DUBAI

Long weekends have come and gone, most of the times I had no clue where to go on a weekend.
I needed a long break, wanted to go somewhere very far, where I'll be unknown to people around, where I can stay or spend time how I want, with clear and calm mind without any thoughts of work, people or responsibilities.

Even before the Wedding bells ring for me, I wanted to visit a foreign country all on my own, a solo traveler. This was one in my wish list.
This all of a sudden plan to visit Dubai happened in short time as my Brother had to attend a conference meeting for three days in Dubai, so we together planned for a holiday to Dubai.

So, here I was all set on Apr.23, 2016 to board my 1st International flight to Dubai - a Rich Man's Paradise.
At 35,000ft. high a spectacular aerial view of a luxurious destination that whether it came to "largest", "Biggest" or "Tallest", had it 

The beast

           

Bangalore to Dubai

On my arrival at the Dubai airport, I observed mixed emotions both at the arrival and departure zone.
"Airports see more sincere kisses than wedding halls, the walls of hospital have heard sincere prayers than the walls of churches"

You'll observe it yourself at the arrivals, you'll get to see a lot of mixed emotions of happiness and excitement, hugs and kisses with more passion. As for departures, the emotions are more subtle - silence, hopes and prayers and even some tears. The range of human emotions experienced in that confined area is not even close to what you'll see in your lifetime.


A first conversation that struck between me and the Immigration Officer at the Immigration counter
He: Hello Ganga! your 1st visit to Dubai?
Me: yes sir.
He: That's Great! Welcome to Dubai. Have an enjoyable and pleasant stay. Keep visiting us.
It is something I had not imagined speaking to an Immigration officer as it was my 1st international visit, I rather thought they would be questioning me about my visa, occupation, why am I here in Dubai etc..

So this is the thing about Dubai that makes me feel like I'm back home even when I came back to India, think about it, an Immigration officer is the first impression you have of any foreign country.

My cousin came me to pick at the airport, while we were traveling back home by Metro he gave me a brief description about Dubai, what is driving so many people to visit Dubai, the transport system, tourist attraction spots etc..

Dubai as everyone says a desert city with scorching heat, temperatures ranging between 35 - 91 Deg. C. I wanted to make most of the amazing climate ( the time period I visited) until the scorching summer begins. Do more outdoors than indoor adventures.

I started my solo travel and exploring places the very next day onward of my visit and this city is simply spectacular. From their over-the-top skyscrapers and top-notch accommodations to the absurd cars and mind-blowing attractions, you can see and do absolutely anything here.

Dubai is also a home for the World's biggest mall, The Dubai Mall. The claim of this mall is that it is biggest in terms of the area of the mall and people! it is damn huuuuuggggeeee!!
There are other huge Malls like the Mall of the Emirates, which is the biggest mall among the seven Emirates, the Ibn Battuta mall, Dubai Marina. These Malls await everyone with surprises even to window shop all the outlets it takes two days with no hustle, highly recommended for people who love luxury either to see or to have it.
Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world mesmerizes its viewers every evening when its lighted with 50 coloured projectors and a fascinating musical fountain in front of it.
All the Malls and Metro host free wi-fi as per their initiative of "Smart UAE"
One thing in Dubai is a number of sports cars on the streets. Like we see, Maruti, Honda cars etc on Indian streets, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Infiniti cars dominate the streets of Dubai.

What I noticed was all the taxis in Dubai are Toyota Corolla, unlike we have Indica, Alto, Swift etc.,
There are many expats than local people in this city. Every second person is an Indian most of them are Mallus.

 If you are visiting during the summer then it's better to wear loose linen and light cotton clothes. Carry a pashmina or a Cardigan to fit in your bag when you go out to indoor malls, hotels etc. because the air conditioner is turned up high in summer.
Men are fine to wear shorts to the knee and t-shirts.
The gold, spice and textile souks are in the old part of Dubai, in Bur Dubai and Deira. these areas have a large number of Asian population and it's advisable for women to dress conservatively here to help avoid stares.
 
 Time spent at the desert safari amidst the sand, far away somewhere in the centre, it was just amazing as we had many activities like camel ride, bike ride, belly dance, walking and clicking pics in sand, the view of sunset and the Emirates flying very closely, amazing food and people around, it was real peace....

                                     

some Arabic food stalls

getting set for the night show

We planned for a one day visit to Abu Dhabi and throughout the day, we were enjoying at the largest amusement park The Ferrari World. It is the first and only Ferrari-branded theme park and has the record for the largest space frame structure ever built. It is incredibly awesome! In display it has all the Ferrari car models till date and a Ferrari brand store. It has many adventurous & thrilling games (for children and adults), 5D shows and a 20mins drive in the brand Ferrari Car of your choice on their race track 😊 (offcourse by paying 10,000 INR)

I am posting only a few pictures of the Ferrari World, as I really don't want to take all the excitement when you visit it in Abu Dhabi. It is at its best especially during the last week of December when it is is decked up with the Christmas - New year decorations.

Along with oil wells, opulence, dust storms and the dishdasha, the yellow metal would probably be one of the most common stereotypes of the region. Gold is cheaper as compared to India, largely because the import duties are non-existent. So there is an approx 3.5k difference in the amount.

Gold Street, a major tourist spot for Indians

     





A lot of emphases has been placed on the event DubaiExpo 2020.
Between October 2020 and April 2021, Dubai will host the next World Expo. Bringing together more than 180 nations and an International audience of 25 million visitors, it will be one of the greatest shows on Earth. Expo will provide visitors with the chance to see spectacular architecture, merge with global cultures, examine thoughtful and thought-provoking exhibitions, and taste food from every corner of the globe. Above all, visitors to the event will witness the very latest in thinking and technology all in one place and at one time.

Here are some of my random thoughts while enjoying the beautiful place Discovery Gardens, Dubai...

well maintained lustrous green lawn

the place of my residence for 2 weeks

play area

While I sit on the cool and soft lawn... I wonder, if life would be so cool always
Away from the hustle - bustle and rat race
Life seems to be so plain and simple 
So calm and easy
Life is good here with no chaos/pollution and long waiting time at the traffic
It's a retreat to the eyes to see clean and a tidy city with unusually structured skyscrapers
You are left in a freedom park where time is not a constraint, your safe to roam around at uneven timings
It feels homely when we see every other person is Indian at least you smile from within even if you don't know them.

Dubai, you have grown from a fishing village to having the Worlds tallest building, finest skyscrapers, tallest hotel and amazing theme parks...You have welcome people with different cultures, genre, languages etc., you have transformed yourself from looking at the underground level (fishing) to leaving speechless to watch the tallest building in the World. 
So far, you have treated me with an amazing weather which helped me travel solo and explore you. Solo travel was on my mind when I planned to visit you
And your rules and regulations, the folks here and your systematic management made it even easier for me without any self-defense thought.

You gave me the luxury to be at your place with things flowing smoothly... 
There are cranes at every 1000sq.ft which shows you are growing at a fast pace
Its time for me to bid adieu to grow myself professionally and personally Until then keep moving until the next time I see the beautiful you :)

Dubai must be seen to be believed...

- Me, Tourist from India