Come Along, Summer

xo | din

pics | HelloSociety Blog, abduzeedo, sphereofdin, okmag, interiorjunkie, genius, glamradar, cntraveler, Elle Polland, stylehasnosize, ain't-your-forte

World's Largest Ego

Just like shopping in the souk was on my "Must Do" list, so was visiting the dancing fountain at The Dubai Mall. Before I left the states, my aunt pretty much told me I had to go with how much she talked it up! The Dubai Fountain is the world's largest choreographed fountain with shows every 30 minutes to a new song. It's situated at the world's largest mall and world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

So, do you think Dubai has the world's largest ego? Share your thoughts!

Oh, you might be wondering what song I heard. Believe it or not, it was Michael Jackson's Thriller. Heck yah! Although this isn't the exact performance (or view) I had, check out the wonders of the dancing fountain here. Ego or not, these folks really know how entertain at no expense spared! I had a blast!

xo | din

dress | Forever 21


din's Travel Notes
If you want designer, come to The Dubai Mall. This place is almost exclusive to it. Situated in a highly prominent area of Burj Khalifa (think Rodeo times 10), you will have access to the glamour, dining, and even entertainment! In my case, my friend and I attempted to see a famous Arab pop singer, but the crowd rushed the stage so they had to shut it down. Too bad!

The Souk

Before I went for a party in the dunes, I made a trip to the souk in Dubai. It was one of the items on my "Must Do In The UAE" list. It quickly became one of the experiences I greatly disliked! Walking through, I literally was on the beginning stages of an anxiety attack due to the vendors' persistence. What I mean is that if I so much as glanced at an item, the vendor would say, "You want this one?" Or, if I took a step, they would mirror it, then show me something and say, "You like this one? What color you like?"

I literally had to tell my friend that we had to leave. At least this was after I snagged these fun shoes and a few gifts!

xo | din

shirt | Topshop
shorts | LOFT
sandals | Steve Madden
crossbody | Mossimo
East Indian shoes | purchased from Najmat Deba Garments Trading (near Gold Souq)


din's Travel Notes
Shopping at the souk (or souq) is must-have experience when you're in the Middle East. Throughout these markets you will come across a lot of items unique to the area, several of which are handmade. Of course these are great keepsakes and gift options. As you walk through the market, keep in mind that vendors will promote their items to you. After all, they're there to make a living! You don't need to speak to all of them, but can at least show them a kindness by acknowledging them with a nod. And don't worry, not all souks are anxiety inducing! In fact, the experience I shared was unique to the souk in Dubai.

I didn't have the opportunity to shop at the souk in Abu Dhabi, but it wouldn't have been the experience I envisioned as it had recently been covered. (Think mall over open market.) My favorite souk experience––which completely redeemed Dubai's!––was the souk in Doha, Qatar. I'll share more about that in a coming post, as well as how to negotiate prices. Stay tuned!

A Desert Mirage

I couldn't imagine living life in a desert such as this. Still, the soft sand under my bare feet and warm sun kissing my face was a beautiful experience. Desert mirage? No. So blessed this is my real life.

Welcome to Dubai.

xo | din

din's Travel Notes
Be a knowledgeable tourist! If you research an activity online, don't settle for the first listed price. For example, my friend and I wanted to do a "desert safari" complete with dune bashing and camel rides. The first "deal" we saw was 199 AED. Another discounted to 150 AED. Fortunately my savvy friend is an excellent researcher and found us a deal that included all of its competitors' features for 99 AED! That's $26.95 USD for dune bashing, camel rides, snacks, dinner, entertainment, and henna.

Etihad

View of Etihad Towers from Emirates Palace

Oh, Abu Dhabi. You continue to amaze me.

Could you imagine this type of architecture as a daily part of life? As an American, I don't see these types of structures. Our buildings, some more architecturally appealing than others, are built for necessity. When it comes to the United Arab Emirates, however, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan had a different idea: Get the Emirates on the map! And if you haven't heard by now, he did.

Approximately 40 years ago, life in the desert started shifting as structures such as these starting popping up; as well as other environmentally and tourist attracting concepts. They've attracted business and entertainment alike. Most recently, Furious 7 was filmed here. If you've seen the trailer for Furious 7, or the movie itself, Etihad Towers is the location where the car flies through the glass! I'm curious to watch the film to see if there are other structures––even if it's just a drive by–– that I might recognize.

So what kind of fancy business is going on in there anyways? Sleeping. They're hotels! Well, by the looks of it, clearly there is more than sleeping is going on. Check out the details here. So, if you're in charge of planning your team retreat, consider staying here! The fees are probably just slightly less than the Emirates Palace (stay tuned for details on that!), where I'm viewing these amazing structures in the pictures above.

I may or may not have photo-bombed tourists' precious memories on these steps. If I did, it was Stik's idea and I may or may not have laughed til I cried.

xo | din

scarf | LOFT
necklace | H&M
tank | Mossimo
skirt | Forever 21
sandals | Mix No. 6


din's Travel Tips
The exchange rate between the USA and UAE (and Qatar!) is fixed. And, most importantly if you're an American like myself, in our favor! $1 is 3.67 dirham (AED)! What I found as best bang for my buck was shopping in the local markets, or Souks. As well as dining away from the tourist attractions (aka money grabbers!). Any of your friends or colleagues who spent hundreds at brunch weren't doing it right. Keep checking back and I'll show n' tell you why!


photos | eshcala