A bit about my life in Dubai...
This is my neighborhood...down the street from the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
- I live somewhere in one of those tall buildings... although it's a decent size city it's very spread out, so I have a car and drive everywhere. (we already sold our car so i'm not worried about my license plate being on the internet:) Driving is crazy here, mostly roundabouts and u-turns. Not alot of street signs so you do a lot of "turn right at the gas station, turn left at the trash can, down the sandy road..."
- The weather is insanely hot and humid for 9 months of the year (around 100-120 degrees F), but from December to February it's actually really nice. That is the time when it's great to have friends and family visit. There are tons fun touristy things to do. ( dhow ride in old dubai, sand boarding in the desert, camel riding, belly dancers, henna..it's cheezy but for the first few times it's actually pretty fun!)
-This is the Burj Al Arab, the Dubai icon. It's the world's only 7 star hotel and while the outside is interesting and beautiful, I find the inside to be absolutely hideous!
- Dubai is a melting pot of lots of different people...Americans, Europeans, Australians, Indians, Pakistanis, Philipinos, and a small population of Emirati (pronounced Em-er-ah-tee) who are the locals. From my experience with a local family that I have done a few projects for, they are very nice people. Family oriented, kind-hearted, and sincere.
- Emiratis are very distinctive. The men where white kandooras (long shirt-dresses), drive super nice cars, and wear designer sunglasses.
- The women wear black abayas (the long dress and scarves or veils), designer shoes, and really fancy handbags. The most popular bags are Louis Vuitton and Hermes, I swear I see hundreds everyday.
- I do my grocery shopping at the mall. I can get alot of yummy food from other countries (which is nice when you want some European chocolate ) but often times when I'm looking for something like plain Cheerios, I end up driving all over town looking for it!
- Eating out is amazing here...we have delicious Lebanese food (hummus, shish kabob), fantastic Indian, Persian, Thia, Mediterranean, and even good old American chains like Baja Fresh, Macaroni Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, etc.
- The shopping is pretty amazing too, mostly designer stores so it's expensive but the Dubai shopping festival happens twice a year and the discounts are often 75% off.
This is my neighborhood...down the street from the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
- I live somewhere in one of those tall buildings... although it's a decent size city it's very spread out, so I have a car and drive everywhere. (we already sold our car so i'm not worried about my license plate being on the internet:) Driving is crazy here, mostly roundabouts and u-turns. Not alot of street signs so you do a lot of "turn right at the gas station, turn left at the trash can, down the sandy road..."
-This is the Burj Al Arab, the Dubai icon. It's the world's only 7 star hotel and while the outside is interesting and beautiful, I find the inside to be absolutely hideous!
You have to pay to take a picture of the lobby...can you believe that? Hideous, but the food is really good.
- Emiratis are very distinctive. The men where white kandooras (long shirt-dresses), drive super nice cars, and wear designer sunglasses.
- Eating out is amazing here...we have delicious Lebanese food (hummus, shish kabob), fantastic Indian, Persian, Thia, Mediterranean, and even good old American chains like Baja Fresh, Macaroni Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, etc.
- The shopping is pretty amazing too, mostly designer stores so it's expensive but the Dubai shopping festival happens twice a year and the discounts are often 75% off.
And last but not least, friends! I have lots of wonderful friends that I feel so blessed to have met. I will miss them most of all!
That's the dose of Dubai for today...back with more tomorrow!
Dubai has always fascinated me! My ex-boyfriends family relocated there a few years before we ended our relationship and I had always hoped I'd get a chance to visit them but sadly, I never did so it's nice to live vicariously through you :)
ReplyDeletethis is seriously SO cool... I want to expand my horizons and travel somewhere like this... thanks for sharing! i love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tour. I am sure your friends will miss you very much.
ReplyDeleteAmy R.
This looks nice thus far...not sure I want a plane ticket...im excited to see more!! Friends can make anything and any place fun!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to see these things. I'm glad we were able to visit you there. You need to put a picture of the Antique Museum on your blog. You have helped to make that place world famous! Love the pictures of 'Livi.
ReplyDeleteIt's always half excitement and half bittersweet to leave your home for a new place. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love the sand surfing photo. So cute of you two.
ReplyDeleteFascinating, love a glimpse into your life. I have hear it is gorgeous there!
ReplyDeleteLove this! Makes me miss the Middle East as your life there sounds very similar to my life in Kuwait - although Dubai is better as more social (and you can consume alcohol). Can't wait for more.
ReplyDeleteyou are soo sweet! good luck with your move, can't wait to see all the magic you do in hong kong!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I was in Dubai for a few days a couple of years ago. And you totally captured what I saw as well.
ReplyDeleteAnd how funny - I just did a post today about my experience in Dubai.
I loved reading this post. Wow it's hot there!! Now I understand why the Emiratis run over to Kuala Lumpur to enjoy "nice" weather and shop! I lived there for 2 years and we would get tons of them escaping the heat and taking advantage of KL sale season. For me it was still very very hot and couldn't imagine how much hotter it could be over there, now I get it ;)
ReplyDeleteGood luck in Hong Kong!