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The day started early with a filling breakfast. The plan was to head to the old part of Dubai and then head to the beach.
We caught the shuttle to the Dubai Mall then grabbed a day pass for the newly built Metro. Walking to the metro from the Mall was around a 10 to 15 mins in an air conditioned walkway. The tunnel gave great views of the high rises as it winds its way through. Everywhere in Dubai is air conditioned from the taxi and metro trains to the mall and stations. This we would find a disadvantage on judging how hot it is outside. We made it to the old city of Dubai and started to experience the true temperature.
After we explored the Textile market (explore is used loosely as we walked through the market whilst having head scafts and pashminas thrown at us and walked out the other side) and we found the heat had got the better of the both of us. We opted to head to the Emirates Mall. We regreted that we would be leaving this evening as we felt the old city is best experienced at night when i would have not been so hot.
The Emirates Mall felt older than the Dubai as it wasn't as impressive as the Dubai Mall. But it did have one asset to impress. The giant real indoor snowslope overshadowed any thing the UK had to offer and I would say some snow resorts. With multiple runs and other activates. Sadly Beverley wouldn't let me practice my snowboarding skills (and he needs practice).
With our plans changed we opted to head back to the Dubai Mall and grab a bite to eat. After dinner I had a lovely coffee. We headed to Gloria Jeans for Beverley's favorite White Hot Chocolate. I know what your think, hot chocolate in the desert, you must be crazy. Dubai is the only place I've been to that makes you drink hotter when you take it outside.
Back at the hotel Beverley went to sleep and I went for a quick swim in the pool (I - Bev - did not know about this until reading it just now) . Although the night was in full swing the pool water was still hot. We both awoke at 11pm to check out and grab a taxi to the airport. Next stop... Japan.
Dubai left the impression on us that we feel it set out to archive. It's demonstration of wealth and perfection are plain to see. I also felt it was going through a renaissance period like Italy's. With so much building work going on Dubai is a place for artist, architects and engineers to take there ambitions and wild ideas and sell them to the highest bidder. Dubai is a place for risk takers where they can over come a hostile natural environment and make their dreams a reality. Dubai is also at a cross roads. It still holds traditional values that we felt are getting pushed by it's desire to appeal globally. We only hope a good balance can be achieved.
Author: Adam Turner
Editor: Beverley Turner
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