Dubai

Words can't even describe how overwhelming it was at first to go back to Dubai after living in Addis Ababa for a month. I was starting to get used to living without always having modern conveniences (water, power, internet access, etc.) and starting to really appreciate the slower pace. For so many, family and friendships are all they've got and a lot of time is devoted to developing interpersonal relationships. Sitting down for an hour or two in a coffee shop and just enjoying someone's company is a daily ritual and something that many, many Ethiopians enjoy. Something so simple became such a nice part of my day. Don't get me wrong. Dubai is a fantastic city but nothing is simple and you get the impression that no one cares that millions of people in the world are in need. I loved the fact that it's clean, modern, international, has great beaches and food, it's virtually crime free and has great shopping (oh the textiles and spices) but man-oh-man is it ever so ridiculously over-the-top! It was difficult seeing people chillin' on their yachts after being in a city with such extreme poverty. It appears that Dubai wants to have the tallest, most expensive, most extravagant, most luxurious of everything. But really, is all that necessary?

My friend, Andrea, flew out to hang out with me and I suggested we have lunch at the Al Burj Arab for my birthday. A friend of mine recommended it because otherwise you aren't allowed in the door. It is supposed to be the most fabulous, most extravagant hotel in the world and the only one granted a 7-star rating. It's so fabulous if you aren't staying there you aren't even allowed inside..unless you are eating in the restaurant where apparently there is a great view of The Palm or The World. I thought it would be an acceptable extravagance to eat there just this once. I mean, there is no way I will ever be staying there unless I somehow become fabulously wealthy. And really it goes without saying that even if I had that kind of money I probably wouldn't waste it like that. But I figured lunch was OK. I knew it was going to be expensive, but it was my birthday after all and I didn't know when I would be back in Dubai, if ever. Well when I arrived she told me she had called to make a reservation but decided against it. I was disappointed. I thought, 'I may only be in Dubai once. I want to say I have at least seen this'...until she told me the price. Guess how much lunch was going to set us back?!? $250. ...EACH! Yeah, we passed. lol

Check out some contrasting scenes...

Homes


Places of worship
Shopping
Street signs

Food
Gas Stations
Try not to cry. That's $1.74 (USD) per gallon.