DUBAI - City of Contrasts

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Well here we are! 4 days in. Time has flown. This bizarre city of contrasts has made quite an impression - quaint boats floating past an old Mosque on the Dubai Creek accompanied with the Arabic prayer calling in the background, but then a few minutes later the same boat meandering past a stupidly tall ultra modern glitzy sky tower adorned with flashing neon lights and coloured beads. This contrast of old and new is very obvious especially in the 'old' district of this ever expanding city.

The good points! Gorgeous Arabian food with the sort of kebabs you dream about! pleasant dry heat which doesn't cause the arm pits to sweat, spectacular architectural wonders as I attempted to demonstrate in my pics, and very friendly courteous people.

The bad points! " Too much traffic' the taxi drivers say, the expense (its the same as England which as a tourist I'm not used to the battering on my wallet!), the ugliness of the numerous building sites, and dusty 'blank' areas of the city

In short this place makes for a perfect stop over for an onward journey - to relax recover and recharge! Plenty to get the mind off what you left behind and on to whats to come!

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Photos

Dubai's landmark building!
Oh dear I forgot the name. Google it!

A native Arab
Ben prides himself on his ability to blend in seamlessly with the natives...

Sal 'N' Sheesha
Too much Raspberry Sheesha for Sal!

Desert scene
Lovely sunset view - just for a few moments to appreciate before the 4x4 continued on our journey through the sand dunes...

Even Landcruisers do get stuck
Although they said it was deliberate...

Comments

[Nesh]

save me a kebab! ;)

[camille]

Looks really fabulous... What about the shopping????? I honestly wouldnt have guessed that was Ben dressed up unless you had put the comment underneath he does blend in well!!!!

[camille]

Does that Raspberry pipe thingy help you go into labour?? I could have done with some of that 6 weeks ago!!

[sallmarie]

hey doosh how its going!?!!!
yep a new place to try for our next meal out! :) arabian food is well yummy! more updates to come soon!

[Shirley Fryer]

Europa calling! (Judith)
Well, aren't I clever? Managed to understand your instructions and see what you've been getting up to! What a marvellous Arab Ben makes! We're very glad you're safely there - what a plane ride that was! We hoped you might have been able to sleep or look at films - it must have been like going to another planet. Been to see Mackenzie again - looked the same as before. Very busy with school at moment. Infant Nativity, playing for choir last night at Esporta (carols). Chris Beardsell was there on a large table for their church's Christmas meal. Tomorrow St. Williams Christingle followed by Julia's Abbeydale Singers Carol Concert. Very cold here, cold AND dank. Dad says very very pleasant to talk to you - a nice surprise, and glad to know everything going all right. You'll soon be looking after those children!! We look forward to hearing about it. Lots and lots of love to you both. Heaps of love from Woof. xxx

[halefg]

Famous landmark
LOL it is called 'Burj al Arab' It is the only seven stars hotel in the world :o) Keep up with your excellent blogs!