Dubai, A Well-Kept Secret

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After 3 weeks in India, we were warmly welcomed by Dubai...and I do mean that literally...temperatures of 45C and higher! Though despite the heat, we were openly ready for clean bathrooms, orderly queues, and haggle-free shopping!

You know you are a backpacker when...

-You forget what it is like to visit a proper shopping mall.
-You get extremely excited to work out at a gym (a largely foreign word to us these days).
-Family or friends treating you to a nice, adult-like meal nearly brings a tear to your eye. (Thank you Uncle Talal and Auntie Jenni!)

Maybe it was the euphoric feeling of being in the land of the "Palms," and our invitation to cocktail at the world's only 7-star Hotel that prompted us to toss out our backpacker rags and hit the Dubai shopping scene...just in time for summer sales. Lets face it, we knew we weren't leaving our backpacker lifestyle for good, but we were happy to pretend for one week! My generous parents treated us to our own apartment in Bur Dubai, equipped with its own washing machine, kitchen, balcony, TV, and dining room table...trust me, its these ordinary things that this trip has helped us appreciate SO much more! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Our time in Dubai flew by SO fast! We had such a marvelous time, so I will just highlight the pinnacles and let the photos do most of the talking.

-Spending time with my Uncle Talal and my Auntie Jenni who completely spoiled us with dinner at the Emmirates Towers, a relaxing day at the exclusive Jumeirah Beach Club, cocktails at the Burj al Arab, and a pedicure to top it all off!
-Riding the Abra with the girls (including Auntie Jenni) to the Gold Souk and having a traditional middle-eastern meal at the Heritage Village.
-Meeting a new friend, Luke, and cocktailing with him at the Uptown Bar on top of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
-SKIING in Dubai! Should I repeat this? Yes, Dawn and I went SKIING in Dubai (well Dawn snow-boarded).
-Dancing the night away at Trilogy and recalling the incredible times we have had together by the waters of the Madinat.
-Soaking up a middle-eastern culture that allows you to believe peace and open-mindedness are in fact tangible all over the world.

Dubai is a lovely place, growing bigger and bolder every day. I encourage you all to visit so that you can see with your own eyes, just how the middle-east meets west.

God Bless,
Team America

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Photos

Feeling Like Adults In Dubai
Our first night out on the town at Trilogy!

Do We Look Serious or WHAT?
Skiing at Ski Dubai in the Mall of Emmirates. Only Dubai would have a ski mountain inside the mall!

Thank You Uncle Talal and Auntie Jenni
For allowing us to enjoy paradise in Dubai!

The Abra
Let's do it how it was done in the olden days...don't need no fancy boats! (that is my darlin Auntie Jenni)

Here it Is!
Wondering what the only 7-star hotel in the world looks like?? Ladies and Gentleman....THE BURJ AL ARAB

Straight Up TRUTH
We really think we are funny sometimes!

Comments

[ThePilgrim]

Wow
I just happened to spot your post as I finished my own post and I'm glad I stopped by to take a look at what your adventures have been like this summer. It looks like you guys are having an amazing trip and have seen and experienced some amazing thing. I hope this has been a wonderful opportunity for personal growth, keep up the good traveling Team America.

[bpadula]

Roshni behaving herself?
Hi...all of us are just dying to know if Roshni landed herself a Shiek or something yet! Tell her the lunchroom gang sends all thier best!

[Abby Tam]

AWESOME!!
I can't believe you guys went to the Burj....did you guys get reservations for lunch or dinner?? Regardless, awesome to have even went to Dubai!!! Definitely will wanna hear about that since it's on my list, Rosh!!! Stay safe, and keep the blogs coming, Caroline!! : )