DUBAI THE MARVELOUS

For thanksgiving last month, I quietly flew to Dubai and visited for the first time.  It was such a surreal experience.  I missed the Middle East since if you didn't already know, I spent my childhood years in that region after my parents found a job and we all moved there when I was a toddler. Anyway, being in Dubai brought back so many memories. Arabian food is one of my favorite foods and I think the people in Dubai are friendly, warm and respectful. It was a quick trip and I'm already thinking about my next Middle Eastern destination as I'm sat here in my office room.  Click Read More link below for the photo show :)

city of dreams

As I mentioned, the people were approachable and friendly.  I have always felt safe in the Middle East, contrary to what other think.  The only con that I could think of, is the heat! I'm not much of a fan of hot weather but I survived. Thankfully there's Tresemme to keep my hair in check. LOL

a whole new world

The Madinat Jumeirah is actually inbetween the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. We took a taxi from the palm to here and it costed us 20AED or $6.  The view from here is unbeatable. The Burj was in full view great as a background! 

we're not in vegas anymore

Outside the Dubai Mall, the fountain is there waiting for you. I prefer night time, there were a multitude of people walking by and you can just internalize the Middle Eastern air and enjoy the surrounding. 

here there everywhere

blinding sunlight

Ok so this was at Al Seef area.  Al Seef is more of the "old Dubai" or heritage part.  Older buildings that reminded me of something like Moroccan structures. You can ride boats down the river, go shop for souvenirs or if you fancy eating, there's a bunch of nice restaurants along the river.   It was so bright that I couldn't even open my eyes. 

the atlantis' roof was so colorful

I loved this roof of Atlantis hotel.  It's so colorful and reminded of Finding Nemo.  My cousin and I didn't stay here but we took a cab ride to visit Palm Jumeirah and to look for photo locations lol. 

madirat jumeirah time

started to sweat buckets lol

During this time, I was starving.  But we got there super early so we took advantage of the location and took photos of the environment.  Doesn't this place look very photogenic? 

dubai mall courtyard

multiplication

sky's the limit

blending in with the carpets

There were people watching me taking these photos.  I actually got shy but the owner of this shop didn't care if we took photos over here.  He was selling colorful rugs and blankets and pillows.  

ahh the gold souk

wall art at the atlantis

i loved this grilled chicken

Look at that chicken! It was so delicious.  This was at ILA restaurant at Al Seef.  The staff was so nice and attentive.  

gold souk craziness

Next stop, the gold souk!  Ok, I'm not going to lie, I got goosebumps from this place. There were many people and the jewelry sellers follow you non stop to buy jewelry from their store. And, there's like a hundred of them.  We didn't buy any jewelry, but they were following us until we rode the cab. 

prince of persia feels

another emaar building

I noticed that many of the buildings in Dubai had the name Emaar.  I googled and it is one of the biggest property developers in. the. world! Super major! 

vintage dubai postcard lewk

pajama shirt vibes

Fact: I don't know anything about hair, but I do cut or trim my own hair for the past 10 years. I don't let hairdressers/barbers/salons touch my hair lol.  But I trust hair products (Tresemme). 

enchanting place

bellagio got nothing

heatstroke

While taking a break, I was people watching, boat watching, birds watching, the river was so calm and I wish I had taken a photo.  It was so calm that I wanted to dive in. 

many souvenir shops

fancy a jewelry?

pensive

Across the river, I don't even know the name of this river. But across the river, the souk was there. And we took a cab ride to go to the gold souk afterwards.  Here I am thinking about my pilates instructor because I missed a few classes already, oops.

There were many beaches in Dubai. This is I guess the Marina beach? Dubai Marina is actually a man made island with a river flowing through it. It's reminiscent of downtown Chicago.  

100 degrees

location location location

maze runner

favorite view

oh hello from palm jumeirah

I've never been to the Bahamas, so I don't know if the Atlantis has a similar structure.  But this hotel is gigantic! We were walking along the boardwalk and took this shot.  There were hundreds of people taking photos as well.  But we realized that we didn't dress properly. We looked as if we were going for a night out lol :)

arts and crafts

no one was here

stairway to nowhere

arabian features

the water was enticing

da burj in da background

We didn't have enough time so we were not able to go to the Burj Al Arab proper. So this place will do. This was at Madinat Jumeirah's Costa coffee shop and this was the view.  It was so beautiful and unbelievable.  The said hotel is in full view. 

speechless

riverwalk

oh hello peeps

one of my favorite bands

I wanted to look relaxed and chill. I mostly packed light colored clothes because I know the weather is going to be fire.  Did you know that the Burj Al Arab is the only 7 star hotel in the world?  

beautiful masterpiece

we went here a couple times just to watch the fountain

the heat is real

Behind this stairway is a grand view of the river with many boats.  I've never been to Cairo's Nile River but it kinda gave off that vibe yo.

expensive boat ride

greenery

see you again soon Dubai!

As my last travel of the year, I wanted to do a surprise blog post for you all.  That's why I kept quiet, it's over a month since I've been to Dubai and I have been wanting to share photos but I controlled myself.  Happy Holidays! 

Top 5 Highlights:
1. Dubai Mall
2.Madinat Jumeirah
3.The fountain
4.Gold souk adventures
5.Palm Jumeirah Island

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