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!

Dune Bash

We sent our location to Stik's sister for good measure!

Ladies and gentlemen, camel riding at its finest. Okay. So I had to share all of these photos because I find them to be HIGHlarious! Cannot stop cracking up every time I look at them. (You're laughing, too; I just know it.) Have you ever rode a camel before? Tell me about your experience in the comments below!

Want another good laugh? Push play on the video below.

(This dune bashing video works best on a non-mobile desktop version of the blog.)

As I mentioned in my last post, one of the items that came with the desert safari package was FREE henna! I got the "mobile" (mo-bi-el). It's named this because it shows when you're on the phone. Hello, hello!

The lady was so talented. She completed each person's design in under 30 seconds. She even gave a little boy a scorpion tattoo! 7elwa?

Once we were all dolled up, we sat down for dinner in traditional Arab style seating and waited for the the entertainment to begin!

Belly dancing

Traditional Tanura dance

Tanura dancer's costume change mid spin

This beautiful Arab man was on fiyah!

Did it get hot or was there a fire thrower performing near our table? 

All of the entertainment in this desert safari package kept me energized. I laughed, ran barefoot in the sand, got painted, was well fed and entertained. Definitely worth the half-day experience, especially at the cost (99 AED)!

So as you can see, there was a huge bash out in the dunes of Dubai. Wanna go check it out yourself? Be sure to consider my travel tips below!

xo | din

top | Topshop
fleur d'lis necklace | H&M
ring | B.Side Jewelry
cuff | T. Omari Leatherworks (also seen here)
pleated skirt | Forever 21
sandals | Steve Madden
backpack | Perlina


din's Travel Notes
Your safari package will most likely include a camel ride. Be prepared that it will most likely be a short 3-5 minute ride max. If you inquire about riding a second time, the camel keeper (the man guiding them) will most likely tell you that you have to pay additional fee. Do not pay it. Most likely he's going to pocket it and, unless you're able to be generous, it's not worth it. The pictures above are from our second ride (we asked fellow tourists to take our pictures versus paying for the not-so-great pictures the company folks were taking). Although we were told we could ride twice, the camel keeper wanted us to pay. After we got down from the camels, we collected our phone and walked to our seats for dinner. He didn't come looking for us. One final thought, animal rights are but a dream. Be forewarned as you'll see these camels working hard for long periods of time.

*The videos in this post play best on a computer desktop version of our blog.

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

Drop The Mic

Host Dorian Paul D with performers

One favorite past time from our days at UW was attending spoken word performances. In keeping with tradition, Stik was able to track down a pretty significant event for us to attend—the Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival. It was hosted by Dorian Paul D, founder of Rooftop Rhythms, and included several deeply talented artists.

We were able to catch performances from local artists, a Canadian artist, as well as some from the States! A few of those by name were "G" Yamazawa (pictured with me above), Kane Smego, and Patricia Smith (or "Jimi Savannah", depending on which parent you ask). More details on this empowering event can be found at www.abudhabipoetryfestival.com.

Fun fact: "G" also lives in DC and is performing at Busboys and Poets next month! Follow his Facebook page for more details. Small world, eh?

As I mentioned yesterday, my vacation fell on Stik's birthday. After the show we enjoyed a birthday dinner at The Noodle House at Souk Qaryat Al Beri. We sat alfresco enjoying the cool air and architectural sights (most of them hotels) along the water.
 
I definitely think my Thai Chicken with cashews dish had the best flavor, and my adult beverage was the perfect pairing to both a full day and my meal.

It was also fun to have the serving staff surprise Stik with a dessert (candle, too!) and song. She thought it was a typical dinner out—not on my watch!

View of the Grand Mosque from the water taxi.

After dinner, we took a short stroll, then hopped on a water taxi. Just for fun, of course! Visit my Instagram for more videos and pics of my time in UAE.

It's been a few years since my sister-Stik and I have had the opportunity to celebrate our birthdays together. All I can say, it keeps getting better and better! 

As does my vacation in UAE! Next, I'll tell you about my time at the palace!

xo | din

My Accessories
flower headband | The Market NYC
necklace | H&M


din's Travel Notes 
Most restaurants do carry alcoholic beverages. If you do not see it on the menu, just inquire with your server. Cheers!

Abu Dhabi

I've arrived!

The architecture is so artistic and innovative!

We arrived on International Day of Happiness. Why not?!

aka Stik

Those are some pretty significant buildings. I'll share more in a later post!

We called this the "Tetris" building

The story of my recent vacation began on the morning of Christmas 2014. I was extremely ill, resting at home, and debating on whether or not I could muster up enough strength to go spend the holy day with my family. It was when I hopped onto Twitter looking to see if I had received a response tweet from a particular company that I saw I was mentioned in a tweet from my sister-friend, Rahma, or as I refer to her as Stik.

Either I was still sleepy, had brain fog from illness, or in denial, because that tweet only registered to me as a call to action: look at this. Cheap flights? Sure; no harm in taking a look.

It wasn't until I opened my email to see a flight confirmation and email communication with an Etihad Airways rep that it finally registered...I'M GOING TO THE UAE!!! And the crazy part was it all happened while I was sleeping.

Did you notice the time-stamp on the tweet? Stik, who lives in Qatar, later told me that she couldn't wait til I woke up! This was huge!

There are two things you're probably wondering right now: "What did din do to deserve such a blessing?" and "Can I be friends with Stik?". Well, I turned thirty and 'No', she's mine! That's right, the trip was a birthday gift; gifted on the celebration of Jesus' birth; and planned for Stik's bday.

So amazing. So extremely blessed.

The shots above were taken at the Corniche (coast). We were headed for brunch at Le Boulanger Marina Cafe. As it was a beautifully bright day, we sat on their patio overlooking the man-made beach and sailboats bobbing in the distance.

While we could've stayed there enjoying the sun, we had other places to see!

Formerly a women's park, Mushrif Central Park is now open to all.

Mushrif Park was having a grand re-opening with a community day. Ripe Food & Craft Market was present which meant lots of great vendors were there.

The Wisdom Garden

This wood ring (r.) was my first purchase in UAE.

I love local vendors because this is where I find my most unique, personal jewelry. The wooden ring pictured above immediately caught my eye. I learned from the vendor that it was Sudanese made. I chuckled a little as I thought: "I came all the way from the US to the UAE to buy a piece of jewelry made by my people."

At this point, I'm sure there is no need for explanation as to why the silver ring was purchased, right?

Indeed I tell you, this is what true friendship looks like: Having friendships that span the globe and sharing experiences with them! And, I was extremely blessed to spend 10 days with one of my favorites. Follow my posts as I share my travel looks and experiences across the UAE and Qatar's capital. Don't forget to continue reading past the outfit credits for my travel tips!

My OOTD
shades | LOFT
headband | The Market NYC vendor
necklace | H&M
tank | Mossimo
cardigan | H&M
skirt | Soprano
sandals | Mix No. 6
manicure | Rex Day Spa
crossbody handbag | Mossimo *Don't carry heavy items; it weakens material around strap/bag connection 



din's Travel Notes
 

Apparently you can fly internationally in a box.

The moment the man seated in front of me lowered his seat back (before take off, mind you), I knew I had to capture the shot. As I mentioned, I flew Etihad Airways, an Abu Dhabi airline. And from the picture above, you can come to the conclusion that "no" I did not fly first-class. Whatever airline you fly, 14 hours is a long time in the air. Here are some travel tips to help you manage your view from the top:

– If you're uncomfortable because you're cold or need an extra pillow ask the flight attendants!
– Be sure to peek through the packages of blankets and pillows they have resting on your seat because they often supply you with earplugs (to drown out those shameless snorers), eye masks (14 hours of sun while trying to rest isn't preferable), and a toothbrush (feel free to remind your seat-neighbor)
– Pack gum (so that your seat-neighbor doesn't have to remind you there's a toothbrush)
– If you're storing your carrying on in overhead compartment, be sure to get out of there what you need. A window seat will decrease your mobility; especially if your neighbors are sleeping!

xo | din