The view was magical. Sitting by the window, aboard EK S42, the scene below seemedsurreal. It was if the entire constellation of stars had descended down in flashy, shimmering grab, on their special night out. They were at their twinkling best, refusing to let the city sleep. But, why would anyone want to do that anyway?
After all, it was the season of the Dubai Shopping Festival...
With an inexplicable excitement surging within me, I could tell that this was what I had anticipated when I decided to treat myself to a vacation, away from the mundane chores of everyday life.
With a pulse rate that matched the diabolic speed of the aircraft, I turned away from the brilliance below only when we slid to a graceful halt. With anxious thoughts of what the Immigration and Customs formalities involved, I quickly collected my hand baggage from the overhead locker, and saw myself out of the aircraft. "Fly, Buy, Dubai", informed a banner, as I covered what seemed like miles and miles of distance. Did me good, in a way, slackened my stiff bones and cramped nerves.
I had heard about Dubai's unique formula of treating its visitors right, but was least prepared for all the fuss and attention, and the kind, enquiring glances. Why were they being so nice to me? Was it writ all over my face that I was first time visitor to their city, with my nerves in top gear? Did I look lost, in need of assistance? Pulling myself together, I returned the smile that told them that I really could manage, thank you! I followed the overhead signs, and sailed through the "Visit Visa" counter, up over the escalator, and into the customs and Immigration queue. Using the waiting time to look around, my heart did a little jig, yet again. Was this really the Airport Immigration hall or had I walked into a ship, and happening party room? There were colourful streamers, buntings, and banners everywhere. "Dubai Shopping Festival - One World, one Family, One Festival", they said. There was music floating in the air, happy faces all around, and festoons flying in gay abandon.
"This way, ma'am," said a deeply accented voice, close to me. Finally, it was judgment time. What if something was amiss with my papers? Would I be allowed entry or told to turn around? While the lady scrutinised the documents, I stole a glance at her. Elegantly turned out, I noticed her adjusting the black headscarf ever so often. She was not the fierce looking officer that I had imagined a few moments ago. And, she asked none of those awful questions that I had imagined. "Welcome to Dubai," she smiled. Phew... that was easy!
A few moments later, there I was skimming along the streets of Dubai with four whole days of pure exhilaration ahead of me...
Day 1
Deciding that I needed to get a feel of the place, I convinced my friends that I could take good care of myself. Equipped with a road map, ample local currency, and a good measure of adrenaline, I boarded the local bus to reach the Creek crossing. The simple wooden boat, the abra, was packed with people wanting to go to the other side of the city, the Diera side. The 10-minute trip, costing less than U.S. 20 cents, gave me a great feel of Dubai's coastline and skyline. My boatman, with whom I had struck a wonderfulrapport by then, pointed out to the wooden dhows that were commonly used for trade. "Can carry 250 tons of cargo," he said, adding, "A dhow takes months to build, and can last for over a century!"
My next stop was the Bastakiya area, an old heritage site from the early 1900s. The wind towers, of which I had heard so much about, caught my attention. These rectangular structures sit on top of traditional flat roofed buildings, catching the slightest breeze and grueling the wind down into the structure. The earliest form of air-conditioning, I told myself.A call home to say all was well with the wanderlust woman, and a good hour of siesta fortified me for the evening ahead and this time my friends made sure that they came along. None of them, however, prepared me for what was in store. Come evening, the whole city wore the look of a spectacular fairyland, with a million bulbs illuminating the streets and shopping areas. Streets were jammed with cars, malls were crowded with shoppers, and the wayside cafes were filled with people experimenting various cuisines. Was this the same city that was historically known to be inundated with sand dunes? Was this that part of the world that sceptics once said was unsafe for women, and lone travellers? I had never felt more secure, more pampered.
My first evening in Dubai was spend trying to figure out its reputation of being "the shopping capital of the Middle East". Our first stop was the famous gold souk, a must see for every first time visitor. The display of gold satiated my thirst of a lifetime, the incredible offers, and the variety of designs, in bright, and while gold, in muted and coppery gold. After all, could any woman resist the lure of gold, however old?
The nearby spice souk, and antique bazaar, with its bustling ambience and overpowering aroma, beckoned us from around the corner. Leaving the scents and traditional sights behind us, we drove on to imbibe the tax-free shopping experience at some of the well-known malls. Jewellery, high fashion, electronics, carpets, handicrafts, books, sporting equipment, you name your choice, and it was there all under one roof. Amazing selections, at unbelievable prices.
But this was, for real, and the Dubai Shopping Festival had made it all come true.
Day 2
Friday, the weekend holiday, was a day for togetherness. So, we headed towards the beach, for a morning of sunshine and sea spray. "Did you know that Dubai is one of the biggest adventure capitals in the world? "Oh really, prove it to me, I challenged.
I shouldn't have, because at the end of the morning, my limbs were beaten, and worn. But, I would do it all over again, if I had to.
I could hardly believe myself that i was actually going snorkelling, albeit with a guide. The children screamed with pleasure as they encountered sea creatures while floating over coral reefs. The spectacular UAE waters with breathtaking scenery offered an amazing avenue for water sports. Parasailing, diving, or just gliding over the ocean all add up to ensure an exhilarating experience.
Soaked to the skin with sunshine and moisture, our appetites lead us into an authenticLebanese restaurant, Replete with hummous (ground chickpeas), muttabel (mashed aubergines), fattayer (hot bread stuffed with mild cheese, onions, and spinach), and zater (bread sprinkled with aromatic herbs), the mixed fruit cocktail added the right punch to our afternoon.
The lush, green parks invited us to take a stroll on the evening of day 2. The fare offered by Mumzar Park, Al Safa Park, and the Creek Park provided the children with hours of endless pleasure. With cartoon characters coming alive, toy trains weaving around the greenery and crocodiles and dolphins vying with each other for attention, the entire gamut of entertainment had the children craving for more. Luring our brat pack away. with ice-lollies and candyfloss, we parked ourselves on al Diyafah Street. While the men savoured aromatic strawberry and apple flavours out of their "shisha" pipes, we were content watching the others participating in this huge shipping marvel.
Day 3
A long, deep groan shook me out of my deep slumber. Was someone in pain? As I tried jumping out of my bed, I heard myself emit a similar sound: was I in pain too? A little into the morning saw all of us grimacing over our stiff bodies - the outcome of the previous day's water pursuits! A hot, tingling shower, and a hearty breakfast got us in shape again as we embarked on another shopping expedition. No guilt feelings here, not with such stupendous discounts, prizes, and give-aways! With attractions like Lexus cars, kilos of gold, and airline tickets being dangled before every dirham that was spent, I needed little goading to splurge. And, before I knew it, I was the proud possessor of a zillion raffle coupons! Enticing the children to fill them up for me. I decided to chill out with an iced lemonade.
By now, the local spirit had inspired me enough to don a baya, and a headscarf. Looking. every inch an Arab woman, I decided to step into the act completely. And the stage where I decided to play the part was at the Heritage and Diving Village. With a generous dose of "Salaam Vlaikum", and "Shukran", I became one of the many local women, imbibing their customs. Photographs edifying the country's past, showcases of Arabian horses, falconry, and vintage cars had me rooted to the venue.
And, just as my friends and I were about to leave for the Global village, there was a sudden deluge of brilliant colours, and all faces turned upwards to witness a spectacular fireworks display.
The Global Village. There was a surprise at every corner. Over 30 countries had their presence there, and within a few hours, I had travelled between Thailand, China, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and Morocco. While Pakistan beckoned us with its antique wooden chests, Turkey had me mesmerised with its flying dervishes. While my senses succumbed to the Indian fire-eaters, I raced to watch the rickshaws and road shows
The icing on the cake was the awe-inspiring "Aqua Fantasia" at the nearby Creek Park. There aren't enough words to describe the brilliant display of light and water, responding to the many moods of music. With the cool night air wafting through us, we witnessed the versatility of technological innovation in silent joy.
Come midnight, I stepped out of my Arabic role, and felt like Cinderella after the Ball.
Day 4
With a cup of warm suleimani (black tea), I sat overlooking the green lawns. Reflecting on the last few hours in Dubai, I felt that I couldn't have asked for a better getaway, with limitless avenues for leisure and pleasure. I spotted two tickets lying on the coffee table... the "Dubai World Cup", they said. Wasn't that the world's richest horse race held at Nad Al Sheba? Of course, I wouldn't be around to bet on a favourite filly, neither would I be able to watch the 'stars' come down during the Dubai Tennis Open, or catch Tiger Woods in action at the Dubai Desert Classic. Sigh! You can't possibly have it all. Indecisive as to where to head for lunch, we decided on a fusion restaurant to cater to everyone's tastes. We settled for combinations of Cajun, Japanese, and Tai flavoured dishes, blended with Mediterranean selections. The cuisine melded perfectly with our mood.
My last evening in dear Dubai ... Refusing to be bogged down by thoughts of leaving this fantasyland, I joined the gang on a desert safari. The drive over the bumpy, undulating terrain sparked a hysterical spasm in me, and I just couldn't stop giggling. I felt a sense of freedom I had never experienced before. Vistas of open land, glistening mirages far ahead, the sky and the sand did a panoramic dance. Sitting atop the gaudily dressed camel took me to the top of the world, I was the master of all I surveyed! The warmth from the barbecue coals enveloped the cold night, the swaying, slender belly dancer fired everyone's heart. I refused to part with the night.
As the next day dawned, it was time to check in not just a hoard of goodies, but a baggage full of happiness, and unchecked emotion. Promising to meet at the same time, same place next year, I walked towards the Customs counter.
"Dubai, the city that cares" assured a banner. I knew how true that was
"Hey, got to get the Millennium Millionaire raffle coupon," squealed a voice somewhere. I followed, headlong... the fun is never over, is it?
P.S: If you're tempted to go the way I did, just log on to www.mydsf.com, and find out all there is to know about the biggest, brightest, and longest festival this side of the globe.