Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Prejudices
I think it was all a little too much the last few days. Unfortunately, I woke up with a headache, ear pressure and a stuffy nose yesterday morning. But whatever. My trip to Abu Dhabi was supposed to start in Burjuman at 9am. Because of that I got up at seven o'clock, drowned out with medication, went 40 minutes to the metro, took the train to Burjuman and walked around for a few more minutes until I found the driver. Off to Abu Dhabi. Despite the seven-lane carriageway, most of the time in Dubai is spent in traffic jams. Fun.. After about two hours we arrived at our first stop in the "Maraj" art gallery. We were shown gold-tipped carpets for prices starting at $ 400, sculptures, tables made of camel bones and clothing made of camel skin. The whole thing was impressive, but more as an option to buy, which was a bit annoying after a while. Because no matter what you were looking at, some museum guide would always sneak around your back and discreetly throw prizes into the room. Super pushy and uncomfortable.
Then we went to the famous Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Off through security, burqa on, shoes off and let's go. I was speechless. Just stunning! 31,000 people can pray here at the same time. Incredible. Definitely the highlight of Abu Dhabi in my opinion.
After 45 minutes we had two more stops. First at the Emirates Palace, which is one of the three most expensive hotels in the world. Gigantic. Words were really missing again.
And second at "The heritage village", where we stopped for lunch by the beach. We got an insight into agriculture and history. In addition, there were of course a number of souvenir shops to be found again. Once I walked through them, I spent my lunch break, how could it have been otherwise, by the beach. I would have loved to jump into the turquoise sea, but I wasn't quite sure whether it would be well received. Without a bikini and towel in an Arabic emirate. Better not. I sit down on the beach and put my feet in the water. Splendid!
After an hour we drove to the largest date, fruit and vegetable market in UAE. Since I've seen it several times now, it was rather unspectacular, but I mean they are always delicious to "try". I've never eaten so many chocolate-coated dates in my life. No joke.
The grand finale was then at the Ferrari center, where there are also roller coasters attached. I would have loved to go in there, but unfortunately we didn't have time to do so.
For our last dinner my friends invited me to the Italian in the Dubai Marina.
The day was really nice again and I'm very sad to leave tomorrow.
My conclusion on the trip is definitely positive. I have wanted to fly to Dubai for such a long time, but I haven't done it before because, as a young, blonde girl in an Arabic country, I didn't know if it would be safe. And yes, of course, it is a different culture here. The position of women, the prayers, the food, the work culture and so on. But I think you always go to other places with a lot of prejudice and Dubai really surprised me in a positive way. The people were all incredibly friendly and accommodating. For example, when I asked for directions, they all almost gave me the perfect directions. Dubai has made progress and I didn't have to feel uncomfortable for a second in my shorts and spaghetti T-shirt. That is of course is largely due to the fact that Dubai depends on tourism. Of course, you can only imagine a small part of what goes on behind the façades. There are always two sides. But the only thing I want to judge here is Dubai as a holiday destination and not its political system or social values. A topic in itself.
Of course, as a blonde, one is sometimes seen as a second wonder of the world, but whistling afterwards or sayings like "sexy lady", as I know it from Turkey, do not exist here at all. You are being eyed, but often it stays that way. Furthermore, I found Dubai very safe, which is why I would come back anytime. Other than that, it just has so much to offer. Absolute madness! You definitely won't get bored here. There's only one thing that drives me crazy Namely ... the traffic! I mean, who uses the blinker or buckles up? And writing on Facebook on the side is also completely normal. My doormat probably had an indentation after the ride. In addition, you are constantly stuck in traffic. Especially on the weekend, which is Friday and Saturday here. You get used to it. I would have loved to go to Hatta and LaMer and have skydiving over the Palm. Next time. My plane is leaving this afternoon. See you soon Dubai.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi:
- Art galleries "Maraj"
- Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque
- Emirates Palace
- The heritage village
- Dates-, Fruits-und Vegetable Market UAE's
- Ferrari-centre
#Keepingup
@joanna.mrs
