Dubai Stopover

Stopping in Dubai on a long-haul flight is great fun.  It's such a neat city, built on the back of the mighty oil dollar, but cast aside politics etc for the moment and look at what it really is... a fantastic city with every opportunity for fun, built on the edge of a vast desert.  It's amazing, really.  I mean, look, forget poverty for the moment, and just enjoy what's on offer.  It's a bit like Vegas, you don't want to scratch the surface, just take time out for pleasure and fun.  The shopping malls are unbelievable, they're incredibly large and each seems to vie for the biggest attraction - ski slope, skating rink, huge acquarium, not to mention the label shops. 

I wanted to see the sand dunes and, according to local wisdom, the only way to do this was by going on one of the zillions of sand dune cruises, ending up with a meal and entertainment under the stars.  Well, I'd say after 10 minutes, you've got the hang of going hell for leather up and down sand dunes, gripping onto the seat in front of you, and trying to calm your lurching stomach.  But it goes on for a good half hour, if not more.  Way too much.  But you do stop to admire the view, take photos and count all the other white jeeps doing exactly the same as you.

The meal was interesting - set in the desert like three sides of a square, laid out on trestle tables with the sand covered by huge mats and carpets.  Dates, humus, tagines, salads, really nice food too.  The entertainment was whirling dervish type dancers - astounding, really - and belly dancing - intriguing.  

Ok, so you know it's really touristy, but there are times when even to get a flavour of a place in the short amount of time you have, you just go 'tourist' and get on with it.  I'd much rather explore by myself and come across the real Dubai - who knows, in future, I may have every chance to do so as I much prefer flying this way than going via the States.