First stop - Dubai!

 As Rob dropped Tia and I off at the airport I was flooded with emotions. Once again I was leaving the family to journey to Africa. This time with BOTH of my sisters. I was so sad to be going away, but excited to once again return to Africa. And even more excited to be visiting a place Zoo Boise has worked so hard to restore and protect. This time it would be a little different. This time it was personal.


After a 14 hour flight we landed in Dubai. From the air it was certainly not what I had pictured. I flashed back to the many photos I had seen in magazines of beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and unimaginable vehicles.  The city we were landing in was dust-covered, mundane and de-void of brilliance. I hoped it was just my small window that was distorting my view.


The airport was enormous, but earily quiet. From the time we exited the departure gate until we left customs we saw less than 50 people but walked over a mile and a half! Driving through the city was the same. The freeways were virtually empty. From our hotel window we had a beautiful view of the Burj Khalifa and fountains. Now this was more what I had pictured when I thought about Dubai. It was stunning. Still, looking down over the grounds below we saw virtually no one. Only one brave jogger running in the 111 degree heat. We soon discovered that the temperature, extreme humidity and the fact that Ramadan was in full swing was enough to keep people indoors on what was the beginning of their weekend.



(Mall gawkers watching an impromptu show)

By nightfall the city came alive! The Burj and fountain below lit up with brilliant light and water shows. Crowds by the hundreds gathered below to watch the beautiful sight. The world's largest mall was bustling with people, all eager to shop, ice skate, or gawk at the sights and sounds of Dubai. We splurged on a tour to the very top of the Burj - after all, it's not every day that you get a chance to visit the world's tallest skyscraper! The huge buildings below looked miniature from the top. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience!

(Burj Khalifa)



It was nearly 1am when we returned to the hotel, passing by a fleet of Lamborghini's as we strolled back. Dubai had proven to be an exciting and awe-inspiring destination... Now on to South Africa!