Showing posts with label Dubai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dubai. Show all posts
Monday, May 9, 2011
Highlights from Dubai
For me Dubai seemed more like a city to live in rather than a getaway destination. However, I think it is a great place to stopover if you’re coming from the US while heading to another destination. For others the trip isn’t so long therefore, I could see opting to head to the Atlantis and hit up the beach! For us it was great to visit good friends and share in exploring Dubai!
What I will remember:
- The fact that Dubai seems to be constantly building – 24/7 NON STOP.
- The girl in the supermarket who was wearing what people in the U.S. would even deem a bit inappropriate being gawked at by locals and expats (it just isn’t something you see often in Dubai – if you go it is best to not opt for next to nothing. Tank tops are ok. No pants you may want to reconsider).
Go! it is a blast and a great way to pass a day under the desert sun. A particular highlight was the Gold Vending Machine, yes; you can actually buy solid gold!
Even though my friend and I were like wet rags due to motion sickness; it is one of the bumpiest and jerkiest rides I have taken (worse than the Cyclone at Coney Island for those of you who have had the pleasure of riding it). Our particular guide was obsessed with U.S. rappers and insisted that he himself was a rapper. At one point he decided to indulge us with his so called talent.
An option you may have as an addition to Dune Bashing is a BBQ in the desert with performers and camel rides. It’s ok – it’s a bit cheesy but something to do. The dancers were the highlight.
In the end I am surprised we actually survived the trip for two reasons:
o Our guide didn’t believe in speed limits
o He also decided that it would be fun drive without lights on as we left the dessert after dark – EEK!
- A bird’s eye view of the Burj Khalifa water show @ Neo Lounge in the Address Hotel.
The lounge itself is really nice and provides you with a perfect view to watch the water show unfold. Sunset is a perfect time to go but make a reservation in order to secure a table by the window. Downside: our service wasn’t great. They forgot our nuts and our $20 drinks were half empty. Maybe they were having a bad night? Good news is that upon telling the manager he treated us to a lovely appetizer.
The Old City gives you a hint at what this city must have looked like 20 plus years ago. Its small winding streets, wooden boats, and the call to prayer make for a beautiful picture that will forever be etched in your mind. If you want to hit up the Souks – spice, gold, and silver – this is where you have to go. It is a great experience.
Other moments were spent enjoying dinners, making dinner, and just
walking around with our friends! (btw people look at you like you're crazy
for walking).
A trip to Dubai!
Egypt got ruled out as a stopping point due to the tensions that continue to mount within the country so we took a sometime to figure out what we should put in its place. We came to the conclusion that we would visit some dear friends who had recently moved the Dubai. I am glad we did.
I think Dubai itself is an interesting place. From what we have read the city is about 80% expats and 20% Emirates. It’s a complicated blend where the west meets the east. But while you might envision a blending of the cultures, I would argue, based on the impressions of my short visit, there is a clear divide. Here is why:
- There are laws and rules that apply only to expats
- There is a clear area where the expats live, which is mostly in the massive apartment buildings.
- When walking out and about you rarely will see the locals mixed with a table of expats. I have to say that the few instances that we did see people interacting it made me smile. I truly believe that sharing and education builds bridges of understanding between people.
My impression is that the city is still developing a culture of its own as it tries to juggle the complexities of diversity (cultural, religious, economic). A few things you have to able to stomach:
- Sometimes not being addressed especially if you are a women (this was a bit hard for me especially knowing that there is so much work to be done in these areas for women rights)
- Not kissing or touching your husband/wife (while you can legally hold hands if your are married we didn’t risk the chance of getting thrown in jail)
- Having covered shoulders and legs, especially in the Old City (to me this was no big deal rather I find it to be respectful)
Still our short visit has defiantly left a desire in me to see more of the UAE and more of the Middle East which hopefully we will be able to do one day.
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