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Published: April 1st 2006
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Looks like Mars
The color of the sand was a deep red Sand on the dunes slithers like smooth silk...until it gets in your eyeballs! Earlier, we studiously applied suncreen (SPF 30) from head to toe, only to discover later on that we would become human sheets of sandpaper. The previous days desert safaris had been cancelled due to sandstorms. The sand blows so strongly that trucks have difficulty navigating the roads...and nevermind the dunes. The sand shifts in the dunes so you cannot stop and admire the view. If you do...which we did... you must be extremely careful to pay attention to the dunes shifting. I was taking video and all of a sudden I felt the truck creeping closer to me. But...we hadn't been briefed about the shifting...so I thought I was imagining it...then full force, the truck was headed right for me...think Toyota Land Cruiser moving fast...think Cinnamon moving very slowly because her feet are sunk into the sand past her ankles! All of the men gathered quickly to push the vehicle away from me. Move fast...we had to jump in the Land Cruiser and get moving again. Then the leader advised us about the sand shifting, "Don't stand in the front, back or side of the truck" he warned.
Camel Trotting
Happily moving along I didn't dare stand anywhere near any of the trucks after that.
Duning is quite dangerous actually. Dunes are anywhere from a few feet to over 100 feet. The truck cruises gently over the blade of the dune. The tires are deflated before the adventure begins, in order to maneover the terrain better. It is a blind ride, one can't tell if there is someone coming up over the same dune...I think that was half of the thrill. I had front row seating...and I live to tell that we travelled over some of the dunes on a 90 degree angle. Our truck carried several passengers, Vicki & Eddie from the UK and Patrick and Carmello from the UK as well. Galib sat directly behind me. Vicki was quick to observe one of the private trucks over turn. Our leader informed us that many private trucks will offer cheaper rates but they are not insured in case of an accident. The passengers were heli-lifted to the nearest hospital. I saw a guy with an ankle the size of a watermelon. The site was not pretty, but help came quickly. You get what you pay for. Our driver was safe and
Sandboarding
All of the attempts were hideous...the guys bailed at the bottom, new meaning to the phrase "Eat Dust!" responsible.
Saleem picked us up at the hotel in a beautiful White Toyota Land Cruiser. We drove 2 hours into the desert. He pointed out the Margham Hills Oil Field and wandering camels. We stopped to watch a herd of camels trot past us. Most of them were pregnant. Camels are allowed to wander free at night time. They are similar to free range chickens. They know where there home is. Camels are quite friendly creatures. They like to be patted on the head and they like to lick your hand.
Some of the more machismo guys dared try the sand boarding. I say, if you have never snow boarded, than you better not try sand boarding. These guys would cruise half way down...straight, no curving, and bail at the bottom into pits of sand...and then they would sink into the sand with their board, swallowing and breathing in huge amounts of dust. Sand burn. Ouch. Not one guy made it to the bottom without falling...you think the other guys would learn!
Our evening ended with a traditional Arabian BBQ. Henna (art for your hands), shisha (the crazy tobacco pipe) and a belly dancer added to the
evening's ambience. A spectacular fireworks display lit the sky, but that was not part of the BBQ, it was a wedding that was taking place close by. They had organized a desert safari convoy of 120 vehicles for their wedding guests. Can you imagine!!!
As for Dubai, it is very metropolitan. It's the next New York City of the Middle East. Donald Trump is building an elaborate resdential estate and several theme parks are under construction. It is the place to invest. Check out www.thepalm.ae. You are given an automatic residency permit if you purchase a condo. And the shopping is fabulous. Dubai is a women's (or teenage girls) fantasy come true! Perfume shops, clothing, cars, jewellery, you name it, you can find it in Dubai!
Galib & I love the inexpensive freshly pressed juices available on the street or in restaurants. Try this recipe:
1 glass of Passion Fruit Lemonade
-one passion fruit, peeled
-fresh lemon juice to taste
-club soda
-sugar syrup to taste
-garnish with a lemon wedge
It was simply delicious!
As for our bellies, I had an intense craving for a Canadian hamburger. I knew I wasn't going to get
Huge dunes
See the 2 tiny trucks in the distance? anything that would compare, so Galib convinced me to go to a Lebanese restaurant, Al Safadi. I opened the menu and the first thing I read under Appetizers was "Brain Snack", only to look further and see "Fried Brain" and "Tongue". How is the Brain Snack different than the Fried Brain? Oh, one is a snack and one is fried. Ok, all I know is seeing these on the menu is not good for an upset belly. I settled on the falafel sandwich and Galib ate 3 chicken shawarmas. Ultimately, the sandwich was superb.
What have I learned about Galib on this trip? I learned that Galib can guide a tour of all the grocery stores in the Middle East. We visited several to look at their "Date Corner". Galib is obsessed with dates. Dubai is the homeland of dates. I must admit though, the quality of dates here is unlike any other. I'm sure most of you will be receiving a sample. We have a year's supply now.
One thing I never thought I'd hear Galib say was, "I think all this chocolate has put out my shoulder"...everyone knows Galib's love for chocolate. Well, Emirates charged us
Falconry
Galib holding a falcon excess baggage for all of the chocolate and dates. I'm not joking either, it was 8 kilos over and not cheap...but worth it I guess. Mmmm chocolate. Mmm dates.
A Lonely Planet book accurately describes the 4 phases of travelling:
1) Excitement
2) Annoyance
3) Adjustment
4) Adaptation
We did reach the final phase, adaptation. I got used to seeing women in burkas, all dressed in black, I noticed the women distinguished themselves by the delicate embroidery they chose or the handbag they wore. I found comfort in "Namaaz", a soothing voice echoing in the streets, calling out Islamic prayers.
We are safe and we are home. Galib & I had amazing experiences on this trip to Pakistan and the Middle East.
Thanks for following the Blog.
It's good to back.
Cin & Galib
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Len
non-member comment
Welcome Home
Galib and Cin, Welcome home and what an adventure you have had. The photography was superb as well...well done! Now you have to adapt to the Canadian culture of hustle and bustle and compete. Glad you are safe and thanks for sharing. len