'round the world

Dubai

Hello from the Mid-East. This city is really nice... clean and calm. There doesn't appear to be any ill-will towards any foreigners here as the majority of the population are foreigners. Also, this place has lots and lots of money, everything seems to be in its right place. On our flight in the plane had two cameras in its nose that faced forward and straight down. It gave a really interesting view of takeoff and landing, as well as showing the perfectly aligned roads, buildings and bridges illuminated by Dubai's city lights. It was quite impressive.

We had to wait for about an hour an a half to clear passport inspections which isn't the funnest at 1 am, and made even less fun by those in line in front of us who "forgot" their passports.

We slept in, then packed up for camping in the desert. On the way to the desert we passed a semi-oasis filled with flamingoes and camel racing grounds. It took about an hour and a half to reach the campsite... we passed a few camels, some ferral donkeys and lots of sand dunes. Once we settles into our spot the wind didn't... it blew fairly strongly but still allowed us to easily set up tents and get a fire started. As the sun went down, a herd of about a dozen camels chose to visit a dune right beside us but it was a little too late and dark for pictures. The evening went well, the wind calmed down and there were a few thunderstorms in the distance. Shortly after we finished eating it rained for about 5 minutes, then became dry soon thereafter. A small journey onto the dunes at night revealed many beatles and a scorpion which Kacey wouldn't lift up even though I politely asked her to numerous times. She said, "that isn't safe... animals don't like me... remember the elephant". I was puzzled. All I remember is the Alamo.

Later into the evening the weather seemed to get worse, sort of like the wolf trying to huff-and-puff the pigs' house down. In waves wind would kick up sand and rain would fall for short periods of time. It awoke us about two times before it seemed to settle for good. At about 3:30 am, all of a sudden the rain began to fall and wind kicked up ferociously. Our tent was lifted on its edge and the stakes that held it up were bent in the middle. We felt it best to pack up and head home. About 5:30 am, we made it home before the morning prayer and slept till nearly noon. A successful trip, indeed.

We've since slept in again and are enjoying having a home after 3 months of bed-bugs, noodles, rice and rough toilet paper.

Tomorrow we hope the weather is nice enough to visit the Wild Wadi Waterpark. Nadine and Richard are trying to convince us it never rains in Dubai, but I guess the Vancouverites have brought the curse, 2 out of 3 days have rained. Nadine has lived here 3 years and only remembers 1 day of rain. I think Vancouver is more homesick in our absence than we are.