Oct 23, 2005 - United Arab Emirates - UAE

DUBAI

19 October, 2005, arrival from Johannesburg, South Africa, into Dubai...

Goodness, what a difference from Africa!

Oozing old world charm, embodying modern day glamour is the oil-rich emirate of Dubai, perched on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. A city of striking contrast, it boasts of the tallest, most lavish hotel (the first 7 star rated hotel in the world) called the Burj Al Arab, with an underwater sea-life restaurant, every suite has its own butler and the cheapest room going for $1000.00 USD per night and it is built on its own man made island. To avoid any google-eyed riffraff from loitering, it will cost you $55USD just to enter the grounds and have a peek!

While its attractive skyline is dotted in science-fiction skyscrapers, stunning mosques, wind towers and traditional architecture lend a strong cultural identity and character to a seemingly new age city.

We went on a dinner cruise one night -- sounds like "nerd city tour" thing, but it turned into a very picturesque way to see the historical focal point of Dubai called "The Creek" area. A natural inlet from the Gulf which bisects the city into two: Deira in the North and Bur Dubai in the south... where the rich and famous of the land "hang out".

With only being in Dubai for 3 nights and four days, we also did a city tour; it was quite personal... usually in a tour bus or van, but this was in a top o' the line Land Rover with only 5 clients, what a beautiful city!

See you in Bangkok, Thailand !

Marc and John xo

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