The Desert

Assalamualaikum!

Hello from Dubai, U.A.E.! Dubai is a city, not a country - the United Arab Emirates is a country. Some people do not know that, and well, think that Dubai is a tiny country.

Before the fountain show. I was glad we viewed it from the less crowded Arabic mall compared to the crowded Dubai Mall across the waters.

Dubai airport is huge, especially considering its population. I was greeted with fountains as soon as I stepped out from the airport. Dubai is known for fountains. In fact, I had the opportunity to witness the largest fountain show in the world last night. Next to the largest mall in the world, Dubai Mall, the fountain plays for about 5 minutes every half hour from 8pm till 10pm. Apparently it's a different kind of music every time. When I saw it, they played some Arabian themed song.

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa, also visible from the fountain show, is the tallest building in the world. Dubai is indeed a city known for its extremes (tallest, biggest etc). In fact, there are deserts right next to malls, and beaches next to highways. No wonder it's such a touristy (expensive) place!

Many households in Dubai have their own chauffeur and live-in servant. You have to be really rich to afford the living standards in Dubai. Those who cannot afford it move out from the city, and the richer ones move in... That's how Dubai became the world's most expensive and luxurious city. There is no middle class in Dubai - only the very rich, and those who work for the very rich. Most people who reside in Dubai work in the financial  industry.

I was going to get a hotel for the layover, but none of those in safer/more happening areas fell within my budget ($50/night). Expect at least $100 for a regular room. I heard that their service is good, though. I was going to spend the night at the airport before the family of a friend of mine offered to host me for the night. So, I'm writing this from the comfort of a family home, thanks to their hospitality :)

It's about 6.15am. The sun is already really bright. In fact, sunrise was about 5.20am. I got up and thought it was about 8am. Now the rays make a golden stripe in the bedroom I'm sleeping in. I opened the curtains, and saw the sun coming out from the desert. How Middle Eastern!

View from bedroom: desert!

The largest indoor ski "resort". You would think you're in a Winter Wonderland rather than baking hot Dubai.

Great architecture, man made lakes... This is Dubai, truly fascinating!

After Dubai, I think I understood what it means to live in a "dry" place. I would feel so hot but I was not able to sweat... It was an interesting comparison to Sarlahi which was hot and wet and I was sticky pretty much all day long.