ABOUT
Facts about me:
I’m fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (tops the list).
I'm a licensed Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah tour guide.
Former management consultant turned wanderer.
I've lived in the UAE for over 30 years.
An ideal night for me would be a Harry Potter marathon with a bucket load of Garrett’s caramel popcorn.
I can’t go to bed without putting on an episode of Friends or Seinfeld first.
I will pick Nutella over any main meal. Hands down.
I lived in Madrid where I was completing my MBA, and fell in love with Spain.
I (used to) take Spanish classes every Friday and can’t wait to have a conversation that extends past 'Hola!
I love meeting people.
One of my all-time favorite quotes and inspiration: “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” - Anthony Bourdain
Why Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah?
Every time I travel, I always want to explore the cities I visit like a local; not necessarily skipping out on the Louvre, but knowing exactly where Parisians like to picnic on a Saturday or where they get their macaron fix (P.S it’s Pierre Hermé).
Having studied abroad, I almost always have friends and classmates visiting who I love to take out and show around. Our initial conversations typically involve them reveling about the Burj Khalifa and ‘that sail shaped 7‐star hotel’. Despite my many years here, I’m also equally dumbfounded by these 2 masterpieces and find myself staring at them in awe many times. Same goes for food. I’m a big BIG foodie. And all 3 Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah do not disappoint when it comes to culinary experiences. Some of the world’s best restaurants have made their way here. And for good reason. We all love a good meal. And will go great lengths to find seats at the dining table.
So if it's your first time in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, I'm sure you have a couple of these places scribbled down on your to-do list.
If not, here are the top 5:
Dubai Mall
Burj Khalifa
Burj Al Arab
The Palm Islands / Atlantis Hotel
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
But there’s so much more to them than meets the eye and if we slow down and take stock of our surroundings, we can experience meaningful moments and discover the many other incredible spots that rarely make it to any visitor’s itinerary. Places that have been built over the years by its people and the hospitality that feels like coming home.
Why book a tour guide?
There's a certain stereotype about guided tours that makes people think twice before booking one. The tours may feel scripted and run on a strict schedule, and the guides may take you only to the check-list sights.
I, too, travel around the world and hesitate before booking a guide for the same reason.
As a like-minded traveler though, I vow to do anything but that. All experiences will be filled to the brim with incredible sights, stories, and connections. The tours are all small group tours; therefore, much more intimate and conversational. Wander with Nada is about exploring a different perspective where you'll learn some history and contemporary tidbits, have a charming adventure, and make a local friend.
What else?
As many of my guests' stays in the UAE may be short, my firm philosophy is that they should enjoy every minute they spend in each emirate. From the time the wanderings are booked until the return home, I will ensure that my fabulous guests have plenty of guidance and tips on everything UAE related. Whether you're overwhelmed with hotel options, losing sleep over where to eat, or dazed by the number of desert safari companies, I will narrow down that list for you. I'll also make sure I pull whatever strings I have to get you that reservation. In brief, I'll ensure my guests have a practically perfect vacation in every way.
