Dubai Day 5 - Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall

The night before our trip to the Burj, I pulled out our booking reservation and immediately, my heart started to pound. Once I saw the reservation, I realized I'd booked it for the exact same day as our trip to Ski Dubai, and that we'd missed the booking day/time. I desperately read the fine print, which said the usual, "No refunds, changes, etc." I still felt obligated to fire off a few emails pleading with Expedia and the local booking agency in hopes of finding a compassionate agent who could help us rebook, but both emailed me back politely saying, "Too bad, you big dumb-dumb, better luck next time." I expected it and deserved it, but was still disappointed (mostly at myself, but also at unfeeling corporate America).

Since we had nothing to lose, we still set off for the Metro the next day at our usual 9:30 (slow and late is our jam when we're on vacay) to ride over to the Dubai Mall. The Dubai Mall is touted as the world's largest mall, depending on your source. And it is unbelievably huge. Walking from the Metro, it took what felt like a mile (but was just shy) to walk from the station to the mall. Thankfully, it's all via a beautiful, sparking clean, air conditioned, indoor glass walkway with people movers. [Side note: Seriously, how helpful are those things (other than for the elderly/disabled)? They move at the speed of molasses, and I avoid them because Miss Porkchop needs the exercise.]

Need groceries delivered to your home while you're traveling?

I could go on for days about why I think they have the best subway system in the world...modern, clean, efficient, cheap, on time, uniform (in appearance) stations (easy to spot), clean bathrooms, multi-lingual, etc. The only thing it lacks is more lines, but I think those are always being built.

The walk from the metro to the mall offers some pretty cool views of the eclectic architecture there that is like no other I've ever seen in the world. Here's a cool shot from inside the walkway from the station to the mall of the Burj (below).

After getting lost in the mall and walking another half mile or so to find the Burj entrance, we were able to quickly appeal to a staff member who agreed to let us still go up, provided we paid a $20 per person penalty for missing our original time/day slot. This meant we paid $60 per person to go up the tower (ouch), but it was better than kissing our original $40 tickets goodbye.

I felt like such a douche for making such a bonehead mistake when I've literally had months to plan. But honestly? I make a bonehead mistake on EVERY trip. In Vietnam, I booked us on an overnight rat and cockroach-infested 'scenic' train ride that still makes me shudder. In China, I messed up the dates of the Beijing-Hong Kong train that resulted in us having to buy $1500 of one-way air tickets instead and an extra hotel night (my worst mistake by far). Losing 'only' $100 on this trip should have meant we got off easy, but it's still never fun to admit you're not all that bright!

At the entrance to the mall, you could print out an ID band for your child with your contact info on it. Ryan agreed to wear it on day one, but wised up and declined on our return visit (it was admittedly not fashion forward. ;-)

Another view of the insanely futuristic buildings from the Burj area

My favorite Middle Eastern deserts! I'm unsure what their names are, but we bought a bunch for gifts later for friends.

A glass model of the Burj near the queue to go up the elevators to the top of the Burj

News from the Burj!

The view from the top...the freeway overpass visible in this picture demonstrate how they're always filled with carefully manicured flowers (as you can see here) in decorative patterns.

I'm pretty sure those sand bars dotting the ocean surface off in the distance are the failed 'Nation" project. Back when it was announced, when I was blissfully unaware of the terrible environmental impact of such a project, I was swooning with anticipation. I admit I was still excited to see parts of it out there.

Aw, look at that face. He's as sweet as he looks, too.

This offers a great view of the Dubai Fountains (a great show like the Bellagio's fountains, but far less frequent and much shorter in length). Sorry, Dubai. Vegas has you beat on this one.

Surprisingly, the ride up was fairly uneventful and without the pomp you'd expect. They did have a cool image projection on the elevator walls, but we were packed so tightly in there amongst the kindest, quietest, most respectful Chinese tourists (said NO ONE ever) and could barely even see the floor count as they whizzed by.

But the observation deck was great- we spent at least 90 minutes at the indoor and outdoor observation decks, just staring, marveling, and giving thanks for being there. I've been up a few tall towers in my life, and I have to say- this was among my favorite (I think the Eiffel Tower handily still wins for its ambiance and beauty). It offered such sweeping views of the architecture, the winding waterways, the desert landscape and ocean. I could've stayed up there for hours, but there was so much more to explore back downstairs at the Dubai mall.

For starters? The four-story waterfall.

Oh! And Pinkberry. I looove me some tart, original Pinkberry smothered in fresh fruit. It was a little on the pricey side at $10 for the cup, but considering that I couldn't even buy it for $1000 where I live...I'll take it.

And this walkway/promenade...so vibrant!

We didn't splurge on the massive aquarium because...well...that stuff is free to do for us. But it was still fascinating to see one of such size and scope in a mall.

After we saw the four main sights- the Burj, the waterfall, a full-sized ice skating rink (we added it to our to-do list once Ryan saw it and started the begging) and the aquarium, we saw at at coffee shop for a bit to rest our weary legs and people watch.

Once the not-so-subtle gawking was over with, we headed outside with the masses to see the first fountain show of the day. It felt like trying to leave Disneyland five minutes before closing...like you were a wee fish in the sea, with your body involuntarily churning and whirling around with the force of the tide. As unpleasant as being in a crushing crowd can be, remember...it's something I don't mind given where we come from. It's exciting! It's pulsating! It's alive. I feel the vibe and I can flow with it...since it'll be over soon (I'd be singing a different tune if I lived in this kind of pandemonium on a daily basis).

We still managed to nab some prime seating since we were a few minutes early and got a few great panoramic shots of the Burj (I had to turn my phone sideways and use panoramic mode in order to fit it in). The music and show were great, but again...because it was so short (4 minutes?), I was left hoping for more. And again, if you've been to the Bellagio fountains in Lost Wages...well, it wasn't a super big deal.

I feel like I owe a shout out to my lovely spouse for calming my anxious nerves over the double booking fiasco, reminding me that the cost wasn't a big deal (it's not his fault, he has no Chinese blood). What ultimately mattered was that we were able to go up, and that we had a great time (which helped me calm down). But I do want to thank him for trying to assuage my fears, for paying the penalty and not giving me even the tiniest bad rash for it, and for always being my wingman, even if I do whine and nag and eat $10 Pinkberry cups from time to time. You're the best, RAD. 

I know you'll never read this, but thanks.