Susan M

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Dubai

East Crashes Into West
The picture says it all. The old desert camel and the new 'western' grader in the background, trying to mix in 'chaotic' harmony. So rapid is the change that you take a step one day and it's desert. The next day you take a step in the same place and you will likely be standing in a swimming pool in the latest and greatest hotel complex. Dubai is an amazing place of glass and chrome buildings in the city and 'tropical resorts' spreading from and into the sea. All hewn from sand!!! Not possible, I know, but it exists. From 7 star hotels with impossibly lush, hedonistic interiors to the noisy, bustling souks of gold and spices and ancient teak dhows still plying their trade from the port up the river, Dubai is a modern marvel in an ancient world. But hurry if you still want to see old Dubai, the souks with their noise and clatter of pots and pans and all things useful, gold and diamond merchants chanting "come inside, very good bargain" and the smells of perfumes and spice. Sit in an Abras (water taxi) on the river and 'see' Dubai as it must have been so long ago. (Was it really only 10 years!!!). 'Dubailand' is coming soon to a desert nearest you - with thrills and spills and rides not for the faint at heart. Disney in the desert. The camel makes way for the truck and car, the tent for the highrise with a 'view', the teak dhow for the aluminium and steel cargo boat, the souks for the world's largest air-conditioned mall with it's own downhill indoor freezing cold ski run!!!! There's a modern proverb for this ancient land - "the old must make way for the new".

Dubai February 2008

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Paul's Dubai

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