Dubai

I spent almost a week in Dubai, business hub and home of the world’s largest white elephant building. What can I say about Dubai? It’s hot. It’s surrounded by desert (except for the ocean side), and, the expats outnumber the locals seven to one.

You don’t get to see a lot of a place when you’re working a trade show. The inside of your hotel room and exhibition hall become all too familiar – as does the taxi route between the two. I’m not complaining – I met a lot of great photographers and had some amazing conversations.

My last day in Dubai was free and was spent “seeing the sites.” I don’t have many photos as I grabbed one memory card before jetting away from Hong Kong. My bad.

A desert dune-busting safari in a 4×4, the world’s largest building, a nearly empty beach: Good times. The beach, virtually empty save a few expats was on par with any of the Best Beaches in Hong Kong I’ve seen. I saw the famous 7-star hotel – from the outside. We were not allowed in  – and were approached by security as we sought an alternate route.

I did eat a lot of Indian food. Growing up in suburban Canada didn’t offer many opportunities (actually, any) to consume Indian cuisine. Tasty stuff, I need to try more.

The trip did allow me to indulge in something I have not had in 5 years. Taco Bell. Yes, I went to Dubai and ate Taco Bell. I have fond memories of “running for the border” and it was nice to eat cheese fries again. Of course, I was terribly ill later, but that’s another story.

I did miss China. I missed Chinese food. Dubai was fun but I’m happy to be home.