Recently I traveled to never never land! No not Michael Jackson's bankrupt property. But, Dubai-home of the future tallest building and most progressive construction today. United Arab Emirates state of Dubai was a welcome surprise and one I want to revisit soon!Making the trip to Dubai was made easily by friend of 20 years, travel partner extraordinaire, Lashley Pulsipher or "Lulu" as her friends refer to her. Lulu has been living there for over 2 years and has created an enviable life that bleeds a passion and lust for living.
With her help, she introduced me to a Dubai of crazy nightlife, sexy shopping and cool living-especially if inside! The Dubai Mall offers luxurious names such as British import Harvey Nichols, Spain's close cousin, Massimo Dutti and every other imaginable luxury retailer out there. Not your average mall, and perhaps the "coolest" feature is Ski Dubai-an indoor mountain with 30 degree temps. Dubai also offers some of the most exquisite hotels and resorts with nothing less than a 5 star rating.
Though I could of flown direct from my home in Los Angeles, I took a detour through London and found I saved a little Durham-Dubai's currency. I researched an alternate carrier: Royal Brunei-unknown to me but some of the best in-flight service I've had since flight attendants liked their jobs in the 80's. The friendly and smiley crew were more than helpful-even asking me twice If I wanted some ice cream. After declining, "no thanks", I folded and snaked one to tide me over until our arrival into DXB. All in all, a round trip fare from London at $350 was not too bad.
Straight off the plane, Lash took me to the 400 Club, a quintessential Dubai nightspot located inside Dubai's Fairmont hotel. Most of the clubs are located inside hotels allowing alcohol to be served legally and respecting the Muslim non-drinking culture.
Between the euro techno beats, a loud boat fog horn would interrupt Lady Gaga's Poker Face and declare someone was "poppin bottles". An extravagant touch ordered by locals which usually included magnum bottles of champagne or Grey Goose complete with a firecracker ready to blast off into the air and start a fire. Whilst the bottles were a poppin, the bouncers would come by to remove the seat cushions and set the stage for dancing.Following the next day, as I was trying to catch up with an 11 hour time difference and feeling a like a zombie I was ready for the beach. Dubai offers sexy beaches where locals and tourists seek refuge from the sometimes unbearable desert heat. JBR beach is one of the more popular and public beaches-even open for camels to stroll! The warm and shallow bath water is especially salty and if you look closely you can see the schools of fish surrounding you.
Next on the itinerary was an afternoon on the the world class Palm Jumeriah-a man made island in the shape of a palm tree known for its incredible design and engineering.
We were invited to a close friend's home. There he welcomed us into his lovely abode that was everything glam and nothing plain. He served up a delicious Tunisian culinary feast consisting of spicy dishes complete with prawns, chick pea medleys and customary dishes inspired by French cuisine.
After a full belly of Tunisia in me and some shisha smoking sessions later, we ventured into the city to experience the "sexy" in Dubai. Leading Brazilian shoe designer, Dumond announced their retail expansion into the UAE. Celebrating their launch was equally as 5 star as its venue at Downtown's Burj Dubai's The Address hotel-a sophisticated and sexy spot with an outdoor patio likely to trump LA's Skybar.
After Lulu informing me she goes to "events like these all the time", I modestly grabbed a couple of rum infused carpirinas being served up by the dainty staff and danced to the juicy house beats being spun by Mr.DJ.
Counting down to the hours back to LA, What to do?? My super Caucasian skin had seen enough of JBR, and shopping was of no interest. Lash had scheduled massages for us at The Palace Old Town-a beautiful resort and sanctuary resembling an old Arabian village.
Post-Palace spa had me refreshed, revived and starved! Lash had promised some traditional Middle Eastern schwarma-a wrap including chicken, garlic and their added signature touch of french fries to complete a perfect wrap that is less than 5 Durham (little more than $1) and had me daydreaming about all the way back to LA!Always an adventure-Lash and I have shared many laughs in some of the best cities of Miami, New Orleans to New York and now Dubai-definitely brings it!
