April 9, 2024
Dubai, U.A.E.
Day 95, out of 137
Good morning, this morning we arrived back in Dubai just after it has gone 6 in the morning. This morning we will take the excursion into Dubai. The excursion is called Modern Dubai with Tea at the Burj. Burj simply means tower, or a tall person. What they more detailed description says is Burj Al Arab.
The Burj Al Arab (Arabic: برج العرب, lit. 'Arab Tower') is a luxury hotel, duh. It is one of the tallest hotels in the world, although 39% of its total height is made up of non-occupiable space. Penis envy anyone? It was built on an artificial island. Some 2,000 laborers working in the hot desert sun for hours at minimum wages probably. Economic slavery at its best.
Oh, it is designed to resemble the sail of a ship. One must admit is does look like a sail of a ship. Inside it is all gold and glitter. Really a gold colored urinal? It is often referred to as the only seven-star hotel. I know I am on a soap box, but I really can’t shake the idea of the abuse that goes on, just so a few privileged people can have a good time. It is said this hotel is favored by the Chinese and Russian oligarchs.
The tea is wonderful. The views from the tearoom at the top of the tower amazingly good. There is security everywhere to see we don’t get more than a few feet off track. The beach looks very nice and clean, and interestingly unoccupied. Lots and lots of beach chairs and umbrellas but not many people.
After tea we are back on the motor coach and off to see the city. It is often on these excursions that we have the obligatory stop at the tourist trinket market. Today is is a place called Souk Madinat Juremiah. It is all part of the same resort as the Burj. It is a modern sanitized version of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Even the one in Muscat was more authentic. It is really to “Disneylandish”.
Maybe that is really what seems objectionable. It all seems so contrived or out-of-place. They often talk about the Arabic Heritage and how they are sticking to it. Nothing here looks remotely like something that belongs on the Arabian Peninsula. Again, maybe I just have a Western European mind and point of view. Clearly, I am struggling with dichotomy between what I see and what I think I should see. I’ll get over it.
The motor coach then takes us on an hour and a half tour of the city. We look out at all the modern buildings, wide paved streets, yacht marinas, and tons and tons of construction. The country is doing well, building well planned and modern streets, boulevards and highways. There are schools, museums, shopping centers, markets, mosques and hospitals. A lot of American cities could use such planning.
For me it is the cattle and goat paths turned into streets, centuries old buildings, and buildings that are much lower to the ground. Each has his or her own idea of what they like. Yes, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are interesting places to visit or maybe have a really upscale vacation. As places to live? Probably not for me. While I am not a nature boy, I do like being able to walk outside, see the trees and grass, both of which aren’t really possible here.
The next five days are at sea. Time for rest and relaxation. We will reach the Seychelles on the 15th. We will celebrate our 100th day on board in five days. 100 days in 400 square feet. It has been a lot of fun and it is a little sad we are nearing the end. There is a lot more to see in the next forty or so days.
Hope all is well with you.
Buonanotte e Ciao, Enrico e Maria
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