Dubai-ous

Initial Post: Dubai, Oman 2006 Trip

Everyone asks me, after I tell them I'm heading to Dubai for vacation: 1) "Where is that?" followed by, 2) "Why would you want to go there?"

I explain that Dubai is located in the Middle East, which meets with mixed reactions: one or two persons obliquely accuse me of betraying my country (?); some people admire my intrepidness; but the majority just think I'm weirdo begging to be the victim of a terrorist attack.

"Dubai is the Switzerland of the Middle East," I explain robotically to the latter (but not to those under the mistaken impression that I'm intrepid). And sometimes, if I'm able to muster up the energy, I point out that, the Sears Tower being less than two miles away, I may be more safe in Dubai than here at home.

As for why I would like to visit Dubai, well that's more difficult to defend, as I'm unsure that I really do want to visit Dubai: I feel as though I'm obligated to visit Dubai. I owe it to myself to witness the spectacle that is Dubai (world's tallest building, man-made islands in the formation of the globe, the only seven-star hotel, indoor ski slopes, etc., etc., etc.). I liken Dubai to Orlando or Las Vegas: I suspect that I'll be happy to arrive, happy to have seen it, and happy to leave and never return.

Comments

[Vietnam]

Hi guy, your travel blog is so great with useful and unique information...

Thanks,

Vietnamese!

[lara]

Loved the blog! Don't know how I got here actually, but glad I did. Loved your honesty and humour. But what a shame you didn't use our guides - Lonely Planet Best of Dubai in particular you would have loved, but also the city guides. We would have shown you a much better time! (Dubai has been our base for 9 years and we wrote our books long before Luxe or Time Out came out!) Totally agree with your assessment of the Burj - we try to steer people away from the gaudy interior and tell them to just admire what is a sexy exterior. But you should have gone to Verre - the food IS memorable - we've been going since it opened and we keep going back, and we remember every meal.

Happy travelling!

Lara