Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Dubai in a flash


Dubai was the last stop before heading back to Phnom Penh. It could be that we hardly had 2 days there or that I had this glamorous image of Dubai in my head, but I was a bit underwhelmed by the whole thing. I did see some pretty fantastic buildings and malls however it feels like you need a lot of money to experience a good portion of the activities here. To my disappointment, I didn’t even see the water because the beachfront is lined with private resorts where you need reservations and private golf carts to get by the magical gates.

Overall it was a good trip but I feel like I need a second and much longer stay to really experience what Dubai has to offer.  

At the Burj Khalifa. The tallest skyscraper in the world with 163 floors. You could really appreciated the height when you weren't right beside it and could see how tall it was in relation to everything else.   

Starting at 6pm there is an amazing fountain performance every half hour right in front of the Burj Khalifa. The water even dances to the theme of the music being played. 
Dubai mall is the largest mall in the world. In addition to the insane number of shops, you can find an aquarium, skating rink, cinema, fountains and souks.
The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (also known as "the sail").  It has also been called the world's only 7 star hotel. This was another underwhelming experience since you couldn't get past the front gates for a picture. It looked sort of cool but I don't know what all the hype is about.   
One of the monstrous resorts blocking my way to the beach!
The Mall of the Emirates is the mall known for its indoor ski hill. The hill was larger than I thought and it was fun to see all the people in matching rented helmets and snow suits. It would have been great to get in a little snow-time but I was refused at the door without the $75 ticket. Boo. 
My only glimpse of the famous Palm Jumeirah was from the plane on the way out. This man made island (they are planning to make 3) is covered with 5 star resorts and restaurants.



The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Wow. Which is basically all I could manage walking up to this beautiful Mosque. Of course I was in the company of people who had seen many grand mosques (even grander they claim) but since I’m a mosque newbie I continued on with my excitement.


This mosque is fairly new but is still one of the most visited buildings in the UAE. It is not only a place of worship and Friday gathering, but a center of learning through its education and visitor programs. It is free to visit however you must adhere to strict mosque manners and dress code. Those who are not covered properly are provided with an Abaya (for women) or a Kandura (for men).





Dress code. There was a separate board for additional manners. 

Monday, February 23, 2015

Museum day

Abu Dhabi is a full of some pretty cool history and has a growing cultural and art district. Here are some museum highlights from the week.

Qasr Al Hosn is a national monument and is located at the center of Abu Dhabi. I mentioned seeing it here, but had a second chance to explore inside the walls. This watchtower turned fortress provided protection and new codes of law for the growing settlement on the island. Over the years the fort was expanded with funds used from the first oil concessions to include larger residential quarters for the Sheihk’s family. The building has now been going under extensive conservation efforts to preserve it as a historical monument.


Large square courtyard in the middle.
The beams are mangrove poles that only grow to 3.5 meters. This means no rooms or hallways are wider than this.
The Etihad Modern Art Gallery is quaint gallery and café tucked away on a side street. The gallery has an open door, free admission policy that is playing it’s own part in emerging art scene. In addition to some local photographers, sculptures and artists, we were pleasantly surprised to meet Tinker. Who is Tinker you might ask? He is the first and only junior T-Rex skeleton in the world. Tinker is the first authentic (meaning not a plastic casting of the original) T-Rex to travel abroad. The skeleton was found with another big adult T-Rex which could possibly be the mother and there are hopes they might eventually be showcased together.

We noticed afterwards that there was a no camera sign however this was one rule we were happy to break.
New galleries: There are three more art museums in the process of being built (possibly four). The Louvre, The Guggenheim and The Zayed National Museum. All three will be on Saadiyat Island and the building designs alone are quite spectacular. You must check out the finished product using the links. I would definitely put these stops on my list for future visits!

Suze and I goofing off at a light exhibit during a Guggenheim pre-opening showing. 

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Miracle Garden

This beautiful garden is just outside Dubai and is aiming to become the world’s biggest flower garden. It has 45 million blooming flowers in various shapes and structures and made it into the Guinness Book of Records for having the longest flower wall.


It didn’t take long to get around and we were hoping there would be a larger variety of flower species but we still had a nice time strolling around. We also had a good chuckle over how "Dubai" it was to want the biggest and tallest of something. 




Having another proud Canadian moment.
You can't even tell it feels like I'm being melting but the sun.