Dubai - a mix of sun, sea, sand, shopping, sheikhs and souks

I'll start with the latest destination which was to Dubai from 13 - 21 November, 2009. All in all, it was a great trip. A blend of touristy things in Dubai coupled with excursions and catching up with friends who are based in Dubai.

Friends ask me, why Dubai? Well, this all started with my school friend asking if I was ever going to Dubai. Then came a super good flight deal by Emirates to Dubai. For 1/3 of the usual price, how could I not go???

Friends ask me how is Dubai? I will respond to say that unless you are a shopaholic or you know people in Dubai, it is not really an exciting place to visit. I think one will be bored after the 3rd day =).

Here was my itinerary:

Day 1 - Mall of the Emirates, Medinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach

Day 2 - Dubai Mall (the largest mall), Desert Safari

Day 3 - Burjuman Mall, took the abra across Dubai creek to the older part of Dubai, Gold Souk in Deria

Day 4 - Day trip to Oman(dolphins), Festival City

Day 5 - More of Dubai; Jumeirah Mosque, Mercato Mall, The Palm, Burj Al-Arab, Ibn Battuta Mall, Outlet Mall

Day 6 - Baby Sophia's check-up, Burjuman Mall, Traditional dinner

Day 7 - Dive off Jumeirah Beach, church celebration, Mall of Emirates, Marina Walk

As you can see, most of it consists of malls! You can view more photos of my trip on my FB.

It was nice to catch up with friends whom I haven't spent time with in a long while and also the opportunity to make new ones.

Interesting to see a city being built in a desert and to see the lifestyle of the rich. Lots of beautiful cars on the road and almost every other local lady carries an LV bag. It is definitely an architect's paradise as the city skyline looks so futuristic...almost like what you see in sci-fi movies.

To some, it's a lonely place and many are working there because of the $$$. As one of our guides said, 'I have been living in Dubai for 5 years and haven't gone back once. If I do go back, I fear I may never want to return'.

To some, it's to experience a different way of life and culture. But if you allow me to make a conclusion, expatriates are all there because of the $$$ or for a higher calling and will probably not make Dubai their permanent home.

For shopaholics, it's a haven. Be sure to be there in January/February. Where the weather is cool and prices are right! FYI, there are 16 malls in Dubai.

Thanks to my friends for making my Dubai trip memorable and meaningful. Appreciate your warm hospitality and friendship for without it, Dubai would have been a lonely, sunny, sandy and dry city.