We have been blessed by a really great weather today despite the forecast of cloudy, overcast skies and some rain. Today is the Islamic holiday of Hijra and we have no work or school for the little girl. Something extra-ordinary happens when it’s a weekend or a holiday in our home, we wake up earlier than we used to!

Just when spending more time in bed can do no damage, we are up and about before 7! How crazy can that be! We got up and had breakfast and went to the nearby park, all of us since it’s a public holiday and it will be open to men. Some parks here in Dubai are only open to males on Fridays and Saturdays only. Don’t believe me?

It was a glorious day. I jogged for 2kms around the park track to keep up with my new year’s resolution to stay healthier. The little girl enjoyed the sun and played until all the water we brought was consumed.

What a lovely day we had and it felt good to know that I can tire myself running and playing, keeping up with a toddler without thinking of going to work again the next morning. Indeed, a two-day weekend is such a joy (I normally have Fridays off every week).

Just when the colors of autumn are starting in Japan and in most parts of the northern hemisphere, residents of Dubai are back frolicking at the beach. Finally the extreme heat is gone and everyone can enjoy a dip in the water without scalding the skin.

We went to Jumeirah Beach Park and stayed there for the whole day, until the sun set! It was a totally different experience from our previous beach trips because we brought our tent with us, so we can relax and nap with some privacy.

Little girl was more than thrilled to be at the beach again. The trip was long, as we went there by bus but it was so worth it. The sea was so calm and as usual, very clear and clean. However, when afternoon came, the sea water color turned darker. The stronger waves might have caused it, or the many swimmers or both.

Here are some photos taken on the beach, in a Flektor slideshow: