Destination Dubai

Mid-October, I flew into a city that welcomed me with a strong embrace of heat. Like her harsh sun, she was blunt in presenting herself. She had nothing to hide, showed me her strengths and weaknesses in no time and left me to my contemplations of how I could survive the motion. The race in such a city.


Dubai didn't know though that I wasn't disappointed. She lived up to my expectations and impressed me to say the least. I loved the thrill instilled in every project/event. I loved how the city encouraged and involved its residence. It seemed as I was driven through the city and the capital that everything was done to its perfection, just to my liking. The linearity, the patterns, the cleansiness, and the hints of Islamic influence on the architecture. It was all stunning.

In fact, deep down inside I wanted to scream THIS IS AWESOME but I remained calm to my reactions and smirked to my surrounding. My thoughts were not to stay that superficial as to image only. I had to get down to the business of calculating my income versus essential needs to be able to handle my independence in this demanding city.
I live in the metropolitan area, I'm used to the city life, the skyscrapers, the rush hours and fast pace life. Its in me. I don't find it challenging as it has been my lifestyle for the past twelve years. But what Dubai adds on to my ordinary city life is that I will be in a Muslim country where I am more respected and understood. Aside to that, I wont be looked down upon for being semi-influenced by the American culture. It has a healthy mix of both worlds which is all I've been looking for and found no where else.
Too many people who agreed with my decision before the repression are now warning me of failure. I'm not concerned of the actual repression. Read my lips people, its everywhere! America is as down. We are all suffering.

This has been in plan for a while now but the right time wouldn't settle yet and I am a firm believer in perfect timings. All I know is Dubai is the next destination. Sooner than later.

Side notes about the trip:

• I loved the turquoise color of the sea. Beats Florida's. (confirm Ali?)
• I saw CAMELS (seen some in Jor but still!) and met SAND, in means of DESERT.
• The wide lanes and huge, pot-holes-less roads ARE heavenly.
• The u-turns at every Abu Dhabi intersections are awesome for a rookie like I would be.
• The weather is phenomenal but I will melt in summers/ be found passed out.
  
• There is high hope that I get pigment and look less snow-white in the sunny weather.
• I will for damn sure miss the greenery!
• BUT the shore will do.. God, the shore!
• Imagine this, It was 10PM and the water was warm! and sigh. Simply amazing.
• Its hot outside and FREEZING inside, turn down the damn AC!
  
• You must know the word "ma3loom" to use a taxi.
  
• You must understand sign language, gibberish and everything in between to survive the language barriers.
  
  
• The aquarium at Dubai Mall is reeeeally cute and fun to stroll into.
• The locals are sweet people. Just don't touch their money, feisty!
• Guys have the talent of hitting on you in other creative ways than the Syrian ones.
• I love festival city view.
• I don't know where the hell I will park if I end up having a car.
  
• If you want to make skyscrapers, think of where the people will park. sheesh!
• Theres fountains outside the Emirates Palace that I WILL run through and shower myself. You just wait till I'm back there. (Behind me in photo above).
  
• Exhibits, museums, art <3 I love the appreciation!
  
• The parties at F1 fan zones are quite entertaining.
  
• Romano's is the same as America's Macaroni Grill, I prefer UAE's name.
• Souq El Bahar has this cafe thats REALLY nice for shisha. Beautiful location.
  
• Burj Dubai, thank you for making me feel mere insignificant.
• I saw the PALM, aerial view!! and it also made me feel insignificant.
• One word to describe Dubai: Colorful. Another? Tempting! I want to go back.
• So Happy 38th UAE! Respect.