Welcome to Dubai

As my second week here in Dubai comes to a close, the two words that come to mind are #uncomfortable and #dazzled. Let me explain.

#uncomfortable because my apartment does not feel like home yet. I can be a bit of a homebody as I love to recharge my batteries in the quiet and calm of my own space. However, it’s just not there, which I know is normal at this point in the journey, but still… #uncomfortable.

#dazzled because I went out for the first time last night in what I consider downtown and saw the cityscape with the buildings and lights – it was stunning. It is amazing to think that this was not here 40 years ago. For me, it was beautiful and I was in awe of the Dubai skyline… #dazzled.

Three side notes:
1) I rode the metro for the first time last night. It’s above ground and looks futuristic. Clean, safe, and on-time. There is even a compartment for women and children only. I must admit I enjoyed this as I believe that men can take over spaces (sometimes and not all men #takeiteasy) with their wide stances and sitting with their knees open. I found myself in the women only section relaxed and comfortable.

2) My friend and I paid 50 Dirham (about $15US) for two small bottles of water a bar. Think of a small bottle of water and go down by about 30%. We laughingly told the bartendar that we had a bit of sticker shock and he told us it was imported. I thought… with gold flakes inside?

3) Ski Dubai is for real: