[ dubai... sights and a few rules ]

BEFORE GOING to Dubai, you should familiarize yourself with a few rules to avoid getting yourself thrown in jail (which would definitely put a bit of a damper on your trip!)

1} No public displays of affection, including hand-holding
2} No drinking in public except in a licensed restaurant in a hotel (non-hotel restaurants don't serve alcohol) and you cannot purchase alchohol from a store without a special license
3} Women should cover their shoulders, upper arms and knees and signs encourage visitors to respect local customs and cover up
4} Do not take photos of locals, especially Arab women without their permission first

And so, bearing all these rules in mind, it was time to explore (after my morning latte)!

The world's tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, is a stunning building with 160 stories that houses the Armani Hotel, observation decks, a restaurant, offices and residences. Our hotel overlooked it and the views were amazing.

Dubai's architecture is incredible and more and more buildings are still being constructed with cranes everywhere you turn.

I love how the styles of buildings are a mix of glass and steel and traditional.

My guy was there for work so I was on my own for most of the time. But on a quick drive around one afternoon, we were able to see a few other areas. 

The Burj Al Arab is the famous luxury hotel shaped like a sail positioned right on the beach.

The Dubai Marina area is filled with gorgeous residential towers surrounding the boats in the marina. Lots of patios and little vendors.

Passing through old Dubai was so interesting and I wish I could have roamed around taking more pics and explored the shops.

We could have even stopped for camel burgers!

sorry buddy...

It's always the simple differences that I find so interesting. 

like their currency...

automatic teller machines for gold...

watching camel races on tv...

signs reminding visitors to cover up...

and seeing Arabic magazines that are bound and read backwards...

even Arabs love Martha...

But by far one of the highlights was watching the fountains go off at night at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. Designed like the ones at the Bellagio in Vegas, they were programmed to music that varied from Arabic to Andrea Bocelli to Michael Jackson. 

I can't thank you enough for all of your sweet birthday wishes! You're all so thoughtful - even though I had a quiet day to myself yesterday, your lovely comments really made my day! And then my guy returned home with a fun surprise - a gorgeous watch (I've been wanting one with a big face). He really is the best!!

Dubai shopping pics to come...

lisa