Double D-lights at the Para
The good thing about being an occasional visitor to Dubai is that the changes are more in evidence than perhaps they are for those living with them every day. So, the Metro wasn't open last visit, and this time it was, albeit not fully. And what a fantastic change that is. Cheap, fast, clean and efficient, it makes a move back to Dubai a far more attractive proposition.
Then there's the licensing law change, reintroducing the two-hour dry spell from four till six. I can't enthuse over this one, and neither can anyone else I've compared notes with. All we can say in its favour is that it is less irritating than Qatar's national ban on opening before five p.m.
As for the Paranormal itself, I spotted no changes at all since the last time, apart from the usual variation in personnel. One girl was a clear candidate for the most impossible figure challenge, as she probably weighed only fifty kilos total, with five of these in each cup. This, plus the stilettos, and you'd have to say she was doing well in not falling over.
And of course there was only one winner of the ankle length hair competition, but that's old news now and unlikely to change any time soon.
Then there's the licensing law change, reintroducing the two-hour dry spell from four till six. I can't enthuse over this one, and neither can anyone else I've compared notes with. All we can say in its favour is that it is less irritating than Qatar's national ban on opening before five p.m.
As for the Paranormal itself, I spotted no changes at all since the last time, apart from the usual variation in personnel. One girl was a clear candidate for the most impossible figure challenge, as she probably weighed only fifty kilos total, with five of these in each cup. This, plus the stilettos, and you'd have to say she was doing well in not falling over.
And of course there was only one winner of the ankle length hair competition, but that's old news now and unlikely to change any time soon.
When I lived in the Far East a decade ago, Chinese girls were considered for waitperson jobs at Hooters if they could manage a 32A, including wads of tissues. A glance around the Paranormal suggests that either Chinese girls are drinking a lot more milk than in the past or there's more silicon in Jockey's than in the IBM factory...
ReplyDeleteAnon - You're not wrong! The times they are a-changing. But this lass was extreme, even by today's standards.
ReplyDeleteJust stumbled across your blog which, as a several time visitor to Jockeys, I think is a splendid tribute to a most venerable (aherm) establishment. Thank you for brightening up a dull, wet UK Wednesday. I always think of the 'Paranormal' when asked "you're going to Dubai - how will you go on over there without being able to get a drink?". If only they knew, but perhaps better that they do not (ignorance being bliss and all that).
ReplyDeleteAm I correct in saying the aforementioned Helga has moved on to pastures new ie 'The Rattler'? Could have sworn I saw her propping up the bar through the assembled masses of 'stanis' on a recent visit...
Hi totalgent - yes, Helga has moved camp to the Rattlesnake, along with most of her compatriots. I think the Chinese competition became too much! (I mentioned it here: http://paranormal-hotel.blogspot.com/2009/08/helga-sighted-seated-in-state.html )
ReplyDeleteThanks for the clarification Paraglider. The 'waggleworm' as you so affectionately refer to it is a formidable venue but still, in my humble one, lacks the charm of Jockeys. I hope to follow your blog as a means of staying abreast (schoolboy stuff I know) of developments pending a visit in a few months to see me old mucker who emigrated over there a year or two back. Please keep up the good work on behalf of us poor patriots who remain (sadly) tied to the rain-soaked motherland...
ReplyDeleteCheers!
I agree about Jockeys. The only place that comes close is Seaview, provided you're in the mood for the band. The ambience is nice there too. I'm mostly in Qatar these days, but will be visiting old haunts in Bur Dubai in Feb, if not before.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder about the Seaview - I did go a couple of years back but haven't been since then. I'll put it on the list for this spring. Is it still the 'Marines Club Band' that play there?
ReplyDeleteLast time I was there it was still the same band. Cheri (the bass player) changes her front line singers every few months, but the keyboard, drums & guitar guys are fixtures, like herself.
ReplyDeleteCheers Paraglider. I may have a 'first timer' with me when I come in spring - if so I'll start with a (brief) trip to TGIT at the Astoria. Always nice to throw 'em in at the deep end and watch their faces!
ReplyDeleteSounds a good plan. Remember the 4pm till 6pm closing!
ReplyDeleteWill try - when was that little policy introduced?
ReplyDeleteAbout a year ago. It applies to all the bars in Dubai, I think, even the Paranormal. The Old Vic (in Ramada) allows you to sit it out, but doesn't serve alcohol between 4 and 6. Most others just close the doors.
ReplyDelete