DUBAI

Dubai is a city that is under construction. They are building, building, building. It has an exciting energy about it, like Springtime. YOU try not to get caught up in it. I couldn't.

Heather says, "This is our national bird; The Crane."

Another thing you have to realise is that Dubai is very hot for most of the year so almost everything is indoors these days (as it is also a very modern air conditioned city). Heather also says, the key to really appreciating Dubai is to look. . . .up. The ceilings are spectacular and almost always intricately decorated. Above are a few photos of the ceilings. My camera is HORRIBLE so I only posted a few to give you an idea. . .and they certainly don't do them justice. Again, another example of how my memory is so much better than the actualy photos left behind. . . sigh. There is a reason it's taken me so long to start taking photos.

Here I am. And Here we go. . .



Below is the Barj Al Arab

If you are a tourist, you take your picture in front of it. . .from every angle you can possibly imagine and as close up as you possibly can without being an actual guest. It is surrounded by Five star hotels that get thier guests because of the proximity to the Bar Al Arab. Guests only can take special buggy trips that take you REALLY close.

I found myself taking countless photos as I tried to get as close as I possibly could, most of which I will spare you.

And then I started taking pictures of other people taking pictures . . .Culminating in this photo of this little boy who seemed to put things in perspective. This is what he did over and over while his parents took picture of themselves in front of the Barj al Arab. Of all the photos of the Barj, he was my favorite.

Right next door was. . .

Below is the house the Dubai Ward rents to attend Church.

Iwas looking up at the building with my camera and when I looked down, I saw this:They begged me to take my photo so. . .then. . . And that was the end of it for me. I found my favorite thing in Dubai.

Another thing you have to understand about Dubai is that the goal of the city is to have the world's first, biggest, greatest and best of everything. They are doing an excellent job as seen by the photo above. . .It is the worlds tallest building. . .under construction of course.

And Who is responsible? Sheikh Zayed of course

His head is seen EVERYWHERE as an expression of gratitude.

In restaurants (above), on billboards (below).

Here we are in Old Dubai taking a boat ride on Dubai Creek

Of Course we had to visit Sheikh Zayed's House

And Enjoy the night life

None of the night life photos turned out so I will just leave you with these . . .

And, yes, Dubai did remind me a little of Vegas except, do you see these camels in front of a hotel on Palm Jumeirah? They are made of REAL gold.

Where Uncle John used to work.

Happy Birthday McKenzie

Traffic is atrocious during certain times in Dubai but this Metro line should change things when its' finished.

John John and I became good friends and through him I learned how to play with Tech deck's

I sadly drove to the airport and watched Sheikh Zayed's head float by. . .

I will miss you, Dubai, but most of all; John John, McKenzie, Madison and Jack Jack.

Landing in Newark, New Jersey. . .of course it was raining.

And back to work.

To be Continued . . .