DUBAI DAY1.

Dubai was incredible! Spending a little over a week there with my brother, his wife and my nephew was really something. As usual I learnt a lot about myself, and other things which I don't feel like sharing on a public space. The things I do want to share with you though is the incredible things to do in Dubai. I am fortunate enough to travel more often now as I get older and really appreciate being in an Islamic country where food is no issue and neither is safety. Its being a muslim made easy! I found that I pressured myself into eating red meat (something I don't do often) because I could; becoming slightly addicted to burger kings Royale Beef burger with onion rings on the side. I never forgot to prayer as I was constantly reminded by the bellowing Athaan (call to prayer) at every corner, be it in the mall or on the street.

Day one was spent recovering from a long flight with from Cape Town to Dubai, after resting we took I walk around Bur Dubai (old Dubai) and hopped on the metro to Dubai Mall, the worlds largest shopping mall! Lucky for us it was DSS (Dubai Summer Surprise) which is the summer entrainment and shopping festival with loads of sales and other entertaining things to do. Dubai Mall is a man made marvel with three floors and over 1000 shops, located right by the Burj Khalifa (the worlds tallest building) and the Dubai dancing fountain. Its also home to the Dubai Mall Aquarium and Ice Rink. Its definitely a must see but our feet were in so much pain after every visit there; only later did we discover the ease of shopping in a smaller mall. I'll post more on the land marks of Dubai in the coming week.

 The metro was really special too, so clean, cool and efficient. The local people, expats and emirates, are not polite, however, as they don't see any issue with pushing to the front of the queue, hustling to be the first inside - this was probably the most annoying part of my trip. Despite the pushing the ladies only section is a convenient bonus to being a women in the UAE. Catching a bus to the metro became traumatizing so after a few days we switched to taxing from the mall to the metro or hotel. The 42 degree whether was bare able since everything is air-conditioned but that didn't stop us from walking around in the heat - just for the spirit of it all! I have tons more photographs to share including all the fun things to do in Dubai! In the meanwhile enjoy these favorites from my first day there. I'd also like to wish all Muslims a Ramadan Kareem. May you have a special and fulfilling holy month Insha-allah.
all my love
Aisha 
x x x