My Iceland Water Park Adventure

Spending my childhood growing up near the river and near the beach makes me bias with water for I definitely enjoy being near of it and now as an adult I still does, as proof I frequented our building’s swimming pool which I thought is made for aesthetic purpose with irregular shape either to compliment the weird shape building or just to give justice to sun worshiper residents but funny thing I do lap swimming though in an irregular way and who cares.

Summer and my Wednesday night free pass at Wild Wadi is also over and swimming after work in a wintry weather is a challenge, though the silly side of me still tried. I concede that I have to take a break and settle for being a couch potato and do either read a book or tinker the remote. But fate is always kind to me after my friend canceled our plan meeting on Eid holiday another one offered to go to Iceland Water Park and who am I to say…NO? (wink). So the adventure begun.

After traversing the Emirates Road and lost to another water park , we finally found the place, and what’ s the fuss that make them different from the rest of mushrooming water park in the desert land?  They just hold the record of the world’s largest man-made waterfall, the world’s largest assortment of 27 water slides and plus of course the ice concept everybody in the desert fancy about it. Very cool indeed and with anticipation of a child I definitely want to try everything though to my disappointment some slides are close. I presume they didn’t pass the safety standard though the morbid side of me says someone fall out of the slide. But after seeing a standby ambulance I felt secured and started my journey to Iceland.

First Stop, the Tundra Baths.

It’s near our gazebo, so it’s the logical choice and besides a picture of good life always includes a jacuzzi which a working cow on a break needs sort of little treat. But wait! Why is it cold? Very cold…I change the settings but still…ask for assistance but still… Yes, I’m in Iceland but I don’t need freezing cold water even arctic people want a warm refreshing jacuzzi.( I tried it again later before leaving the park but still the same, they stand firm with their name.)

Second, Mount Iceberg.

I like the Aqua Shute, the one in the left, where you slide too fast and in a matter of seconds it’s over, but wait… I can’t recall the sensation maybe it is that fast and tried only once. It looks scary with the machine and the helmet but once you tried you can’t remember that you slide and if you shout… it’s useless you can’t prolong  because you already reached the bottom before you figure it out. Hence, don’t be fool with its look and you should try this out to get your money’s worth.

On the right side is the Iceberg Rally where you can race with your friends and this I enjoyed and tried four times a definitely must try also.

Third, Mount Attack.

Not a crowd pleaser on top but plenty at the end of the slide. I wonder why? (wink)This is good for those who don’t like the long queue and you should try because you’ll get a nice view at the top before taking the plunge where at your right is the whole park, in front is the Arabian sea and at the back is the Hajar mountain while on your left is the construction site(hehehe). So I tried all, except for the middle one because it’s close and did it for three times. But I notice the lifeguard is lax in reminding what to do, good thing I’m a veteran of this kind of slide and know exactly what to do. By the way, It’s a good stress reliever because you could shout at the top of your lungs involuntarily.Word of advice, it’s better to reserve this for last slide because you won’t find the thrill of other slides once you tried it first (like my case) or you’ll fear trying the other slides, both ways you’ll be missing the fun and excitement.

Fourth, Arctic Wave.

For those who rarely see waves in their life this is cute you’ll enjoy the current but on my case who saw a surf higher than a one floor building in Siargao Island, this is a child thing.

Fifth,Penguin Bay.

We had fun playing with the water like kids.But Hey! it’s slippery and cunningly dangerous with paints that wear out and I think they should do something about it.

Sixth, Snow River.

A very lazy river to relax and to pass the time but the downside, there are stations where they don’t have water tube available so you’ll have to try your luck waiting for abandoned water tubes.

Seventh, Mount Tempest.

Eight, Mount Cyclone.

These are the slides, including those of Mount Fury that I didn’t enjoy which I might enjoy if I didn’t tried Mount Attack first.

The ninth is the Great Tornado. I tried twice where I’m flushed like a poo and I don’t like the end part where you fall at your middle back and maybe worst for those huge people they could be stocked and I don’t want to think what to do with them…heheheh… I guess same thing you do at your loo.

Tenth is my favorite the Mount Boomerango where you slide like a boomerang and escape to the river . I did it four times, I guess no explanation needed.

Eleventh, Food Village.

A big disappointment for a foodie like me and nothing catch my attention. Just by looking,  they taste like cafeteria standard with a fancy price and I guess all cafeteria keep the same recipe.  I settled for a burger to fuel my lost energy and think it’s the one from Johnny Rockets for they almost have the same price, after all I was able to sneak inside M&Ms, snickers and green Pringle, I guess that would be enough to survive me the whole day.

Final Stop, Pengu Pool.

I savor it for last, thinking I could still swim the whole stretch of the Olympic size swimming pool. Then, I realized it’s only in the mind, I have a good start but swim side-wise after truth sinks in that I cannot anymore reached the other side. Besides I’m crazy to entertain such thought for the last time I did was three years ago in my work assignment at Zamboanga City, if I could do five laps on average then,  it’s because I swim regularly.

The park is still big and haven’t tried the other attractions like the Soccer Field with artificial rain shower and who would dare when it’s already occupied, Eddy Pond with the spiral underwater current, the Penguin falls because I’ve already been to the real falls and they’re far better and of course the Kid’s Cove . While others are still undergoing construction like the Snow Castle which houses the gourmet restaurant and the Coral Isle for snorkeling experience of fake corals though if open still I will not be interested for I’ve tried snorkeling  and nothing beats the real one .

At the end of the day, it’s exhausting but worth it and nevermind  the pain cause by pushing my body to its limit, all in the name of fun, seeking the thrill and adrenalin rush. Upon going out, a staff asked me if I enjoyed and I say, “YES” and If I’m satisfied I could ring the bell, I didn’t ring the bell because I’m hungry. If I’m asked if I gonna go back again, my answer would be, ” I’m bias with water.”(wink)