Quick sidetrip to Dubai

Here are some images from the brief time I spent in Dubai just a few weeks ago. I visited the United Arab Emirates and this dynamic city while making my way home from India. It just took a few adjustments with my flight itinerary and cashing in some United mileage points to score my first visit to the Middle East. I also had the opportunity to visit the Manja family, friends and former colleagues from my time spent teaching and coaching in North Dakota. Joe, Nickie, and their son Matthew have been in Dubai for close to 5 years. They are wonderful people, and were so kind to open up their home to me during my visit to Dubai. We had a great visit and time of fellowship together, and they also prepared one of the best lasagnas I've ever tasted. I also want to thank them for their recommendations, suggestions, and list of attractions they provided for me to take in during my limited time there.

Residential area near Mirdif where I stayed--- This area is a popular choice for expats.

Sleek Desert Living

Marina near the Old quarter

The Bastakiya-- The old quarter consisting of original settlements

Remnants of a 19th century city wall

Narrow streets, touristy shops and boutiques, and some fascinating architecture

Construction fever alive and well in this city

Skyscrapers dominate the landscape in Dubai

Buildings here come in many shapes and sizes

Shopping malls are also popular here--- A safe haven when the barometer hits 115-120 during the summer months

The Dubai Mall--- Here are some interesting facts about the place

Is world's largest mall based on total area
Has over 1200 shops and over 12 million sq. ft. of floor space
Has over 120 restaurants and cafes and 54 million visited the mall in 2011
Has over 14,000 parking spaces & world's largest candy store- over 10,000 sq. ft.
Has an enormous aquarium, 22 screen cinema, ice skating rink, and much, much, more

Unique Diver fountains inside the Dubai Mall

Prepare for Impact

Kind of reminded me of Greg Louganis

Lunch Time

Believe it or Not, This aquarium actually sprung a leak last year, and the mall had to be evacuated!!

Ice skating at the mall

And connected to the Mall--- The Burj Khalifa
This is the largest building in the world standing at 2,723 feet
It opened in 2010, cost 1.5 billion to construct, and has 160 floors
The elevators inside are the world's fastest, moving at over 40 mph
Rental space costs over 4,000 U.S. dollars per square ft.
The building contains the world's 2nd highest swimming pool, a nightclub on the 144th floor
There is an observation deck on the 124th floor, but all tickets were sold out-- Maybe next time!!

Buildings adjacent to the Burj Khalifa fronted by the lagoon & outdoor fountains

Time for a visit to one of the fabulous beaches on the Persian Gulf-- Marina Beach

Clear seas and refreshing waters are the norm in the winter months-- I am told that water temps. more closely resemble bath tub water temps. during the summer months



Warning-- The Next Image May Be Disturbing to Some Viewers-- Viewer Discretion is Advised

I never realized that I bare a close resemblance to the Michelin Man--- Or maybe it's the Pillsbury Dough Boy!

The Atlantis Resort in the distant center-- Our family vacationed at the Atlantis Resort in Nassau, Bahamas just a few months ago & I would highly recommend it

These high rises overlooked the Marina Beach Area

Concrete and Steel Meets the Sand

After taking a dip in the sea, I realized it was time to regroup--- Starbucks seemed like a solid choice. What to do after lingering in the sun, sand, and waters of the Persian Gulf? Something much cooler of course

After a 10 minute adrenaline filled taxi cab drive where I demanded that the driver keep it under 100 mph-- it was off to the Emirates Mall for some skiing-- Yes, I said skiing in the desert!

From the beach to the slopes in less than 30 minutes!--- A winter wonderland inside the Mall

Skiing, Tubing, and an assortment of other delights await the winter sports lover

First, I must ditch the swim trunks and don the proper gear

The cold air actually felt great

The slopes weren't crowded, so it was an enjoyable experience for all winter sports enthusiasts

The lifts were slow, but they still do the trick of getting you to the top of the slopes

Always keep your skis somewhat parallel--- Especially on the chairlifts

For a small fee, you can have a BALL & reach the bottom of this slope by means of a large sphere

Ski Dubai was worth the price of admission-- about 170 dirhams (46 U.S. dollars and it covers 2 hours) for all clothing rental, skis, boots, and poles, lift ticket, and even an insurance policy--- A GOOD IDEA !!!

Fortunately, I didn't need the insurance policy on this day. I did cram a lot into my 30 hours in Dubai (29.25 to be exact) and I would certainly like to return with my family someday. It has now entered into my top 10 of world cities that I've visited. I'll not sure who gets bumped out in this ranking, but Dubai deserves a spot in my top 10. It is a dynamic city full of many contrasts and so full of people from all walks of life. I had 6 different cab drivers during my stay, 3 from Pakistan, 2 from India, and 1 from Bangladesh. The scene at the airport when I flew out was like being at the United Nations. Dubai truly has many different flavors and although a bit pricey, it was certainly worth the effort it took to get there.


Lights out.