoyed the trek, early morning beautiful sunrise, rocky shores with blue waters , learnt little bit history of Portugese and a boat ride. Had a great weekend!


Thank you to Ramya, my hiking partner, her never say NO attitude always fascinates me.