Dubai is Awesome

Guess who's back and about 6 shades darker? And they say black people don't tan lol :)

Dubai was the best holiday I've ever had – no lie, impending ruin and all. I went not knowing what to expect and I came back wanting to pack up and move there. The weather was gorgeous though the sun was unforgiving.

We stayed in the Jumeirah Beach area (which, according to locals, is the Beverly Hills of Dubai). The area is very well run and, as all the hotels are owned by the same chain, amenities are shared. I enjoyed getting around on water taxis, though the larger more rickety ones had me praying "God, you know I'm not the strongest of swimmers, I am wearing my favourite silk shirt and I just straightened my hair..." from the moment I stepped onto them to when I got off at the other side.

All businesses close whilst the sun is at the highest point, roughly between noon and 4:30pm. On our second day, we found this life-size chess board on the grounds of our hotel and amused ourselves non-stop whilst waiting for the city to wake up from its midday siesta.

On the third day, we drove about 60 minutes to the desert and did some dune surfing. I would love to show you pictures of the action, but I can't. So instead, here is a picture of the sand before we were let loose.

I spent most of my late afternoons walking around the Diera (old / historic Dubai), trying to find a good deal. We took a guided tour that was excellent value for money. It took us to some of the cultural tourist attractions in Dubai and the tour guide did a great job of explaining what Dubai was like before the oil.

After dinner, just before the sun set was the best time to make it to the beach. It isn't too hot and most of the tourists will be gone. I don't know if I will ever get used to the sensation of sea water which feels like jacuzzi water, but I gave it my best shot whilst there.

Seeing as we were in Dubai, we went to the Burj Al Arab Hotel for drinks. It wasn't at all what I was expecting. The hotel's decor came across, to me, as gaudy. Everything was overdone, overplated and overbejewelled. However, the service from everyone was 7*. The concierge in particular went above and beyond. I think the man deserves a raise for memory, ownership and intiative. Set in the sea accesible by a very long pier, is the best seafood restaurant I have ever been to. It's called Pier Chic (I come from a coastal city, so you know I am up on my fish and crustacea)

Oh, and the Emirati? Those people know how to have a good time. Any nation that can enjoy itself without any aids – as in liquor and drugs – is alright with me. Then again, if the welfare system and infrastructure (e.g. air-conditioned bus stops) in my country was as good, I'd probably have something to smile and make merry about everyday too. I'm sure the £11,500 wedding gift from the state doesn't hurt either.

Dubai gets my stamp of approval. Now, it's back to that glorious English weather *sigh*