| We've taken a little vacation! En route
to Kenya to visit Katie, we made a short (2 day) stopover in Dubai. Even though
UAE is a Muslim Arab country, the atmosphere is much less restrictive. Even so,
it is definitely Arab and definitely Muslim. Here you see the Quiblah (the
green arrow) on the table in my hotel room indicating the direction to Mecca
for the purpose of prayer. |
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Mosques are omnipresent -- I read that
they were located such that one is always in walking distance wherever you are.
This one is the Jumeirah Mosque - the largest in Dubai. Generally non-muslims
are not allowed to enter, but tours are organized in this one a couple of times
a week - but not on the day I was there.
But, unlike in Saudi Arabia, in UAE non-muslims are also allowed
to worship and there are several Christian churches and Hindu temples. |
| The city is quite beautiful - a mixture
of traditional and modern. Beautiful parklands, modern new buildings,
traditional souks (markets), beaches, and many modern shopping malls draw many
to Dubai.
Here is Mr. B at the beach. In the background is the Burj Al
Arab, an all-duplex-suites hotel. Very exclusive and very luxurious. (No, I
didn't stay there!) |
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| Dubai is built on the shores
of Dubai Creek, a salt water inlet from the Arabian Gulf. There are two bridges
and a tunnel crossing the Creek and connecting the two parts of the city.
Additionally, water taxis, or abras ply back and forth across the Creek
and are regularly used by residents and tourists alike. As you can see below,
both shores of the Creek are quite developed. |
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Beautiful parkland lend a relaxing air to the
city.
The traditional souks for spices, textiles, and other products
draw many shoppers. But, above all, many are drawn to the gold souk where
beautiful jewelry can be purchased for what I'm told are very reasonable
prices. |
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| On my second evening in Dubai I went on a dinner
cruise on one of the wooden dhows. These boats have been used for trade for
many years, and in fact are still being used. My night-time pictures of the
Creek didn't come out well, but it was really beautiful. On the dhow there
was lots of food and even a bellydancer for entertainment. |
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