Blogs from United Arab Emirates, Middle East - page 172

I had a long enough layover in Dubai that I was able to get a visa, leave the airport and take a bus downtown for a few hours. It was a really glitzy city with beautiful architecture. I arrived in the morning before it was to unbearably hot, and wandered around the souks. They were really impressive with the masses of gold and rich fabrics. I don't think I've seen so many textile stores and tailors in one place. The citizens of Dubai are sharp dressers...though I can't imagine where the women might where some of those gowns. They looked like one big piece of jewelry. I took a boat across the "creek" and spent some time mosque viewing. My favorite was the brilliant turquoise one. It was a bit odd that in the morning I ... read more

I have never been good at writing things down. I've always felt that my life moves too fast to keep up with it by putting pen to paper. I tried keeping a journal for a while when I first began travelling, but I found that the only time I would write anything down was when I needed to vent and get frustrated thoughts out of my head. The rest of the time I was too busy enjoying myself to take the time to write in my journal. So it didn't last. Thankfully, the internet now exists, and although my typing will still never be able to keep up with my active mind, I am going to make an attempt at recording some of the wierd and wonderful things that have, and are, happening in my life. ... read more

From what I remembered of Dubai, I was expecting Disneyland-crashes-into-Arabia, but this wasn't..... We had a day or two here on the way back and we probably needed a bit of luxury ( ie proper beds and hot water, not to mention lights that didn't cut out every four hours....) It was luxurious, very hot and your every need is catered to, but there's something very sterile here: virtually no-one is out on the streets, you're dwarfed by huge blank-faced buildings and smart cars whizz endlessly by on immaculate roads...Everyone we spoke to just seemed to stay in the hotel grounds all day long, then do the same in the evening...fine for a day or two, especially to be near the Gulf, but after that... ... read more

The Romans - what have they ever done for us? Not wanting to quote the famous “Life of Brian” sketch you have to admit they were way ahead of their time. They invented so many things we take for granted today. Invading other countries and having an Empire just because you can, central heating, political corruption, Ceasar Salads (with or without extra Anchovies) Toga parties, pizza and riding scooters without a crash helmet were all Roman ideas. Where would Russell Crowe’s career be without “Gladiator”? Where would George Michael’s be without public toilets? They even built a wall to keep the Scots out of England. So, it should be of no surprise that Latin should have some memorable sayings that are as relevant today as they were in 10 A.D. Quad Erat Demonstradum. QED. Quite literally ... read more

Dear All Since my last blog update, I have spent 9 days in Greece and 2 1/2 days in the United Arab Emirates. As I am heading off to Kenya today and will be on tours for the next 2 weeks, I am afraid those blogs will not be posted anytime soon. Take care and I will get around to publishing all as soon as I can. Cheers Merryn... read more