There’s no scarcity of journey in Abu Dhabi. Whether or not it’s adrenaline-fueled water sports activities within the azure waters of the Gulf, a pedal-powered exercise on the glistening pavement of the Corniche, or an thrilling 4WD trip within the surrounding desert – motion is a significant a part of the attract within the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Properly acquainted with all of it is native thrill-seeker Hala Krunz – a graphic designer and social media influencer whose pursuits and way of life are as various as the town she calls dwelling. By main and experiencing a variety of actions, she embodies the Abu Dhabi spirit of journey.
Hala is the founding father of the Rolleristas, a skating group whose mission is to unfold pleasure on the town’s streets. We talked to her concerning the genuine Abu Dhabi, the way it evokes her, and why there’s a deeper which means in all of it.
What’s the vibe in Abu Dhabi like?
It has an important steadiness of modernity and heritage. It’s the capital of the UAE and you may really feel how effectively historical past is preserved right here. The way in which the tradition is honored may be very genuine. You’ll be able to exit on a dhow and study concerning the ages-old seafaring traditions – the world’s earliest-known pearl diving befell right here.
What else are you able to do to get a glimpse of what the town has to supply?
Go on a safari and see the most effective sand dunes within the nation – they’re such a vibrant orange, simply flowing and silky. There are all types of parks and actions in nature, whether or not that’s having fun with an extended strip of seashore alongside the Corniche, or kayaking among the many pure, untouched great thing about the mangroves. You’ll be able to take in all of the issues about being in an enormous metropolis (malls, eating places, nightlife), with out feeling such as you’re in the course of tons of skyscrapers.
You’re tremendous energetic, and have helped others get energetic with the Rolleristas. What impressed you to start out it?
I beloved skating as a child. However once you’re younger you don’t actually take into consideration why you prefer it. You’re simply on wheels, going quick. Once I picked it again up in the course of the pandemic, I actually felt unfavourable vitality leaving my physique, and one phrase got here to me: freedom.
I like shifting back and forth, twisting my legs round – I really feel like I’m dancing, with my curly hair whipping round within the wind. That was the inspiration to start out Rolleristas, as a result of that’s what I really feel after I skate. It’s freedom on wheels.
What does the Rolleristas group imply to you?
I’m all about spreading optimistic vibes and making individuals joyful. Once we exit, I get energized by blasting music and shouting “hello!” to all of the individuals we cross. All of us get impressed by one another once we’re out flowing, particularly once we placed on costumes. We do themed outfits, like throughout carnival season – a few of us wore large headpieces with feathers, others embellished their t-shirts. It’s all about coming collectively as a group and doing our factor, no matter how elaborate the costumes are. It’s an opportunity to specific our creativity collectively, whereas mixing it with bodily health. Having enjoyable is what’s actually vital.
You accomplish that many cool issues in Abu Dhabi that result in completely different features of your persona. The place do you discover inspiration?
Every thing I do has to have a deeper which means. Whether or not chasing adrenaline – I like skydiving, bungee leaping, something that offers me some form of rush in my physique – or the peace I get from horseback riding on the beach. I didn’t care a lot for horses earlier than I began, however the first time I attempted it and I touched the horse, I instantly felt a connection to it and all the pieces round me.
Mindfulness makes me admire skating extra, in addition to each sport I do, and even understanding within the gymnasium. I don’t do something simply to interrupt a sweat – it’s crucial that it helps me mentally greater than bodily.
You’ve been all world wide and visited numerous main cities. How is Abu Dhabi completely different?
Life right here is calm, easy and uncomplicated. It is bought an important combination of issues to do for everyone. Issues are handy and you may get anyplace you need quick – the visitors isn’t too unhealthy and you may take the bus, which is basically low cost and clear. And everyone seems to be pleasant.
What’s a standard false impression about Abu Dhabi, and what’s the actual deal?
Not everyone seems to be wealthy! However life right here makes you’re feeling spoiled. What’s actually stunning is that even when issues are low cost or free, all the pieces in Abu Dhabi looks like five-star residing. Even should you don’t have some huge cash, you’ll be able to reside an exquisite lifetime of ease.
What do you like to do once you’re not working?
The very first thing I do is go for a stroll to the seashore. It’s fairly straightforward – nearly in every single place in Abu Dhabi, you’re by no means too removed from a seashore. Typically I do my meditation there or go working. If I’m hungry afterward, I like going to the normal fish market. You simply choose what you need and so they barbecue it there so that you can eat on the spot. It’s so scrumptious and recent, and simply really easy. Even with all the posh issues I get to expertise, I like the straightforward life – sporting no matter I would like, hanging on the seashore and stress-free, simply getting messy consuming fish.
What else do you like to eat? What’s the meals scene like in Abu Dhabi?
There’s a lot range right here and yow will discover each delicacies from world wide. What I eat typically depends upon who I’m spending time with. I used to be born in Abu Dhabi, however my mom is Palestinian, so when my household is collectively on the weekends, she cooks our conventional meals.
A lot of my pals are expats from world wide. If I’m hanging out with my Colombian good friend, we’ll eat arepas; or acai bowls with my Brazilian good friend. Our working coach is from Morocco, so generally we’ll all have Moroccan meals collectively.
As somebody who’s all the time on the go, what does recharging appear like for you?
Typically I could be out for 12 hours a day. I’m tremendous outgoing and upbeat – particularly after I’m round different individuals. So after I’m dwelling, I’ve to recharge to get my vitality again. I take pleasure in simply sitting and having quiet time with my household and my cats. Typically I simply sleep, or I’ll do guided meditations or use my singing bowl.
Touring can also be an enormous a part of what you do. If you’re in your means again, as soon as the airplane touches down, how does it really feel to return dwelling to Abu Dhabi?
Once I step out of the airport, there’s a heat – actually, due to the climate right here, and energetically. The way in which the air smells after I take a deep breath and the breeze fills my lungs, it’s simply so comforting and acquainted, in contrast to anyplace on the planet. That is my dwelling.
