Dubai.

Dubai. There is no way to tell , when you're in the middle of the city, that it's in the middle of a desert, an actual desert. It's overflowing with skyscrapers so tall, New York City would get a complex. The Shaikh Zayed Road is basically the main highway which cuts in between this huge pyramid of gigantic concrete towers. It's what they call a concrete jungle,  no kidding. If you told someone a few decades ago they could transform a desert into what Dubai today is, they'd tell you you were off your rocker. But then they would be one of those maniacs who underestimate the power of money, will and sheer brilliance. Dubai tells you what the human brain is capable of doing. You could never tell going to the beautiful beaches in the middle of the city that they weren't wonders of nature. Bt that's not the only wondrous thing about the Emirates (I pronounces it Eh-mi-rah-tees when I wrote that. Haha.)

The United Arab Emirates was also the first time I found myself pondering how a non-democratic nation was capable of functioning smoothly, with  happy people. After interacting with a lot of locals, mostly cabbies, since I spent a lot of time in the cab travelling to the various tourist destinations I had to cover, I realised that everyone was happy. The one common thing that all of the locals affirmed was the low crime rate in the city. And all the time, all that happened was that my deeply entrenched belief of democracy being the ideal form of government kept being shaken. These people were free to speak their minds, wear what they wished (I have only ever heard of dressing restrictions for women, never in all my stay did I witness any such restriction), they earn well for themselves, there is no beggary or slavery. And even today I think to myself what catch is. Is it really that perfect?

Anyway, my lawyer brain is taking me off a tangent there. Dubai. The people there are just great. Especially the cabbies- just the humblest, sweetest people you can encounter.You can have the longest, nicest conversations with them. Most of them are usually from India or Pakistan and understand Hindi/ Urdu. They usually work there to send money back home and love having people to talk to in their own tongue. 

The city itself oozes luxury. If there is one word to define it, it's luxurious. I mean where else in the world would you spot a Rolls Royce, a Lamborghini, a Ferrari and a high-end Mercedes Benz all in the portico of the mall at the same time? If there are somethings you must do, it's taking a walk by the Marina Bay and eating in one of the restaurants by the waters. Also, try taking a Yellow Boat ride- very fun experience. Don't miss the musical fountain by the  Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, of course. Oh and there is this beautiful market place by the name of Madinet-e- Jumeira if I'm spelling it right. It's a beautiful artsy old place with stalls and a lake by it's side- must visit. You can also see the Burj-al-Arab from there. For shopping, you have two sorts the posh expensive kinds and the good quality knockoffs- but trust me, the latter aren't bad either- you'll find both in plenty around Dubai. Explore. Ask cabbies where to go. They're awesome guides. 

I'm not much of a New Year's person. Don't get me wrong. I love festivals. I don't get why aNew Year is a festival is all. But despite that, I think my most memorable experience was watching the fireworks show at the Burj Khalifa on New Year's Eve. It was a spectacular show of the most amazing firework display I have ever seen or heard of. You couldn't have enough eyes for it. I was in the middle of a ground and there was a point when I was spinning just so I could look at all the sparkles in the sky. They were everywhere- in front of me, by my sides, behind me, shooting from all buildings all around. It was my dad's idea. He was crazy excited for it. He really really wanted to see it. And I am very glad we did it.
I don't think would have ever done on my own. Especially if I'd known it takes an hour long line of 80 people to get to the loo or that I need to walk 10 kilometres to get back to my hotel after the midnight is over.
But would I do it again? I would. You know why? All the pain in my foot, lost ways, waiting 4 hours for the fireworks aside, what makes me want to do it again is that it makes me smile when I think of it all. 
The walking, the waiting, the getting lost, the being showered with glowlights by Emaar Group from helicopters and running to catch the little blighters. Haha. It was a fun night. It really was.
I really wish I'd thanked my dad for it. Because it was the most beautiful New Year's Eve I've ever seen.
I was just in so much pain because of my arthritic foot that I never got the chance. Well, this I hope suffices or that I get 'round to doing it sometime soon.  I should link him this post.

Anyway, if you love the city and you love beaches and just want to have a good time shopping- go to Dubai.

Until later, keep looking.