Life With Michael
91 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago -A few weeks ago I decided that I wanted to start a project and commit! (For once)
You see, I realized that over the past 2 years I have created a habit of dreaming, starting with false expectations, feeling disappointed and then quitting. I wanted to start a project where I can proof to myself and myself only that I CAN actually start something and finish it.
So I set myself a challenge: Record and share an audio diary entry every day for the next 365 days to come!
Hence: Life With Michael was born!
Who am I? (You might have that question)
My name is Mike, at the time of writing I am based in Abu Dhabi (although that will change in a few weeks). As mentioned I have many hopes and dreams and this is my place to share some of them with you as I go through life and record my days as they happen.
Some days might be crazy superficial
Some days might be intensely deep
Some days might be bizarrely boring
But it is my life.. it is Life With Michael
And I invite you to follow along my journey over the next 365 days!
Much love,
Mike
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
BONUS EPISODE: LWM - THE ALARM WENT OFF
May 17, 2020 10:57 - 8 minutes - 11.7 MBFriends, I have a series of 5 episodes that wil be released one by one ( one a week) before we get into season 2 of Life with Michael! --- Im currently visiting my sister in Rotterdam, its still corona times so still restrictions in place! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - ITS THE END OF SEASON ONE
April 25, 2020 17:46 - 4 minutes - 6.23 MBIts the end of my Abu Dhabi adventure, its the end of season one! As I move into season 2 (Corona Season) the format and frequency will change! I will take a 2/3 week break and then come back stronger than everrrrrr! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - A Vietnamese dinner extravaganza
April 21, 2020 03:54 - 6 minutes - 9.15 MBIm home and its immediately my turn to cook dinner for everyone! If you have been following a long you know there is only one kitchen that I would love to cook: Vietnamese! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - Denied at check-in (cant fly home OMG)
April 20, 2020 04:20 - 9 minutes - 12.7 MBSo here I am in Athens, Greece- trying to get to Dusseldorf where my family awaits to pick me up. However, Aegean Airlines has different plans... Join me as I get through a super stressful morning not know when, if and how I will make it home! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - THIS IS IT! BYE Abu Dhabi, BYE UAE!
April 19, 2020 04:43 - 6 minutes - 8.61 MBToday is the day, I am leaving the UAE. Its not how I thought it would go but its happening! Just hours before the country decides to completely shut down I manage to get a flight to Europe! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - THE CRAZIEST DAY OF MY LIFE (MUST LISTEN)
April 18, 2020 04:48 - 14 minutes - 20.4 MBToday is quickly turning into the craziest day of my life Everything, (literally everything) is fast tracked and I am tired, stressed and dont have enough time! Want to know what happened? Listen to todays episode See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - Etisalat wont let me cancel!
April 17, 2020 03:45 - 10 minutes - 15 MBOne of the keys to cancel when leaving the UAE is: Etisalat (Internet/TV) But there is no way I get to speak to a human to actually cancel help me to cancel my account! Also, I receive some news that will leave me stuck in the UAE ?? Find out by listening to todays episode See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - I had no choice but to move out
April 16, 2020 04:44 - 4 minutes - 6.57 MBAs im clearing my apartment I realize I have no clue but to move out.. But where do I go? Listen to today's episode and find out See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - Im not moving to Thailand any more..
April 15, 2020 04:43 - 9 minutes - 13.1 MBThe reality of Corona Virus sets in: I am no longer moving to Thailand! This is quite a tough reality for me as I have been working towards this moment for the last few months and it all goes down the drain! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - Thai Embassy rejects my visa application
April 14, 2020 04:41 - 12 minutes - 17.2 MBToday I visit the Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi.. I have everything riding on this... But Corona virus has different plans! Listen to today's episode to find out more! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - Scew Corona, Trying to leave the UAE early
April 13, 2020 04:40 - 7 minutes - 10.8 MBOK, its official I need to change some of my plans to make sure I can move to Thailand. So I need to bring forward exit out of the UAE.. But will that still be enough? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - Corona Virus is everywhere
April 12, 2020 04:30 - 5 minutes - 7.05 MBCurrently the Corona Virus is starting to come up more and more, canceling many people's plans and slowly I also need to be thinking about actions vs consequences See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - I gave away ALL my alcohol (illegal in UAE)
April 11, 2020 04:36 - 11 minutes - 15.5 MBContinuing to clear my apartment: James drops by to pick up the bar table that he bought from me.. But.. that's not the only thing that he takes... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - I canceled all of my UAE credit cards
April 10, 2020 04:32 - 8 minutes - 11.5 MBToday we start the process of canceling everything and we start with my ADCB Bank credit cards Its not as easy as it seems! (Ultimately its because they want you to get stuck in a sales funnel and NOT cancel your credit cards) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - She FORGOT her passport
April 09, 2020 04:31 - 12 minutes - 16.8 MBHonestly, just too crazy. Me and my mom are escaping the Corona virus and are spending the weekend in Dubai.. However.. .she decided to forget her passport.. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - Mom is back! Saadiyat Public Beach fail, Mangrove walk and Gold souq randoms
April 08, 2020 02:18 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MBMom is back! She just flew into town from Amsterdam (beating the Corona virus) Today we just do a bunch of random things such as: Saadiyat Public beach, Gold Souq and the Mangrove walk! A fun day with my mom See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - Oh nooo, did I loose 5 days of episodes again (I just dont learn)
April 07, 2020 02:17 - 12 minutes - 16.8 MBOops I did it again? Did I really just loose 5 days of episodes again? I sure hope not but I lost my recorder! Find out if I find it or if I end up buying a new recorder in todays episode! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - High's and lows of selling your furniture in the UAE
April 06, 2020 01:15 - 9 minutes - 12.8 MBTrying to sell your stuff in the UAE is an emotional rollercoaster! I could make 230483 episodes about my experiences so far.. but I wont! I will try and just make one :) This one :) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - Having a BBQ at 945AM
April 05, 2020 02:15 - 10 minutes - 14.2 MBIf you have not listened to yesterdays episode then please do! I am forced to buy a new iPhone whilst I am trying to sell more of my stuff (as Im leaving Abu Dhabi) Also, my aunt wont make it to Abu Dhabi due to Corona travel restrictions See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - HOLY FLIPPING CRAP, MY IPHONE IN 1000 PIECES
April 04, 2020 02:00 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MBToday was just going to be about me watching love it blind and how much I loved it.. But the day took an EPIC turn for the worse... My semi brand new iPhone 11 got destroyed into 100000 pieces... The day was turned upside down so make sure to listen :) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LMW - Lets talk about corona virus
April 03, 2020 02:00 - 9 minutes - 12.5 MBCorona virus is making its way to the UAE! I am in serious doubt on what to do! Do I fly to Europe and visit my family or do I stay put in Abu Dhabi and see how crazy it could become? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LMW - A day of Zen
April 02, 2020 03:00 - 6 minutes - 8.47 MBToday I am just going to take it easy! Maybe the Babs al Qasr hotel is able to redeem itself? Ending up back at the Intercontinental for a relaxing day at the pool! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - Babs al Qasr I hate you
April 01, 2020 02:48 - 10 minutes - 14.9 MBIts staycation time at the Baqs al Qasr hotel in Abu Dhabi. From the moment I arrive I notice that the hotel attracts a very specific type of guest and by the time I get to the check-in everything is just problematic. Overall I am not enjoying my stay at the Baby al Qasr hotel but I do get to hangout with my friend Floris at the Intercontinental! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - How to plan the ultimate surprise (High Corona Virus Risk)
March 31, 2020 02:21 - 11 minutes - 16.3 MBI am preparing a special surprise for my mom and I would love your input as to how I should plan this! Today as a whole is a great day! Spinning, Lunch with Sally & James before we go into dinner with Sally, James and Floris. (And I might a few drinks tooooooooooo much) But if you want to join the best F&B deal in all of Abu Dhabi --> Message me! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - We made a new agreement (so saga doesn't end!)
March 30, 2020 02:37 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MBOk this selling my furniture sage with this woman just doesn't end. We made a new agreement and the only reason why I go along with it is that the deal she is giving me simply is too good to give up! Am I being scammed? It could be.. lets see See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - I AM SO OVER IT (Am I being unreasonable?!)
March 29, 2020 02:29 - 9 minutes - 13.5 MBThe frustrations I am feeling today are just next level! It might be a cultural difference, I might be unreasonable but I am just over it! Its extremely frustrating trying to sell all of your stuff when you are leaving the UAE. Have a listen to the episode and tell me if I am being unreasonable See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - I lost her deposit!!!! (leaving Abu Dhabi)
March 28, 2020 02:15 - 7 minutes - 10.3 MBToday the lady is coming back to pick up all the stuff that she bought. Just one problem: I lost her deposit! Can you believe it? Because I cant - haha Taking it step by step but leaving the UAE is now slowly getting real! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - The Guy turned out to be a GIRL!!!!
March 26, 2020 02:05 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBAfter creating a sales strategy (yesterday) it is not time to start selling all my stuff. I have 4 more weeks before I leave Abu Dhabi and by then my apartment needs to be completely empty. Lets see how it goes as I have the first people come over and cherry pick through all of my stuff! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - I had to create an entire strategy
March 25, 2020 02:20 - 11 minutes - 15.1 MBLaura is off back to the UK and today I have to figure out how I am going to start selling off all my stuff! So I have to create a strategy on how to sell, what to sell, where to sell etc. Lets just say that creating a strategy is one thing but executing is another! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - One Night in Dubai
March 24, 2020 02:17 - 9 minutes - 13.6 MBIts Weekend, its Dubai, My and laura are having an amazing day at the pool, shopping and drinks all over town! Staying at the Avani Ibn Batutta where the current lunch and dinner specials INSANITY before making our way to the Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers for drinks, dinner and finally ending at Budda Bar for more drinks! Happy Days in Dubai! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LMW - ALL YOU CAN WINE & 23K GOLD ICECREAM
March 23, 2020 02:00 - 8 minutes - 12.1 MBBye Sisters & Hello Laura! We are going all around Abu Dhabi starting at Qasr al Hosn, then onwards to the Emirates Palace before pooling at The Westin and having dinner at an AMAZING Italian restaurant in Abu Dhabi! Its the ultimate quick in & out Abu Dhabi experience! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LMW - Abu Dhabi Mangrove Walk and crazy sandstorms
March 22, 2020 02:00 - 14 minutes - 20.3 MBKicking off the day at the newly opened Abu Dhabi Mangrove walk (listen to the episode for the ultimate PRO TIP!) and today is the very first time I get to experience an actual sandstorm! But as its the last night of my sisters we will be making our way to Dubai for an evening of shopping, food and drinks! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - AMAZING SURPRISE (Sisters take over the podcast)
March 21, 2020 02:00 - 24 minutes - 34.3 MBGuys, today my sisters are taking over the entire episode (So yes it will be a super long episode) I wrote a mystery message on the whiteboard and organized a surprise for my sisters! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - BRANDSFORLESS YOU NEED TO SPONSOR ME
March 20, 2020 02:00 - 12 minutes - 17.6 MBMy sisters are in town to that means we have to do our mandatory brandsforless haul! I feel that by now brands for less needs to come on board as a sponsor as we are being such fantastic brand ambassadors for them... so B4L if you are reading this: lets make it happen! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LMW - The most random place on earth to have dinner!
March 19, 2020 02:00 - 17 minutes - 23.6 MBWhat is the most random place you have ever had dinner? I think that in todays episode we will be able to trump that as in a very spontaneous way we are having dinner at a place we would normally never have dinner. Also, I got a AED200 parking fine but what else is new :) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
LWM - A radical decision whilst drinking Gin & Tonic tea!
March 18, 2020 02:00 - 12 minutes - 16.8 MBI am back from my trip around the world and still feeling those post-vacation blues! Perhaps that's why I decided to do something super radical.. and to calm me down I decided to try the Gin & Tonic tea that Laura bought my last week in London! Want to know what I did? Want to know how Gin & Tonic tea tastes? Then find out in todays episode See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael: I lost my Helicopter Virginity (Flying over Cape Town - AMAZING)
March 17, 2020 12:16 - 11 minutes - 15.4 MBHonestly, Cape Town is looking soooo amazing from above! I booked a hellcopter tour to take me around the city and it was worth every single penny! From the amazing mountains, beautiful costal lines and we even got to see whales in the ocean: What more can you want! Its the perfect way to a perfect day in this amazing city called: Cape Town! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael - I got scammed in Cape Town (still not sure)
March 16, 2020 12:14 - 9 minutes - 13.7 MBHello From Awesome Cape Town. I cant believe it took me this long to visit! Truly breath taking! Im having the best time, the best foods, the best wines, the best views... but then I get approached by this young man.. And I wonder: Am I being scammed? I recored the whole thing so if you are listening please let me know: Am I being scammed? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael - Bom Dia Sao Paulo, Why doenst anyone speak English?
March 15, 2020 12:11 - 12 minutes - 17 MBToday I find myself in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Honestly, what an amazing city! So full of life and color but as expected literally nobody speaks a word of English and considering I dont speak Portuguese it makes for an amazing day! Want to know how I spend my day in this awesome city? Then listen to todays episode! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael: Argentinian Steak & Malbec wine: I love Buenos Aires
March 14, 2020 12:07 - 13 minutes - 18.7 MBToday I get to spend the full day in the capital of Argentina! Walking the streets of Buenos Aires is absolutely amazing and I simply cant leave the city without having some fantastic meat and drinking some delish Malbec wine! So I found this amazing restaurant to help me sample some of Argentina's finest meats! Want to know how my day in Buenos Aires was? Then listen to todays episode! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael - VIP Experience at the Buenos Aires ATP Open
March 13, 2020 12:04 - 9 minutes - 13.1 MBAfter yet another 14 hours I made it to Argentina! Hola Buenos Aires! I am meeting my friend John and joining him as his +1 at the Buenos Aires ATP open (tennis) where we get to enjoy the day as VIP's on behalf of Marriott Bonvoy! It was simply the best day as I love tennis and it was a true first row experience! Want to know what a VIP experience is like? Then listen to todays episode See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael - Gin & Tonic tea in London (UK)
March 12, 2020 12:01 - 6 minutes - 8.41 MBSurprise! I made it to London (UK not the Canadian one) Im hanging out with my dear friend Laura today as this was the perfect way to spend the day in the UK Capital before flying onwards to Frankfurt for yet another 14 hour flight to Buenos Aires. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael - Pulled over by Canadian Police (its -25 degrees)
March 11, 2020 11:59 - 9 minutes - 12.6 MBIts my first (and only) full day in Canada and its an amazing - 25 degrees! Basically everything is frozen so my Jodi(cousin) and Bryan are on our way for a little bit of sight seeing before heading to breakfast, mall and me making my way back to the airport! But as we make our way to the airport we get pulled over by the Canadian Police... (We where speeding +30 KM/hr) Want to know what happened? Then listen to todays episode! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael - ITS FLIPPING COLD (Flying to Toronto!)
March 10, 2020 11:51 - 11 minutes - 15.9 MBToday is the day that I am finally flying to Toronto! its a massive 14 hours that takes me from +25 degrees into -15 degrees! Want to know how my first day in Canada went? Then listen to todays episode! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael - A new business idea (The Edition Abu Dhabi)
March 09, 2020 11:47 - 17 minutes - 24.5 MBBusiness ideas can come at the most random places at the most random times.. Today I am visiting The Edition Abu Dhabi (hotel) and it gives me the inspiration to research a new business idea! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael - I am officially an influencer now
March 08, 2020 11:42 - 9 minutes - 12.6 MBAs it turns out people are listening to Life With Michael, feel inspired and go shop at our #1 store: Brands4less. I think that qualifies me as an official influencer now! (A micro-influencer) Im also debating if I should go and see JoJo Rabbit in Cinema or not... find out what I decided to do by listening to todays episode See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael - Hitler at Galleria Mall (Why?!)
March 07, 2020 11:39 - 20 minutes - 27.6 MBSo I spend the evening at Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi. Whilst I sit at Starbucks, I look up and I see footage of Adolf Hitler on repeat on the big screens within the mall.. and I just ask myself: WHY?! So I investigate and find out why.. want to know the reason behind it? Then listen to todays episode See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael - UAE government lifts ban on WhatsApp
March 06, 2020 11:37 - 10 minutes - 15.1 MBIn the UAE the local goverment blocks and bans the usage of anything VOIP. This means we dont have Skype, Zoom, Hangout, Facetime or Whatsapp calls... but that all changes today!! For a few short hours the ban has been lifted and that means I have to make full use of it! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life With Michael - How to close your UAE bank account
March 05, 2020 14:02 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MBI slept sooooo well at the Avani Ibn Batutta and spend the early afternoon at their pool. (Which overall is a great find!) On my way home to Abu Dhabi I make a stop at Yas Mall and visit the ADCB Bank branch to find out: How do I cancel my UAE credit card and learn how to close my UAE bank account. Overall it seems very straight forward but I guess that in the weeks a head we will find out if that is also actually the case in real life :) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out inf...
Life With Michael: He met his Dutch Wife in a UAE supermarket!
March 04, 2020 14:00 - 14 minutes - 19.4 MBI am back in Dubai and its going to be a super fun day! During the day I am hanging at the pool of the Avani Ibn Battuta hotel together with my friend Sally. (Including an amazing late lunch) At night Im meeting my friend Derek and together we start the night at Barasti Dubai but end up The Penthouse at 5 Palm Jumeirah which turns out to be the perfect way to end the night! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.