Luxurious white sand, pristine waters, and warm, yet caressing sun met us, beckoning us to make ourselves comfortable for a day at the beach. With towels in hand, and lounge chairs & umbrella courtesy of the Jumeriah Beach Park, we settled in for a day of sunning, swimming, chatting, reading, and even the indulgence of watching the diversity of nations parade before us. 
Who would have thought that Dubai would be a destination for sun-starved Northerners? In exchange for a fist-full of Euros, this city-state, located in the center of a region of conservativism, has yielded to the anything-goes of the West. At first, it was a bit shocking to see so much skin. But in no time, we also secumbed to the practice in search of some rays that would wash away some of our wintry white. 
Dubai, a city of contrasts. Extravagance. Ringed by "unhabitable" lands, both desert and sea, city planners & developers have plunked their interests into making islands appear in the midst of the sea (in the background of above is continued construction on "Palm Jumeriah", one of the 4 large island projects) and making the desert bloom (below is one of the many grassy-green parks scattered throughout Dubai, this one is on the "creek" or what is actually a large estuary, and conveys a feeling as though one has been transported to a warmer San Diego). 
In the land where anything is possible, and no project is too expensive, travellers can be transported from sultry Dubai to snowy Ski Dubai in a matter of seconds. The Mall of the Emirates boasts the largest indoor ski facility in the world. With an 80 m drop over a 400 m run, there's enough room inside there to convince one of it's really being winter! 
In spite of these wonders of the modern world, there is a corner of Dubai that clings to its heritage and history. Scattered throughout the city, there are heritage sites, begging the out-of-towners to come & understand. On the edge of Dubai Creek, in a part of the town called Deira, we happened upon a traditional Emirati home, complete with a bride & groom entering their bridal chamber. What amazed us is that people continue to dress in this fashion: men with the long robes & checkered head scarf, women with their black chador and often times with a gold face covering. 
Stepping outside the heritage site, we were reminded that our feet were still planted in a place with a notable history; the characteristic wind towers and abras/water taxis (below) stand in sharp contrast to the speeding luxury cars and the towering skyscrapers looming in the distant background, demonstrating that freon-based airconditioning and bridges are recent conventions in this place, and not necessary for life. 
Relaxing. Interesting. And blessed with the fellowship of a good friend.
