It's not without high costs, a significant distance away and its own serious ethical/legal issues, of course. I debated for quite some time about whether we should go there after I read about the domestic abuse of Filipina maids (horrifically abused and treated as slave labor by some households) and child camel jokeys (for racing). I also wasn't thrilled about reading that elements of Shari'a law are followed, and that racism is alive and well. I would have loved to have read this book too, but I'd already spent my budget on 3-4 other Dubai books.
After doing a little more research, I found this webpage and felt a tad better. I also found out robots are used in camel races now (and saw one on TV there), and that new laws have been put into place a re: the age of the jockeys (though I'd love to know if they're being enforced). I was also very impressed by the inroads the two emirates we visited have made in education and culture/arts. I am not attempting to justify, or make excuses for whatever corruption exists in Dubai...but if I made travel decisions solely based on ethics, I would not be able to travel at all...even in America.
That being said, one of very best features of Dubai is their architectural wonders...which I had much difficulty capturing on film. We saw most of it whizzing by in crowded trains or cars, so the buildings are a distance away, and often blurred. There was also a haze most days that made the sky a lighter brown color (desert-sand tinged?) that wasn't as photogenic. Despite that, on this particular day, I managed to capture a few 'okay' shots from the train that we rode nearly every day...
 |
| The famous Burj al-Arab, I cannot even begin to describe the opulence that we could not afford to see. But if you're interested, it's largely acknowledged to be the most extravagant hotel in the world- it is on it's own private, man-made island, all guests get gold-plated ipads in their rooms, etc. This article about the hotel is worth a glance, especially for the pictures! It's a bit ostentatious for my taste, but you know, I wouldn't have turned my nose up at a free stay! I initially planned on booking us for high tea there in the afternoon to get a glimpse of the gold-plated lobby, underwater restaurant and whatnot...but at $300+ for just my mom, Ryan and I to go...I had to give it a pass. Though it was a bargain compared to the $2000/night basic room, I couldn't see paying nearly $100 for Ryan to eat a teensy cucumber sandwich before announcing he was 'full' and 'not hungry.' |
 |
The metros all have the same spaceship-like entrances...which I LOVED. It was so easy to spot them from a mile away (in other countries it can be harder to spot entrances). All were spacious, air-conditioned, immaculate and modern too, probably the cleanest I've ever seen. Definitely in the Top 3 list of metro systems for ease, cost and overall experience to use.
|
 |
| I think the city gets my vote for best freeway landscaping, too. |
The reason we were on the metro for so long that day was because we were headed to the Ibn Battuta Mall, which was about 45 minutes away by train. The Ibn Battuta mall is so much more than a mall (we didn't go there at all for the shopping, or any mall during our stay for that matter). I think Emiratis largely live their lives indoors when it's hot out, so malls tend to be where the action and sights are at. Ibn Battuta mall was basically a journey through seven recreated, geographically diverse regions that Ibn Battuta (think Marco Polo) visited during his youth. He was a young 21-year old traveler who set off to see six different regions that ended up taking him over 24 years to see. I'd read about how beautifully done the regions were, and thought it'd be fun to meander through and see all the architectural wonders of the 'world' within a distance of a few miles, and with the added benefit of strong AC. ;-)
 |
These touch screens were at a variety of fast food restaurants over there... I ordered vanilla ice cream just so we could test one out.
|
Once we bought our ice cream from a touch-screen/human-less cashier, we were free to walk through the first travel zone- Persia. It ended up being, by far, my favorite region of the mall (as I have a preference for this style of mosaic artwork, and the array of blues used). We actually walked through Persia twice, as it was quite large and we didn't know we'd skipped the 'highlight' of it (a large domed, turquoise area of Persia) until we stumbled onto it later.
The next area was Egypt, which was well done, but not nearly as large or captivating as Persia.
Within the Egypt area was, hands down, my favorite grocery store chain in Dubai (Geant). We regularly shopped at Carrefour (French chain) since it was near our apartment, as well as Spinney's (even closer to us, but pricier and smaller). But Geant had the very best bulk bins, prices and variety. I went a tad nuts in there buying all our friends and family some dates/nuts actually made in Dubai (most everything is imported), as well as splurged on a few treats for myself (macadamia nuts, if you can believe it...since I can't afford them in Hawaii).
After shopping at Geant, we grabbed some delicious Thai food from the international food court, which I enjoyed along with some blueberry tarts from Geant's bakery.
 |
Because I have the self control of a 3-year old when it comes to my favorite foods, I ended up wolfing down the two blueberry tarts for lunch and taking home my Thai food for dinner! (Could this be why I'm stocky?! No...)
|
The next section of the mall was Andalusia, which I think is a part of southern Spain. I will say that I think this was the most underwhelming 'zone' of the mall, as I appear to have only taken one picture of the region. However, this intriguing store below was located in Andalusia and of course, not to be missed.
 |
| I remember reading many years ago that Ms. Hilton is still relevant/popular in Dubai.Seeing this store made me laugh a bit. I made Ryan take this picture as I am holding up my purse, which is not quite a Paris Hilton handbag, but a Target clearance find (complete with faux-leather on it that is half peeling off). Classy! I know. |
I'd watched a TV special about six months ago about how the malls in Dubai are so large, that many people get drivers to shuttle them around the mall. We'd seen a few of these at the other malls, but they appeared to be filled with wealthy Saudi's and their multiple wives covered in burqa, or with the elderly or young children who couldn't handle the walk.
However, my not-so-young, able-bodied, fit son was just DYING to ride one. Since the cost was reasonable to hop on, we indulged him and my mother on a lengthy ride that took them clear across the mall over to 'China' (a minimum of a 20-min. brisk walk).
I think my second favorite zone was China. Not only was it massive and beautifully captured the essence of their vibrant artwork, but it had a full-sized, rebuilt Chinese junk boat!
 |
| A little brighter than the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven...but still looked amazing. |
 |
| This walkway reminded me a tiny bit of the Summer Palace in Beijing. |
Between the elephant and white Taj-Mahal feel, it certainly felt like India to me (but I haven't been to there yet, so what do I know?).
We ended our day back in Persia once we'd realized we'd skipped part of the section (the very best part) earlier in the day.
 |
This gem became our sanctuary for an hour. It was the perfect blend of what felt like an ancient, soothing mosque coupled with modernity (Starbucks, AC and wifi). Because who has ever walked into a centuries-old cathedral/temple/mosque and not thought- "IF only they had a Starbucks here!"
|
 |
| The full glory of the centerpiece of Ibn Battuta- Persia! (I believe the artwork was hand painted.) |
No comments:
Post a Comment