Hi from Dubai

 

We had a 36 hour layover in Dubai while travelling from the Seychelles to Bali. (I know, life is tough). Everything in the city is new and shiny and it was described to us as Las Vegas but without the excitement. The people were actually very welcoming and everyone told us how safe Dubai is, that virtually there is no crime.

From our hotel room, we could see the tallest building in the world (the Burj Khalifa), the Dubai Mall and the Dancing Fountains. 

A main attraction of the city is the Dubai Mall, reportedly the biggest mall in the world.  They have a skating rink, aquarium, movie theaters, a dinosaur skeleton and of course lots of restaurants and stores. It was interesting watching the cross section of visitors from all over the world and the different styles of dress, but it was depressing to travel half-way around the world and see the same cheesy stores.

Although it was an interesting to see the city, we were much happier during our tour into the desert. We chose a tour that excluded dune bashing in a 4 x 4 and sand surfing, and chose instead to learn a little about the Bedouin’s traditional life style and visit a wildlife refuge. It was a good choice.

We were told because it was private property, we were required to wear appropriate head coverings. I suspect this was more for the tourist experience but that’s ok.

So I would be lying if I didn’t say I was totally psyched that we got to ride camels to the Bedouin encampment.

We rode to an area where a large tent, made from camel skin, was set up. The whole tent was lined with carpet. We were given a traditional greeting with Arabic coffee.

Breakfast was prepared for us. They did provide me with gluten-free options.

The culture was discussed while we ate.

Afterwards we were shown how falcons are used for hunting. I loved learning that they would catch a young falcon at the beginning of the hunting period, train it up and use it for the season, then release it to go breed. They would catch a different falcon the next year. It was made clear that the falcons have no attachment to the humans, their relationship is strictly food related.

They also discussed using the Saluki as a hunting dog, but we didn’t get to see one run. Apparently the week before, this one got away and actually caught a gazelle much to the dismay of the guides and the tourists.

He clearly knew Don was not going to let him run.

There was also the chance to try and milk a goat.

I opted for a henna tattoo.

Afterwards, we went into the reserve. Our guide pointed out and identified different plants and animal tracks and discussed conservation. We did get to see both Mountain Gazelles and Arabian Oryxs . I loved seeing wildlife but  I also found the desert to be mesmerizing.

Our flight left at 2 AM which allowed us to meet up with our friends, Lisa and Denny, who had a 12 hour layover. We used the time to go up to the 125th floor of the Burj Khalifa and look out over the city.

While we enjoyed our time in Dubai, we did not regret that we only had 36 hours there.