In Dubai we were greeted by heat and cooled by fresh apple juice. We explored Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa observation deck. We searched for signs of life in an otherwise empty, immaculate city and found security guards on Segways resting under frangipanis. We are all first timers in Dubai, we are jet lagged and excited, slowly getting to know each other. We are not familiar with the monumental scale that dominates here – the nation building formality and formalism. This evening we were bundled into 4wheel drives and set off for the desert – we
can identify each other now by squeals and shrieks – having raced and slid and thundered down sand dunes. Falcons flew for us and demonstrated their hunting skills, oryx pranced and camels would have carried us if we had drunk less and moved more quickly – rather than plonking on pillows under the wide sky to smoke and chat. Tomorrow we start to peek inside practices – we must dress appropriately and rise early. Today is the beginning, full of hope, good will, endless optimism and belly dancing.
Post by: Anna
