Roughly about 8 years ago,I first step foot on one of the most richest countries on earth,Dubai,
known as a rich mans playground. Just as i stepped off the plane I found myself walking on the biggest,busiest airport I had ever seen, it may have been so busy but the airport remained calm which bought a relaxed feeling(which I'm sure nervous flyers would appreciate) .Marble squeaky clean floors,glass elevators and designer brands everywhere I turned.The people that worked on the airport were oh so elegant looking and fresh faced with smiles on their faces,people checking passports were more intimidating than smiley but that didn't stop me from getting excited.As we walked out of the airport, the hot air of Dubai hit me ,it was as if i had walked into a giant oven, cute beige taxi's with coloured tops with out of country drivers all lined up waiting for excited tourists in there little air conditioned cars.As we got into the taxi and drove around the corner,it had hit me,that I was not in any country but I was in one of the most beautiful countries in the world were the sky was the limit. Bright lights,tall buildings,top cars and i hadn't even got to the hotel yet.My dad was more of a city person than a beach person so he decided to book the Landmark hotel in Baniyas square.
Baniyas square was almost like a mini version of times square,bright lights,fast food takeaways and nearby were packed markets with clever sellers trying to get you to buy their fakes.It was for people who wanted an all rounder with shopping and food as this is an area if your budget is on the low side and you don't want to flash your cash for a balcony beach view then this standard four star hotel is for you.This hotel weren't too far from the airport which is good for taxi fare as well. The mosque nearby would call for prayer which was a beautiful sound for muslims as you could feel the traditional side to Dubai.Check in was pretty fast and customer service was great ,the rooms were a little small, bathrooms were tiny and the interior was a little back dated but with that budget I wouldn't complain as it was a very comfy ,homely and friendly environment.As the sun started to go down we got out as it werner too hot to walk around,we walked around the markets and found beautiful Abayas (traditional clothing for muslim women) which were also not expensive (around £12 and up),people filled the streets from Pakistani's to chinese ,walking around selling and bargaining it was almost like being in India.
whilst we were there we also had the pleasure of experiencing our very first jeep safari, getting in a jeep whilst speeding up and down sand dunes is only for the adventurous.After around 20 minutes of being thrown around inside the jeep we stopped at the top of a very high sand dune ,we got out and looked out and that was definitely a sight to see,watching the sunset whilst in the middle of a desert,was most definitely breath taking.We then got onto camels which took us to a nearby camp which was in the middle of the desert,there were so many other jeeps filled with rich tourists,we taxed a table and waited for dinner to be cooked,as it was cooked, the smell of spicy rice and BBQ chicken filled the air.It was announced that the food was being served so we all lined up like we were actually at a summer camp waiting for food to be thrown onto our plates ,as we were waiting we saw the rows of traditional arab food,freshly cooked and ready to be served.we sat down at our table and ate,shortly after the lights turned off n then back on again and out of no where came this woman dressed in a pink silk embellished bra and skirt top and started belly dancing ,the traditional music just made you want to get up and start busting out your moves,she belly danced with swords and lanterns,twirling and throwing her scarf around ,everyone was hypnotised, that was what I call entertainment,after the belly dancing all the gift shops opened allowing all the tourists to splurge on gifts and souvenirs ,they sold things from personalised sand jars to belly dancing costumes,negotiating prices was a must.
The next morning,we got a wake up phone call from the front desk as we had an early morning flight,thank god they called us or we would have missed our flight.we packed our bags with our gifts and souvenirs from last night and got ready to say bye to Dubai,
overall the hotel was brilliant for people who had a budget and who wanted to explore the crazy city life, the hotel needs to up there game a little as everything looked a little too old .
I knew that this wouldn't be the last time i came to Dubai.
